Catering

Bouquet Garni

We have worked closely with Bouquet Garni for many years. Rob, Charlotte and the team will provide you with delicious food and excellent service. Click here to see a sample menu or visit their website for full information.

They also run a pub called the Haywain in Little Bromley where you can have a tasting – or just enjoy a drink in the pub garden, or in front of a cosy fire.

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Limousine

Wedding Rolls Royce

You don’t need to worry about booking a wedding car when you book a wedding reception at Layer Marney Tower. Either a 1931 20/25 Rolls Royce or a 1961 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud is included in the reception price. Your decision is to choose one or the other.

If you can’t decide and would like both, no problem – though there will be an additional charge for the second car!

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Transport

Routemaster

With a leisurely top speed of 40mph our iconic Routemaster bus is not well suited for a Lands End to John O’Groats run. But if you want to collect your guests from some hotels or other places, take them to wherever you are being married (perhaps Layer Marney Tower or your church) and then onto your wedding reception, there is no more relaxed and enjoyable mode of transport.

At the end of the evening guests can climb aboard the bus and be safely driven back to local hotels or pre-arranged locations.

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Wine

Mr. Wheeler

Where you buy your wine is entirely up to you – you might go to a supermarket, for example. But if you want to add some extra enjoyment to the process then we recommend going to Mr Wheeler.

A local wine merchant, Mr Wheeler has a great range of wines at great prices, and they provide you with a sale or return service. Best of all, you can arrange a tasting with them, so you can sample a whole range of wines – and drink at your wedding the wines that you actually like.

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Florists

W. Flowers

Beautiful flowers can make a real difference to your wedding day – and selecting a florist is a very personal decision. Some of our couples use friends or family, but most people opt for a professional florist. You’ll want someone who listens to you – and can interpret your wishes. There are many florists to choose from, but we are pleased to recommend Wendy and Julia ofW Flowers. They are both experienced and versatile, with a remarkable ability to interpret people’s wishes. Whether you know exactly what you want, or just have an idea in mind, you will be in safe hands.

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Cakes

Tess’s Wedding Cakes

Tess’s Cakes is a family owned cake making and decorating company, based in Colchester. Carl specialises in creating bespoke wedding cakes. Whether you are after a traditional fruit cake with Royal icing, or want a cake in the shape of your dog, Carl will look after you.

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Accommodation

Glamping & Hotels

If you are having a summer garden wedding venue and would like something different in the way of accommodation for your friends and family, then have a look at our glamping site…

There are several local hotels who offer accommodation to suit a variety of budgets. The Marks Tey Hotel, The George Hotel and St Nicholas Hotel all offer special prices to Layer Marney Tower wedding guests. Alternatively explore some of the local bed and breakfasts: these are especially well suited to the independent minded who want to stay for a day or two.

PLACES TO STAY GLAMPING

Music

Live Music

Whether you are having a garden wedding venue or a church wedding venue, live musicians can really bring things to life. We have seen string trios and string quartets, harpists, keyboard players, guitarists and singers. Within reason, you can have what you like. It’s well worth asking your wedding musicians to play at your drinks reception, and perhaps during your wedding breakfast as well.

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Fireworks

Dynamic Fireworks

Based in Colchester, Dynamic Fireworks are a national company with a reputation for exciting displays and a personalised approach. Guests will enjoy the entertainment from the gardens, as the sky is filled with showers of gold – or whatever colour you choose. Your initials can be lit up and you can even have music to accompany your display.

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Entertainment

Bands & Discos

Live bands, discos or ceilidhs. Good music is a great way to round off the evening after a wedding ceremony and reception. Music can be like marmite – one person’s favourite is another person’s horror, so although we are pleased to recommend these suppliers, don’t take our word for it – talk to them!

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