Archive for the The Latest At Smiths Category

Gretna Green coming to a small screen near you…

Monday, August 15th, 2016

We’ve got some exciting news to share….and on a Monday to boot! Time to launch the countdown for #WeddingTown on Channel 4!

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Think back to last summer when we had a film crew here at Smiths Hotel and our sister site Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop collecting footage following different weddings, blessings and vow renewals taking place across Gretna Green including the special ambience and tales ….well fast forward to August 2016 and we’re only 7 days away from the very first episode of #WeddingTown!

Definitely feeling real now…. don’t forget to keep an eye on our Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop Facebook page where we’ll be sharing updates and more as Gretna Green arrives on the small screen!

Join us in one week as Wedding Town shines a spotlight on Gretna Green, one of the world’s most famous wedding destinations, on Channel 4 starting at 14.40 (2.40 pm)! We’ll get the popcorn ready…

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Smiths Hotel’s Reception Makeover

Friday, July 15th, 2016

You may have noticed a few weeks back that we hinted at some changes coming to the reception area in Smiths at Gretna Green hotel. We’d asked for feedback and a few of you had mentioned that our reception area was needing a bit of TLC …. we’ve listened and for the past few weeks have been very busy bees freshening up the Smiths reception to welcome our fabulous guests to a trendy, stylish and fresh space – the perfect welcome!

Looking for the perfect reason to come visit Smiths hotel? We’ve got it – definitely time to come see the BRAND NEW reception for yourself! We’ve changed the wallpaper, added in a few fabulous lights and added in some stylish furniture which ties everything together! We’ve got a few photos and collages on the way as the finishing touches…

We might be slightly biased but we’re so pleased with how the Smiths reception makeover has turned out. Just be careful with the couch – it’s so comfortable once you sit down, you may not get back up! 🙂

Let us know your thoughts!

 

The new look of Smiths at Gretna Green's reception

The new look of Smiths at Gretna Green’s reception

 

 

 

 

 

A little bit of TLC at Smiths Hotel…

Thursday, May 5th, 2016

Exciting news here at Smiths Hotel – changes are afoot!

We’re always striving to keep everything tip top shape and we’ve been busy working on areas throughout the hotel ensuring things are in full working order as we head into the summer season. (Yes we are being optimistic – we will get a warm, sunny summer this year!)

You’ve mentioned a few things needed some TLC and we’ve listened….

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18 of our rooms are undergoing refurbishment to freshen them up and get them to their very best! Plans for our reception area just getting underway – if you’ve visited us recently, you may have noticed us busily working away! AND we’ve started changing the windows in our rooms facing the motorway (10 rooms so far) replacing them with triple -pane windows (the same style as you’d find in hotels next to an airport) to help minimise noise from the motorway as much as possible…

We’re very excited to see these changes come to fruition…stay tuned to our Smiths Facebook page for the very latest as the refurbishments come together!

Introducing the winners of our Blacksmiths Wedding Package

Tuesday, April 5th, 2016

You may remember a wee way back that we held a competition through Smiths hotel for one lucky couple to win a Blacksmiths Wedding package … fast forward 2 years and we recently welcomed our lucky winners to Gretna Green for their big day!

Lara and her hubby-to-be arrived with us just before their big day on the 25th March. The competition winners had chosen to make their day in Gretna Green even more special with a few extra special touches, electing to have a piper for their ceremony at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, welcoming their guests to their wedding breakfast in Smiths at Gretna Green with arrival drinks and a stunning 3 course meal then dancing the night away with a disco.

Mr and Mrs Templeton 25.03.16(3) Mr and Mrs Templeton 25.03.16(2) Mr and Mrs Templeton 25.03.16

Lara says, “We were over the moon winning the competition. The day was absolutely brilliant the service in the blacksmiths shop was so personal and you were made to feel so special. Our stay at Smiths was lovely we were in the Rose suite and it was beautiful. All in all we had an amazing wedding day and one we will remember for the rest of our lives.x”

The new Mr and Mrs Templeton are already planning a visit back up to the Famous Blacksmiths Shop to leave a lovelock on the wall of Love…

Congratulations to the happy couple – we’re honoured to have been part of your special day! All the best as you start off on your new adventure!

 

Easter Dinner Ideas? Come for Easter Sunday Brunch at Smiths!

Tuesday, March 15th, 2016

It’s that time of year again….Easter is just around the corner! It’s been a very busy few weeks here at Smiths at Gretna Green hotel – we’ve gone from Valentine’s Day to Mother’s Day to Easter weekend all in 7 weeks!

Our talented chefs here at Smiths Hotel have been working their magic again….and without further ado, we’re excited to present this year’s very special Easter menu! This delicious homecooked Sunday lunch has something for everyone whether you’re a lighter eater and would just like a main/starter or are treating yourself to the scumptious offering of the 3 course menu! Why not start with savoury soup of the day or perhaps prawns are more your style? Choose your favourite roast….don’t forget to tuck into the parsnips, roast tatties and gravy! Still got room for dessert? Profiteroles are always a hit! Not to be missed – the cheese plate! Perfect way to wrap up a delicious Sunday outing to Smiths!

We would recommend booking a table if you’re planning on joining us here at Smiths Hotel on Easter Sunday – it can be very busy with tables in high demand! Simply give us a quick call on 01461 337007 and we’ll gladly get your table sorted for you!

Our Easter Sunday menu is available 27th Marchmain course £13, 2 courses for £16 or the full 3 courses for £19. Bringing the wee ones with you? Children’s portions are available too – main course £6.50, 2 courses £8.00 or £10.50 for 3 courses if your youngster is keeping up with Mum or Dad!

Whether’s it’s Easter brunch, lunch or dinner we can’t wait to welcome you for a very hoppy….err happy…Easter!

 

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6 Ways To Plan 20 Guest wedding for £2000!

Tuesday, July 21st, 2015

DSCN1769 Recently engaged and starting to plan your wedding? Congrats….that’s fab news!

We wanted to give you a wee bit of a hand to get your wedding planning underway…..so we’ve put together a few pointers from our wedding team on how to plan your perfect big day…..including 20 guests……..all for under £2000!

Here’s 6 pointers to get you started….

1. Have you considered getting married during the week?! Not only are your legal fees less, venue and packages prices are reduced too….. in fact, our Gretna Green weekday offers reduce prices by 25% making them even better value if you’re flexible with dates – this may be even more other places! Accommodation is also likely to be less expensive (and may even be included such as in our Smiths Hotel Late Date package) – a benefit which will be appreciated by both you and your guests!

2. Speaking of packages, have you considered booking your wedding as a package? These can often be cheaper than booking everything separately as special discounts are often included when booking several things together. Many packages will include a photographer, room hire, and a meal at reduced rates making it less expensive and better value for money.

Here at Gretna Green, our wedding team has designed packages with everything you need for your special day here in Gretna Green with a limited budget in mind including this all-inclusive 20 Guest Package! There are a range of wonderful venues to choose from the Original Marriage Room in the Famous Blacksmiths Shop to the marriage room in Smiths Hotel. These packages accommodate up to 18 guests (plus yourselves) and include your ceremony, photography, arrival drinks (toasting your new status of course!), three course meals, accommodation and much more….each package is slightly different designed to create the perfect day for you! (Why not check our website here for more….)

3. Consider choosing a wedding and reception venue close together between which guests and bridal party can walk…..here the Famous Blacksmiths Shop is itself only a short stroll away from our reception venue, Smiths Hotel, and both are a favourite combination for many of our couples as both are located within the magical village of Gretna Green! A saving on transport too for those on a budget as it would be FREE to get from ceremony to reception…!

4. Feeling creative? Take a look through sites such as Pinterest for inspiration for save the dates, invitations or even name cards for table settings….or check our Facebook page for inspiration for favours, cakes, flowers and more….you may even want to make some of these yourself!

5. Watching your guest list and asking for wedding help rather than wedding gifts can help too….from hair to makeup to decorations and photography there may be somewhere you know with a talent which comes in handy for that big day! Also a great way to come up with other ideas for anything from outfits to flowers to cake and more! Check if these can be worked into a package or perhaps consider them as gifts!

6. Worried about entertainment? You don’t need to have a band or disco…..many hotels will be willing to lend speakers or a music station which you can use on the night…just check in advance that it’s available. Here at Smiths hotel, we’ve got music docks available to borrow for your reception….so bring your favourite tunes from home to keep the celebrations lively and completely unique to the two of you!

Don’t forget – we’re here to help! Stuck on something …. Our wedding team is more than happy to help with suggestions – give them a call on 01461 336001!

Good luck (and congratulations)!

 

Smiths Cocktail Menu

Tuesday, June 16th, 2015

Have you seen the new Smiths Hotel cocktail menu?

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Such a fun design don’t you think? We’ve carefully selected a range of favourites and classics, all served with our signature Smiths twist of course! Only the best cocktails here at Smiths….plus a few wee surprise scattered throughout the menu….have you found them yet?

Perfect for a night out, a catch up with friends, birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers and more, there always something for everyone on the Smiths cocktail menu! We’re quite fond of the idea of relaxing on the patio with one of these fabulous cocktails….next sunny evening! Who can resust them when they look like this??

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Of course we’d love to share the recipes but we can’t give away all our secrets…see if you can figure the magic touch by watching our talented bar staff prepare yours!

Summer’s upon us….why not bring a friend or three and come enjoy one (or two…..) soon!? Don’t forget to share your selfie with us on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram using #gretnagreen1754!

Meet Smiths Hotel’s new Wedding Concierge…

Monday, June 8th, 2015

Holding your wedding with us here at Smiths Hotel or Gretna Green Famous Blacksmith Shop? India, our Wedding Concierge, is ready to meet you and help make sure your Big Day goes off without a hitch!

India-Wedding-Concierge

We’re thrilled to have India back with us again….we caught up with her recently and had a wee chat about her exciting new position!

What will you be doing as Smiths Wedding Concierge? I’ll be looking after the couples on the day, meeting with them the night before to answer any last minute questions and run through their day with them. I’ll also be helping to set rooms with decorations, help get guests together and ready before the ceremony, and see the bride, groom or couple out on their wedding to their ceremony.

Favourite part of your new role? Definitely looking after the brides and grooms – making them feel individual and special and getting to know them the night before to ensure they have a very special wedding day. I want each bride/groom to be comfortable asking any questions they might have….to be a familiar face for them within the wedding team.

What are you most excited about for the summer? Meeting all the couples who will be joining us this summer for their wedding! I will be starting to call couples prior to their arrival at Smiths to establish a connection with each couple, making sure they’re looked after from start to finish and that their Special Day meets all their expectations and hopes!

Make sure to look out for India this summer….she’s looking forward to meeting all our bridal couples! Have you met India? Leave her a message here or on our Facebook page!

What’s On @SmithsHotel

Monday, May 25th, 2015

WhatsOnSmiths Halloween-Disco-2015

Got your calendars ready? We’re just about ready to start the countdown to this year’s fantastic party season! We’re kicking it off with a fabulous themed disco for Halloween before getting into the spirit for Christmas and Hogmanay with a fantastic range of events here at Smiths Hotel! We’ve just received the latest What’s On Guide which features the latest dates and times!

Time to start marking off dates!

HalloweenRocky Horror Tribute Show and Disco Party NightSaturday 31st October! Join us for a spooktacular 3 course meal and a rocking disco from 7 pm until midnight!

Christmas Party Nights – perfect for a celebration with work or a friends! All include a mouth-watering 3 course festive meal and a disco until midnight…

  • James Bond Theme Night – Friday 4th December
  • Gary Barlow Tribute Act – Friday 11th December
  • 70s and 80s Night – Saturday 12th December
  • Winter Wonderland Theme Night – Saturday 19th December

Hogmanay – welcome the bells here at Smiths:

  • New Years Eve – Dinner for 2 – 31st December
  • Smiths New Years First Footing Brunch – from 12noon until 6pm 1st January 2016

Hurry – tickets are limited for these events and booking is essential! Save your table today by giving us a call on 01461 337007! Let the countdown begin!

Planning Your Gretna Green wedding? The notice period’s changed!

Monday, March 2nd, 2015

Happy March! Hands up who’s planning their Gretna Green weddings? There’s been an important change to the requirements!

WHAT’S CHANGED?

As of 1st March 2015, your Marriage Notice form – known as your M10 form – now needs to be submitted a minimum of 28 days in advance….rather than the previous 14 working days. This new period of notice is also for civil partnerships and the issuing of a Certificate of No Impediment (for those looking to marry outwith Scotland, or those looking to enter into a civil partnership with someone living in England or Wales).

SO WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?

As of now, you and your partner need to complete and submit your M10 form between 3 months and 28 days prior to the proposed wedding date. For weddings at Smiths Hotel, Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop or Greens at Gretna Hotel, this is submitted to the registrar in Gretna.

Alongside this form, you will be asked for your birth certificate and a valid passport or ID to prove your nationality. If you’ve been married or in a civil partnership before, you must provide proof of a divorce or dissolution when submitting a new notice. If your partner is deceased, you must provide a copy of their death certificate.

THEN WHAT?

Once you’ve submitted your Marriage Notice, the register office will prepare your Marriage Schedule. This is the document you, your partner, your celebrant and two witnesses sign to make your ceremony legally binding – so you can’t get married without one!

If you’re having a civil ceremony, your registrar will bring the Marriage Schedule but, if you’re having a religious or belief ceremony, you or your partner must collect the document from the register office the week of the big day.

After the wedding, you have three days to hand in the completed Marriage Schedule to the register office. (If you’re jetting off on your honeymoon straight after the wedding, ask a friend or family member to do it for you – you won’t get your marriage certificate otherwise!)

 NEED MORE HELP?

Our wedding team is here to help….give us a call on 01461 336001 and we’ll be more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have!