4:56pm on Friday, January 29th, 2010
 

I've been to a few weddings and was recently a guest at one held in Ruthin Castle and this venue, The Barn, Chester.

The venue has an impressive building and has been converted to a high standard. The main reception room is impressive with its high ceiling and original features. It was strange how the top table was on the first floor, above all of the other tables, where you could not see those sitting beneath you!

The wedding breakfast was nicely presented but could have been warmer.

Biggest disappointment though was the lack of general organisation, compared to other venues. Guests are meant to relax and enjoy the day - strange that they asked for the Best Man and ushers to a**t with organising people, introducing speeches, announcing arrival of bride/groom etc. Particularly awkward as they suggested a different timing of events (e.g. speeches throughout the day, instead of after the breakfast) and they supplied microphones that did not work. This caused friction where it would have otherwise been a smooth running day.

Overall an enjoyable day for most, but management and staff need to take leadership and guide guests throughout the day for everyone to enjoy.