Photographers:

Jack Jones Weddings, Luke Fetcher Photo

AUDLEY DANCE HALL AND HAZEL

We’ve been lucky to be part of so many weddings at Audley Dance hall and Hazel, and along the way, we’ve learned a few things about what helps a day feel truly special. If you’re in the midst of planning, here are some thoughts and gentle advice we hope might be helpful.

Your wedding is ultimately about presence, not perfection. It’s easy to get caught up in the Pinterest boards and decision fatigue — but what guests remember most isn’t the colour of the napkins or the font on the signage.

It’s how your day felt.

Were you relaxed? Were you able to take it all in?

The most memorable weddings we see are those where the couple lets go of perfection and allows space for genuine connection and joy.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to trust your vendors. We love what we do and want you to have the absolute best day. When you hand over the reins, whether it’s with the flow of the evening, the food service, or the way the space is styled, it allows everything to run more smoothly.

Choose vendors whose work you admire, and then step back and let them do what they do best. That trust frees you up to actually enjoy the day you've spent so long planning.

We always encourage couples to keep formalities short and the food flowing. Let the speeches happen early and keep them heartfelt but tight,  it gives everyone more time to eat, drink, connect, and dance.

Generous, seasonal food served with warmth goes a long way in making people feel looked after, and creates the kind of atmosphere you actually want to be in.

Don’t forget to make time for just the two of you. Whether that’s a quiet moment after the ceremony, a sneaky drink before entering the reception, or a walk together after sunset photos — give yourselves a few moments to take it all in together. Those might end up being some of the most cherished.

And finally — lean into what feels like you.

There’s no right way to do a wedding. If you’d rather pour champagne over a croquembouche than cut a cake, go for it. If a long, candlelit feast feels more your style than a dancefloor — embrace that. The most beautiful weddings we see are always the ones where the couple has made the day truly their own.

If you're dreaming of a celebration in a beautiful location and looking for a team who will care deeply about your day, we’d love to welcome you to Audley Dance hall or Hazel.