About Oxford
Oxford, located in the southeast of England, is a beautiful city known for its historic landmarks, fascinating museums, magnificent architecture and a world-class university, the University of Oxford. Did you know that the University of Oxford is over 900 years old? In fact, it is the second oldest university in the world, beaten only by the University of Bologna in Italy.
Oxford is the ideal place to host a rehearsal dinner. The city has a plethora of beautiful modern and historical venues to choose from, so you shouldn’t find it too difficult to find a suitable place to practice your big day! Oxford is also well-connected to other major UK cities by excellent road, rail and bus networks, so your guests from out of town should find it relatively easy to reach your chosen rehearsal dinner venue. In this guide, we will help you plan a fantastic rehearsal dinner that prepares you and your guests for your special day.
Rehearsal Dinner Venues in Oxford
Planning a great rehearsal dinner is no walk in the park. There is a lot of work for you to do and many decisions to make. However, with the help of experienced, trustworthy vendors, such as caterers, entertainers, and mobile bar staff, you’re bound to have a fantastic evening that you will remember for years to come! Who said you have to save all the fun for the wedding day?
- Catering
One of the most important aspects of the rehearsal dinner is the food. However, don’t feel like you need to stick to rigid traditions. Plenty of couples choose to have big buffets instead of sit-down meals. When it comes to the food, the catering option you choose is completely up to you. Thankfully, there are several reputable caterers who would be delighted to provide the food for your rehearsal dinner in Oxfordshire.
- Entertainment
You may decide to hire an entertainer for your rehearsal dinner. While some couples choose to keep the rehearsal dinner low-key, that doesn’t mean you have to! Everyone loves a party, don’t they? There are plenty of talented entertainers for you to choose from in the Oxfordshire area, including live bands, dancers, comedians and more. The options are almost endless!
- Mobile Bar Hire
If you find a great venue, but it either doesn’t provide a bar or the bar doesn’t stock the kind of drinks you want, consider hiring a mobile bar and experienced bartenders. Hiring a mobile bar will mean that your guests have access to a wide selection of delicious concoctions made by talented bartenders who create them with flair! The good news is that there are several mobile bar companies operating in Oxfordshire who would be happy to help.
Rehearsal Dinner Venue Vendors in Oxford
- Lamb Catering
Searching for an Oxfordshire-based caterer to provide your rehearsal dinner guests with scrumptious food? Lamb Catering is available to help! The catering company was established in 1981 and today is one of Oxfordshire’s leading catering companies. So if you’re looking for fine dining, afternoon tea, a BBQ or bowl food, Lamb Catering can do it all.
- Warble Entertainment
Warble Entertainment Agency are on hand to help you find a suitable entertainer for the upcoming rehearsal dinner. So whether you’re looking for something weird and wonderful or cool and classy, the team at Warble Entertainment will help you locate the perfect entertainer. Choose from a variety of entertainers, such as singers, fire dancers, celebrity lookalikes, circus acts, artists, psychics, balloon artists and much more!
- Bar Simple
Bar Simple offers mobile bar hire services in Oxfordshire. The company prides itself on tailoring services to your specific requirements to ensure you have a positive experience. When you enlist the help of Bar Simple, you’re in good hands thanks to the expertise and care taken by the Bar Simple team, who have a wealth of experience in the industry. When you hire a mobile bar from Bar Simple, you get a bar, bar equipment, drinks, ice and trimmings, drinkware and experienced bartenders who will ensure your guests receive tantalising drinks that they won’t be able to get enough of!
Pros and Cons of Rehearsal Dinner Venues in Oxford
Advantages
- Choice
One of the key advantages of hosting your rehearsal dinner in Oxford is the sheer number of venues available to hire. So whether you’re looking for somewhere modern or historical, you’ll find a suitable venue in the city of dreaming spires!
- Bars
Oxford doesn’t have a particularly raucous nightlife scene. Still, the city does have a few unique bars that offer delicious drinks. So if you’ve got enough energy after your rehearsal dinner ends, why not go out for a drink or two with anyone who is up for it?
Disadvantages
- Expense
Hiring a good rehearsal dinner venue in Oxford is going to be pricey. However, it is worth spending a considerable portion of your budget on a great venue as a bad venue equals an underwhelming event!
Famous Locations in Oxford
- The Bear Inn
The Bear Inn’s history started way back in 1242, making it one of the oldest pubs in Oxford. While it may look like a standard old pub from the outside, the Bear Inn is different. Inside, you will find a collection of 4,500 neckties sourced from across the globe! So once you’ve admired all of the neckties, why not have a pint of real ale or order some hearty food?
- The River Cherwell
One of the best ways to see Oxford is on the water. Around Oxford, you will find people offering punting trips along the River Cherwell. You can either navigate the punt yourself or hire someone experienced to do it for you—it’s up to you. On your journey, you’ll gracefully glide past Oxford Botanical Gardens, Christ Church Meadows, and, if you decide to go a little further, the idyllic Oxfordshire countryside. Seeing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks on a punt is one of the best ways to explore stunning Oxford!