Photo (above): Location: Blauwhuis Castle - Photographer: Jo De Rammelaere
Article in collaboration with Blauwhuis Castle
The fully restored Blauwhuis Castle is an oasis of peace and nature in the middle of the West Flemish town of Izegem. Marie explains how she and her team work for your wedding: "You can use the castle entirely according to your wishes—depending on what your day looks like and which rooms you want to use. We always start with a full tour of the castle, after which we explain the quote in person. Open communication and personal guidance are very important to us. We don't want you to have to figure out how to get started on your own – we are happy to assist you every step of the way."
Three locations for your ceremony
Castles often offer unique historical spaces for your ceremony. At Blauwhuis Castle, they offer three locations for celebrations. Marie explains: "The ‘round room’ is the oldest and most impressive room in Blauwhuis Castle. It survived the war and we recently restored it, along with the rest of the castle. It is a beautiful high-ceilinged room, decorated with gold leaf. We also make the chapel available. This beautiful space for your ceremony contains many heritage pieces and paintings. It is an intimate space, more suitable for a smaller group. As a third location for your ceremony at Blauwhuis Castle, we are also happy to make our park available in good weather. This beautiful green outdoor space is perfect for a wedding ceremony with hundreds of guests."
Whichever of the three rooms you choose for your ceremony, Kasteel Blauwhuis will be happy to provide beautiful decorations and appropriate décor. “We provide flowers on the tables, a floral arch for the ceremony, flowers for the chairs... Together we look at which eye-catchers you want; we discuss your wishes with our local florist,” says Marie.
Romantic photo shoot in the park...
Another great advantage of castles? They are often surrounded by beautiful gardens, forests, and water features—perfect for your photo shoots! Blauwhuis Castle and the entire park surrounding it are perfect for taking the most beautiful wedding photos. Marie: “In front of the castle is a large open space with a small pond, and to the left and right of the castle is a wooded area where you can walk through for your photo shoot. It's the ideal setting for your wedding photos, with the castle as a romantic backdrop.”
... or in the golden room
The castle itself also offers numerous suitable spaces with plenty of light for taking your wedding photos. There is the impressive entrance hall and the Flemish room—a completely golden room that is beautifully painted and covered with gold leaf. The charming halls are also definitely an option. Marie smiles: “Your photographer can actually take beautiful photos in any room!”
To the castle by golf cart
At Blauwhuis Castle, your guests can park in the nearby, spacious parking lot. Marie: “From there, guests can walk across our grounds to the castle, or—for an extra special experience—you can provide golf carts or a VIP car service. Your guests will then be picked up at the parking lot and driven past the main entrance, offering an impressive view of the castle. This grand entrance creates a real ‘WOW’ feeling.”
Reception in the garden
Would you like to hold your reception in the garden? That's perfectly possible at Kasteel Blauwhuis, even when it rains! “For receptions in the garden, we set up a tent in the courtyard, between the castle and the coach house. This gives you a beautiful view of both buildings, which you can still use. This way, everything can take place in one space, even for larger groups,” explains Marie.
Party in the coach house and/or castle
Would you like to plan your dinner and party in the coach house or in the castle? Feel free to use both! Marie: "Many people choose to have their ceremony outside, their reception in the castle, dinner upstairs in the coach house, and the dance party downstairs in the coach house, near the bar. By using these different spaces, you can create a truly complete experience for your guests. Another layout is also perfectly possible; anything is possible—depending on your wishes.“ The different spaces are a real asset, according to Marie: ”You can always choose to use one space, but it's very charming to take your guests on a journey of discovery through Blauwhuis Castle and let them discover several places."
Overnight stay in the loft
Marie adds another space, especially for the bride and groom: "After the party, you can spend the night in our loft in the castle, furnished with antique furniture, a modern kitchen, and a bathroom. You can also get ready here before the wedding. There is plenty of room for the hair and makeup artist(s). At the same time, it is also a separate space—a little away from everything, so you can prepare in peace or take a break."
