A Day in the Life of our Wedding Co-ordinator

Meet Sophie. Local girl, newlywed and multi-tasker extraordinaire Sophie has been working with brides and grooms to co-ordinate the weddings of their dreams at Doxford Hall for the last 6 years. Over the years, she’s seen it all – from the traditional white weddings to the rocky horror themed and everything else in between – and each and every one unique and memorable.

So, what exactly is Sophie’s role in these weddings?

Well, firstly I’m not a wedding planner and I think it’s very important not to cross into that territory. Secondly, we don’t have ‘one size fits all’ weddings at Doxford Hall and I firmly believe it’s down to each couple to put their own stamp on their special day, although I do enjoy working with them to create their dream wedding by talking through ideas and taking their décor and setting up on the day. Each couple has their own personalities and their own visions of their perfect celebration and it’s crucial to understand these. Essentially my role is to listen to our couples’ plans for the day and work with them and the other departments within the hotel to deliver their requests and visions ensuring that everyone from housekeeping to banqueting is well briefed so that everything is executed to our couples’ wishes. Naturally that may involve giving some suggestions of things that have worked well in the past or areas of the hotel which may lend themselves well to certain parts of the day. And I do have a little black book full of useful contacts who can help with all of the special touches from buttonholes to bridal make up.

In reality no two days are the same. However, there is a fairly hefty level of admin that goes into the role and a typical day would certainly involve some time answering emails and following up calls to discuss weddings that are in the process of being booked in or are already in the planning stages. Everything is entered into our wedding management system and this is fairly crucial as you can imagine! I may also show a couple around the Hall to let them see how they can make our spaces theirs and discuss the packages that would fit their ideas and budget.

There’s also a good chance I may be making the final edits to an advert or a press article, sharing some news on social media or organising an in-house wedding fair for our would-be brides and grooms. We have a wedding open day every 2 months where we invite couples in to view the function suites, take a wander around the grounds, sample some canapes from the menu and generally get a feel for the place. So, there’s always things to arrange to ensure everything is in place to dress the rooms as they might be for a wedding.

Is there a typical couple who decide to marry at Doxford Hall?

No, not at all. The hotel offers such a versatile space that we can cater for huge, extravagant receptions, outdoor ceremonies and smaller, laid back affairs so there’s a broad spectrum of couples for whom the hotel appeals to as well. Young, older, same sex, second or third timers, those renewing their vows, those who want a flamboyant celebration that has been planned for months and months or those who find we have a last minute slot available and just crack on with it! Clearly our range of packages allow for these differences too.

What do you think gives the hotel wow factor?

For me, it’s the grounds. Doxford Hall sits within 10 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland and we also have an amazing yew maze that was planted by local school children. Even if you don’t want to have an outdoor reception it’s great to have this stunning backdrop for some arty wedding photos, grab a quiet moment with your spouse or even get out for some fresh air the following morning when you may be feeling slightly worse for wear! The maze itself is a really quirky feature and has been very popular with weddings where children are invited – you can keep them entertained for hours!

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Getting to really know couples during the months leading up to a wedding. It’s a real privilege to be involved in such an exciting event and what is a key milestone in their lives and it’s great to help guide them to ensure they have the day they want. These ideas and inspirations from all of our brides and grooms is the way in which we maintain a reputation of each wedding hosted at Doxford Hall being unique and special in its own way.

To find out more about weddings at Doxford Hall please contact 01665 567336 or email info@doxfordhall.com