I want you to be 100% honest... Wedding venue.

[PrincessSloth]

NC as I've mentioned this to people IRL!

What would you think if you were invited to a wedding in a Holiday Inn?

To be fair, it's gorgeous inside, loads of fairy lights etc and reasonably priced but then I think.... But it's a Holiday Inn

So I want your honest opinions please!

If I had to travel it's perfect for staying over.

I would think it would be easy to find somewhere to stay after.

We had our reception in a 1960s hall local to us. I hope no-one thought "eugh a wedding in a 1960s hall". Meant we could depend more on a great band & food

We got married in a holiday Inn so obviously we couldn't care less 🤣

No problem. My friend got married at a Marriott. I wouldn’t personally choose it but I wouldn’t think anything of it if invited and would happily attend.

It wouldn’t be my choice but I wouldn’t judge anyone for booking it. I’d just be happy I’d got an invite to share your day.

I would much rather go to a Holiday Inn for a wedding than some of the crusty old piles I have been to.

As long as it had a bar, I wouldn't care.

I've NC'd for this just in case - I went to a wedding in an east anglia holiday inn last summer.

It was an airport holiday inn, and it was pretty rough tbh. The room the ceremony was in was like a dingy conference room with the doors all folded back. The sound system was an awful tinny handheld thing. Prosecco was served in what I assume was the breakfast room and there were screens on the walls with the airport departures listed on them.

Worst was the food, which was worse than Wetherspoons- it was like microwaved chicken dinners. The food was so bad. Maybe they chose the cheapest package, I don't know. The staff were bored teenagers mostly, it was pretty shoddy.

I’ve been to expensive and cheap weddings. All fab. I hate the way people feel they have to spend loads on a wedding. If it suits you and you like it? Go for it

Thanks everyone!

It is a rather "posh" Holiday Inn, there's two I've been two in my city and one of them is really run down but they seem to renovate this one every few years. It also used to be an independent and has an actual ball room with chandelier (wonder if it's the same one PP mentioned) so not in a dingy conference room.

Where I live, venues that aren't country houses covered in tartan and deer heads are practically non existant - this is one of only 2 I have found! Country House classic isn't really our style.

Have attached pics of standard set up for those interested....

Would not judge at all. A wedding is a wedding, wherever it is! Enjoy!!

I personally wouldn’t choose it but I also went to a wedding in a very swanky hotel where they’d obviously tried to cut costs and held it in what was very obviously a large conference room. I actually felt really sad for them.

That’s what I’d be afraid of. I have to admit I laughed when a pp told of her dh’s “very swanky” works party being held at one
As opposed to what, I wonder?

I'd be glad! Weddings in hotels are more convenient for guests as you can just go upstairs to bed rather than worrying about taxis etc.

That was to ncjan

I'd be glad that it's not somewhere expensive and difficult to find accommodation at. The band is the main thing

@74NewStreet I actually didn't think it sounded too bad when I saw the invite, but it was really so dingy. It was obviously a conference room, even though they'd tarted it up with balloons and fairy lights.

Hotel looks nice, you seem nice. I’d be delighted to be invited!

My first thought might be a little snobby and horrible (would probably assume it won't look that nice, horrible carpet and dated decor, poor quality food, cheap) ... and then I would snap out of it and be really excited that:
A) I was lucky enough to be invited!
B) comfortable surroundings and being able to stay on site is a MASSIVE bonus, especially if my DC are attending too
C) probably good car parking or in a convenient location
D) cheaper bar!!
E) All of the above a-d would make me want to thank my friend for not being worried about what the snobs think - it's a great choice.

If the arrangements made for the comfort and safety of the guests are good, I would be happy and glad that an overnight would not strain my own budge.

I would be more concerned by a wedding where the majority of the budget was used to secure a fairy tale venue which would look good in photos at the expense of providing reasonable food and drinks.

Hope you have a lovely time.

Think holiday inn are different all over the country. We have two by me. One of a very busy duel carriage way and another close to a canal. The duel carriage way one is lovely inside but is more of a business hotel, although I know they do weddings. The canal one does loads of wedding due to it location and the photo opportunity’s outside.
You like the venue go for it, don’t worry about the ‘brand’ name.

The people who matter won't mind and the people who mind don't matter.
It looks fab.

To be honest since I've starting to look into the planning I've been absolutely FLOORED at the expense of it all as well. Average wedding cost in my area is apparently £35k!!!! Great if you've got the money and it makes you happy but the whole wedding thing feels like a total scam!! TWO THOUSAND for a photographer!

We just want a nice, simple romantic setting and a nice meal and fab party with all our loved ones!

I wouldn't think anything of it at all and neither will anyone else who matters so go for it x

I'd be happy to attend. I'd also be very happy not to have to spend upwards of £200 on a night in a hotel, waaay out in the sticks afterwards. Go for it.