By Harper for Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio
Table of Contents
- Why Oxford Exchange?
- 12–18 Months Before: Secure Your Date & Dream Team
- 9–12 Months Before: Design, Details & Guest List
- 6–9 Months Before: Vendors, Menus & Invitations
- 3–6 Months Before: Finalize, Style & Taste
- 1–3 Months Before: Timeline & Final Touches
- Wedding Week: Relax, Rehearse & Celebrate
- Day Of: Oxford Exchange Wedding Flow
- Bonus: Tips for a Seamless Oxford Exchange Wedding
- FAQs: Oxford Exchange Wedding Planning
- Start Your Oxford Exchange Wedding Journey
Why Oxford Exchange?
Oxford Exchange is Tampa’s most iconic wedding venue—a blend of historic elegance, modern style, and editorial-worthy backdrops. With its glass-roofed Conservatory, marble floors, and book-lined Study, it’s the perfect canvas for couples seeking timeless and editorial wedding photography.
12–18 Months Before: Secure Your Date & Dream Team
- Book Oxford Exchange Wedding Venue:
- Oxford Exchange, 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
- Schedule a tour and reserve your ideal date (most couples book 12–18 months in advance).
- Set Your Budget:
- Factor in venue, catering, attire, décor, and photography.
- Hire Your Oxford Exchange Wedding Photographer:
- Secure a preferred photographer with experience at the venue.
- Consider Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio for timeless, editorial, and fine art imagery.
- Book Your Planner:
- Choose a planner familiar with Oxford Exchange for seamless coordination.
- Draft Your Guest List:
- Know your estimated headcount for venue and vendor planning.
9–12 Months Before: Design, Details & Guest List
- Choose Your Ceremony & Reception Spaces:
- Decide between the Conservatory, Atrium, Study, or a combination.
- Select Your Wedding Party:
- Ask friends and family to stand by your side.
- Start Design Inspiration:
- Gather mood boards for florals, décor, and attire.
- Book Key Vendors:
- Florist, caterer (in-house at Oxford Exchange), entertainment, and officiant.
- Secure Room Blocks:
- Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests.
6–9 Months Before: Vendors, Menus & Invitations
- Menu Tasting:
- Attend your Oxford Exchange tasting and select your custom menu.
- Send Save-the-Dates:
- Include Oxford Exchange’s address and recommended accommodations.
- Book Hair & Makeup Artists:
- Schedule trials and secure your beauty team.
- Order Attire:
- Purchase or rent wedding outfits for you and your wedding party.
- Design Invitations:
- Work with a stationer or designer for custom Oxford Exchange wedding invitations.
3–6 Months Before: Finalize, Style & Taste
- Finalize Vendor Details:
- Confirm contracts and timelines with all vendors.
- Plan Décor & Rentals:
- Coordinate with your florist and rental company for linens, chairs, and specialty décor.
- Schedule Engagement Session:
- Capture editorial or timeless engagement photos at Oxford Exchange or around Tampa.
- Arrange Transportation:
- Book shuttles or valet for guests if needed.
- Order Wedding Bands:
- Allow time for sizing and engraving.
1–3 Months Before: Timeline & Final Touches
- Send Invitations:
- Mail invites 8–10 weeks before the big day.
- Create a Wedding Day Timeline:
- Work with your planner and photographer to optimize light and flow.
- Final Dress Fittings:
- Schedule fittings for you and your wedding party.
- Confirm Guest Count:
- Submit final numbers to Oxford Exchange and caterer.
- Plan Rehearsal Dinner:
- Book a space at Oxford Exchange or a nearby Tampa restaurant.
Wedding Week: Relax, Rehearse & Celebrate
- Confirm All Details:
- Double-check timing with vendors and venue.
- Pack for the Day:
- Prepare attire, accessories, and emergency kit.
- Attend Rehearsal:
- Walk through your ceremony with your planner and wedding party.
- Relax and Enjoy:
- Schedule a spa day or downtime before your celebration.
Day Of: Oxford Exchange Wedding Flow
- Getting Ready:
- Use the private suite for hair, makeup, and pre-ceremony moments.
- First Look or Pre-Ceremony Photos:
- Capture editorial portraits in the Conservatory or Study.
- Ceremony:
- Exchange vows in your chosen Oxford Exchange space.
- Cocktail Hour:
- Guests mingle while you enjoy couple’s portraits.
- Reception:
- Dinner, speeches, dancing, and celebration in the Atrium or Conservatory.
- Send-Off:
- End with a memorable exit—sparklers, confetti, or classic car.
Bonus: Tips for a Seamless Oxford Exchange Wedding
- Leverage Natural Light:
- Plan portraits during golden hour for the best Oxford Exchange wedding photos.
- Trust Your Vendor Team:
- Preferred vendors like Stills by Hernan know the venue’s ins and outs.
- Personalize Your Day:
- Incorporate family traditions, custom cocktails, or unique décor.
- Have a Backup Plan:
- Oxford Exchange’s indoor spaces are perfect for rain or shine.
FAQs: Oxford Exchange Wedding Planning
Q: How far in advance should I book Oxford Exchange?
A: Most couples reserve their date 12–18 months ahead, especially for weekends.
Q: Can I bring my own vendors?
A: You must use Oxford Exchange’s in-house catering and bar, but you can bring your own photographer, florist, and planner (with venue approval).
Q: What’s the guest capacity?
A: Up to 200 guests for seated receptions; smaller packages available for micro-weddings.
Q: Is there a bridal suite?
A: Yes, a private suite is available for getting ready.
Q: What’s the best time for photos?
A: Golden hour in the Conservatory is unbeatable for timeless and editorial images.
Start Your Oxford Exchange Wedding Journey
Ready to plan a wedding that’s as iconic as Oxford Exchange itself?
Contact Stills by Hernan for expert guidance, or explore our Oxford Exchange wedding portfolio for inspiration.
Written by Harper for Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio
Your Oxford Exchange wedding deserves a flawless plan and timeless, editorial photography. Let’s make your dream day a reality.