...in the Events Team
Prestonfield is a popular venue for many prestigious events, so this team is always busy
Heading to the events office I collect two things, the previous night's event reports and a very strong coffee. As I log into my PC I can check the reports to see what the guest feedback was and that everything went to plan. It is always a good start to the day if the reports are positive and guests had a wonderful time.
We have clients coming to Prestonfield from around the world so a pile of overnight emails and voicemails soon give me a list of requests to tackle.
For events happening soon it might be changes to seating plans, guest lists, a choice of wines or an unexpected dietary requirement to deal with. Flowers might have to be ordered for a private dinner tomorrow and audio visual equipment checked for a meeting this afternoon.
Clients with events some way in the future will need proposals and estimates from us, details of room capacities and ideas from our Head Chef for food that will make their event perfect.
Gathering this information can be time consuming, but there is always a thrill when a detailed proposal you put to a client becomes a confirmed booking.
Our daily morning meeting gives an opportunity to run through the finest details for the day’s events with my colleagues from the kitchen and front of house. There are always some details to change, even at this late stage, but that is all part of the challenge of making someone's event perfect.
During the day I'll probably have some client meetings. For some it will be an introduction to Prestonfield, clients having their first site visit with a view to holding a wedding or event here – it is always a special moment when you see a bride realise that this is just where she is having her wedding. Other meetings might be to review the detailed planning of an event or to taste a proposed menu with clients and Head Chef – tastings are always a treat!
We are a small team and work from a very busy office overlooking the gardens at Prestonfield. A huge amount of planning can go into events, and getting the tiny details tight is important. We issue very detailed events sheets to brief our colleagues in the other departments so they know exactly what is needed. We could have been gathering information for an event for months, even years, so it is great to see it finally come together with food, wine, flowers, decorations, entertainment and all the little touches such as individual menus and place cards.
With meetings, weddings, private dining bookings for four private rooms and lots of large scale events in our Stables ballroom, we are kept busy and every day is different.
As I'm leaving, I take a last look at the rooms that will be the setting for this evening's events. Candles are lit, glasses are sparkling and fresh flowers are all in place. Soon guests will be arriving to enjoy the Champagne, canapés and menu that have been the subject of much planning. Evening service has begun and I look forward to reading the reports that will be waiting for me in the morning.
