A Dakota Wedding: Top Tips from our Wedding Team
You’ve said ‘I do’, and now comes the fun: planning your special day! For a wonderful wedding like no other, it has to be Dakota Eurocentral: our unique and charming Events space, located between Glasgow and Edinburgh, is perfect for celebrations both large and small – with luxurious bedrooms a stone’s throw away in the Hotel itself.
At the heart of Dakota is the dedicated and experienced team, passionate about ensuring your special day is one to remember. Ever wondered what happens at a Dakota wedding? We sat down with Reservations and Events Manager Hayley Tobin to find out…
When is best to book your Dakota wedding?
Every wedding is tailored to our couple’s requirements, so there is no blueprint for the perfect Dakota wedding!
However, typically, we find that couples will book from two years ahead up to six weeks before, usually with a party size in mind. We are finding that grand celebrations are still very popular, but intimate weddings – with a larger party in the evening – are becoming more and more sought after.
With the simplicity of the planning, we do find that some couples work really well with a short lead time and can turn a wedding around very quickly, especially if they have had a positive experience of the Dakota before – as the trust is already there in us to deliver excellence!
What are some of your tips for a dream Dakota wedding?
Firstly, knowing the team we have, I’d say – ‘feel relaxed!’. Don’t worry – the team will have all the finer details covered.
Secondly: I would make sure to extend the celebrations for as long as possible! I would arrive with my bridal party or groomsmen the night before, and have dinner in our intimate private dining room – followed by a drinks reception in our Dakota First Lounge, of course!
Finally – I would take advantage of having a bridal brunch on the morning of, to be ready for the big day. I’d also make sure to organise a full group breakfast the next morning – to hear all my guests’ stories from the night before!
It’s the day of my Dakota wedding: what happens next?
The day before the wedding, when last minute items are being dropped off – such as favours, flat shoes, stationary – we introduce the couple to our fantastic Operations Manager, who will run the wedding on the day!
On the day, I will be there to greet both the Bride & Groom when they arrive. Timings are key so I will tend to stay until after dinner to make sure that the couple are enjoying their day – it means just as much to me as it does them at this stage.
What’s your top tip for a Dakota wedding?
Personal touches are everything!
Having a ceremony that represents you is wonderful. Search for the perfect person to build a relationship with that can create a service that is special to you. From feedback, we have also recognised that having a menu catered for you can also be such a treat on the day! Gone are the days when traditional weddings are key, it is now good to be unique & to serve your favourite meals.
Feeling inspired? Plan your dream wedding here, and say ‘I do’ at Dakota!
