A grand occasion at The Grand, Eastbourne

While visiting The Grand Hotel Eastbourne recently, I was able to pop in to its autumn wedding fair where guests could see this breathtaking venue wedding-ready in all its finery. Able to accommodate weddings of all sizes from 16 guests for a wedding breakfast on the Gallery to 250 reception guests in The Compton Room, The Grand had the whole range on display. I loved the intimate wedding area, with the Arundel Room set up for a ceremony, the Norfolk Room set up for a drinks reception and the Arlington Room set up for the wedding breakfast. Peacefully secluded along their own corridor these three rooms make sure you have the privacy you'd want on your small yet big day. Flutterby Events (www.flutterbyevents.me.uk) and Buds That Bloom (www.budsthatbloom.co.uk) had decorated the two rooms to perfection, with the grand banqueting table opulently adorned in gold tones befitting The Grand's own décor.

The Compton Room is the complete opposite. A real showstopper it's truly reminiscent of the grand balls and dinners than must have gone on in the past. So, the fact that it's now used as the venue's biggest wedding celebration space seems only right. The opulent plasterwork, high ceilings and balconies only add to the sense of grandeur, and the space was beautifully decked out again by the dream team of Buds That Bloom and Flutterby Events. Here, there's space for 192 wedding breakfast guests and 250 reception guests.

It's a space made for entertaining, and with the Hotel's recommended suppliers this is well taken care of. First and Foremost Entertainment (www.firstandforemostentertainment.com), Twilite (www.twilite.uk), Letters in Lights (www.lettersinlights.uk), MTA Events (www.mta-events.com), Kevin Morton Magician (https://kevinmortonmagician.co.uk) and more, all seemed to have the matter well in hand!

Finally, guests got to experience the gorgeous Princes Room set up for a ceremony with gorgeous blush pink floral arch and on-trend dusky pink sashes draped around Chivari chairs, complementing the room's gold and cream palette. It can host 120 guests for the ceremony, 77 for the wedding breakfast, and 120 for the evening. Helpfully, so you could imagine your dream dress as you walk down the aisle, Claire De Lune Bridal (https://clairedelunebridal.com) had some gorgeous gowns on display, with Celebrant Elegant, Maureen Marsh, on hand to discuss the "I dos." Don't forget though, should you wish to experience an al fresco ceremony with the sea breeze in your hair, The Grand's newly licensed ceremony space in the gardens is now also an option for you and up to 120 guests.

Find out more about tying the knot at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne at www.grandeastbourne.com/wedding-venue-sussex