Hello! I’m Julia, a wedding planner at Heritage Venues. With extensive experience in arranging beautiful weddings that involve church ceremonies, I understand the unique joys and challenges that come with planning a wedding day that begins in a church and concludes at a stunning venue like Lillibrooke or Stanlake Park. Here are some essential tips to help you create a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Getting Ready Onsite


The preparation spaces at both Lillibrooke and Stanlake Park are available for you to use on the morning of your wedding when having a church ceremony. Make the most of the facilities and beautiful grounds of your chosen venue. Soak in the excitement of the day in a stunning environment, and with the gorgeous gardens at both locations, you’ll have ample opportunities for beautiful pre-ceremony photos that truly capture the essence of your special day. Getting ready onsite also gives you the chance to oversee some of the setup activities and enjoy the buzz being created for your big day. Be sure to research journey times to the church and coordinate with your hair and makeup team to ensure your arrival times work seamlessly with your ceremony schedule.
Timings Matter

It’s important to remember that church ceremonies are typically longer than onsite ones. When you factor in travel time for you and your guests, along with photography sessions, your arrival at the reception venue could be pushed back. I recommend working backward from your desired arrival time at Lillibrooke or Stanlake Park to select the perfect ceremony time. This planning will ensure you have ample time to enjoy the afternoon and evening festivities.
Confetti Considerations

Decide on your confetti moment. You can choose to have confetti thrown either at the church or upon arrival at the venue. If you prefer to get to the venue quickly, consider doing this at your arrival. However, keep in mind that some churches may have restrictions, so it’s worth checking in advance.


Prepare for the Weather
At Lillibrooke or Stanlake Park, there will be a wet or cold weather plan for your arrival, and with the drinks reception already set up for guest arrival, you can ensure a smooth transition for your guests, no matter the weather.
Utilize Your Flowers

If you’re incorporating flowers at the church, think about how you can reuse them at your reception venue. Make sure to arrange for the flowers to be transported to Lillibrooke or Stanlake Park, so they can enhance the décor on tables or in entrance areas, maximizing your floral budget.
Plan Guest Transport

With offsite ceremonies you may want to think about getting a bus to transport guests to and from the church. Some couples choose to have guests arrive at the reception venue first and then provide a bus or coach to take them to the church, ensuring that cars are already at the venue. Alternatively, you can arrange transport solely for after the ceremony to bring everyone back to the reception. If the journey is longer, consider providing refreshments or entertainment during the transition.
Accommodation Logistics
If you plan to stay at your venue the night of the wedding, ensure that you have a plan for transporting your belongings there. Designate a trusted family member in advance to handle this task, and have a packed bag ready to avoid any last-minute stress.
Venue Set-Up Considerations

If you are getting married offsite then you may not be getting ready onsite at the venue in the morning, if you are not able to set up the day before then you may need to book suppliers to set up all the decoration for you. Make sure to check staff set up times and supplier access times to make sure you have enough time in the morning if you are using family to help. If you are getting ready onsite it is still essential to check timings as you may need to leave for the church before you have time to set up meaning you’ll need to factor suppliers into your budget.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can plan a beautiful and memorable church wedding followed by a reception at Lillibrooke or Stanlake Park. Each step brings you closer to your dream day, where love and celebration come together in perfect harmony. Happy planning!
Warm regards,
Julia, Wedding Planner, Heritage Venues
Gallery from Stanlake Park and Lillibrooke Manor Weddings;