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Guest Post: Willow & Oak Events share their top tips for planning your destination wedding in England
If you’re drawn to the rolling countryside hills, quaint villages, and old-world romance, England is a truly special place to hold your destination wedding. Its landscape rich with castles, manor homes, and sweeping fields sprinkled with sheep makes it one of the most romantic backdrops around.
Alexis Spooner, an American and one of the co-creators of Willow & Oak Events, knows England well. She married an Englishman and has spent the last few years exploring the country and getting to know its charm and beauty. She now plans and designs fine art weddings across England and throughout Europe.
Today, she’s sharing her top tips for planning your destination wedding in England:
Tips for Planning Your Destination Wedding in England
01. Always think about practicalities first
There are lots of practical details easily overlooked by couples planning a destination wedding in England. Here are some things to keep in mind:
– Do you have family flying in from abroad? If so, make sure to choose a location close to an international airport. Or consider hiring shuttle buses from the city.
– Lots of venues in England are “listed properties,” meaning they have historical importance. Therefore, owners will struggle to build or get planning permission to update the property. Because of this, not all venues will have things such as disabled access or guest quarters to stay in. Keep these things in mind as you search for a venue.
– Some venues also have strict rules about kids or serving red wine, due to pieces of value displayed in the home. So make sure you understand these regulations before signing. Hiring a designer and planner will help ensure you don’t overlook these details.
02. Have a rain plan—this is England, after all!
England is a rainy, rainy place. And while we can hope and pray for a sunny wedding day, it’s always best to have a solid rain plan.
Find a venue with a rain plan that you love as much as thee outdoor plan. If you’re also happy with the rain plan, you’ll feel a whole lot more confident going into your wedding day, knowing it’ll be beautiful no matter the weather!
03. Choose a photographer who understands light
Hire a photographer who knows how to get the shots you love even in the rain. Hiring a photographer who understands light will ensure you get photos you love, in the style you love.
Planners often work with photographers on schedules according to the light to make sure everything—from the details to the portraits—are captured in beautiful light. For a designer, choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you can make!
04. Embrace the English charm
England is known around the world for its charm, so why not include those elements in your wedding day? We are very fortunate in England to work with suppliers who create a fine art, whimsical, yet organic approach to each wedding we design and coordinate.
Another way to embrace the English charm, is by renting out a country home for the whole wedding weekend. Many of our favorite venues in England are available for rent and will even provide a catered breakfast and afternoon tea for you and your guests.
RELATED: Our favorite venues in England
05. Be open to a mid-week wedding
When having a destination wedding, you are fortunate enough to have guests fly in from all over the world to celebrate YOU!
The guests often have to take time off work regardless, so why not think about a mid-week wedding date? In most cases, forgoing prime weekend dates can save you significant money on your venue, leaving room in the budget for other dreamy vendors or extra design elements.
Planning a destination wedding in England and looking for a fine art photographer? Get in touch today to reserve your date!
The sincerest thank you to Alexis of Willow & Oak for sharing these tips for planning a destination wedding in England. Did you find these tips to be helpful? Leave a comment below and let me know!
The images in this post were taken at The Lost Orangery in The Cotswolds, UK.
Check out these other resources for planning your wedding in England:
Venue Tour of The Lost Orangery | Cotswolds Wedding Venue
