We all know Oxford Street is the perfect destination for all things bridal fashion, but did you know it was the perfect destination for all your wedding needs, from flowers to venues? Here’s everything you need to complete your to-do list.
Wedding fashion
Gone are the days when you needed to spend a fortune in bespoke bridal boutiques to look incredible as you walked down the aisle. So many high street stores now offer their own wedding lines for both men and women, you’re spoiled for choice. At the likes of Reiss, John Lewis, Next and Moss, you can find beautiful wedding dresses and groom suits for as little as £150. Here are some of our favourite styles to give you an idea.
Venues
Now we have the bridal fashion out of the way, let’s look at the perfect venues to say your ‘I do’s. You can’t beat a classic city wedding at one of London’s most iconic hotels, and of those there are a few on Oxford Street. The Grade II listed Courthouse Hotel used to be a Magistrates Court and has played host to the likes of Mick Jagger, John Lennon and Oscar Wilde. All of these offer wedding packages for your breakfasts and parties so do get in touch. The London Marriott Park Lane offers an intimate location for smaller weddings by Hyde Park and Marble Arch. In the heart of Soho, The Sanderson has a variety of spaces depending on what vibe you’re after, from the elegant all-white Gallery to the more clubby Billiard Room. The Treehouse is a more modern option with breathtaking views of London. For something classically London, try The Edition or The Langham.
Wedding picture locations
On your way to your wedding reception, why not stop at one of Oxford Street’s stunning parks for some unique pictures? Brown Hart Gardens, with its peaceful Grade II listed terrace and water feature is London’s best kept secret garden. Grosvenor Square in Mayfair is a classically-landscaped garden and was one of the first of its kind in London when it was unveiled in the 1720s. Soho Square has colourful floral displays as well as manicured grass, benches, and a charming faux market cross building dating back to 1926. Then of course, you have the world-renowned Hyde Park.
Catering
For food, here again, you’re spoiled for choice. Many restaurants on Oxford Street have the capacity to cater for your private wedding, or you can choose to hire a private room and have your meal there. There are many different cuisines to choose from, but here is the tip of the iceberg: Aqua Kyoto for authentic and modern Japanese sharing dishes, The Restaurant at The Sanderson for modern British fare, LAVO for modem Italian cuisine, The Corner Restaurant for fresh European fare, and for that sweet treat at the end of the night, you can’t beat a tray of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Flowers
You can easily blow the budget on wedding flowers if you go with specialised florists. However, if you order with the likes of M&S, John Lewis or Selfridges, you might be able to save a decent amount. You’ll have to get in touch with them for larger orders, but here are some beautiful bridal bouquets you can order straight from the sites, to give you an idea.
Gift lists
Gift lists might not be so traditional anymore, but they’re very handy if you think money is a bit too impersonal a gift, or would like something physical to remember your big day. Department stores are the way to go here, with Selfridges and John Lewis both offering gift registries that your guests will be able to shop from easily.
Hen and stag dos
Before the wedding, there is of course the night to celebrate the end of singledom: the hen and stag do of course. You don’t have to travel abroad to have a great time, and by having it on Oxford Street, you’re guaranteed maximum attendance. We have two great options for you. Boom Battle Bar offers a host of games you’ll enjoy, including virtual axe throwing and darts, shuffle board and beer or prosecco pong. If it’s singing you love, they also do great karaoke sessions. At Swingers, it’s all about crazy golf, but not as you know it. It mimics a 1920s British seaside town and has three different courses, five cocktail bars, four street vendors and a rooftop terrace.