​Are there restrictions on the types of events that can be held?

We have no restrictions on the types of events that can be held at Little Dower House. Please call to discuss your ideas.

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Are there any restrictions on the types of decorations or structures that can be set up?

 

No, as long as it can fit through the gates without causing damage and subject to the size of the various gardens, we will do everything we can to cater to your vision.

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What is the availability for our preferred event date? 

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At LDH we have events from May to September. Contact us to enquire about availability. 

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How long in advance do I need to book?

 

We do not finalise bookings more than 2 years in advance, but do let us know as soon as you have a date in mind. We only hold a handful of weddings and events per year to keep the gardens as beautiful as possible and to give you a fully exclusive and personal experience. Therefore, we can often be more flexible than other venues and, subject to availability, may be able to accommodate requests at much shorter notice.

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What's the booking process?

To find out more and discuss your ideas, please contact us. We'd love you to come and visit us for a tour of the gardens and properties, and come back again with your nearest and dearest! Once you're ready to lock in your chosen date just let us know and we'll ask you to kindly pay a third of your booking.

 

 

Can I pay in instalments?

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Absolutely. We're sure you won't want to change your mind, but just in case a little bit of life happens we only ask you to pay a third on booking, and the final two thirds six and three months before your event date.

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How much does an event cost?

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Prices start from £8,800 and are customisable depending on whether you want a midweek, two day (Friday & Saturday) or three day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) package. Please do get in touch and let us see if we can make your dreams come true!

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Do you charge corkage, VAT or other surprise costs?

We do not charge any corkage fee or VAT. There are no surprise costs. The venue cost we quote for your event will be inclusive of everything we provide, from accommodation to garden and land hire; the props, furniture, games and lighting we offer and more. 

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Is your venue accessible?

 

Yes, please let us know in advance if anyone requires extra assistance. 

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Gardens: All of our gardens are on one level, apart from the Woodland area which has a small bridge and narrow paths. The Walled garden has a separate, wider entrance for wheelchair access. The main marquee is usually situated in the larger marquee meadow, but vehicles can be arranged to drop off or collect guests from the marquee directly if needed.

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Properties: The Victorian Lodge is wheelchair accessible, set across one floor. There is a very small step up from the porch area to the entrance hallway. Please let us know if a ramp is required. The Little Hideaway and Shepherd's Hut are set across a couple of floors. 

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What are the timings for the full event weekend package?

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• Thursday (Day 1): Suppliers can arrive to set up from 8:00 am.

• Friday (Day 2): Guests can arrive from 8:00 am to begin dressing the marquee, and check into accommodation from 16:00. We'd suggest those staying the night enjoy dinner, cosy celebrations and views of Windsor Castle together down in the Lodge & Rose Gardens.

• Saturday (Day 3): Guests should arrive no earlier than 11:00 am, giving you enough time to enjoy getting ready whilst any finishing touches are made to the marquee. The gates to the car park and estate will close at the end of the night by 01:30 am.

• Sunday (Day 4): The gates will reopen for returning guests from 08:00 am. We recommend starting your Sunday celebrations from around 11:00 am, free to relax and enjoy the day until the gates close for non-overnight guests at 18:00. Enjoy your last night's stay in peace and bliss. (Top tip for wedding couples! Make sure you take time for each other throughout the weekend. Sunday evening is perfect for soaking it all in and reflecting on the amazing journey you've started together. Perhaps sneak back into the marquee for one last private dinner or dance ~ with the romantic glow of fairy lights all around you).

• Monday (Day 5): It's honeymoon time! Hug your loved ones who stayed in other properties goodbye and head off into your exciting new world as newlyweds. 

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How is traffic managed?

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Team LDH takes care of car parking attendance for up to 40 cars plus 10 supplier vehicles during your event. We direct taxis and traffic, place road signs and take care of closing and opening the gates at the start and end of your event days. In advance of the event we request the contact details of all suppliers, also so that we can arrange any vehicles which need special access to the Marquee Meadow or elsewhere during set up and take down.

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Our gardens and properties sit along a gravel driveway. To minimise traffic, vehicle access to the driveway is reserved for guests with particular access requirements, and short-stay suppliers; taxis, bridal/grooms party and guests staying in the accommodation. ​

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Are there any noise restrictions during an event?

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We are lucky that our venue sits in a secluded area, giving you a feeling of freedom and privacy to celebrate as you wish. We do have neighbours on the outskirts of the estate and are situated in an area next to the Crown Estate abundant with wildlife.

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• Friday & Sunday: In order to be considerate to those around us we ask that you avoid using amplified music (like DJs or large speakers) on the Friday and Sunday. In accordance with council regulations.

• Saturday: For Saturday's party you can celebrate with live music until 11:00 pm, keep the DJ going until 00:00 (midnight) and continue the vibe afterwards with acoustic music or portable speakers.

• Small Events: Our small events most often take place during the week, earlier in the afternoon/evening, and in the Lodge or Walled gardens - which are closer to our neighbours. For these reasons we ask that music stays at a reasonable level. For example, opting for non-amplified live music like guitars, pianos or harps for a beautiful and intimate atmosphere.

 

 

Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?

 

For marquees and loos, yes, but no for everything else. We've perfected event weekends down to a fine art. To ensure smooth running of your event, and to prevent our gardens from any damage, we require those holding an event to choose from our wide and trusted range of marquee and loo suppliers. We've included lots of different styles, ensuring you can achieve the wedding or event weekend of your dreams! We also strongly recommend our selection of caterers, florists and photographers, who all know and love Little Dower House and provide an exceptional and fully bespoke service. Of course you can add as many personal touches as you like, but check out our suggestions for everything from celebrants to stationary and food vans.

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Can we bring our own caterers?

 

Yes, subject to prior arrangement, as they need to access the property and we need to manage setup and takedown with them. We ask to meet with any new caterers before the event.

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Can we hire additional staff for our event?

Of course. We ask that any external staff, structures and vehicles are approved beforehand.

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What are the options for waste disposal and recycling during the 3-day event?

 

Recycling and respecting the nature around us is so important. We will have separate waste disposal areas for recyclables and non-recyclables, and would ask every guest to take responsibility for leaving the gardens as they were found. We would welcome the opportunity to take any unwanted flowers to the local hospice and care homes.

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Can we bring our own alcohol for the event?

 

Yes, we do not provide alcohol, so you would need to arrange with a bar or caterer for alcohol to be served.

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Can we have fireworks or sparklers at our wedding?

 

We care deeply about the abundance of nature and wildlife around us, as well as people and their pets living in the nearby town of Old Windsor. So we do not allow fireworks, but we do encourage sparklers and other creative options like smoke flares and beautiful drone displays.

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Who will be the point of contact in the lead-up to the event?

 

Susie and Hamish (the owners of Little Dower House) will be there every step of the way to help and guide you through the process (and give you cups of tea).

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