Planning a wedding in Kent doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With smart choices and insider knowledge, you can host a beautiful celebration that feels every bit as special as you imagined. Here’s your complete guide to getting the best value from Kent wedding venues.
The All-Inclusive Package Advantage
The single biggest money-saving strategy is choosing an all-inclusive wedding package. Here’s why:
- Venue, catering, and coordination bundled together — typically better value than booking separately
- No hidden costs or surprises
- One point of contact instead of juggling multiple suppliers
- Fixed per-person rates make budgeting straightforward
- Professional catering team already on-site
What a good all-inclusive package includes:
- Venue hire (ceremony + reception)
- Three-course wedding breakfast
- Drinks package (welcome drink, wine, toast)
- Evening buffet or food
- Dedicated wedding coordinator
- Use of grounds and gardens
Pro Tip: Salomons Estate offers bespoke all-inclusive packages that cover everything above, plus exclusive use of the entire 36-acre estate and 47 on-site bedrooms.
Timing: The Biggest Savings Lever
When you get married has the single largest impact on what you’ll pay:
Off-Peak Weddings
The wedding industry has a clear peak season (May–September, especially Saturdays). Choosing off-peak dates can significantly reduce your costs:
- Weekday weddings (Mon–Thu) offer the greatest savings
- Friday and Sunday weddings give you a weekend feel at a lower rate
- November–March is off-peak season with better availability and lower rates
- January and February are the most affordable months at most venues
Short Notice Bookings
If you’re flexible on dates, venues often have excellent availability within six months. These dates represent great value as venues prefer to fill them rather than leave them empty.
Guest Count: Quality Over Quantity
The number of guests is the second biggest factor in your overall spend. Every venue charges per person, so the maths is simple — fewer guests means a lower total.
Consider:
- A smaller guest list means you can allocate more per person for food, drinks, and experience
- Intimate weddings (30–60 guests) can feel more personal and meaningful
- Evening-only guests are a cost-effective way to include wider circles
What to Look for in an Affordable Kent Venue
Not all “affordable” venues are truly good value. Here’s what separates genuine value from a false economy:
1. On-Site Accommodation
Venues with on-site bedrooms save your guests the cost of hotels and taxis — and save you the stress of organising transport. At Salomons Estate, 47 bedrooms and 6 cottages mean up to 110 guests can stay on-site, turning your wedding into a relaxed weekend celebration.
2. Licensed for Ceremonies
Venues licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies eliminate the need (and cost) of a separate church or register office booking, plus the transport between them.
3. In-House Catering
Venues with their own catering team avoid the costs of external caterers, equipment hire, and additional staffing.
4. Included Styling and Furniture
Historic venues like Salomons Estate have stunning interiors that need minimal additional decoration — the architecture does the work. This saves significantly on styling and props.
5. Free Parking
It sounds minor, but guest parking at London and city venues can be a significant additional cost. Country venues typically include ample free parking.
Smart Savings Without Compromising Quality
Flowers
- Use seasonal, locally grown flowers — they’re fresher and more affordable
- Let the venue’s gardens provide natural beauty
- Consider potted plants or herbs as centrepieces (guests can take them home)
Music
- A DJ provides excellent entertainment and is more affordable than a live band
- Many couples create collaborative playlists for the pre-dinner reception
Drinks
- The standard drinks package is typically excellent — no need to upgrade
- Consider a limited evening bar rather than an open bar
- Some venues offer a corkage option if you supply your own wine
Stationery
- Digital invitations and wedding websites reduce printing costs
- Use a single suite design across save-the-dates, invitations, and on-the-day stationery
What NOT to Compromise On
Certain elements have outsized impact on how you and your guests remember the day:
- Photography — these images last a lifetime
- Food quality — guests always remember the meal
- A good coordinator — saves stress and catches potential issues before they become problems
The Kent Advantage
Kent offers genuine advantages for couples seeking value:
- Country house venues that would be unaffordable in London or the Home Counties
- Beautiful natural backdrops that reduce the need for expensive styling
- Excellent transport links — many venues are under an hour from London
- All four seasons work — autumn and winter weddings in Kent are genuinely beautiful
- Strong local supplier network — competitive rates from experienced professionals
Why Salomons Estate Offers Genuine Value
Many couples are surprised by how affordable a country estate wedding can be. Salomons Estate includes features that are extras at other venues:
- Exclusive use of the entire 36-acre estate (often charged separately elsewhere)
- 47 en-suite bedrooms + 6 cottages for overnight guests
- 8 versatile event spaces — from intimate ceremonies of 20 to grand celebrations of 300
- Licensed outdoor ceremonies in the gardens
- Award-winning in-house catering with bespoke menus
- Dedicated coordinator from booking to the big day
- Complimentary bridal suite and menu tasting
All-inclusive packages are tailored to your requirements. Contact our team for a bespoke proposal based on your guest count, chosen date, and vision for the day.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Value
When visiting venues, ask these questions to compare fairly:
- What exactly is included in the per-person rate?
- Are there any additional charges not shown in the headline price?
- Is exclusive use included or extra?
- What accommodation is available for guests?
- Are there minimum spend requirements?
- What’s included in the drinks package?
- Is there flexibility on guest numbers after booking?
- What happens if we need to change our date?
Ready to Start Planning?
Beautiful Kent weddings are more accessible than many couples realise. The key is choosing a venue that includes everything you need — so you know exactly what you’re investing and can focus on what really matters: celebrating with the people you love.
Book a private viewing at Salomons Estate
Explore our wedding packages or browse our guide to the best wedding venues in Kent.