After the build up to your big day and a night of celebrating with your loved ones, it is important to relax and let it all soak in! What better way to do that than a trip to the spa? Moddershall Oaks is not only a fantastic wedding venue, but also an incredible spa, in a beautiful location: a perfect way to wind down after months of planning and preparations – you deserve it!
Emma, Events Reservation Manager, takes us through the details of what makes their venue special!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have worked at Moddershall Oaks for nearly three years and have loved every second! Before this, I worked at a venue dressing company, so I have experience on both the venue and supplier side of the wedding industry! I’m lucky to live very close to Moddershall and enjoy walking the beautiful Staffordshire countryside with my partner Joe and dog Perry!
What drew you to the wedding world?
That’s easy! What’s not to love about the wedding world? The dress, the flowers, the décor! I have a very creative, crafty side so I enjoy seeing all those elements come together. But I’m also very meticulous and organised and I love a spreadsheet, so that also helps with planning and making sure everything runs smoothly. Being part of a wedding and helping to bring the day together is very special and something I am very honoured to be trusted with. Seeing the couples faces when they walk back up the aisle is the best part of the job!
What do you think makes Moddershall Oaks unique?
I think as a venue we are lucky to have some really unique aspects, including our boutique spa (perfect for your after wedding relaxation!) and the fact that we can offer outdoor ceremonies by our lake – the most beautiful, peaceful, romantic place for your ceremony! But what really makes Moddershall Oaks different, is most definitely those we choose to be part of our team. Our company aim is to ‘be the best at everything we do by employing great people who make Moddershall Oaks a special place to be’ and that means our team members are passionate about their jobs, and will go above and beyond to make our customers’ experiences with us memorable.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Getting to know our couples really just comes naturally, from the initial show round, to discussing ideas at Open Days, the food tasting, the final planning meeting and all of the email and phone calls in between – by the time the wedding date comes around we’re like part of the family! And that makes our job that much more special.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
I think the perfect wedding for me is simple. Good food, good company and good entertainment, with a few personal touches thrown in. Plus, an experienced venue team who will make sure the day goes without a hitch!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Moddershall Oaks?
We once had a couple who loved their winter sports and used that as the theme for their day. Their stationery had little mountains on it, their cake depicted a mountain with little skiers zooming down the side, but best of all, they had a snowboard simulator set up in the garden! What a way to make your wedding memorable!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
To take it easy and don’t stress about all the things you have to do to plan a wedding. Have an action plan or a checklist that you can work through step by step. It can be overwhelming to begin with, but when it’s broken down you can enjoy the process and build up so much more!
Why should a couple book Moddershall Oaks?
Because we’re all about you! Whatever your idea, we are flexible to make it happen. Whether you want a big wedding or an intimate wedding, that’s fine by us. Maybe you want an amazing bespoke Italian themed menu? Then our chefs will create one for you. You want some weird and wonderful entertainment? Owls to fly down the aisle and deliver your rings? Go for it. We don’t like rules, so we don’t make many. But what we will do is our utmost to ensure your day and the time leading up to it is as enjoyable as possible and something you will treasure for the rest of your lives!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The colleagues I work with and seeing them work together to create and deliver something special to our couples. The Moddershall Oaks family is something I am very proud to be part of.
What’s the best photo spot at Moddershall Oaks?
Tricky one! The jetty on the lake is the most obvious choice, but I think I would choose the little benches nestled in the woodland. They look like something you would find in a secret garden, and because the woodland is rarely used it’s so raw and natural. The photos I see of couples here always look so enchanting and magical.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology is a great thing and it means researching venues and suppliers got a whole lot easier over the past few years. But don’t underestimate the power and reliability of word of mouth. There is nothing more reassuring you are making the right decision than the recommendation from a friend or relative!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Firstly, I am sorry that your special day has been affected by Covid-19. It’s a really tough and scary time for the wedding industry as a whole. All we can really do right now is our best to work together to find the best solution for all parties. We all have to be patient with one another and understand that each and every couple/supplier/venue have their own unique circumstances and all will be making compromises to try and get through this. Know that even if your date has been postponed, it will still be the most magical day, albeit a little later than planned!
Read Bridebook’s advice on dealing with your wedding plans amidst coronavirus.
What do you love about Bridebook?
The tools on the Bridebook app are so handy and really guide you step by step with your wedding planning, for example the checklist tool! This is the perfect way to manage all the ideas in your head and tick things off, stress free!
Check out Moddershall Oaks on Bridebook!