Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can fit into the Medici Suite

The Medici Suite can seat up to 150 for a formal wedding breakfast, or 180 without a straight top table.

Do you have recommended suppliers?

Yes we do, please click here for more details.

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.

Will we meet our Event Manager prior to the day?

We will arrange a meeting with your Event Manager a few days prior to your Wedding. This gives you the opportunity to meet the person who will be taking care of all your personal requirements on the day.

Can wedding couples use Compton Acres Gardens for photos?

You are more than welcome to take advantage of Compton Acres Gardens for your wedding photographs, we kindly ask you to respect that the gardens are still open to the public.

Part of The Italian Garden is yours for the day, upgrade to exclusive use for an additional fee.

Do we need to book a Registrar?

If you plan to have your legal ceremony at The Italian Villa, please check the availability and book with BCP council.
Tel: 01202 123 232
Payment for this is paid directly to the registrar.

Are candles allowed at the venue?

Real candles are welcome on the tables in the Medici Suite. All candles need to be placed in safe, suitable holders. Candles in the Verona Suite and Siena Suite must be LED.

Is confetti permitted?

We will provide fresh rose petal confetti for you on your wedding day.

Confetti is for external use only.

If you would like to provide your own confetti, we allow fresh or dried petals. Please confirm this with our Event Coordinators in advance.

When do you require final guest numbers, seating plan and other event details?

1 month prior

How many guests can fit into the Medici Suite

The Medici Suite can seat up to 180 guests on round tables for formal dining. 

Do you have recommended suppliers?

Yes we do, please click here for more details.

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.

Will we meet our Event Manager prior to the day?

We can organise a meeting with your Event Manager on the morning of the event, or the day before if requested. 

When do you require final guest numbers, seating plan and other event details?

2 weeks prior

For our wedding, can we have a menu tasting?

If you are holding your wedding breakfast with us, you will be offered a complimentary menu tasting for 2 people. Your tasting will take place on a pre-booked date alongside other couples who will also be sampling their chosen menus. Full-sized portions will be served in the same style you can expect on your wedding day, allowing you to experience both the presentation and quality of the dishes. Ingredients are subject to seasonality, and upgraded dishes may incur an additional charge if selected. Please note, we are unable to offer tastings for canapés and buffet menus.

Tastings typically take place during our quieter periods in November, January, and February, during weekday evenings and weekends where possible. However, these dates are not always guaranteed and are subject to the venue’s availability.

Can we have external caterers?

We are not a dry hire venue. All catering must be provided by The Italian Villa’s catering team. 

Bespoke menus available upon request. 

Can we devise our own catering packages?

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.

Is the bar open all day?

Weddings: The bar will be open 45 minutes before your ceremony through till 11:30pm.

Events: The bar will be open for the duration of your hire period. 

Do you have accommodation onsite?

We have a 3 bedroom house available to book, this is located within Compton Acres Gardens.

There are also plenty of hotels and holiday homes in the local area, please click here for more details.

Do you have a PA and music system?

We have a PA system in all three suites. You can play your own music, or use the playlists provided by The Italian Villa.

Please speak to your Event Coordinator for more information about how to connect your device as this may vary depending on the location and device used.

When can we collect our belongings left over from the event?

Everything must be collected by 10am the next morning.

The Italian Villa is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays unless an event is taking place, so please check with your Event Manager. We recommend removing any personal or valuable possessions at the end of the evening as The Italian Villa cannot take responsibility for any missing or damaged items.

How many guests can be seated around each table?

We have 2 sizes of round tables available. Our 6ft tables seat 8-10 people and our 5ft 6in tables seat 6-8 people. Top tables vary in shape and size and can seat between 2-10 people. Round tables can also be used as your top table.

Do you supply highchairs?

We have 4 highchairs available at the venue.

Is the venue accessible?

The venue is fully accessible with a lift to all 3 floors. There is a disabled toilet and accessible route around Compton Acres Gardens.

Please make your coordinator aware of any guests with accessibility requirements.

What time do we have access to the venue? 

Weddings: You will have access from 9am on the morning of your wedding to decorate the venue. Guests will have access from 45 minute before your ceremony time.

Events: You will have access upto 1 hour prior to your guest arrival.

Please speak to your Event Coordinator if Suppliers need access any earlier.

Is there parking at Compton Acres?

There will be 30 complimentary parking spaces reserved for you and your guests. Additional free parking can be found in the surrounding area. Guests can leave their cars overnight in the car park, but we do ask that vehicles are removed by 9.30am the following morning.

We would advise that any valuables or personal belongings are removed from vehicles as we cannot take any responsibility for any missing items. Vehicles are left at the owner’s risk.

Events starting after 5pm can take advantage of Compton Acres additional parking spaces, providing capacity for up to 100 vehicles.

What time do the gardens close?

Compton Acres Gardens close at 5pm in the Summer and 4pm in the Winter.

The Italian Gardens remain open until half an hour prior to sunset.