YSW on tour | Dalmeny Park House Hotel
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Katie Bletcher revels in the beautiful surroundings and discovers the flexible approach that makes this hotel a real gem.
It’s a blustery February night when we arrive at Dalmeny Park House Hotel in Barrhead but stepping through the doors of this beautiful listed building the dreich evening is quickly forgotten.
We’re warmly welcomed by Andrew at reception before checking out our room.
I say ‘room’ but we’re actually staying in the Balmoral Suite, the hotel’s honeymoon suite, which is every bit as luxurious as a name with royal associations would suggest.
Every window boasts views of the three-acre manicured gardens (perfect for your wedding photos) while the suite has been decorated in restful grey tones, offset by vibrant yellows and deep teals in sumptuous silks and velvets.
The bathroom with its double sink, whirlpool bath and rainfall shower is beautifully finished in marble and I’m told the separate lounge is the perfect spot for the couple’s first look on the morning of the wedding.
This may be the honeymoon suite, but Dalmeny’s senior wedding coordinator Laura Grant tells me it’s also where her brides get into their dresses, and where photographers get that all-important shot of the gown hanging from the four-poster bed.
However, the bride’s morning typically starts in the hotel’s separate dressing room.
Dalmeny Park is owned by the RAD Group and everywhere you look you can see the company’s luxurious touch, from the gorgeous lighting to the floral wall in the Orchid Restaurant.
And it’s no different in the dressing room with its hair and makeup stations, feminine décor and dress rail for your ‘maids’ outfits.
There’s plenty of space for brunch and drinks to be served too but the finishing touch has to be your very own CCTV link so you can watch your guests arrive (and keep an eye on your other half !).
Attention to detail
It’s all these little touches that make weddings at Dalmeny Park so special.
From your first meeting, the team want to make your day everything you’ve dreamed of.
About 12 weeks before the day, wedding couples are assigned their own coordinator who will be by their side running their wedding from 9am until 9pm, when they will turn over to a second manager.
Long before the wedding though they will have ironed out every little detail with you, down to what colours you would like the lighting to be in the Jasmine Suite – the main function room – and the adjacent Jasmine Lounge.
Together with a foyer and the Rose Garden they complete the hotel’s wedding offering, and a separate entrance means your
day will be completely private.
It’s also entirely accessible, making it perfect for all your loved ones, whether you opt for the maximum 180 day guests (up to 220 in the evening), or a more intimate guestlist.
Ceremonies are typically conducted in the Jasmine Suite and you’ll fall for the mirrored ceiling, opulent crystal lighting and wall to ceiling glass down one side.
The team have seen couples really personalise the suite with their décor details but it’s equally lovely without.
Just add the eye-catching centrepieces from JAM Events for an elegant touch.
If the weather is on your side though, the Rose Garden with its bandstand is an oh-so-romantic setting for your vows.
So much choice
After the ceremony guests are encouraged to make the most of the beautiful grounds or head into the Jasmine Lounge.
And this is where the hotel’s flexible approach comes to the fore with couples free to tailor their drinks packages, choosing what to serve when.
Not everyone likes wine and you can offer alternatives like beers, batchmade cocktails or a house spirit.
This flexibility is reflected in your wedding breakfast too.
All menus include a soup course and with six wedding menus available, couples are free to mix and match.
The hotel doesn’t require a pre-order for dietary requirements and come the evening buffet, the flexible approach continues, when you can choose traditional morning rolls or serve up something alternative like cones of chips or perhaps tempura.
We ate in the Orchid Restaurant and if the food served here reflects your wedding meal, you’re in for a treat!
My salt and pepper chicken starter was absolutely delicious and my friend was raving about her slow braised beef ribeye.
Perfect packages
Dalmeny Park hosts between 150 and 160 weddings a year and everything about our stay revealed just why it’s so popular.
There’s the gorgeous original stained-glass window on the stairs, which provides a picturesque backdrop for your photos, the staff ’s attention
to detail and of course that flexibility, which applies to the wedding packages too.
The hotel runs a mid-week package for Monday to Thursday weddings, along with a winter package.
And if you don’t fancy a long engagement there’s always the 2025 all-inclusive package for remaining dates this year, which includes everything you need, from your
cake to a piper.
It’s worth noting the hotel has an extensive recommended suppliers list and it’s also dog-friendly for the ceremony and photographs.
Make it personal
Couples are encouraged to really personalise their wedding, and the hotel has seen everything from newlyweds bringing in alpacas and Chinese lion dancers, to transforming the on-site candy cart into a ‘Pimp my prosecco’ cart.
And when the celebrations are finally over, remember there are 20 individually decorated bedrooms for your guests.
To find out more about weddings at Dalmeny Park House Hotel contact them directly:
Website: dalmenypark.com
Telephone: 0141 881 9211
Email: reception@dalmenypark.com
