Let us start by being honest – planning a wedding is part romance, part logistics, and part keeping your cool. But if you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels utterly one-of-a-kind stylish, full of soul and talked about for years – we’ve got you covered. Here at Bowcliffe Hall, we know a thing or two about throwing an event with serious flair.
So, here are our top ten tips to help you plan the wedding of the century – with elegance, imagination and celebration.
Before you fall down the rabbit hole of napkin colours and flower types, ask yourself: how do you want your wedding to feel? Dreamy and whimsical? Chic and Sleek? Sophisticated and candlelit? Laid-back and full of laughter? Once you know the mood, the rest becomes easier. And no shade to Pinterest, but it doesn’t know your love story like you do.
A space with character does half the work for you. At Bowcliffe, each space tells its own story – from the sweeping romance of the Ballroom to the sculptural statement of the Blackburn Wing. Choosing a setting that already sparks conversation means you don’t need to over-style or overthink. The backdrop does the talking.
Don’t keep your guests in one place. The most memorable weddings move through spaces like chapters in a story. You could have fizz in the gardens, vows under the trees, cocktails in the Chapel and dinner in the Ballroom. At Bowcliffe, we have the spaces to let your day unfold naturally, with a sense of discovery around every corner.
Food should be part of the celebration, not just something to get through. Work with chefs who understand flavour, fun and finesse. Want a grazing board of Yorkshire favourites? A gelato cart in the sunshine? A tasting menu that gets its own round of applause? At Bowcliffe our event chefs create personalised menus with dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Monogrammed flip flops and bathroom baskets have had their moment. True personalisation is quieter and more powerful. A handwritten note at each place setting. A signature cocktail inspired by your first date. A poem tucked into the order of service. These are the things guests remember.
We’re talking elegant, intentional drama. A surprise gospel choir. A wardrobe change that leaves jaws on the floor. A golden-hour ceremony in the woods. If you want a moment that lives rent-free in people’s memories, go ahead and make one. (We’ll help you time it perfectly.)
Swap traditional favours for something interactive. A scent station where guests create their own fragrance. A postcard wall where they can write you advice for the years ahead. Or even a surprise tasting session between courses. Weddings should spark joy and a little curiosity.
Everyone has an opinion. And while your aunt might mean well when she insists on sugared almonds, your wedding should feel like you. Make decisions that make you smile because after all, it’s your day.
Seasonality makes everything more special. At Bowcliffe, we lean into the beauty of the grounds and the time of year. Bare branches and candlelight in winter. Wildflowers and Champagne in spring. Planning with nature in mind makes the whole experience feel more rooted, more real.
The real magic happens when the people behind the scenes are as invested in your day as you are. At Bowcliffe, our events team doesn’t do cookie-cutter. We work with you to bring your ideas to life, keep things calm and spot the small things that make a big difference. Like making sure your grandma always has a seat, and your glass is always full.
A wedding doesn’t need to be enormous or extravagant, but it does needs to feel personal. With the right setting, the right people and a little imagination, you can throw a celebration that feels unique, joyful and entirely unforgettable.
And if that calls for a winged treehouse, a Georgian ballroom and a planning team with excellent taste? You know where to find us.
