Events

Weddings

What are the capacity limits and space configurations for different event types at BMA House?

The Great Hall accommodates up to 294 theatre style or 160 cabaret, while the Garden and Garden Room combination supports maximum 90 guests for summer parties. For weddings, the Prince's Room, Snow Room, Garden and Garden Room with Courtyard can host up to 50 guests at £6,600 venue hire. The Courtyard alone handles up to 320 guests and is often hired with indoor spaces.

What are the exact costs for wedding packages and what's included?

Wedding venue hire costs £6,600 for spaces including Prince's Room, Snow Room, Garden, Garden Room and Courtyard (14:00-23:30 with earlier supplier access). The Lavender Package is £170 per person including two prosecco glasses, four canapes, three-course wedding breakfast with wine and water, prosecco toast, evening food truck, and bar access. Minimum 40 guests required.

Can I bring external caterers or use my own suppliers?

External catering is not permitted due to exclusive contracts with in-house caterers. One venue manager specifically stated they are "unable to allow external catering due to our exclusive contract with our caterers." All food and beverage must be provided through BMA House's catering team.

What are the minimum spend requirements and how do they vary by event type?

Minimum catering spends vary significantly: £250+VAT for small meetings, £3,500+VAT for larger events, and £90 per person for dinner packages with 40-person minimums. Day Delegate Rates start at £90-95 per person with minimum numbers typically 70-120 depending on the package and space.

What are the specific timing restrictions for garden and outdoor events?

The Garden closes at 22:00 but events can continue in the Garden Room until 23:00. Garden and Garden Room bookings are restricted to 6:30pm-11pm time slots. The venue cannot book outdoor spaces only - they must be combined with indoor room hire.

How far in advance do I need to confirm my booking and what happens if I don't respond?

Enquiries expire in the venue's system if not confirmed by specific deadlines, typically 10-30 days from initial quote. One example showed "Please let me know if you are interested in booking by the 25th June, after this time your enquiry will expire in our system." Response times for initial enquiries are 1-2 days due to high demand.

What audio-visual equipment and technical support is included with room hire?

Most rooms include data projector, screen, PA system with up to 3 microphones, flipchart, and technical support for setup. The Great Hall offers extensive AV including 4K projector, 24-channel mixing desk, up to 9 microphones, staging, lighting, and full-day technical support. Events requiring heavy AV or more than 4 lapel mics need a second technician at £450+VAT per day.

Are there accessibility limitations I should know about?

The 3rd floor is wheelchair accessible but requires use of a wheelchair lift once on the floor to access rooms like the Bevan Suite. The wheelchair lift has weight limits that are sometimes unsuitable for electric wheelchairs, so details of any wheelchair users must be provided in advance for assessment.

What are the pricing differences between room hire options and what's the cost breakdown?

Room hire varies significantly: Tudor Hart Room £660+VAT, Anderson Room for 22 boardroom style, Bevan Suite £1,650+VAT half-day, Great Hall £5,520+VAT. Additional spaces like Snow Room cost £2,700+VAT. Prices often include basic AV equipment but additional technical support may incur extra charges.

What catering packages are available and what do they include?

Fine dining packages start at £90-96 per person including prosecco, three courses, wine and water. Day Delegate Rates at £90-95 per person include room hire, arrival refreshments, mid-morning breaks, two-course lunch, afternoon refreshments, and basic AV. Summer party packages and bowl food options are available with separate pricing structures.