The way you said ‘I Do' might have looked completely different to the way you'd imagined. From budgets to pandemics to simply changes to personal circumstances, many couples chose to hold their wedding in a small setting, such as a registry office. That's wonderful, as it means you've said your vows and become legally married! However, to do that, you might have gone without the traditional wedding reception with family, friends, and that all-important first dance moment.
If you left your wedding ceremony and went straight back into your daily life, it's natural to feel like you missed out on a party. So let us create that wedding day vibe for you here at Marriott with an anniversary reception: a chance to have the celebration you dreamed of, but on your official anniversary instead.
An anniversary reception could be an entirely new idea for you, which means even more scope to create your day, your way. We've put together some ideas to get you started.
Add variety to your venue
You might expect to hold an anniversary reception on the first, second or even third anniversary of the day you said ‘I Do'. But, there's no need to stick to the actual date itself, as you have the perfect excuse to mix things up to suit seasons and styles.
Perhaps you got married in winter, but you'd dreamt of a summer party with guests mingling and music outdoors? Maybe you had a spring wedding, but like the idea of a festive theme with a Christmas tree and dinner with all the trimmings? Or maybe you had a city hall ceremony, but would love a countryside backdrop for some stunning couple's photos? With an anniversary reception, you get the best of both worlds – and because Marriott has more than 50 hotels to pick from, you're spoilt for choice.
Get ready to celebrate
An intimate ceremony can certainly be beautiful. But if you'd always imagined your big day, you probably won't have had the huge party you wanted. Now's your time to celebrate in style – and we'll make that happen for you at Marriott.
Choose from one of our Party packages, all designed with the celebratory spirit in mind. Make organising that larger guest list effortless with our All Singing All Dancing package, including everything from private room hire and a red carpet arrival to a DJ, disco and dance floor. Talk to your
Memory Maker about the options for your venue, then leave everything to us – until it's time to party.
Be a trendsetter
For many people, an anniversary reception is a completely new concept, so a lot of your guests may never have attended one. That means it's your chance to create the best first impression, set brand new traditions and do things entirely your way.
Make your mark with Marriott by choosing an anniversary reception in a setting that gives your guests a truly unique experience. Marriott Bristol Royal, right in the heart of Bristol city centre, has just completed an extensive renovation that stays true to its 150-year history. Welcome your guests to the Palm Court room with its impressive stained glass-style ceiling and Bath-stone walls. Or for photos that really stand out, select the Kings Suite with its balcony overlooking Bristol Cathedral (plus its own built-in stage for those big party moments!)
For opulence and intimacy, choose The Haslam Room at Delta Hotels by Marriott Breadsall Priory. Its beautiful 13th century priory features include floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the gardens, making a sophisticated yet stunning statement.
Set up a sequel
You may have already said everything required to be legally married in the presence of just a few witnesses. But that's no reason to miss out on the ceremony all together. At your anniversary reception, you can stand up and declare how much you mean to one another in front of your friends and family in ceremony style – just as you imagined it.
You might have heard this called a ‘Sequel Wedding', and it's a way you can recreate the big day. Let us set up a wedding style ceremony for you before your reception, providing key missed moments: walking down the aisle, declaring your vows, and that all-important first kiss. It's everything but the legal part!
Circumstances may have derailed your wedding day dreams. But we know you still deserve to celebrate, and with our Marriott Memory Makers on hand you'll put your own stamp on a new tradition – and make your anniversary reception well worth the wait.
Of course, you might have postponed your wedding altogether and are still waiting to say ‘I Do'. To make that dream day happen, take a look at our wedding day packages made unique by our individually styled hotels across the UK that cater for guest lists of all sizes. Start searching for your ideal venue here.