Introduction

Your wedding day should feel magical — and by planning your dream wedding at Cheswell Grange, nestled by our serene lake in Shropshire, you can create a celebration that’s uniquely yours. With our beautiful oak-timber-framed boathouse, elegant marquee, and exclusive use of the grounds, there are so many ways to bring your vision to life.

Here are some top planning tips to help you make the most of Cheswell Grange as your venue, plus ideas to ensure your day is smooth, personal, and unforgettable.

1. Embrace the Blank-Canvas Freedom

One of Cheswell Grange’s biggest strengths is its flexibility. As a blank-canvas venue, you have complete creative freedom — no rigid in-house décor packages, so you can style the space to reflect you.

• Whether your theme is boho, elegant garden, rustic-chic, or festival-inspired, you’re free to bring in florists, lighting, arches, signage, and more.
• Use of our marquee for dining and dancing — it’s spacious (holds up to 200)
• For your ceremony, the boathouse offers a magical lakeside backdrop and seating for up to 100 guests.

Tip: Because the space is so flexible, get inspired early—make mood boards and talk to stylists or florists recommended by Cheswell Grange.

2. Make the Most of the Lakeside Setting

The lake is one of Cheswell Grange’s most enchanting features, and there are some great ways to use it on your wedding day:

3. Plan for Seamless Logistics

Planning your dream wedding at Cheswell Grange requires good planning, especially in a flexible venue like ours:

• In-House Wedding Coordinator: Our In-House wedding coordinator is very experienced with all wedding styles held at Cheswell Grange and will also liaise with your Suppliers to handle all logistical matters.
• Site visits: Book a viewing to get a real feel for the layout, the lighting at different times of day, and how your furniture or décor will work in the spaces.
• Parking & guest access: There’s plenty of on-site parking, with the option of offering your Guests overnight camping.

4. Think Carefully About Your Budget

At Cheswell Grange, because many things are not fixed (like décor or bar), it’s great to have a transparent budget allocation. Here’s a sample breakdown (inspired by general wedding planner advice):

• Venue & Catering (approx 40–50%): Includes marquee hire, food, drink, and staffing.
• Styling & Décor (8–10%): Florals, lighting, archways, signage
• Photography (10–15%): To capture your lakeside moments
• Entertainment (8–10%): DJ, band, or other fun extras
• Contingency fund (5%): For any “just in case” costs or surprises

Tailor these percentages according to what’s most important to you.

5. Prepare for the Unexpected

Even the best-laid plans sometimes go slightly off-track — here’s how to stay calm and adapt:

• In-House day-of coordinator: Having someone on the ground means we can manage little emergencies (like power issues or vendor delays) so you don’t even notice.
• Weather backup: If your plan involves an outdoor ceremony or marquee time, have a contingency for windy or rainy weather (e.g., wet-weather styling, wind-tolerant décor).
• Suppliers’ flexibility: Work with caterers, florists, and entertainers who have experience with marquee events — ideally those on Cheswell Grange’s recommended supplier list.

6. Use On-Site Accommodation to Your Advantage

Cheswell Grange offers a lovely Bridal Suite, included with the weekend wedding package.

• Use this space for a relaxed, memorable morning prep scene — natural light, garden views, private entrance.
• In the evening, it’s the perfect place for you to retreat and reflect, without having to leave the estate.
• In addition to the Bridal Cottage, you can suggest local hotels, B&Bs, or cottages to your guests — Cheswell Grange can help with recommendations.

7. Capture the Magic with Thoughtful Photography

Given the beauty of the grounds, your photographer can really shine. Here are some shot ideas:

• First look or bridal party photos on the lakeside or on the boathouse deck
• Silhouettes at sunset, framed by the marquee structure
• Detail shots: floral arches, water reflections, venue décor
• Guest candid moments: relaxing by the lake, mingling in the marquee

8. Personal Touches & Guest Experience

Make your day feel warm, personal, and memorable:

• Welcome gifts for guests: consider rustic, Shropshire-themed touches (local jam, wildflower seed packets, maps of the estate)
• Interactive elements: lawn games on the grass, or a cocktail bar with views of the water
• Pet inclusion: Cheswell Grange is dog-friendly, so if your four-legged friend is part of the plan, this is a brilliant place to include them.

9. Book Smart & Visit Early

• Schedule a venue tour to see the boathouse, marquee, gardens, and bridal suite — and talk through how your day could flow.
• Ask about style inspiration, real weddings, and photos — to help visualise your own day.
• Speak to Cheswell Grange’s events team events@cheswellgrange.co.uk, 07346 145 085

Call to Action

If you’re planning your dream wedding at Cheswell Grange, with a lakeside, completely exclusive, and flexible all in the Shropshire countryside, this could be the perfect canvas for your wedding day.

Visit our website to learn more about our packages: www.cheswellgrange.co.uk

Book a viewing today, and let’s start designing your day your way. Please email us at events@cheswellgrange.co.uk or call us on 07346 145 085.

Finally, follow us on social media to learn more about Cheswell Grange, simply, click on the links below:

• Instagram
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Photo Credits:

• https://www.stevebridgwoodphotography.co.uk/
• http://www.lmsweddings.co.uk
• https://www.jamesmerrick.co.uk/