To kickstart our wedding blog for 2025, I felt it was time I introduced myself and gave you a little insight into my role as the Wedding Coordinator at Layer Marney Tower, and how I support couples from their initial enquiry through to the final moments of your special wedding day here.
So to give you some background…my name is Karen and I have been working at Layer Marney Tower for approximately 22 years. Originally I was employed alongside another staff member to oversee the wedding ceremonies that are conducted by the registrar, typically in the Corsellis Room. I then began helping out at Wedding Shows, taking couples on a tour of the venue which led to regularly meeting couples for private viewing appointments on a Saturday morning. I started working in the office in January 2011, primarily to deal with wedding enquiries and correspondence, although this role has evolved over time to include taking care of our social media, amongst other responsibilities.
The enquiry
My initial contact with a wedding couple usually comes via an email or sometimes telephone enquiry. Whether you are curious about the venue availability, pricing or what services are included, I am here to provide the information and answer those initial questions.
The viewing
Once you’ve made the decision to explore the venue further, I will offer the option of a private tour of the venue, or sometimes suggest visiting during one of our Wedding Open Days or Wedding Shows that are held periodically throughout the year. One of my favourite aspects of my role is meeting a couple for the first time and starting to understand their vision for the wedding. I thoroughly enjoy showing newly engaged couples some of the breathtaking spaces we have available, whether it is a ceremony in the Corsellis Room, parish church of Layer Marney, or the option of an outdoor wedding in the garden. Together we can explore the beautiful gardens for your wedding photography and drinks reception, (weather permitting!), before wandering into the magnificent Long Gallery or charming, rustic Barn for the wedding reception.
The planning
When it comes to planning the perfect wedding day, it is important to have someone organised with an attention to detail, who is passionate about helping create unforgettable memories. Once you have booked, my ongoing support will include answering correspondence and addressing any questions that may arise. Whether it’s about timelines for the day, suggestions and recommendations of wedding suppliers or special requests, I aim to make your planning process as stress free as possible. This can include liaising directly with suppliers, maybe if they are unfamiliar with the venue and need information about access, or showing round a photographer for instance.
I always give couples plenty of opportunities to make return visits, maybe during a private one to one appointment or by inviting you to one of our Wedding Open Days. These events are not only for us to show new couples round the venue but are equally beneficial to our booked couples, who may wish to show their close family their chosen venue, refresh their memory, chat with our caterers or meet an exciting mix of trusted wedding suppliers. I am always on hand at these events to reassure couples with any queries or concerns that have arisen, and put your mind at rest.
I often suggest a meeting in the weeks before your wedding, just to have a run-through of the ceremony itself. This is not a rehearsal like you may expect in a church but I can talk you through what happens from the moment everyone arrives at the venue. This not only helps put your mind at rest, it also gives you the chance to ask any final questions, test the music and understand how we look after you during your wedding day.
Photo credit - Chris Bradshaw Photography
Photo credit - Chris Bradshaw Photography
Photo credit - EPS Photography
The wedding day
When your wedding day finally arrives, I am often here to oversee the ceremony conducted by the registrar or the celebrant, making sure everything runs like clockwork. Most of what I am doing is behind the scenes but I will ensure the room is at a comfortable temperature, turn on lights, before welcoming guests and helping usher them to their seats. If the wedding couple wish to remain separate from each other until that grand entrance down the aisle, I will make sure you both see the registrar separately!
I’m often responsible for cueing pre-recorded music, that all important entrance to the ceremony room, during the signing of the official paperwork and then a lively, upbeat exit track as you walk down the aisle as newly-weds.
Following the exit of the wedding couple, there is a handover of responsibility to the Front of House Manager from Bouquet Garni, who will then continue to look after the wedding couple and their guests for the remainder of the day. I am usually at the venue for a short while longer, helping usher guests either to the garden or if necessary to an available wet weather option, and often moving flowers or décor from the ceremony room to be re-positioned in the reception room.
After the wedding day
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing couples return to the venue after their big day, whether it is for an anniversary visit or to bring their children and show them where they tied the knot. It is so lovely to catch up with couples with whom I’ve built a personal relationship and reminisce with them about their wedding day here, knowing that I played a small part in creating lasting memories that continue to bring joy years later.
by Karen Brand – Wedding Coordinator
With special thanks to Tracey Davies Photography for the professional headshots, plus Chris Bradshaw Photography and EPS Photography.
