Italian Villa announces 'bride and groom go free' as fears grow for a double-dip recession As fears grow that a double-dip recession could grip the country, the management team at the Italian Villa, one of the most elegant and stunning wedding venues in Dorset, has responded by launching a range of 'recession busting' options for the forthcoming autumn/winter season to ensure couples do not scrap plans for a luxury wedding. During the off peak season (October to April)* the bride and groom will be entitled to go free and can also take advantage of substantial discounts for a wedding that takes place during the working week (Monday to Thursday) or during 'out of season' weekends (autumn and winter months, avoiding any major holidays). By getting married in January or February a further 15% discount for the exclusive hire of the Italian Villa will be given.
Set within the beautiful Grade-II listed gardens of Compton Acres, the Italian Villa is an ideal location for those in search of a truly romantic and memorable setting. Combining modern facilities with classic architecture to provide a stylish wedding setting, the Italian Villa has direct access to a spectacular Italian Garden which is complete with authentic statues, an ornamental pond, plants and flowers which fill the garden with colour.

The Villa is the largest venue in Poole to hold civil ceremonies, with permission to host marriages and civil partnerships for 250 people in the Medici suite. The venue also holds a license for ceremonies with up to 120 guests in its Verona suite.

The venue is comprised of three function suites arranged over three floors: The Verona suite for the main ceremony, the Medici suite for the wedding breakfast and downstairs the Siena suite for the evening reception. The Verona suite has the advantage of a balcony that overlooks the Italian garden, and direct access to the garden is available from both the Medici and Siena suites.

Bespoke menus are designed and created by distinguished in-house caterers, Beales Gourmet, one of the fastest growing catering and event management companies on the south coast. Founded by Michelin-star trained chef, Tony Beales, Tony and head chef, Kelvin Mullins, bring a stylish and contemporary approach to catering using fresh seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce. During the special event, front of house manager for Beales Gourmet, James Matthews, will ensure an excellent first-class service is delivered throughout the event. Laura Hart, manager at the Italian Villa, says: "We're pleased to introduce a range of recession busting options for the forthcoming autumn and winter season. The Italian Villa at Compton Acres really does offer a very special setting for a very special day."

For further information about the Italian Villa at Compton Acres please call 01202 816074, email info@the-italian-villa.co.uk or visit www.the-italian-villa.co.uk. -Ends-
Notes to editors
* - Offer does not apply to last 2 weeks in December and Easter weekend

Off-peak prices (October to April)
Mid-week prices
Monday to Thursday: £5,600 inc VAT for 80 guests at £70 per person. Children (under 12) at £20

Weekend prices
Friday to Sunday: £6800 inc VAT for 80 guests at £85 per person. Children (under 12) at £20

January and February bookings - a further 15% discount

What's included:
. Exclusive hire of the Italian Villa and Italian garden from 2pm-midnight
. 1 glass of bucks fizz per guest for the reception drink
. 3-course wedding breakfast with coffee chocolates
. 2 glasses of house wine per guest with meal
. Glass of Prosecco per guest to accompany the toast
. Evening cheese board with nibbles
. Bottle of Champagne for the top table
No charge for the bride and groom