What planning support do we offer?
From the moment you book your wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Your dedicated team will guide, inspire, and support you throughout the planning process, ensuring every milestone feels effortless and exciting.
Below, you’ll find an outline of the key stages in your journey – from your first meeting to your wedding day itself – showing how we bring your vision to life with care, creativity, and confidence.
0ne - Your welcome back meeting
Six to eight weeks post-booking
A few weeks after booking, you’ll be invited back to Sandhole Oak Barn for a relaxed chat we call your “Welcome Back Meeting”. This is where your dream begins to take shape. You’ll meet with your Welcome Team Manager to explore ideas, discuss priorities, and start shaping your story. Afterwards, you’ll be introduced to your Events Team – your trusted partners who’ll guide you every step of the way.
You’ll also gain access to your personalised Booking Portal, bringing together inspiration, timelines, and practical guidance to make planning effortless.
Two - Your Chef's Table Experience
After your Welcome Back Meeting, you’ll be invited to one of our Chef’s Table events. Held seasonally, these relaxed and inspiring tasting experiences bring the artistry of our food and drink to life.
Enjoy beautifully presented dishes and perfectly paired drinks while experiencing the creativity and service that define dining at Old Palace Chester. You’re welcome to bring friends and family to share the occasion and make it a memorable preview of your wedding day.
We encourage you to attend a Chef’s Table event before your Catering Meeting. It’s the ideal way to explore ideas, ask questions, and feel confident in your menu choices.
Three - Planning your dream day
Nine to six months pre-wedding
As your plans progress, your Events Team will be there to guide and support you with warmth and expertise. They’re always on hand to answer questions, with key touchpoints scheduled to capture every detail at the right time.
Around nine to six months before your wedding, we’ll invite you back for your Catering Meeting. You’ll meet with the Events Team to start designing your perfect menu and give your celebration more shape.
Our chefs will collaborate with you to craft dishes that tell your story, while our bar team designs drinks that perfectly match your day.
Four - Booked Couple Events
Throughout your journey, you’ll be invited to our Booked Couple Events.
Held seasonally, these events are a wonderful opportunity to return to Sandhole Oak Barn , reconnect with your Events Team, and visualise the finer details of your day.
Five - Final preparations
Three months pre-wedding
As your wedding day nears, your Events Team will ensure every detail is perfectly in place.
Around three months before, you’ll return for your Planning Meeting – a key milestone where all your ideas come together into one seamless plan. From timings and guest numbers to those final special touches, everything will be confirmed, leaving you free to enjoy the excitement ahead. In the final weeks, your team will check in to ensure you feel calm, ready, and confident.
Six - Your Wedding Day
When your day arrives, your only job is to be present and savour every moment. As soon as you arrive, your dedicated Event Manager will be by your side – your trusted right hand, ensuring everything runs effortlessly while you focus on what truly matters.
They’ll keep you calm, comfortable, and camera-ready, offering a reassuring smile or helping hand whenever you need it. Passionate and attentive, our Event Managers make you feel completely supported and understood.
Behind the scenes, our talented kitchen and bar teams will craft and serve each dish and drink with care. As day turns to evening, every transition will be seamless, leaving you free to celebrate it all.
Seven - Our promise to you
With Sandhole Oak Barn, you’re in the safest of hands. We don’t just plan weddings, we curate unforgettable experiences for you and your guests.
Our heartfelt service and meticulous attention to detail mean you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating love, laughter, and the start of your forever.
From your first “yes” to your final goodbye, we’re here to make every moment magical.
If you’ve already booked your wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn and would like to speak with our events team, please email [email protected]. If you’re still searching for your dream venue, click here to discover more about Sandhole Oak Barn or book a visit.
