Wedding Send-Off Ideas for Your Big Exit | The Jefferson Oxford

mADELINE rOSE pHOTOGRAPHY

Planning a wedding in Oxford, MS? The final moments of a wedding reception are some of the most memorable, and often some of the most photographed. A great wedding send-off gives guests one last chance to celebrate with you and your photographer one more opportunity to capture the excitement of the day.

From colorful pom poms to a classic getaway car, here are some of our favorite send-off ideas from weddings at The Jefferson.

How to Choose a Wedding Send-Off

The right send-off depends on your wedding style, wedding budget, the time of day, your location, and the kind of photos you want to capture. Some options work best outdoors, while others can easily take place inside. Your photographer and wedding coordinator can also help you choose an option that fits your timeline and gives you the look you have in mind.

Before settling on an idea, talk with your venue manager and review your venue’s guidelines. Some send-offs may require advance planning, special arrangements, or approval. Knowing the guidelines ahead of time will help you choose an option that works well for your wedding and your venue.

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Wedding Send-Off Ideas

Pom Pom Send-Off

Colorful tissue paper pom poms are an easy way to add a pop of color to your send-off photos. If you're an Ole Miss fan, using red and blue is a fun way to show your colors.

Patrick Remington Photography

Taylor Square Photography

kelly Ginn Photography

WildFlowers photography

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Petal Toss

Rose petals, lavender buds, or dried flower petals tossed in the air create a soft, romantic frame around the couple. Just a friendly note: we ask that you use real or dried petals rather than synthetic ones, which are harder to clean up and less friendly to our grounds.

B Flint Photography

Madeline Rose Photography

Elizabeth Hoard Photography

Blake Mccollum Photography

shelby and John Photography

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Ribbon Wands and Streamers

Ribbon wands and streamers add color and movement without creating much cleanup. They're also a fun option for guests of all ages, including kids.

Christopher C Photography

Taylor Square Photography

Patrick Remington Photography

Helena Kaye Photography

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Balloon Drop or Balloon Toss

A balloon drop adds a burst of energy to the end of the night, with balloons cascading down from above during the last dance. The Grand Hall's soaring ceiling gives balloons plenty of room to fall before guests join in the fun.

For a balloon toss, guests can bat balloons through the air on either side as the couple makes their exit. It's a playful option that works well indoors or outdoors.

Taylor Square Photography

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Bubble Exit

Bubbles are a fun choice for daytime send-offs, especially when natural light can catch the bubbles as they float around the couple. Individual bubble containers for guests work best and keep the send-off simple and easy to clean up.

Please note that bubble machines aren't permitted at The Jefferson.

Pound Photo

Taylor Square Photography

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Foam Glow Stick Send-off

For an evening send-off, glow sticks add a fun pop of light as guests wave them overhead. They're easy for guests of all ages and create plenty of movement in nighttime photos.

snap happy photography

The Warmth around you

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AP Photo Collection

Snow Machine

A snow machine can create a gentle flurry around the couple as they make their exit. It's a fun way to transform the send-off into something unexpected and works especially well for evening celebrations.

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Getaway Car Send-Off

Some couples make their final exit in a classic car, vintage truck, or even a motorcycle decorated for the occasion. It's a personal way to end the night and gives guests one more moment to gather around before the couple drives away.

Maria Buyny - MB Photography

Taylor Square Photography

Kayla Wolfe Photography

Patrick Reminington Photography

Blake Mccollum Photography

Feather STone Weddings

lindsey meisenheimer Photography

taylor square photography

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Fireworks or Cold Sparklers

If you're looking for a dramatic finale, fireworks over the lake can bring the evening to a memorable close. Cold sparklers are another option for couples who want the look of sparklers without traditional open flames.

Traditional guest-held sparklers aren't permitted at The Jefferson. Fireworks and cold sparklers are handled exclusively through our approved provider, PyroShows. Fireworks require coordination with the local fire marshal, including approval and a day-of inspection.

Fireworks on non-holiday nights must currently end by 9:45 PM. We're working with the county on a possible extension to 10:30 PM.

If you're interested in fireworks or cold sparklers for your send-off, talk with our venue manager early in the planning process. We'll help you understand the requirements and get the process started.

Thankfully Taken Photography

Thankfully Taken Photography

Thankfully Taken Photography

Kelly ginn photography

Eliza Kennard Photography

Planning Your Wedding Send-Off

Whatever you choose, a little planning goes a long way. Talk with your wedding photographer and coordinator ahead of time so everyone knows when and where the send-off will happen. Your photographer can also help determine the best location and lighting for the photos you have in mind.

Be sure to let your venue manager know about your send-off plans as well. Some options require additional coordination, equipment, or advance approval.

A great send-off doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're surrounded by colorful pom poms, a cloud of petals, glowing sticks, or your favorite people waving goodbye, it's one last chance to make the ending of your wedding day your own.

Ready to start planning your own send-off? Schedule a tour of The Jefferson and explore the spaces and outdoor areas available for your wedding exit.

Scenic Spots for Outdoor Wedding Photos at The Jefferson

Patrick Remington Photography

The Jefferson sits on an 8-acre lake with sprawling grounds in Oxford, MS. That means a lot of options for wedding photos. From the lakefront walkway to the rustic barn, every spot on the property has its own light and feel. Some photos even catch our crepe myrtles in full bloom. Here are six of our favorite scenic spots, plus a few tips for planning your outdoor photos.

The Lakefront Walkway

Patrick Remington Photography

Smash studios

Taylor square photography

B Flint Photography

Camille Leigh Photography

blake mccollum photography

Patrick remington Photography

Lindsey Meisenheimer Photography

Patrick remington Photography

Kayla Wolfe Photography

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LAKEFRONT STAIRWAY AND WALKWAY

Brittney Lee Photography

Caroline Beffa Photography

Maddy Patton Photography

Stephanie Rhea photography

J. Buckley photography

Kevin Barré Photography

Christina Hawkinson Photography

smash studios

taylor square photography

Articulate Photography

Taylor Square photography

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GROUNDS AND LAKE

Blake mccollum

blake mccollum photography

kayla wolfe photography

Patrick remington photography

Patrick Remington Photography

kayla wolfe photography

taylor square photography

Feather stone weddings

vip productions

shannon duggan photography

kelly ginn Photography

Madeline Rose Photography

Caroline beffa photography

feather stone weddings

MB Photography

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FRONT ENTRANCE

taylor square photography

Lindsey Meisenheimer photography

feather stone weddings

Helena Kaye Photography

blake mccollum photography

River Rae Photography

NLA WEddings

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LAKEFRONT covered PORCH

DaynaLee Faith photography

soulistic shots

amanda raylee photography

christina hawkinson photography

christen jones photgraphy

blake mccollum photography

taylor square photography

kelly ginn photography

blake mccollum photography

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rustic Barn

the Rosemary hen photography

christina hawkinson photography

patrick remington photography

taylor square photography

danny k photography

GOLDEN HOUR

Keli Lindsey Photography

snap happy photography

Shelby and Rick Photography

danny k photography

danny k photography

keli lindsey photography

taylor square photography

taylor square photgraphy

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Planning Tips for Exterior Wedding day Photos:

• Consider an engagement or bridal session. If you've booked your wedding at The Jefferson, you can schedule an engagement or bridal session on the property too. It's a great way to scout locations, try out spots, and create lovely pre-wedding photos before the big day.

• Build your shot list. Make a list of the spots you'd like photos at, like the lakefront walkway, the rustic barn, or the covered porch.

• Time it with the light. Late afternoon brings soft, warm light across the lake and grounds. Google the sunset time for Oxford, MS on your wedding date, and if you want sunset photos, make sure that time is built into your wedding planner's timeline.

• Scout a few backups. Mississippi weather can be unpredictable, so it helps to discuss alternate locations before the wedding day. The Jefferson’s indoor spaces offer plenty of attractive options if the outdoor photography plan has to be adjusted due to weather.

• Check the season. Crepe myrtles along the levee and the lakefront covered porch bloom in July and August. If you want them in your photos, plan your date around that.

• Build in buffer time. Walking between spots takes a few minutes, so leave extra time in your schedule.

• Talk to your photographer early. Share your shot list with them ahead of time so they can plan their angles and timing.

Let the Setting Tell Part of Your Story

From the quiet charm of the covered porch to the golden light over the lake, The Jefferson has a scenic spot for every part of your wedding day. Ready to see these views in person? Schedule a tour and start imagining your own photos at The Jefferson.

First Look Ideas for Your Wedding at The Jefferson

A first look is a chance to pause before the ceremony, share a meaningful moment with someone important to you, and capture their genuine reaction. At The Jefferson, an Oxford, MS wedding venue, you'll find a variety of scenic locations for first-look photos.

A first look doesn't have to be reserved for the couple.

Along with seeing your partner before the ceremony, you might plan a first look with a parent, sibling, or member of your wedding party. Each offers a different perspective and a chance to capture a moment you'll remember long after the wedding day.

From lakefront views to distinctive architectural details, The Jefferson offers a range of indoor and outdoor settings to make these photos your own.

lost coast photography

A First Look With Your partner

A first look is a private moment for the couple before the ceremony begins. It can be a chance to see each other for the first time, exchange or read personal vows, walk through the ceremony and reception spaces, and simply have a few quiet minutes before the rest of the day gets underway. It can also be a convenient time to take some portraits before guests arrive.

Whether you want a quiet spot overlooking the lake, a more architectural setting, or a location surrounded by the property's outdoor spaces, The Jefferson offers plenty of options for making the moment your own.

luke price studios

Kevin Barré Photography

Soulistic Shots

Lost Coast Photography

Articulate Photography

Blake McCollum Photography

jo darling photography

Masa Kathryn Photography

Eliza Kennard Photography

caroline beffa Photography

Taylor square Photography

Christina Hawkinson Photography

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A First Touch

If you want to wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time, a first touch offers another way to share a private moment beforehand. You can hold hands around a corner, through a doorway, or from opposite sides of a wall, allowing you to connect without giving away the first look.

Some couples also use this time to read letters or personal vows to each other for the first time. It can be a quiet way to pause, take a breath, and share a few words before walking down the aisle.

Patrick Remington

Blake McCollum Photograpy

Snap happy Photography

Snap Happy Photography

digital mentality

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A First Look With Parents and Loved Ones

Taylor Square Photography

A first look can also be a meaningful way to share a private moment with the people who have supported you throughout your life. Whether it’s a parent, stepparent, grandparent, or another important person in your life, seeing each other before the ceremony gives you a chance to slow down and take in the moment together.

Some couples also use this time to give personalized gifts to their parents or other loved ones. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a framed photo, or something chosen specifically for them, exchanging a gift before the ceremony can add another personal touch to the day.

These moments don't have to be elaborate. Sometimes a few quiet minutes and a genuine reaction are all you need to create a memory worth capturing.

RadMad photography

Feather STone Weddings

Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

Masa Kathryn Photography

kimberlin Christopher PHC

taylor square photography

patrick remington Photography

taylor square photography

Feather Stone weddings

Taylor Square Photography Southern Bloom Floral

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A First Look With Your Wedding Party

Your wedding party can be part of the first-look experience, too. A first look with your wedding party typically takes place before the ceremony and before formal wedding party photos begin, giving everyone a chance to see you and share in the excitement of the day.

Whether you want to see everyone at once or have individual first looks with members of your wedding party, planning these moments ahead of time can help keep the transition into wedding party portraits organized and relaxed.

At The Jefferson, there are plenty of places throughout the venue and property for these moments, from quiet indoor spaces to outdoor locations overlooking the lake.

J. Buckley Photography

TAP Photography

Caroline Beffa photography

Helena Kaye photography Blossoms and Bankhead Florist

Taylor Square Photography

snap happy photography

Shelby Mullins Photography

eliza kennard photographyy

lindsey Meisenheimer Photography Oxford Floral

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Where Should You Have Your First Look?

The Jefferson offers a variety of settings for first looks, from the lake and covered outdoor spaces to the architectural details inside the venue.

When choosing a location, consider the kind of setting you want in your photos. A scenic view of the lake, an intimate corner, or one of the venue's distinctive architectural spaces can each create a different feel. If you're planning an outdoor first look, it's also helpful to choose an indoor option as a weather backup so the moment can happen without disrupting the rest of your timeline.

Your photographer and the Jefferson team can help you choose locations that fit your vision, work well for photos, and make sense with the rest of your wedding-day plans.

Make Your First Look Your Own

There isn't one right way to do a first look. It can be a private moment with your partner, a chance to see your parents or loved ones, or a way to gather your wedding party before the ceremony.

The important thing is choosing what feels right for you and making time for the people you want to share it with. Whether the moment is quiet, emotional, or full of laughter, a first look can be one of the many personal touches that make your wedding day your own.

Nine Places to Say “I Do” at The Jefferson

Blake Mccollum Photography

Planning your wedding ceremony at The Jefferson in Oxford, Mississippi? With three outdoor settings and six indoor options, you have nine places to say “I do,” each with its own character and views.

Picture the moment you exchange vows, then imagine the setting that feels right for you. You might choose a lakeside ceremony, a fireplace backdrop, a soaring wall of windows, the lakefront stairway, or our historic reclaimed warehouse doors. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a wedding with hundreds of guests, The Jefferson offers a range of ceremony locations to suit your style and guest list.

A note about capacity: Maximum seating varies by location and depends on the number and width of aisles. The capacities listed below are maximum guest counts and do not include bridal party members standing during the ceremony.

Note: rental items shown in photos below were provided by Details Specialty Rentals

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Outdoor Ceremony

The Lakefront Stairway

Guest count: No maximum | Rain plan: Lakeside Room or Faulkner Room

Haleigh Nichole photography Oxford Floral

Haleigh Nichole photo

Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

Lindsey Meisenheimer Photography Twisted Twig

Few ceremony settings offer a view like this one. Couples exchange vows from the elevated platform of the lakefront stairway, with the lake stretching out behind them while guests are seated on the lawn below.

For most weddings, guests make their own quiet procession from the venue, walking down the stairs to find their seats. Guests using a wheelchair or scooter can park on the nearby asphalt and access the ceremony area from the lakefront sidewalk.

The processional can be arranged several ways. The groom, groomsmen, and bridesmaids can enter from above while the bride arrives along the sidewalk from the west side of the building. Alternately, the entire bridal party can enter together along the same sidewalk, or the two can be combined.

After the ceremony, the wedding party typically exits along the lakefront walkway, keeping the lake part of the processional from beginning to end.

The stairway also gives a large wedding party plenty of room to stand without making an intimate ceremony feel oversized.

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The Lakefront Walkway

Guest count: No maximum

Snap Happy Photography

Eliza Kennard Photography

Blake McCollum Photography Twisted Twig Florals

ELiza Kennard Photography

ELiza Kennard Photography

Blake McCollum Photography

If you want the lake to be the centerpiece of your ceremony, the Lakefront Walkway puts it front and center.

Chairs line both sides of the main sidewalk running from the stairway toward the water, creating a natural aisle that leads directly to the lake. With the couple facing the water, the view becomes the backdrop without needing much else.

As with the lake stairway, most guests reach their seats by walking down the stairs from the venue. Guests using a wheelchair or scooter can park on the nearby asphalt and use the lakefront sidewalk.

The processional typically begins at the stairs leading down from the venue, giving the bridal party a natural entrance toward the water.

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The covered porch

Best for: Small, private ceremonies before the reception begins

For a smaller ceremony with a more private feel, the covered porch offers a shaded setting overlooking the lake.

Framed by greenery and the water beyond, the porch works especially well for couples who want a quiet ceremony before welcoming additional guests for cocktail hour and reception, or moving straight into an intimate dinner.

The Rosemary Hen Photography Studio Eight Flowers

The Rosemary Hen Photography

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The Faulkner Room

In Front of the Wall of Windows

Seats up to 220

Feather Stone Weddings Oxford Floral

Patrick remington Oxford Floral

Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

sonum may photo

Snap Happy Photography Design N’ More Floral

B Flint Photography ThreeFoot Blooms and Oxford Floral

Feather Stone Weddings Natural Creations Floral

Bill Dabney Photography Oxford Floral

The Faulkner Room's wall of windows sets a dramatic scene for an indoor ceremony. Above the hardwood floors, the 36-foot peaked ceiling and wall of windows fill the room with natural light.

For larger guest lists, rows can be angled diagonally within the Lakeside Room to accommodate additional seating.

The processional can be arranged in several ways. The groom, groomsmen, and officiant can enter down the main aisle from the Grand Hall or the porte-cochere, or through the bar passageway from the Grand Hall. The bridesmaids and bride can arrive from the porte-cochere.

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In Front of the Fireplace

Elopements: Up to 25 guests | Micro weddings: Up to 75 guests

Taylor Davis Photography Pam McClanahan Floral

One side of a shared, double-sided fireplace with gas logs gives this ceremony setting an intimate focal point and keeps guests close to the couple. It's a natural fit for an elopement or micro wedding, where the ceremony is meant to feel personal and relaxed.

The room's reclaimed materials, heart pine floors, and 36-foot ceilings add character without requiring much additional décor.

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The Lakeside Room

In Front of the Fireplace

Seats up to 300, depending on the number and width of aisles

taylor square photography Floral: Garden District

Soulistic Shots Oxford Floral

Patrick Remington Photography Floral: Deedra Stone Designs

Tenola Plaxico Photography Floral: Petals Studio

love, jules photography Floral: Blossoms in Batesville

Pound Photo Oxford Floral

Kelly Ginn Photography Floral: John Mark Enterprises

B Flint Photography Oxford Floral

B Flint Photography

abby Leigh Photography Floral: Ethan Thomas Events

This layout creates one of the venue's more distinctive processionals. The bridal party can walk along the covered porch to the side entrance of the Lakeside Room, while guests watch the procession begin through the room's large wall of windows.

The groom, officiant, and groomsmen can enter from the conference room or Faulkner Room, or the bridal party can gather on the east-side patio before entering through the side door.

The fireplace is shared with the Faulkner Room, but this side has its own unique mantel and a more intimate ceiling height of 15 feet.

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In Front of the Wall of Windows

Seats up to 350, depending on the number and width of aisles

Feather Stone Weddings Floral: Oxford Floral

Caroline Beffa Photography Floral: Events on the fly

Taylor Square Photography oXFORD fLORAL

Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

NLA Weddings Connor & Co Floral

For a large wedding party, the wall-of-windows layout gives everyone room to stand without crowding the ceremony space.

The bridal party enters from the Faulkner Room, creating a straightforward processional while the windows provide a backdrop filled with natural light.

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In Front of the Reclaimed Warehouse Doors

Seats 300+, depending on aisle size

A Grace G Photography Oxford Floral

B Flint Photography Oxford Floral

camille leigh photo Floral: Olive Branch Florals

Taylor Square Photography fLORAL: fRESH CUT OF jACKSON

The reclaimed warehouse doors give the ceremony a completely different look, adding warmth, texture, and a bit of history to the setting.

Rows can extend into the Faulkner Room, allowing this layout to accommodate more than 300 guests depending on aisle size. The bridal party enters from the Faulkner Room.

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The Grand Hall

Seats up to 700, depending on aisle size

Amanda Bland Photography Floral: Lauren Pierce

Tenola Plaxico Photography Floral: Lady Annie Penro

Tenola Plaxico Photography Floral: Lady Annie Penro

The Grand Hall offers the largest indoor ceremony setting at The Jefferson, with seating for up to 700 guests depending on aisle size.

It's also the venue's most flexible option when you want the ceremony and reception to happen in the same space. One couple chose to seat guests at tables for the ceremony and then transition directly into the reception without a room flip. Instead of moving guests to another space, the ceremony simply became the beginning of the reception.

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Choosing Your Ceremony Location

With nine ceremony options, the easiest place to start is your guest count. From there, think about the setting you want surrounding you when you say “I do”.

And while photos can give you an idea of how each location looks, they don't quite show you how the spaces feel in person. Come see them for yourself. Tour The Jefferson and walk through the ceremony locations to find the setting that feels right for your wedding day.

Click here to schedule a tour or phone call

The Hoist Advantage: Floral Chandeliers Made Easy

Lost Coast Photography Oxford Floral

Floral Chandeliers for weddings at The Jefferson

Floral chandeliers add dimension and a striking focal point to wedding receptions, whether suspended above the dance floor, a wedding cake, or a head table. At The Jefferson, an Oxford, Mississippi wedding venue, these overhead floral arrangements offer a creative way to personalize your reception décor. But bringing the design to life takes more than beautiful flowers. It also requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a safe installation.

To help make the process easier, The Jefferson offers three electronic hoists for hanging floral installations and carousel lighting. Use of the hoists is included in your venue rental, giving your florist more flexibility when planning your design.

Where the Hoists Are

There are two hoists in the Grand Hall and one in the Faulkner Room.

• Faulkner Room: The hoist is centered in the room, in front of the fireplace. It can also be used as the anchor point for carousel lighting with or without floral.

• Grand Hall: One is in the center of the room, and the other is positioned over the dance floor in front of the stage.

Each one has a hook where your florist can attach the frame for the floral installation.

How It Works

Your florist designs the floral arrangement and provides the appropriate frame for the arrangement. The frame can be a simple ring, a rectangle, multiple tiers, or something completely custom. The design can include floral orbs, lighting, flowers, greenery, or all of these.

The florist hooks the frame to the hoist cable and uses the hoist to lift the frame to waist height, so the florist can work on the flowers without having to build the arrangement on a ladder. Once everything is finished, the hoist raises the installation into place.

Oxford floral

Oxford Floral

Oxford Floral

It's a small behind-the-scenes feature, but it makes a big difference when you're working with a large floral installation.

Note: rental items shown in photos below were provided by Details Specialty Rentals

A Few Ways We've Seen Them Used

The hoists can be used for many types of floral design. A few examples include floral orbs, flowers above seating areas and cakes, paper lanterns, dried flowers, suspended cakes, and lighting with and without floral.

Faulkner Room

Blake McCollum Photography Oxford Floral

Jenn Blackburn Photography Oxford Floral

Patrick Remington Photography Deedra Stone Designs

Lost Coast Photography Oxford Floral

danielle norton Photography Oxford Floral

Bill Dabney Photography Lighting: Details Oxford Floral

XENIA MINTON PHOTOGRAPHY Twisted Tree Floral Lighting: Details

Feather Stone Weddings Oxford Floral

B Flint Photography Oxford Floral Lighting: Details

Madeline Rose Photography Farmstead Florals

Taylor Square Photography Florist: Garden District

Taylor Square Photography Threefoot Blooms & Oxford Floral

Kelly Ginn Photography Breezy Blossoms

Ryland Lovvorn Photography Fresh Cuts

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Grand Hall Center of Room

Flowers above the cake or above the head table are just a few of the ways that you can use the hoist in the center of the Grand Hall.

Blake McCollum Photography Oxford Floral

Staff Photo Oxford Floral

Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

Feather STone Weddings Southern Bloom Floral

Lauren Ashley Studio Deedra STone Designs

Feather Stone Weddings Cornerstone Gifts & Floral

Patrick Remington Photography Oxford Floral

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Grand Hall above the Dance Floor

Lindsey Meisenheimer Photography Oxford Floral

Taylor Square photography Oxford Floral

Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

Taylor Square Photography threefoot blooms and oxford floral

One More Thing to Add to Your Florist Conversation

If you're considering a floral chandelier, bring it up with your florist early. They'll want to know where the hoists are located and what type of installation you're considering before they finalize the design. It’s important to remind your florist that they must provide the appropriate frame for the arrangement. Details Specialty Rental has several options for rent if your florist does not have one.

The hoists are already here and included in your rental, so there's no separate hoist or lift to arrange.

Have a floral installation in mind? Bring your inspiration photos when you tour The Jefferson. We'll show you where the hoists are and talk through what might work in the space.

Click here to schedule a tour or phone call.

Planning A Rehearsal Dinner at The Jefferson

Thankfully TAken Photography Oxford Floral

Planning a rehearsal dinner in Oxford, MS? From intimate family dinners to larger gatherings with friends and the wedding party, The Jefferson offers flexible event spaces to fit your guest list and plans.

A rehearsal dinner is often the first chance for family and friends to gather before the wedding day. It’s a time to reconnect, welcome out-of-town guests, and enjoy an evening together before the festivities begin.

Finding the right rehearsal dinner venue in Oxford, MS can take some planning, especially when you’re hosting a larger group. At The Jefferson, you can reserve a space just for your rehearsal dinner or make it part of your larger wedding weekend. Some couples host their rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception here, using different rooms for each occasion. With several spaces to choose from, you can plan an evening that fits your guest list and the way you want to celebrate.

Start With the Setting

One of the first decisions is choosing where to have the dinner. At The Jefferson, there are several options, and the right one usually comes down to your guest count, the type of evening you have in mind, and where the ceremony will take place the following day:

• Faulkner Room: up to 100 seated, 175 standing reception

• Lakeside Room: up to 150 seated, 250 standing reception

• Covered Porch: up to 50, 200 standing reception

• Jefferson Guest House: under 50

• Grand Hall: 150 to 490 seated (best for a large welcome dinner/party)

If your wedding reception is taking place somewhere else, choose the room that best fits your guest list and the kind of evening you have in mind.

For couples hosting their ceremony and reception at The Jefferson, the rehearsal dinner room is often influenced by where the ceremony will take place the following day. If the ceremony is planned for the Faulkner Room, the Lakeside Room is a natural choice for the rehearsal dinner, and vice versa. Using different spaces gives each part of the wedding weekend its own setting while allowing the ceremony space to be set and ready for the big day.

Note: rental items shown in photos below were provided by Details Specialty Rentals

Caroline Beffa Photography - Cocktail hour on Lakefront walkway and covered porch

The Faulkner Room

This room has plenty of character on its own. A 36-foot ceiling, reclaimed materials, heart pine hardwood floors, a wall of windows, a double-sided fireplace, and an oversized mirror give the room a distinctive look, so it doesn’t take much to make the space feel finished.

Renting the Faulkner Room also includes the covered porch overlooking the lake, giving guests a spot to mingle outside during cocktail hour or a post toast celebration.

Lee Waits Photo & Floral

Madeline Rose Photography Farmstead Florals

XENIA MINTON PHOTOGRAPHY Floral: Twisted Tree

Kevin Barre Photography Oxford Floral

Patrick REmington Photography Oxford Floral

Rachel wigul photo & Floral

The Lakeside Room

With 15-foot ceilings, reclaimed materials, maple hardwood floors, a double-sided fireplace, and a wall of windows, the Lakeside Room brings the outdoors into the evening.

Renting the Lakeside Room includes the Faulkner Room and covered porch overlooking the lake. Together, the three spaces give you room to create a natural flow from cocktails to dinner and the rest of the evening. One room can be used for dining while the others provide space for cocktails, a post-toast gathering, or both.

Eliza Kennard Photography

Jo Darling Photography Farmstead Florals

Abby Burgy Photography

Taylor Square Photography Floral: Paula DeClerk

Dinner on the Covered Porch

For groups of fewer than 50, dinner on the covered porch offers a more relaxed way to enjoy the lakefront setting.

And because Mississippi weather can be unpredictable, you don't have to choose between an outdoor dinner and having a backup plan. If the weather changes, the dinner can move inside without changing venues or scrambling to find another space.

Maddie Welch Photography Oxford Floral

Maddie Welch Photography Oxford Floral

Maddie Welch Photography Oxford Floral

Dinner at the Jefferson Guest House

For a smaller, more informal gathering, consider the Jefferson Guest House. With a central room, covered porch, and patio with firepit, there is plenty of space for guests to spread out and enjoy the evening.

The view across the lake toward The Jefferson keeps the Guest House connected to the property while giving your rehearsal dinner a setting of its own.

With four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, the Guest House can also be rented for overnight stays, making it a convenient option for up to 10 guests who would like to stay close to the festivities.

Maddie Welch Photography - Jefferson Guest House

Caroline Beffa Photography - Jefferson Guest House

Caroline Beffa Photography - Jefferson Guest House

Jefferson Guest House patio

Consider the flow of the evening

A rehearsal dinner doesn't have to be a sit-down dinner from start to finish. Thinking about how you want the evening to flow can help determine how you use the space.

Start with Cocktails

Depending on the season, many rehearsal dinners begin with cocktails on the covered porch and along the lakefront walkways, both of which are included in all rentals.

Adding pub tables and 60-inch rounds with seating gives guests places to gather and enjoy a cocktail before dinner begins.

Patrick Remington Photography - Jefferson covered porch

Patrick Remington Photography - Jefferson lakefront walkway

Dinner, Toasts and Beyond

Some couples keep the rehearsal dinner itself on the smaller side, then open things up once the toasts wrap. That's often when additional out-of-town guests join the evening, giving them a chance to meet the wedding party and connect before the big day.

At The Jefferson, that transition can happen right where you are. The post-toast gathering can be as simple as drinks and conversation. What matters is having a place where the larger group can come together and mingle.

Whether you keep the evening intimate or invite a larger group to join after dinner, planning the flow ahead of time makes it easier to create an evening that feels natural rather than overly structured.

An Open Venue for Catering

Choose Vicari Catering, our in-residence caterer, one of five additional caterers on our preferred caterer list, or any professional, licensed, and insured caterer of your choice. As an open venue for catering, The Jefferson gives you the flexibility to choose the catering option that works best for your plans and budget.

Once you've chosen your caterer, think about the meal style that fits the evening. A seated dinner, buffet, food stations, or a more casual meal can all work well depending on your guest list and the type of gathering you're planning.

Plan your Tables, Chairs & Setup

The Jefferson has recently expanded its event inventory, giving you more flexibility when planning your rehearsal dinner setup. Our inventory includes:

• 200 banquet chairs

• 20 72-inch round tables

• 20 60-inch round tables

• 23 six-foot rectangular tables

• 6 eight-foot tables

• 20 pub tables

• 8 serpentine tables

If you choose Vicari Catering, cutlery and dishes are included with your catering service. Glassware is provided by The Jefferson if you choose to have bar service.

If you'd like to customize your setup beyond The Jefferson's inventory, different tables, upgraded chairs, upgraded cutlery and serving pieces, and linens are available to rent through Details Rentals at 662.234.7122. Details also offers design services to help create your table layout, as well as setup and breakdown of tables and chairs. Details provided the many of the rental items shown in the photos in this blog.

Taylor Square Photography Floral: Paula DeClerk

Getting Here

The venue is less than five miles from the Square and close to many of Oxford's hotels. With a large on-site parking area, guests have plenty of room to park at the venue. For guests who won't be driving, Uber and Lyft service the venue, and several Oxford companies offer private trolley and bus transportation.

A Simple Rehearsal Dinner Planning Checklist

Once you've chosen your setting, a few details will help everything come together:

• Guest count: Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner, and how many additional guests might join if you plan a post toast gathering?

• Room: Which setting works best for your group? If you're getting married at The Jefferson, in which room will your ceremony take place the following day?

• Timeline: What time will the rehearsal begin? When will dinner start? If the ceremony is at another location, how much time will guests need to travel between locations?

• Catering: Choose your caterer and decide on the style of meal you'd like to serve. Are their food allergies that need to be considered?

• Layout: Will you use round tables, rectangular tables, or a combination? Will there be a head table or seating chart, or will guests choose their own seats?

• Bar: Will you offer beer and wine, a full bar, or a signature drink? What non-alcoholic beverages will you serve? Will there be a cocktail hour before dinner, and where will it take place? Do you require beverage butler/table service? Will there be a champagne toast during the dinner?

• Post toast gathering: Will you have a post toast? When will additional guests arrive, and how will you transition from the rehearsal dinner into the larger gathering? What will you serve?

• Setting the mood: Think about florals, linens, signage, music, and other details that will make the space feel like your own. If dinner florals will also be used for the wedding the following day, decide who will be responsible for moving them.

• Guest experience: Think through parking, arrival, music, cocktails, seating, dinner, toasts, and the transition to the post toast gathering.

You don't need to plan every minute of the evening. The goal is to have the important pieces figured out so you can relax and enjoy the people who came to celebrate with you.

Part of the Whole Wedding Weekend

Whether The Jefferson is the setting for your entire wedding weekend or simply where everyone gathers for dinner the night before, a rehearsal dinner is a chance to slow down, spend time with the people who matter most, and enjoy being together before the wedding day begins.

From cocktails by the lake to dinner, toasts, and whatever comes next, there are plenty of ways to make the evening your own. And when The Jefferson is part of your wedding weekend, you have the flexibility to make each part of it feel like it belongs together.

Ready to start planning? Our team is here to help you create a rehearsal dinner that fits your plans, your guests, and your style.

Click here to schedule a tour or phone call

Abby Burgy Photography