How to Plan a Wedding in Oxfordshire
Venue: Cornwell Manor, Photo: Lucy Davenport
You’re engaged! Your friends and family are thrilled! You’ve even chosen the lush county of Oxfordshire to host your wedding. Here at Venue Crew, we think you made an excellent choice. With a host of historic venues, stunning scenery and an outstanding balance of city and rural charm, you’re in for a treat if you’re planning a wedding in Oxfordshire.
We want to make your wedding planning experience as simple as possible because we’re excited for you. That’s why we’ve put together this article on the five essential steps to planning an unforgettable wedding in Oxfordshire. From early planning ideas to the final details, we’ve got you covered.
Laying the groundwork
Think of your wedding as painting your favourite landscape from memory, you need to relax and have a clear idea of what needs to be done. Talk things through with your partner, there’s plenty to think about — from likes and dislikes to your overall budget.
You could even brainstorm venue ideas. Oxfordshire offers a host of excellent wedding locations including the magnificent Blenheim Palace, the idyllic Kirtlington Park, or a number of locations in the popular Cotswolds area.
Explore your options and research locations that might interest you. This will help inspire your wedding’s style and vision. Don’t forget to draft your guest list too. You don’t want to miss off any of your nearest and dearest.
Places, dates, and times
Getting the essentials locked down is an important step towards smooth sailing. Think about the date you’d both like and look into which venues are available.
Oxfordshire has many outstanding wedding venues, from rustic barns to elegant manor houses. As well as the availability, consider the suitability of the venue for yourself and guests. Is it accessible for guests who may need certain facilities? You could even take advantage of professional venue-finding services to help narrow things down a little.
Found a great venue on the date you wanted? Then it’s time to send out those all-important save-the-dates! This will give your guests plenty of time to plan transport, accommodation, and other essentials to make their trip a great experience.
Let the fun begin!
This is where it starts to get really fun. Remember those wedding day plans you’ve had forever? Now’s the time to put them to use. Start to think about how you’d like your wedding day to be — the atmosphere, the vibe, the look.
Once you have a clear idea, start reaching out to local suppliers who can bring your vision to life. Oxfordshire is blessed with a talented pool of photographers, videographers, musicians, and celebrants specialising in making your wedding magical.
It’s probably a good idea not to forget about good old English weather too. Unpredictable weather means having a contingency plan for outdoor events. Plan smart enough and your special day will be just that, regardless of the elements.
Spoil your guests
Sure, it’s your day — but your guests will ‘make your wedding what it is’. What we mean by this is, the smiling faces of your friends and family, their feet hitting the dancefloor and their support on your big day count for so much, so keeping them happy is paramount.
Take them into account by considering the things that will make their experience better — like catering arrangements, transportation options, and the kind of entertainment they would enjoy.
In Oxfordshire, certain venues are tucked away in the countryside, so it’s essential to provide clear directions and transportation assistance to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your guests.
You could even go the extra mile and showcase the charm of Oxfordshire by recommending local attractions and things they can enjoy during their stay.
Leave no stone unturned
Your wedding day will arrive sooner than you think, so as it draws closer, start locking down the details. Talk to your chosen suppliers and make sure they are aware when they’ll be needed. Run sheets for the day are another great idea. This way, you can have the details of every major part of your day in front of you whenever needed.
Once you know that your plans are etched in stone — it’s time to give yourself a pat on the back and remember — you’ve successfully planned a wedding!
You’ve got this!
A blend of historic elegance, postcard-worthy surroundings and southern hospitality make planning a wedding in Oxfordshire a real pleasure. From picture-perfect venues to helpful local suppliers, Oxfordshire provides a flawless backdrop for your happily ever after.
Following the five steps in this article will serve as an excellent structure to your planning process. So, start dreaming up your ideal wedding day and enjoy the journey of planning it in the beloved county of Oxfordshire.
