After this week’s glittering Golden Globes (hello Lady Gaga in powder blue Valentino!), we’re so ready for awards season. Bring on the red carpet showdowns, side-eye from sore losers and teary, melodramatic acceptance speeches – we’re here for it all.
But while the Oscars might only give you a dose of bridal style inspo and a flurry of memes to send to the group chat with your ‘maids, leave it to the wedding industry’s equivalent set of accolades, also kicking off in the next couple of months, to arm you with the really useful stuff, the glowing recommendations that’ll embolden your big day choices. What could be more reassuring than booking a supplier hundreds of couples have already nominated as the best in the business?
Among others, we’ll be watching out for the UK Wedding Awards, held in March. The competition is fierce, given it’s nationwide, making it all the more impressive that Berwickshire’s own Duns Castle is the only Scottish property out of the 12 finalists to be shortlisted by a panel of judges as the ‘Best Historic Venue’ in Britain. Now, it’s up to a public vote, which closes on 13th February, to decide who’ll come out on top.
“We’re obviously delighted to have made it to the shortlist,” says the castle’s Jonathan Findlay. “Many of the other contenders are revered visitor attractions like Hampton Court Palace (last year’s winner), so every vote will count. We’re appealing to the support of the local community to help us secure the title.”
It’s hardly surprising that Duns has been recognised – its heritage is fascinating and complex, with the oldest part of the house, the Pele Tower, dating back to 1320.
“As the venue approaches its 700th anniversary in 2020, we’d certainly appear to have all the right credentials, not least because it was here that 12,000 Covenanter forces assembled in 1639 to defend Scotland freedom of worship,” Jonathan explains. “Duns was one of the first private homes in the country to open its doors to weddings, including those of footballer Robbie Fowler and, more recently, German actress Caroline Beil.
“Despite our international success, we pride ourselves on being a very affordable, exclusive-use venue and hope to host even more big days in the future.”
To vote for the well deserving castle, head to the news section of the venue’s website, where you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win a five night’s stay for two at the Eden Roc Miami Beach resort (good deeds pay!).
Good luck Duns!