top 10 questions about your wedding venue
WILLOWDALE ESTATE
BRAMBLE HOSPITALITY | TOPSFIELD, MA
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When should I book my wedding with Willowdale Estate?
Typically weddings are booked approximately 12 months in advance. Willowdale Estate will book weddings up to two years in advance, so it's recommended that you book as soon as possible.
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how many guests can willowdale estate accomodate, is there a mandatory guest count?
There are two main areas that are used for weddings at Willowdale Estate:The Great RoomThe Great Room has a maximum capacity of 80-125 guests. The Great room features high ceilings, elegant chandeliers and a grand oversized fireplace.The CourtyardThe outdoor courtyard has a maximum capacity of 125-240 guests as well. This space features a lovely fountain, terrace overlooking the gardens and a lawn for outdoor ceremonies.
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WHAT IS THE PRICING LIKE FOR WILLOWDALE ESTATE AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Friday and Sunday Weddings - pricing starts at $15,000
Saturday Weddings - pricing starts at $20,000
Pricing includes venue rentals (this includes tables, chairs and basic linens), food and beverage service and event coordination. A starting point for per guest pricing is $150 per person which includes a cocktail hour, a plated dinner or buffet, and a wedding cake.
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WHAT IS THE DESIGN STYLE OF THE WILLOWDALE ESTATE, AND WHAT WEDDINGS WORK WELL FOR THIS SPACE?
Willowdale Estate is a historic mansion blending classic elegance with rustic craftsman charm. The estate's versatile event space can fit many different styles of weddings. Sparrow Lane has many pieces to fit your decor style, come check out our wedding rentals for your Willowdale Estate wedding.
Classic & Traditional Weddings
Incorporate elegant indoor elements such as draped fabrics and chandeliers. When creating your tablescape pick more formal settings and elegant florals in compote bowls or tall floral stands.
Rustic & Bohemian Weddings
Include more natural elements such as wooden tables, lanterns and airy wildflower arrangements. Place settings can feature patterned china and rich linen jewel tones.
Vintage Weddings
Collect some of your favorite antique decor such as furniture and vintage inspired pieces such as etched glassware and our vintage silverplate flatware. Consider using candlesticks with our battery tapers.
Garden Weddings
Focus on lush floral arrangements and hold your event in the outdoor spaces. Strung lights make a great addition, along with hung floral arrangements.
interested in event rentals? check out our tabletop rentals!
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DO THEY REQUIRE CERTAIN VENDORS?
Willowdale Estate does not require certain vendors.
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ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING DECORATIONS AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AT WILLOWDALE ESTATE?
Willowdale Estate does not allow open flames. If you are looking for alternative lighting options Sparrow Lane provides many lighting options that can fit your needs. Check out our lighting options here!
Decorations cannor damage or mark the estate interior such as walls, floors and furniture. This means nothing can be attached to the walls or ceilings with nails, staples or screws.
Sparklers and other outdoor pyrotechnics are not allowed.
Willowdale does not allow confetti, glitter or loose petals.
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WHAT TIME FRAME IS WILLOWDALE ESTATE AVAILABLE FOR SET-UP AND CLEANUP / TEARDOWN FOR AN EVENT? DOES THE VENUE HAVE A PREFERRED TIMELINE?
The standard rental period is usually eight hours, including time for set-up and clean-up. Additional hours can be added to your contract if needed.
The typical timeline for an event at Willowdale Estate looks something like this:
Morning / Early Afternoon - wendor set-up and preparation
Late Afternoon - guest arrival, cocktail hour and photos
Early Evening - main event: ceremony, dinner and dancing
Late Evening / Night - guest departure, vendor teardown
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IS WILLOWDALE ESTATE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE AND ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS?
Yes, Willowdale Estate provides accessible entrances and ramps, elevators and restrooms to accomodate guests with mobility imparments.
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DOES WILLOWDALE ESTATE HAVE A DRESSING ROOM OR BRIDAL SUITE FOR GETTING READY?
The Willowdale Suite is located on the second floor of the estate and features rooms for the bridal party to relax and prepare for the wedding day. This includes a private bathroom, makeup and hair stations and a lounge area with a balcony. The suite can accomodate 12 people and includes a full length mirror and garment area.
The estate also offers a separate Groom's Room located on the first floor, also with private bathroom.
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WHAT OUTDOOR OR ALTERNATIVE SPACES DOES WILLOWDALE ESTATE OFFER FOR COCKTAIL HOUR OR THE WEDDING CEREMONY?
Typically WIllowdale's main tented patio is used for the actual wedding reception. Other outdoor spaces for cocktail hour and the wedding ceremony include:
The Ruins - A unique and beautiful area on the estate that features wonderful stonework and lush greenery. This makes it the ideal location for intimate wedding ceremonies or a smaller cocktail hour.
The Lawn - The lawn area offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and can be used for both cocktail hour and wedding ceremonies of up to 250 guests.
The Gardens - With a picturesque backdrop for wedding ceremonies, the gardens feature many blooming flowers and plants.
In terms of indoor spaces, Willowdale typically holds wedding receptions in the Great Room. Other indoor spaces for cocktail hour and the wedding ceremony include:
The Library - This cozy and initmate space with wood paneling and a fireplace is ideal for small wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours 40 seated guests or 50 standing.
The Dining Room - This inviting space has large windows and beautiful harwood floors. This can offer a space for medium sized events.
The Bar - A fun and lively space with high top tables and comfortable seating. It can accomodate up to 50 guests.
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what is the parking situation for events at Willowdale Estate?
There is a large parking area on the estate that can accomodate up to 120 vehicles. This is just a short walk from the mansion, the main building. You can also arrange for a shuttle service for guests who require additional assistance or prefer not to walk.
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DOES WILLOWDALE ESTATE HAVE A COORDINATOR OR WEDDING PLANNER TO ASSIST WITH THE PLANNING PROCESS?
Willowdale has a team of event coordinators who assist with vendor recommendations, timeline creation and coordination of logistics. On the day of the event the coordinators will be on-site the entire day and work closely with the couple.
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what is the policy on serving alcohol at willowdale estate, are there any restrictions?
Willowdale Estate requires bar tenders to check IDs, limit the number of drinks served to each guest and at times has a limit on the type of alcohopl that can be served. Coordinators may require event hosts to obtain permitting for certain types of events such as amplified music or late-night service.
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what is willowdale estate's inclement weather policy?
For outdoor events the estate has a number of tents that are available for rent. The event coordinators will work with you to determine if any additional tenting is needed or help with logistical planning to move events indoors if necessary.
In the event of severe weather, the estate may need to reschedule the event and will work with you to find a new date
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does willowdale have specific guidelines around photography and videography?
Drones are not permitted on the property without prior approval.
weddings at willowdale estate
VINTAGE WINTER WEDDING
ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VINTAGE WINTER WEDDING
This vintage wedding photoshoot at Willowdale Estate truly captured the unique blend of classic elegance and rustic charm. There are so many gorgeous details in this Tudor Revival stone mansion, from the intricate moldings and woodwork to the expansive windows of the conservatory.
We love the well appointed bridal suite on the second floor that has all the necessary amenities, including makeup and hair stations without sacrificing any of the historic charm. This makes for the best getting ready photos!
Our vintage winter tablescape details included vintage silverplate flatware and etched glassware. A white fur runner and trimmings at each place setting elevated the look with a cozy sense of winter wedding luxury. The vintage brass candlesticks placed along the center of the table make a beautiful statement with eclectic mix of styles and heights. To see more details of this couple's wedding check out the Sparrow Lane blog at VINTAGE WINTER WEDDING AT WILLOWDALE ESTATE.
WEDDING VENDORS
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Venue: Willowdale Estate | @willowdaleestate
Photographer: Christina Ann Photography | @christinaannephoto
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Rentals: Sparrow Lane Tabletop Rentals | @sparrowlanerentals
Stationery: Fire Plug Designs | @fireplugdesigns
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Hair & Makeup: Janeen Jones | @janeen_jones
Bridal Gown: Bella Sera Bridal | @shopbellasera
Florals: O'Malley's Floral Expressions | @omalleysfloral
