Quintessentially Oxford: The Old School’s Quadrangle

Welcome back to the Bodleian Wedding Blog. If you’re here to find out about the Bodleian’s main outdoor space, then look no further. Today, we’re bringing the Old School’s Quadrangle to you, (or as we like to call and refer to it, the OSQ.) Not only does this post include top tips provided by some of our key suppliers like THAT Event Company, it also shows how this stunning space has been used by previous wedding couples, which may, in turn, help you envision your very own wedding at the Bodleian Library.

Where and what is the Old School’s Quad?

The OSQ is essentially a large courtyard located at the Bodleian Library in central Oxford. Hundreds of students, visitors, and Bodleian staff pass through the Quad every day. So, you may well have your ceremony and reception planning sorted, but how much thought have you given to the outdoor spaces? How can you utilise the space to fully extend your exclusive experience of the Old Bodleian Library?

The OSQ appeals to most because of its sheer magnificence. Not only is it located in the very heart of Oxford, it also has so many stunning qualities: The impressive statue of the Earl of Pembroke, the Great Gate, the north and south arch which pave the way to other long-established landmarks like the Sheldonian Theatre, Bridge of Sighs and the Radcliffe Camera. With golden stone walls, and dreaming spires, the OSQ really does have so much to offer!

Maximising and More…

Having access to an outdoor space at your wedding is a bonus. It can be used for drinks and cocktail receptions and is also a space for guests to seek a breather from all the partying indoors. So how have previous couples maximised their use of the OSQ?

Lighting

At the Bodleian, we work closely with THAT Event Company. This team are really the ones who can light up your wedding in a big way (or little, if that’s your style!) The great thing about THAT Event Company is that they know each space so well and have years’ worth of experience lighting up the Bodleian in so many ways. Keep scrolling to see some beautiful examples of what the team have achieved in the past…

Festoon is fashionable!

Festoon lighting frames the OSQ well and the glow is good!

THAT Event Company: “When we approach an event, we consider three elements: colour, wash and dapple. Being outside means that you can bring in a fourth element: over-head lighting (also known as festoon lighting) and this has a big impact on the outdoor space.”

Fairy lights: Pretty, dainty, and have worked well, especially when draped in front of the entrance to the Proscholium (as seen above)

Dappled lighting in the OSQ

Dappled lighting in the OSQ

3 Top Tips from THAT Event Company:

• 1) Cost – budget: How much money would you be willing to spend on lighting?
• 2) Use – How long will you be using the outdoor space for? In other words, is it worth budgeting for extra lighting if you’re only planning to use the outdoor space for a short amount of time?
• 3) Time of year – This factor has a large bearing on deciding what types of lighting will work in the Quad. How many people would use the outdoor space, if say, you decide to host your wedding in November/ December?

Florals

Want to go flamboyant? Again, there are endless opportunities when it comes round to choosing your florals for the OSQ. The image below shows the wonderful Kirsty, from Flowers by Kirsty, setting up a couple of olive trees, either side of the Proscholium entrance.

Caught in the act! Kirsty and THAT Event Company setting up!

Photos

The Old School’s Quad is an ideal location for group photos. If you decide to have your wedding reception at the Bodleian, you will have the opportunity to have photos taken with your loved ones during, or just before the drinks and canapes are flowing. Or, maybe you’re planning on something a bit more intimate: candid shots could be taken of your guests enjoying themselves in the OSQ, while you are your loved one enjoy a precious moment under the beautiful north and/or south arch (as seen below:)

South Arch, Old School’s Quad

North Arch, Old School’s Quad

Here are a few other examples of what couples have achieved with the space:

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Set-up/decoration

So now you must be thinking, how does it all come together? Who will be there to help? The Bodleian Wedding team work closely with Oxford Fine Dining and their onsite wedding planner to ensure that timings have been agreed and furniture/equipment has been sorted before-hand. Poseur tables in the Quad? Not a problem. Evening bar set up for the cocktail hour? Sorted. A few chairs for elderly guests to rest? Absolutely.

Until next time!

We hope this post has opened your eyes to the many whimsical and wonderful ways to transform the Old School’s Quadrangle for your wedding reception at the Bodleian Library. If there’s a vision or idea that you have, we will always make it our aim to find ways to accommodate your dream set-up. So how would you like to host your wedding drinks reception? We would love to know! Please share it with us by leaving a comment below!

Contact info: 

THAT Event Company

Email: create@that-event.com
Website: www.that-event.com/lighting-hire
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tec_oxford

Flowers by Kirsty

Email: kirsty@flowersbykirsty.com
Website: www.flowersbykirsty.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/flowersbykirsty

Oxford Fine Dining

Email: enquiries@oxfordfinedining.co.uk
Website: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/oxfordfinedining

Photos credits:
Lucy Davenport
Weddings by Nicola & Glen
Barker Evans 

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy: Marry in the Music with Manor House Music

Website: visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/venue-hire/weddings
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