5 Star Weddings wanted to find out more from one of Dorset’s top wedding venues, FJB Hotels. Sebastien Chene from FJB Hotels is the senior wedding planner and gives us a sneak peek at what it is like to be an event organiser at this top establishment at his four venues in Sandbanks.
5 Star Weddings: Can you tell me what the most elaborate wedding is that you have organised at Harbour Heights?
Sebastien Chene: This was a wedding I did a couple of years ago where the couple had no limit on their flower budget. It looked amazing as they had flowers everywhere. It was like been in a botanic garden.
5 Star Weddings: What is it like to work in the 4th most expensive area in the world?
Sebastien Chene: It is an amazing location and you never get tired of the amazing views and miles of golden beaches
5 Star Weddings: Have you had any unusual requests from brides?
Sebastien Chene: The most unusual request I have ever been asked was; a few years back, a bride asked me if they could hang artificial seagull from the ceiling, Very odd. That was, in my opinion, a step too far on the seaside theme.
5 Star Weddings: What do the FJB Hotels provide that other Dorset venues do not?
Sebastien Chene: We offer amazing venues with panoramic views, award winning cuisine, bespoke wedding packages and a designated wedding team to look after each couple from the moment of booking to the day they check out.
5 Star Weddings: How far in advance should the bride and groom book your venue?
Sebastien Chene: For the summer month, the dates fly out the door so the sooner the better, we already have bookings for 2013. For the winter month, I would recommend a minimum of a year in advance.
5 Star Weddings: What’s the best bit about being a wedding planner?
Sebastien Chene: Being part of someone special day. And To have a couple trusting you in organizing one of the most special day of their life is so rewarding. Also to meet up with some couple years after their wedding and see them with a young family. That is priceless.
5 Star Weddings: Are you able to share with us any celebrity couples that have had a wedding at your venues?
Sebastien Chene: We have had a few celebrities staying with FJB Hotels over the years but we are yet to have one getting married on our premises.
5 Star Weddings: What makes FJB Hotels the perfect wedding venues?
Sebastien Chene: personal service
- Dedicated wedding team to look after your every needs
- Amazing views
- Award winning cuisine
- Great value for money
5 Star Weddings: What is included in a wedding package at your venues?
Sebastien Chene: complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom on their wedding night use of the red carpet – cake knife and stand
- Use of the red carpet – cake knife and stand
- Table plan – menu – place cards printed for you
- Three-course meal with an extra course of coffee and petit four
- Service of an in-house wedding planner
5 Star Weddings: What in your opinion makes a 5 Star Wedding?
Sebastien Chene: good service, having your own personal wedding planner, good food, using recommended list of wedding suppliers
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