Choosing a wedding package can feel overwhelming — every venue presents their offering differently, and it's not always easy to compare like-for-like. This guide breaks down exactly what you should expect from a Kent wedding package, what's typically included (and what isn't), and how to make sure you're getting genuine value.
What Should a Wedding Package Include?
Not all packages are created equal. Here's what to look for:
Essential Inclusions (Should Be Standard)
- Venue hire — exclusive or shared use of the ceremony and reception spaces
- Ceremony room or outdoor space — licensed for civil ceremonies
- Wedding breakfast — typically a three-course sit-down meal
- Evening reception space — for the party and evening buffet
- Evening food — a buffet, barbecue, or lighter menu for evening guests
- Drinks package — at minimum, a welcome drink, wine with dinner, and toast fizz
- Dedicated coordinator — a point of contact for planning and on-the-day management
- Tables, chairs, linen — basic event furniture and table settings
Valuable Extras (Separate the Good from the Great)
- One wedding per day — the whole property is yours, not just your room
- On-site accommodation — bedrooms for the couple and overnight guests
- Ceremony and reception in one location — no coaches needed between venues
- Cake stand and knife — small but often overlooked
- Menu tasting — a chance to try your wedding breakfast before the day
- Use of grounds for photos — gardens, parkland, or scenic areas
- DJ or evening entertainment — some venues include this, others don't
- Bridal suite — a complimentary room for the wedding night
Often Charged Extra
- Chair covers and specialty linens
- Additional drinks beyond the standard package
- Late bar licence
- Ceremony musicians
- Extra evening food options (e.g., pizza van, doughnut wall)
- Accommodation for guests (beyond what's included)
How Per-Person Pricing Works
Most Kent venues quote wedding packages on a per-person basis. Here's how to read those numbers:
A typical per-person package includes:
- Venue hire
- Welcome drink
- Three-course wedding breakfast
- Wine with dinner
- Toast drink
- Evening buffet
- Dedicated coordinator
- Use of grounds
Day guests vs. evening guests: Day guests receive the full package (ceremony, breakfast, and evening), while evening guests typically join for the party and evening food only — at a lower per-head rate.
Minimum numbers: Most venues require a minimum guest count. Check this before you fall in love with a venue — if you're planning an intimate wedding, some venues won't be suitable for smaller numbers.
Comparing Kent Wedding Venues by Value
The lowest per-person quote isn't always the best value. Here's what to check:
The "Hidden Costs" Test
Ask every venue: "What's NOT included in the per-person quote?"
Common additional charges at some venues:
- Room hire on top of per-person rates
- Corkage charges (if you supply your own drinks)
- Ceremony room fee
- Car parking
- Accommodation supplement
- Service charge added to the final bill
- Minimum spend requirements (especially at hotels)
All-Inclusive vs. Dry Hire
All-inclusive venues (like Salomons Estate) include catering, coordination, and often accommodation in one package. You know what you're paying, and there are fewer moving parts to manage.
Dry hire venues give you the space and let you bring in your own caterers, bar, and suppliers. This can seem more affordable on paper, but the additional costs (catering, bar hire, staffing, equipment rental) often add up to more than an all-inclusive package.
Our advice: Unless you have specific dietary requirements or a strong caterer preference, all-inclusive packages typically offer better value and far less stress.
Smart Ways to Maximise Your Wedding Budget
Timing Makes a Difference
- Weekday weddings (Monday–Thursday) are significantly more affordable than Saturdays
- Off-peak months (November–March) offer better availability and lower rates
- Friday or Sunday weddings are a popular compromise — still a weekend feel, at a reduced rate
- Short notice bookings (under 6 months) can offer excellent value as venues look to fill remaining dates
Package Choices That Make a Difference
- Fewer courses: A two-course wedding breakfast instead of three can reduce costs without guests noticing
- House wine: Guests rarely notice the label — the standard drinks package is typically excellent
- Evening buffet: Buffets offer variety and are more cost-effective than formal sit-down evening meals
- Guest list management: The number of evening guests has a significant impact on overall costs
What NOT to Compromise On
- Photography — you'll look at these images for decades
- Food quality — guests remember a good meal (and a bad one)
- Coordination — a good coordinator saves you stress and often saves money by catching issues early
What's Included at Salomons Estate
To give you a concrete example of an all-inclusive Kent wedding package, here's what Salomons Estate includes as standard:
- One wedding per day — the entire 36-acre estate is yours
- Choice of ceremony and reception spaces including The Theatre, Gold Room, Garden Room, Conservatory, and outdoor lawn
- Licensed outdoor ceremony in the gardens
- Three-course wedding breakfast with coffee
- Wine with dinner
- Welcome drink and toast drink
- Evening buffet
- Dedicated wedding coordinator from booking to the big day
- Complimentary bridal suite
- Menu tasting for the couple
- Use of all grounds and gardens for photography
- Tables, chairs, linen, and table settings
- On-site car parking
- 47 en-suite bedrooms and 6 cottages available for guest accommodation
Everything is tailored to your requirements — our team creates a bespoke proposal based on your vision, guest count, and chosen date.
Questions to Ask Every Kent Venue
Before booking, always ask:
- Is venue hire included in the per-person quote, or is it separate?
- What's the minimum guest count?
- Is there a service charge or VAT added on top?
- What happens if our guest count changes after booking?
- Is the bridal suite included?
- Are there any date restrictions or minimum spends?
- What's included in the drinks package — and what are upgrade options?
- Is there a corkage option if we supply our own wine?
- What accommodation is available for guests?
- Are there any mandatory extras (e.g., security, late licence)?
Ready to Compare Packages?
The best way to understand value is to visit venues in person, ask detailed questions, and compare like-for-like. At Salomons Estate, we provide a clear, itemised proposal with no hidden costs — what we quote is what you pay.
Book a private viewing at Salomons Estate
Explore our wedding packages or read our guide to choosing the right Kent wedding venue.
