TWIA- Venue of the Year 2023

Wedding Venue of the Year

OUR COMPANY ETHOS

Marriage is a union of two people for life, nothing could be more important. The wedding day is when that union is signed, sealed, and celebrated.

Winters Barns understand the responsibility of hosting that day so that everything is just as the couple wish and more Each couple have different dreams for their day, and we always ensure their dreams come true This does not come easily and has been honed by many years hard work by our small family run team.

Our ethos is separated into several different areas.

1 - Provide a perfect venue for all seasons, all weathers, all diversities, and all cultures.

2 - Complete trust by the couple in everything we do. So, we demonstrate this from the first viewing onwards by our great, close-knit team.

3- Never standing still - always improving We are only as good as our last wedding

4. On the day after the wedding, only being satisfied if the day is described as “perfection” by both the couple and the guests.

Our capacity for day guests is 150 and 220 evening guests.

We are privileged to host 3-4 beautiful weddings on average a week.

OUR WEDDING VENUE

Winters Barns is an estate one and a half miles outside the beautiful city of Canterbury A countryside haven within farmland, but with easy accessibility. There is a central courtyard in which there is a large pond with our fairytale bridge and blooming gardens. The courtyard is home to our 16th century open sided wedding barn for outside ceremonies and ample seating for guests to enjoy The surrounding land is available to guests and photographers for many wonderful photo opportunities. From night-time fairy lights to field sunsets, we can offer it all.

There are two salons for the wedding preparations, so that the couple have a large, comfortable dressing room each, available from 8 am on the wedding day or earlier by arrangement

We are licensed for Civil Marriages and Partnerships, within the Barns and in the Courtyard grounds.

OUR WEDDING VENUE

The main barn is light and airy with original 1660 oak beams. Its border of hops, testament to its roots, and a fairy light canopy make it feel simply magical. It’s an ‘L’ shape with a popular bar and bar lounge centrally placed, on one side is the inside ceremony and a dancefloor and on the other side is the entrance hall and wedding breakfast room as well as comfortable modern cloakrooms. The barns layout has been designed so the whole day flows easily without any disruption to the comfort of the guests. The barns and grounds are wheelchair accessible and child friendly.

Our modern kitchens are part of the main barn making food service run smoothly for the catering team. On Sundays 3-4 times a year, the Barn becomes a food and wine tasting event for couples to make their choices ensuring they are all happy with their food on the day. In the courtyard there is also an open sided barbecue barn and seating area as well as the larger open sided cart barn which has overhead heaters for those chillier nights. The barn is heated so that the whole area is toasty on the coldest days and there is air conditioning for the hottest heatwave. In the event of a power cut, our backup generator kicks in automatically to power the whole barn completely.

The couples’ cottage is a converted stable, our ‘bridal suite’ The cottage is available for the wedding couple from 1 pm on the wedding day until 10 am the next morning. The cottage is a haven for the couple to escape to for a few moments during the day, as well as to spend their wedding night.

We also have additional accommodation for guests on the night of the wedding There is a large farmhouse with six ensuite bedrooms and two cosy hop-picking huts with a further two ensuite bedrooms. Breakfast is served the morning after the wedding in our beautiful farmhouse conservatory where the main wedding party meet up and talk about the previous day’s events. It is also a chance for us to wish the couple well on their journey into the future. The day before the wedding the couple can bring their decorations to be put in our storeroom overnight. They are then put out for them on wedding day and tidied away at the end of night for collection after the wedding the next morning.

Our weddings range from small elopements of 12, up to 150 for ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 220 for the evening party. The venue is equally suitable for summer or winter weddings – rain or shine. On rainy days, the inside ceremony area is just as lovely as the outside – something many couples mention as a standout quality. Winters Barns is open seven days a week all year round apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Our wedding coordinators are always on site to answer any queries in person or by email as well as conducting all viewings. On the wedding day, the coordinator greets the bride and bridesmaids at 8 am and stays all day, until the first dance to encourage the smooth running of the day and be the couple’s support

PERSONALITY, STYLE AND ASPIRATIONS OF OUR WEDDING COUPLES

The journey starts from the very first greet. We are fully understanding of the fact some couples come in with a mood board and vision sussed, some feel overwhelmed unsure where to look first Our number one priority is to make them feel comfortable Couples often say that our coordinators feel like close friends by the end of the wedding planning process We want to create an open space where all voices can be heard, and ideas supported

We have iPads loaded with many photos to discuss colour pallets, layouts and themes face to face with couples in our one-to-one viewings We feel it really helps to put a visual to the ideas spoken We have a fully accessible gallery on our website where we consistently upload previous couples wedding albums creating a constant stream of inspiration for upcoming weddings We encourage couples to meet with their florists/stylists here at the venue to bounce off ideas and get a plan in place

We love the fact weddings come in all shapes and sizes

We can cater for couples who are after a more traditional day with a sit-down meal, pointing them in the direction of our recommended harpist suppliers and very talented bakers who are fondant artists! To the more relaxed couples, who want a laidback feel with a wedding breakfast BBQ, signposting them to our recommended Ibiza sax and singing waiters! Our recommended suppliers list is bursting with fresh ideas. We are very conscious to ensure it caters for all tastes.

Chinese tea ceremonies, Balinese dances and Indian evening food buffets are all things we have helped plan before. We take pride in learning about these cultural traditions and enjoy working alongside couples to incorporate them into their days to create the perfect cultural fusion

With unlimited viewings and meetings on offer throughout the planning process couples always have us by their side. A constant stream of notes is kept in their digital and paper file to ensure no discussion goes amiss Months or even years of planning goes into creating all the individual dream days

THE CLIENT JOURNEY

It starts at the initial viewing where our coordinators build a relationship of trust with the couple. We have a policy of absolute transparency for all costs from the outset, each couple is handed our printed brochure explaining our wedding packages in detail. Support starts even before booking, so all their questions are fully answered seven days a week, with the E-brochure3 being a great starting point, and they are handed our hard back brochure at the first viewing. We encourage couples to come back for a second viewing with friends and family. For couples who are further afield we also offer virtual viewings using our 360° online tour. These would still be one-to-one with a coordinator, providing that same connection we pride ourselves on. After booking they are posted a detailed confirmation letter and our Planning Timeline1, so they know what the next steps are from the outset. Within six weeks of booking, our couples have a Post Booking Meeting where the planning timeline is gone through. Wedding planning is then discussed in detail including possible recommended suppliers. Depending on how far ahead the wedding is, we suggest that couples visit the venue one year ahead to get a feel of the season and vibe. All couples are offered unlimited support by one-to-one meetings with coordinators.

We have supplier showcases at the Barns for booked couples, where there is a chance to see a good selection of our recommended suppliers one-to-one, see the barns dressed and share their beautiful venue with friends and families They will also return to the food and wine tasting, where they meet our catering and bar staff Our coordinators are present to answer any questions and to show couples around our venue and accommodation rooms If couples are unable to come to the scheduled tasting days, we will arrange a separate one-to-one tasting to ensure they don’t miss out

A Final Details meeting is arranged for six weeks before the wedding day, where every last detail is confirmed and a detailed Schedule2 produced.

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coordinator at 8 am and shown to the salon. Again, nerves are steadied, and impending weather forecasts discussed. The couple will have spent many months working with the wedding coordinator so will have a great trust in them on the day. The bridal rehearsal is complete before the Groom (or same sex partner) is then shown to the second salon slightly later in the morning. Each salon has a call button direct to the wedding coordinator for immediate assistance The wedding coordinator has the responsibility of running the day, liaising with suppliers and caterers and bar team as well as performing master of ceremony duties. The same person stays with the wedding throughout the day until the first dance. Then presents and cards are taken to the couple’s cottage together with two slices of the wedding cake. When the registrars arrive, they are greeted by the wedding coordinator and taken to the Groom and Best Man, then to the Bride. The coordinator will accompany the Registrars into the salon when the bride is seen, and will know when everyone is ready for the ceremony to start. Guests will then be seated and with a nod to start the music the coordinator will ask the bridal party to begin the procession The day has truly begun!

THE CLIENT JOURNEY

From ceremony to canapés and drinks, photographs to wedding breakfast. Our team is gently but efficiently in the background smoothing the way. On hand to assist with the most unexpected occurrences, from dress alterations to bouquet reconstruction, nothing fazes them. The evening swings into action with the bouquet throw (often from the bridge) and cake cutting and then to first dance all announced and coordinated by our team. After the first dance and the wedding coordinator has said goodbye to the couple, the bar manager takes over and will run the rest of the evening and see the couple safely over to the cottage at the end of the night.

The next morning at breakfast, the wedding coordinator will see the couple to catch up on the end of night antics and later show them their stored possessions to be collected. They then say their final goodbyes. However, it does not stop there. A week after, we email to check in with the couple providing a feedback form and optional blog entry submission. It is vital to us to improve on any feedback we are given. We are passionate about providing the best possible experience to our couples.

Many couples come back for their first anniversary to have a picnic in the grounds

Some couples come proudly with their newborns to show off to our lovely team. We always have an open door to our Winters Barns couples; they are the reason we get to do the job we all love and cherish

NEW TRENDS IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY

Coming out of Covid our weddings have become bigger and bolder with strong colours to the fore. There has been more emphasis on bespoke weddings and to adapt to this we have built in more flexibility to our packages to give couples the best of both worlds with great value and quality as well as added choice. Customised celebrant-led ceremonies have given couples extra flexibility to plan and write their own ceremony as they wish, we have hosted several this year, and now have several excellent celebrants on our recommended list. Sustainability continues to be important to couples and as well as improving our own carbon footprint we have encouraged more of our suppliers to do the same. Supporting local ethical companies and in particular local food, wine, and cider producers, one being a vineyard just a stone’s throw away.

THE MOST VALUABLE THING WE LEARNT IN OUR LAST YEAR OF BUSINESS

We continue to have a very close-knit team, who have weekly in-depth meetings to discuss the previous weeks weddings as well as the next weeks weddings. That is across all aspects from Venue to Catering and Bar as well as our Maintenance and Ground and Gardening staff. Close communication of this sort with everyone feeling equally valued and listened to, has been a big learning point.

Communication also with other wedding venues both locally and nationally has increased this year, sharing of information has been a big step forward in overcoming challenges.

HOW OUR VENUE STANDS OUT

We would always spotlight our breathtaking 1660 wedding breakfast barn; the old beams contain character that no one could build from scratch. Our impeccable grounds and maintenance team work endlessly to keep the barns and grounds immaculate. They do not leave any corner untouched

We are told time and time again by suppliers who see all the local venues, that we are the venue that they feel most welcome at and is always the most organised. We would not know but we take their word it! We always make sure we are on hand to greet suppliers and offer refreshments throughout the day.

Also, time and time again, we are told by couples that our communication from their first viewing request onwards is always the fastest – again we would not know but take their word for it! We are in the office 900 am-400 pm seven days a week and will never leave without an empty inbox. We believe that by continually improving the venue and services we provide, and never being satisfied leaves us in a good position.

MAJOR CHALLENGES OUR BUSINESS FACED

The Cost-of-Living Crisis has for several couples made them make hard decisions about weddings booked one or two years previously. To help them still achieve their dream we have reduced minimum guest numbers, so that they can still afford to marry when and how they planned. We have also spread payments over a longer term to ease the pressure.

Other challenges have related to recommended suppliers who have shown early signs of not performing quite as they should or used to. We take the earliest opportunity to meet the supplier and discuss the problem, and how they can

DEVELOPMENTS OF THE VENUE

We continue to improve our sustainability, through increased use of compostable alternatives to single use plastics, enhanced recycling procedures and reduction of food waste.

We are installing EV Rapid Charging points in our car park, to encourage the use of electric vehicles.

Our next development is a refurbishment of one of our stable buildings into a fully accessible bedroom and bathroom for wheelchair and disabled guests or disabled wedding couples. This will then make our whole estate fully accessible. This Autumn we are sowing a wild flower meadow with cut paths leading up to our ever popular swing seat.

As our weddings are booked 1-2 years ahead, couples are always delighted to see our additions.

SUPPORT AND TOOLS WE OFFER COUPLES

Once booked, couples are always welcome to return for unlimited meetings to catch up and bounce ideas off their coordinator when they are in need of guidance. We provide the couples with a Planning Timeline1 at the point of booking. This lets them know when they can expect contact from us, confirming the constant support throughout the wedding organisation

Within six weeks of booking, we arrange a Post Booking Meeting where the planning timeline is discussed in detail, this is a chance for the couple to get their heads around what they need to do in the months ahead, and for us to go through everything in detail with them

We have a bespoke database which encompasses all the wedding information from booking to wedding and can be accessed by all our team at any time That way nothing gets lost or forgotten

WehavestructuredourWebsitetobeasbeneficialtocouplesaspossible:

-Wehaveourgalleryfeaturewhereweuploadrecentcouple’sprofessionalalbums toprovidingaconstantsupplyofinspirationtoupcomingcouples

-Ourrecommendedsupplierslistisacollectionofallthebrilliantsupplierswehave hadatthebarnswherewefelttheirserviceshone.Couplesfindthisgivesthemthe addedreassurancethatthesupplierknowsthevenueandhasbeenpre-approved.

-Ourblogfeaturehasalsobeenreallyappreciatedbycouples.Withadvicecolumns suchas‘Tipsforwritingaspeech’and‘Whattopackinyourweddingbag’.Aswellas sharingpastcouplesblogentries,providingfirsthandbrideexperiences.

-OurNewsletterskeepcouplesintheloopduringtheseasons Thisiswheretheywill findanyvenueupdatesandadvancesthroughouttheyear.Our‘Meettheteam’ featurehasprovedpopular,heretheygettolearnabitmoreabouttheteamona personallevel.

As the date approaches a Final Details meeting is booked in for six weeks before the date. The couples are provided with our form which acts like a check list to ensure they are on track for the big day. All supplier information is gathered, and a timeline is created at the meeting with the coordinator. Every wedding at the barns has a personalised timeline as no two are the same. This is shared with the couples and suppliers in preparation for the day.

CATERING AND BAR SERVICES IN OUR VENUE

The catering is provided by a dedicated team who work out of the large, modern kitchens as part of the old barn. We have a large menu choice with both package and bespoke options. The catering team are able to provide a diverse range of options so that all cultural and ethnic requirements are offered.

Each couple has a one to one food and wine tasting in the barns up to one year before their wedding They shortlist their choices from which their guests choose. All dietary requirements and of course allergies are catered for. Food is cooked fresh in the barns on the morning of the wedding. Service from the kitchen to table is a very short distance. The majority of our dishes are locally sourced, so farm to kitchen is also a short distance.

Breakfast the next morning is also cooked fresh and served in the farmhouse. Food and drink are also served in the two salons on the morning of the wedding. Our bar is centrally placed in the barn with extensive choice of draft ales and ciders on tap from our own cellar. We are fortunate to have many excellent vineyards in the Canterbury area that supply direct to us. We have a large permanent bar team who are trained to make signature cocktails and mocktails All choices are made at the wine tasting, which is a great fun day Anything that we do not normally stock will be ordered in for the couple Our bar licence goes to midnight seven days a week.

Our venue, catering and bar teams work as an integrated unit. Weekly meetings of the whole team cement this approach.

PLANNING TIMELINE

You’ve booked! You’ve sent back your terms and conditions and paid your deposit. Your booking is confirmed and ready to get planning!

Post booking meeting We advise you to book in a meeting with us during the first month or two after booking. You meet a wedding coordinator who can answer any further questions you may have and help advise you on suppliers.

Viewings and meetings Throughout the whole planning process you are welcome to book an appointment to see us when ever needed, even if its just a case of showing the family!

Please remember our coordinators are here to help If you are after advice they would love to have a meeting with you. Venue Events We host events annually where you can come to the barns and meet a range of our recommended suppliers.

Final details meeting We will contact you 2-3 months before your date to book in a final details meeting. We will aim to get this booked for about 6 weeks before the date. During this meeting you will sit down with your designated coordinator for the day to go over timings, suppliers and table plans Your coordinator will then go away and make your personalised schedule for the day which is shared with the catering team and bar.

The day before your big day we Decoration drop off

encourage you to drop off any decorations, signage… anything BUT NOT suits and dresses in our venue store room. The less you have to worry about on your wedding morning the better!

Your wedding day! Just like that, it is suddenly the morning of your wedding. All planning has been aken care of so you'll just make your way to our dressing rooms and the pamper commences!