10 Top Tips for Your Dream Manor House Wedding
Wedding Tips
Planning your wedding is an extraordinary journey, filled with anticipation, love, and joy. At Oakley Hall Hotel, we understand that every couple dreams of a perfect day, and our stunning Georgian manor, nestled in the heart of Hampshire, provides an idyllic setting for such an occasion. With its timeless elegance and picturesque grounds, Oakley Hall is the ultimate backdrop for an unforgettable wedding. To help make your special day flawless, we’ve curated ten top tips to ensure your manor house wedding is as enchanting as you’ve always imagined.
1. Begin Planning Early: Secure Your Vision
After the initial excitement of the engagement, start gathering inspiration for your wedding. Creating a vision board on platforms like Pinterest can help solidify your ideas, from the season you want to tie the knot to colour schemes and themes that match your style. Early planning is key to securing your preferred dates, venue, and suppliers, so be proactive to ensure your day reflects your unique love story.
2. Define Your Budget: Focus on What Matters
Establishing a clear budget is crucial. From an intimate gathering to a grand celebration, a well-planned budget ensures you allocate your resources where they matter most—whether that’s on lavish floral arrangements, exquisite cuisine, or bespoke decor. At Oakley Hall, we offer flexible wedding packages that cater to a range of styles and budgets, making it easy for you to design the wedding of your dreams without compromise.
3. Handpick Your Bridal Party: Choose Your Inner Circle
Your bridal party will be with you every step of the way, offering support and sharing in the joy. Choose those closest to you—friends and family who will ease the stress and make the planning process enjoyable. Their roles are pivotal, not just on the day, but in helping you navigate the build-up to your wedding with excitement and ease.
4. Set Your Date: Timing Is Everything
Once you have your heart set on your manor house wedding venue, it’s important to lock in a date that fits your vision. Keep in mind that different seasons offer unique beauty—from the blossoming gardens in spring to the warm glow of autumn leaves. Additionally, weekdays or off-peak seasons can often be more cost-effective without sacrificing any of the magic.
5. Find the Perfect Venue: Embrace the Elegance
Your venue is the canvas on which your wedding is painted. Oakley Hall’s blend of history and charm, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, provides everything you need for your perfect day. Our 315 acres of stunning gardens and countryside offer limitless possibilities for photos and outdoor ceremonies, while our exquisite function rooms offer timeless elegance for your reception. With accommodation on-site, your guests can enjoy the full experience without the need to travel far.
The Whitchurch Suite at Oakley Hall is the perfect setup for a bridal/groom party to enjoy those final moments before walking down the aisle. With drinks fridge, menu to order nibbles and Sonos speakers – the bride, groom and their party can relax (as much as they can!) and enjoy the moments of preparation and getting ready.
6. Choose Trustworthy Suppliers: Let the Experts Shine
A successful wedding relies on a team of trusted suppliers. Many venues, including Oakley Hall, offer a list of preferred suppliers, carefully selected for their high standards and experience. From florists to DJs, choosing recommended vendors can ease the decision-making process and ensure every aspect of your day is in capable hands.
7. Capture the Magic: Hire the Perfect Photographer
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, so investing in an exceptional photographer and videographer is essential. We always invite photographers to Oakley Hall prior to the wedding day to take a look around the grounds and the interior of the house, especially those who haven’t shot here before. It’s a great way for them to investigate lighting, angles and the perfect setting for exterior shots. They will capture those fleeting moments—of laughter, tears, and joy—that you will cherish forever. At Oakley Hall, the enchanting backdrop of the manor house and stunning Hampshire grounds will ensure your wedding photos are nothing short of breathtaking.
8. Prepare for All Weather: Have a Backup Plan
While a summer wedding in Hampshire is often blessed with sunshine, the unpredictability of English weather means it’s always wise to have a contingency plan. Oakley Hall offers beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces, but rest assured, our indoor spaces are equally stunning, providing a seamless alternative if needed.
9. Ask for What You Want: Tailor Your Day
Your wedding is a celebration of your love story, so don’t hesitate to ask for personal touches that make the day uniquely yours. Our experienced wedding coordinators at Oakley Hall are dedicated to making your dreams a reality—whether that’s a memorable cocktail, a unique menu request, or a specific décor idea. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to bring your vision to life.
10. Relax and Enjoy: Cherish Every Moment
In the whirlwind of wedding planning, it’s easy to forget the most important thing—enjoying the process. Take time to relax before the big day. Whether it’s a serene walk through Oakley Hall’s gardens or indulging in an Afternoon Tea treat with your bridal party, rest assured you will feel refreshed and ready for your big day. Trust in your planning and the expertise of our team, and focus on what matters most: celebrating your love with the people who mean the world to you.
At Oakley Hall Hotel, we believe that every wedding should be as unique and beautiful as the couple it celebrates. From the grandeur of our Hampshire manor house to our bespoke wedding services, we are here to create the perfect backdrop for your love story. For more information or to discuss your wedding plans, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We look forward to making your dream day a reality.