On the border of Surrey and West Sussex, surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful parkland, lies this gorgeous country house.
Rosie, the owner of Ramster Hall, tells us a bit more about her venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
When I was little my many siblings and I used to roller skate and bicycle between the dusty furniture in the halls, they were cold and damp with a musty smell and often the walls were covered in a light dusting of mildew! Once my family took over from my Grandparents my mother started holding weddings here in the 80’s so I really grew up with brides and grooms on a Saturday!
I am a keen rider and can often be seen out riding with the children at the weekends when weddings are in the safe hands of our catering front of house team! We also have 25 acres of beautiful woodland garden, so gardening is quite a frequent but enjoyable hobby.
What drew you to the wedding world?
My background before I took over at Ramster was in events, having organized the BBC Good Food show and many other big profile exhibitions for 10 years, so weddings was a good path to follow… I’ve not met a bride harder to please than many of my old clients! So it seemed like a natural progression to move out of London and take over from my parents when the time was right.
What do you love about Bridebook?
The support through the current pandemic has been superb, to both couples and suppliers.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Stay calm as we collectively ride this emotional roller coaster. I understand this is causing huge amounts of concern and anxiety, to have your most important and long awaited day threatened by a situation such as this one is distressing and I am truly sympathetic.
Many businesses will suffer as well as individuals so please be considerate to those suppliers who are trying their best for you and let’s have a mutual sense of purpose that will lead us towards that long-forgotten place called “normality”. Your wedding will come, and it will be amazing…
What do you think makes Ramster Hall unique?
I think it is the family home feel and history that makes us unique, Ramster has been in my family for nearly 100 years. We are a very small team, I am completely hands on with everything from planning to cleaning and everything between! Our couples and their families are of course our priority and we will bend over backwards to make the day as they wish.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I love meeting new clients and still get such a buzz from hearing how lovely they think Ramster is! After the initial meeting its always a lot of calls or emails with questions then they will often come and see us again for another look or to bring their parents around to show them – so that’s another opportunity for a good chat.
As the day gets closer the communication picks up again, advice on timings, suppliers, what works, what might not. Then seeing them on the day with all their plans taking shape is lovely and being present if they are getting married here if very special. Often our couples will come back here when the garden is open to have a walk and reminisce about their wedding day here.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
If it’s what the couple have strived for then it is going to be perfect. The personal touches always make it special, the naming of the tables, favors, decorations and silly ideas add an element of fun – but the ultimate aim is love, laughter, a fantastic knees up and a day to remember!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ramster Hall?
We had two actors getting married here a few years ago! A lovely, outgoing, lively couple who had met doing a production of Midsummer Night’s Dream so this is how they themed their wedding: they decked the halls out like a woodland wonderland which was beautiful and it just looked like they had such fun from beginning to end…
A Star Wars wedding was also hilarious! All very tongue in cheek, but ushers being bossy with lightsabers, table names of Chewbacca, C-3P0 and the occasional bridesmaid brave enough to go for a Princess Leia hair.
Why should a couple book Ramster Hall?
If they like what we do, who we are and what we have here, they will book us. No hard sell, no pressure but a guarantee they will be looked after!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t get hung up on the tiny details! No one else will even notice, so relax and enjoy the day.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It’s wonderful that an absent friend or relative can join the ceremony via a video call, I think we will see more of this in the next year.
What’s the best photo spot at Ramster Hall?
The garden in the spring is stunning, we also have a lovely little bridge by the pond, which photographers always like!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
How we look after our couples and our flexibility in allowing them what they want as much as possible.
Check out Ramster Hall on Bridebook!
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