Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many guests can fit into the Medici Suite?
A. The Medici Suite can seat 150 guests for a formal sit-down meal.
Q. Do you have recommended suppliers?
A. Yes we do, please ask your event coordinator who would be delighted to share this list with you. You are more than welcome to use a supplier who is not on the list, please advise us of their details prior to the day.
Q. Are there hotels locally?
A. There are plenty of hotels in the locality, please refer to our recommended suppliers list.
Q. Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?
A. Yes it is fully accessible; we have a lift to all 3 of our floors, a disabled toilet and the Italian Garden is also accessible via ramp access although the route is slightly longer. Please make your coordinator aware of any guests with accessibility requirements.
Q. Do you have a PA and music system?
A. Yes we do have a PA system in all three suites, with ceremony amplification in the Verona suite for the hard of hearing. Your CDs and iPods can be played through our music systems in all suites (the venue can provide background music).
Q. What time do we have access to the venue on our wedding day?
A. You will have access from 10am on the morning of your wedding to decorate the venue. Guests will have access from 45 minute before your ceremony time.
Q. Will we meet our event manager prior to the day?
A. You will have a meeting with your Event Manager on a day leading up to your Wedding. This will be an opportunity for you to meet the person who will be taking care of all your personal requirements on the day.
Q. Can the Bride and Groom use all the gardens within Compton Acres for wedding photographs?
A. Part of the Italian garden will be yours exclusively. You are more than welcome to take advantage of the other gardens for your wedding photographs, but please respect the fact that the gardens are still open to the public.
Q. What time do the gardens close?
A. The Gardens (with the exception of the Italian Garden) will be locked at 4pm in the winter months (1st November – Good Friday and 6pm in the summer months (Good Friday – 31st October). No photography access will be available after this time.
Q. Do we need to contact the registrar?
A. Yes. As soon as you have a wedding date in mind, please check the availability and book the Poole registrar to marry you at The Italian Villa.
Tel: 01202 633744. Payment for your civil ceremony is paid directly to the registrar.
Q. Is it free to park in the Compton Acres car park/can guests leave their cars overnight?
A. Yes there is free parking at The Italian Villa. There will be 30 reserved spaces for you and your guests. More spaces might be available on the day, but this isn’t guaranteed. Additional free parking can be found in the surrounding area. Guests are welcome to leave their cars overnight in our car park, but we do ask that cars are removed the following morning by 9.30am. We would advised that any valuables or personal belongings are removed from vehicles as we cannot take any responsibility for any missing articles. Vehicles are left at the owner’s risk.
Q. Is confetti permitted?
A. We will provide the confetti for you on your wedding day which is special, bio-degradable confetti that is suitable for our gardens. Confetti is for external use only.
Q. Is there a cash point on site?
A. At present there is no cash point located on site, and we do not offer cash-back facilities. The nearest cash point is approximately a 5 minute drive away.
Q. When can we collect belongings left over from the wedding?
A. Everything must be collected by 10am the next morning. The Italian Villa is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays unless a wedding is taking place so please check with your event manager. We would recommend that you always remove any personal or valuable possessions at the end of the evening as The Italian Villa cannot take responsibility for any missing or damages items.
Q. Are candles and tea-lights allowed at the venue?
A. Real candles are permitted in the Medici Suite on your tables during the meal/ wedding breakfast. All candles need to be placed in safe, suitable tea-light holders. We do ask any candles in the Verona Suite or Siena Suite are LED.
Q. Can we have a wedding breakfast menu tasting?
A. Yes, if you are holding your reception with us you will be offered a complimentary menu tasting for 2 people. We are unable to offer tastings for BBQ and buffet menus, Your tasting will include 2 starters, 2 main courses and 2 desserts. Ingredients are subject to seasonality. Upgraded dishes will incur a charge if selected. Tastings typically take place during our quieter period of November, January and February time. Tastings take place during the evening weekdays and weekends where possible although these are not always guaranteed and down to the venues availability.
Q. How many guests can be seated around each table?
A. We have 2 sizes of round tables available. Our 6ft tables seat 8-10 people and our 5’6 tables seat 6-8 people. Top tables vary in shape and size and can seat between 6-10 people. Your top table can be positioned either end of the Medici Suite. Round tables can also be used as your top table.
Q. Do you supply highchairs?
A. We have 4 highchairs that can be used
Q. Can we devise our own catering packages?
A. Yes, bespoke packages can be designed based upon your requirements – this will be priced accordingly. The prices will be no lower than the quoted brochure prices based upon the time of the year and day of the week you are considering.
Q. Can we have option for our guests on the wedding breakfast?
A. Yes you can opt to have three choices for each course for your guests to select from (including a vegetarian/vegan option), however, there will be a supplement of £5 per person. Choices will need to be selected at least 2 weeks before the wedding day and the personal choices must be clearly marked on the table plan (a template can be provided). Choices cannot be offered on the day.
Q. When do you need to have final numbers and receive the final table plan?
A. We will require final numbers one month before the wedding, and the table plan two weeks before the wedding.
Q. Can we supply our own alcohol during the evening?
A. Clients are not permitted to bring their own drinks for the evening reception as there is a fully licensed pay bar in the Siena Suite (please see drinks information for corkage charges for drinks reception and wedding breakfast).
Q. Is the bar open all day?
A. Yes, the bar will be open one hour before your ceremony and then throughout the rest of your day.
Q. Is the venue child friendly?
A. Absolutely. We welcome all child guests with pleasure but ask that, if you have 10 or more attending, you hire a crèche or designated childcare.