Catering

The one main aspect that we run separately to our wedding venue hire is the cateringthis one we definitely leave to the experts! We ask of couples to use one of two caterers that we have worked with for many years, they know our team, our fully equipped commercial kitchen and most importantly, we can rely on them to satisfy and impress our couples.

Both caterers provide serving staff, linen, and crockery as part of their service and both are able to provide for different tastes and dietary needs. If you are after something in particular, please ask them if they can help, as in our experience, anything from curry, to BBQ, to Caribbean options are all available. Food trucks and outside catering are possible, but please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Preece Burditt Catering (PBC)

Steve and team at www.pbccateringservices.co.uk

Steve has many years of experience keeping couples and guests happy and full at Shortmead and he and his team offer a wide range of different options for your perfect wedding breakfast. This includes canapes for your drinks reception and a wide range of options for your main meal, from 3-course formal meals to buffet BBQ's

Creme Catering

Dom and team at www.cremecater.co.uk

We have worked with Dom for over 15 years, and he always delivers great food for any event. Catering for both large and small weddings, and again offering a wide variety of choice co satisfy almost any couples requirements. His team provide a friendly and professional service whether you opt for a buffet or a formal sic-down.

The Bar & Drinks Options

We have a fully stocked bar, with a wide range of popular drinks available. We offer spirits, bottles, wine, and an optional cocktail add-on for our couples. The bar is staffed throughout the day as per your needs and requests, and we can discuss this with you as we help to plan your wedding.

We have put some serious imagination into our Drinks Reception package options, anything from a classic glass of fizz to a personalised cocktail menu. Our reception drinks also offer water and soft drink options and in colder months, we can even offer mulled wine and a magic menu of hot drinks for your guests.

Outside alcohol is a possibility, it does usually incur a corkage fee, please get in touch to discuss chis option if it’s something you chink char you will need.

Let’s Party

No matter how formal or informal you choose your wedding co be, there gets co a point in the day when everyone just wants to ‘let their hair down’ and our marquee offers the perfect party environment for your continuing celebrations!

With our dance floor included in your venue hire and the bar close-by, it really is the perfect environment whether you choose co have a band, a DJ or even just your own playlist.

The marquee also boasts its own state of the arc ‘directional’ sound system, this amazing piece of technology means that those who want to go for it on the dance floor, can do, whilst others

A lot of our couples choose co have acoustic performers throughout the day, a saxophonist or singer by the pool during the reception can really add some beautiful ambience. We also love to welcome bands and performers co the marquee in the evening as well - please let us know if you are planning on a band for your evening celebrations.

You will be provided with all the contact details so that guests can easily book taxis and safe travel to their accommodation, we have also placed QR codes dotted around the venue and a dedicated pick-up area to make it as easy as possible.

Extras

We have a wonderfully unique wedding venue - so if you have unique ideas on decor, theming or activities, we will probably be as enthusiastic about chem as you are!

For us, and our team, each wedding and each couple are their own story and we believe you should tell yours any way that you want! If you want your bridesmaids to do a synchronised swim display in the pool, we are here for it. If you want multi-coloured, bunting or an evening Luau, we cannot wait either!

Please discuss any ideas chat you have with our team - From smoke grenades to photo-booths, Shortmead will bring your ideas to life.

Shortmead’s classic feel and it’s varied gardens and grounds, means it can be kept simple and elegant or it can be themed with only your imagination to limit possibilities.

We try and avoid ‘hidden extras’ and include the use of our table-tennis table and selection of outdoor games at all of our warm-season weddings. Our giant chess board is available all year around we add a lot of fairy lights to add magic and atmosphere after dark.

Some of our couples decide to go all out, they hire anything from fire-breachers to singing waiters to fireworks. With so many years in the industry, we know a lot of quality suppliers and if you are not sure how you want to personalise your day- just let us know!

Accommodation

The Cottage

The Cottage is situated on the estate and we work in partnership co help ensure availability for our couples and their key guests. Comprising of two bedrooms, both on the second floor and sleeping four adults, it also boasts a kitchen and log fire.

This Cottage is charming and full of character and as it offers such a great amount of space downstairs, it’s the perfect place co gee ready for the big day!

The Cabin

The Cabin is tucked away in the quiet of the Orchard and offers a double bedroom, and a smaller bedroom with a single, and a pull-out bed option. le provides a bathroom, kitchen, living space and can comfortably sleeping four adults. It's another great option for chose getting ready in the morning,

Local Hotels and B&B’s

We offer a number of accommodation options available locally for your friends and family who wish to stay nearby.

Biggleswade Town Centre is very easy to get to and offers two hotels within a mile of Shortmead House. The area also boasts some lovely, independent B&B’s and for chose with a wilder side, camping spaces are available too.

When you book, we will provide you with a list of various accommodation and taxi options co share with your guests. Some of the venues we provide you with even offer a discount for Shortmead wedding and event guests.