September 30, 2026

First Look Ideas for Your Wedding at The Jefferson

September 30, 2026/ Margie Schloesser

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

The moments before a wedding ceremony can be some of the most anticipated of the day. A first look offers a chance to step away from the activity, spend a few quiet minutes with someone important to you, and take in the significance of the day before the ceremony begins.

While seeing your partner before the ceremony may be the first thing that comes to mind, parents, wedding party members, siblings, and other important people in your life can all share in the experience. Each one offers a chance to create a meaningful memory and capture a different reaction on camera.

At The Jefferson, there are plenty of settings throughout the venue and property to make each one feel personal to you.

first look father and daughter on lakefront stairwell at The Jefferson Oxford — 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.

first look bride and groom lakefront walkway at The Jefferson Oxford — luke price studios

first look on lakefront stairway at The Jefferson Oxford — Lost Coast Photography

first look bride and groom Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — Articulate Photography

first look bride in costum and groom at The Jefferson Oxford — Blake McCollum Photography

first look bride and groom in lakeside room at The Jefferson Oxford — jo darling photography

first look for bride & groom in front of crepe myrtle at Jefferson oxford — Masa Kathryn Photography

first look bride and groom in Grand Hall at The Jefferson Oxford — Eliza Kennard Photography

first look bride and groom covered porch at The Jefferson Oxford — Taylor square Photography

first look in the faulkner room for bride and groom at the jefferson oxford — Christina Hawkinson Photography

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.

first touch before wedding for bride and groom at The Jefferson Oxford — digital mentality

A First Look With Parents and Loved Ones

first look bride and parents in faulkner room at The Jefferson Oxford — 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.

first look bride and dad before wedding at The Jefferson Oxford — Feather STone Weddings

first look bride and dad in faulkner room at The Jefferson Oxford — Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

first look bride and parents at The Jefferson Oxford — Masa Kathryn Photography

first look with daughter before ceremony at Jefferson Oxford MS — kimberlin Christopher PHC

first look bride and mom at The Jefferson Oxford — taylor square photography

first look bride and dad at The Jefferson Oxford — patrick remington Photography

first look bride and family before wedding at The Jefferson Oxford — taylor square photography

first look with flower girls at the Jefferson Oxford MS — Taylor Square Photography Southern Bloom Floral

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.

first look bride and bridesmaids Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — J. Buckley Photography

first look bride and bridesmaids on covered porch at The Jefferson Oxford — TAP Photography

first look bride with groomsmen on covered porch at The Jefferson Oxford — Caroline Beffa photography

first look bridesmaids grand hall at the jefferson oxford MS — Helena Kaye photography Blossoms and Bankhead Florist

first look bride and bridesmaids faulkner room at The Jefferson Oxford — Taylor Square Photography

first look bride and bridesmaids lakefront stairway at The Jefferson Oxford — Shelby Mullins Photography

first look with bride and bridesmaids at The Jefferson Oxford — eliza kennard photographyy

first look floral chandelier faulkner room jefferson oxford ms venue — lindsey Meisenheimer Photography Oxford Floral

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.

September 30, 2026

Nine Places to Say “I Do” at The Jefferson

September 30, 2026/ Margie Schloesser

Picture the moment you say “I do.” Now picture where you're standing.

As an Oxford, MS wedding venue, The Jefferson offers multiple location to say your vows, each with its own setting and character. You can exchange vows beside the lake, in front of a fireplace, beneath a soaring wall of windows, on the lakefront stairway, or in front of historic reclaimed warehouse doors. With three outdoor ceremony settings and six indoor options, there are plenty of ways to make your ceremony feel like your own, whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a wedding with hundreds of guests.

Seating capacity varies depending on the number and width of aisles, so the numbers below should be considered maximum guest counts. Maximums do not include members of the bridal party who will be standing during the ceremony.

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

Outdoor Ceremony

The Lakefront Stairway

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

outside ceremony on lakefront stairway at The Jefferson Oxford

fall outdoor ceremony on lakefront stairway at The Jefferson Oxford — Haleigh Nichole photography Oxford Floral

outside ceremony facing lakefront stairway jefferson oxford — Haleigh Nichole photo

outside ceremony with floral cross on lakefront stairs at The Jefferson Oxford — 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.

The Lakefront Walkway

Guest count: No maximum

spring outdoor ceremony with chairs facing lake at the Jefferson Oxford — Snap Happy Photography

bride & groom departing outdoor ceremony at the Jefferson Oxford — Blake McCollum Photography Twisted Twig Florals

chairs setup for an outdoor ceremony facing the lake at the Jefferson Oxford — ELiza Kennard Photography

outside wedding on lakefront walkway at the jefferson oxford ms — 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.

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.

outside wedding on the covered porch at the Jefferson Oxford — The Rosemary Hen Photography Studio Eight Flowers

The Faulkner Room

In Front of the Wall of Windows

Seats up to 220

Faulkner Room wedding ceremony with floral chandelier at Jefferson Oxford — Feather Stone Weddings Oxford Floral

floral before a wedding ceremony in the Faulkner room at the Jefferson Oxford — Patrick remington Oxford Floral

bride & groom during Faulkner Room wedding ceremony with floral chandelier at Jefferson Oxford — Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

couple in Faulkner Room wedding ceremony with florals at Jefferson Oxford — sonum may photo

bride and groom with gorgeous floral before their wedding ceremony at the jefferson oxford venue — B Flint Photography ThreeFoot Blooms and Oxford Floral

couple in Faulkner Room wedding ceremony with floral chandelier at Jefferson Oxford — Feather Stone Weddings Natural Creations Floral

bridal portrait in faulkner room just before wedding at the jefferson oxford ms — 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.

In Front of the Fireplace

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

couple getting married in front of fireplace with gorgeous floral in faulkner room at The Jefferson Oxford — Taylor Davis Photography Pam McClanahan Floral

chairs setup for wedding in front of faulkner room fireplace at the Jefferson Oxford

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.

The Lakeside Room

In Front of the Fireplace

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

couple during recessional from wedding ceremony in Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — taylor square photography Floral: Garden District

couple at the end of wedding ceremony in Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — Soulistic Shots Oxford Floral

couple during wedding ceremony in Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — Patrick Remington Photography Floral: Deedra Stone Designs

bride & groom just married from wedding ceremony in Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — Pound Photo Oxford Floral

couple at end of wedding ceremony with gorgeous floral in Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — Kelly Ginn Photography Floral: John Mark Enterprises

groom ushers family into ceremony in lakeside room at The Jefferson Oxford — B Flint Photography Oxford Floral

lakeside room ceremony space before the wedding at the Jefferson oxford ms — B Flint Photography

bride & father on covered porch walking towards ceremony in Lakeside Room at The Jefferson Oxford — 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.

In Front of the Wall of Windows

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

bride & groom during a wedding ceremony in front of wall of windows in lakeside room at Jefferson oxford — Feather Stone Weddings Floral: Oxford Floral

chair setup & floral before a wedding ceremony in the lakeside room at the Jefferson Oxford — Caroline Beffa Photography Floral: Events on the fly

a couple at the end of wedding ceremony in the lakeside room at the Jefferson Oxford — Taylor Square Photography oXFORD fLORAL

bride with floral before a wedding ceremony in the lakeside room at the Jefferson Oxford — Taylor Square Photography Oxford 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.

In Front of the Reclaimed Warehouse Doors

Seats 300+, depending on aisle size

couple kiss floral arch during a wedding ceremony in the lakeside room at the Jefferson Oxford — A Grace G Photography Oxford Floral

couple during a wedding ceremony recessional in the lakeside room at the Jefferson Oxford — B Flint Photography Oxford Floral

camille leigh photo Floral: Olive Branch Florals

wedding ceremony in lakeside room with white draping & orchids at The Jefferson Oxford — 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.

The Grand Hall

Seats up to 700, depending on aisle size

wedding ceremony on stage of grand hall at the jefferson oxford — Amanda Bland Photography Floral: Lauren Pierce

wedding ceremony on stage of grand hall at Jefferson oxford — Tenola Plaxico Photography Floral: Lady Annie Penro

floral & setup for a wedding ceremony in grand hall at the jefferson oxford — 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.

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

September 30, 2026

The Hoist Advantage: Floral Chandeliers Made Easy

September 30, 2026/ Margie Schloesser

Floral Chandeliers at The Jefferson

If you've ever seen a floral chandelier hanging over a dance floor or reception table, you know how much it can change a room. What you don't see is the planning, equipment, and work that goes into getting it safely into place.

At The Jefferson, you have the option to use three electronic hoists to make hanging large floral installations or carousel lighting easier. Use of the hoists is included in the rental of the venue.

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 creating a floral chandelier at The Jefferson Oxford — Oxford floral

oxford floral builds a floral chandelier at The Jefferson Oxford — Oxford Floral

oxford floral floral chandelier hanging in grand hall at The Jefferson Oxford — 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

colorful floral chandelier hanging in faulkner room above soft seating at the jefferson oxford — Patrick Remington Photography Deedra Stone Designs

colorful floral chandelier hanging over bride's cake in faulkner room at the jefferson oxford — Lost Coast Photography Oxford Floral

multi-tiered colorful floral chandelier hanging in faulkner room at the jefferson oxford — danielle norton Photography Oxford Floral

carousel lights hanging in faulkner room for wedding ceremony at the jefferson oxford — Bill Dabney Photography Lighting: Details Oxford Floral

floral chandelier hanging for wedding ceremony in faulkner room at Jefferson Oxford — Feather Stone Weddings Oxford Floral

rehearsal-dinner-floral chandelier with lights in faulkner room at the jefferson oxford — B Flint Photography Oxford Floral Lighting: Details

Wedding couple under chandelier with paper balls at The Jefferson Oxford — Madeline Rose Photography Farmstead Florals

wedding bridal party under floral chandelier in faulkner room at the jefferson oxford MS — Taylor Square Photography Florist: Garden District

colorful floral chandelier over a colorful bar at the Jefferson oxford ms — Taylor Square Photography Threefoot Blooms & Oxford Floral

bride and groom kissing under floral chandelier in faulkner room at Jefferson oxford — Kelly Ginn Photography Breezy Blossoms

floral chandelier for cocktail hour at the jefferson oxford ms — Ryland Lovvorn Photography Fresh Cuts

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.

orchid floral chandelier hanging above a cake in Jefferson Oxford Grand Hall — Blake McCollum Photography Oxford Floral

floral chandelier hanging above the head table during a wedding reception at The Jefferson Oxford — Staff Photo Oxford Floral

floral chandelier over wedding reception head table at Jefferson Oxford MS — Feather STone Weddings Southern Bloom Floral

wedding reception dinner under floral chandelier at the jefferson oxford ms — Lauren Ashley Studio Deedra STone Designs

suspended wedding cake hanging in the grand hall jefferson oxford wedding.jpg — Feather Stone Weddings Cornerstone Gifts & Floral

floral chandelier hanging above cake grand hall jefferson oxford wedding.jpg — Patrick Remington Photography Oxford Floral

Grand Hall above the Dance Floor

colorful floral chandelier hanging above dance floor in grand hall jefferson oxford wedding.jpg — Lindsey Meisenheimer Photography Oxford Floral

reflective orb floral chandelier hanging above dance floor in grand hall jefferson oxford wedding.jpg — Taylor Square photography Oxford Floral

colorful floral chandelier with orbs hanging above dance floor in grand hall jefferson oxford wedding.jpg — Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

sparkling floral chandelier with lighted orbs hanging above dance floor in grand hall jefferson oxford wedding.jpg — Taylor Square Photography Oxford Floral

tropical colors in floral chandelier over dance floor at Jefferson Oxford — 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.

September 30, 2026

Planning A Rehearsal Dinner at The Jefferson

September 30, 2026/ Margie Schloesser

round tables with floral in faulkner room at the jefferson oxford — Thankfully TAken Photography Oxford Floral

A rehearsal dinner is often the first time everyone coming together for your wedding weekend is in one place. Family arrives, friends reconnect, and the wedding party has a chance to relax and enjoy time together before the big day. For couples planning an Oxford, MS rehearsal dinner, finding the right venue is an important part of creating an evening that works for both your guests and your wedding weekend plans.

Finding a rehearsal dinner venue in Oxford can be especially challenging for larger groups. The Jefferson offers flexible spaces for intimate dinners and larger gatherings, making it an option for couples looking for an Oxford rehearsal dinner venue that can accommodate their guest list and the type of evening they have in mind. Some couples choose The Jefferson just for their rehearsal dinner, while others host their entire wedding weekend here, using different spaces for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception.

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

cocktail hour along lakefront walkway & porch at Jefferson oxford — 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.

Rehearsal dinner cocktail hour in Faulkner at The Jefferson in Oxford — Lee Waits Photo & Floral

Rehearsal dinner in Faulkner Room at The Jefferson in Oxford with round tables — Madeline Rose Photography Farmstead Florals

Rehearsal dinner in Faulkner Room at The Jefferson in Oxford during toasts — XENIA MINTON PHOTOGRAPHY Floral: Twisted Tree

Rehearsal dinner in Faulkner Room at The Jefferson in Oxford with horseshoe shaped table — Kevin Barre Photography Oxford Floral

Faulkner Room set for lovely rehearsal dinner at Jefferson with long rectangular tables — Patrick REmington Photography Oxford Floral

Rehearsal dinner at Jefferson Oxford in Faulkner Room in front of fireplace — 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.

lakeside room set for dinner at jefferson oxford — Eliza Kennard Photography

lakeside room set with long head table at the jefferson oxford — Jo Darling Photography Farmstead Florals

center head table set for rehearsal dinner in lakeside room at jefferson oxford — Abby Burgy Photography

Sunflower themed casual Rehearsal dinner at Jefferson in Oxford in Lakeside Room — 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.

fall rehearsal dinner on covered porch at Jefferson Oxford — Maddie Welch Photography Oxford Floral

fall rehearsal dinner on covered porch at the Jefferson Oxford — 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.

Jefferson guest house main common room before rehearsal dinner — Maddie Welch Photography - Jefferson Guest House

rehearsal dinner gathering at Jefferson guest house main common room — Caroline Beffa Photography - Jefferson Guest House

Jefferson guest house covered porch dining during rehearsal dinner — Caroline Beffa Photography - Jefferson Guest House

firepit on patio of jefferson oxford 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.

Cocktail hour on covered porch at The Jefferson Oxford — Patrick Remington Photography - Jefferson covered porch

Cocktail hour along lakefront walkway at The Jefferson Oxford — 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.

Stunning floral at rehearsal dinner at Jefferson in Oxford — 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

view of the venue at night from across the lake at the jefferson oxford — Abby Burgy Photography

Blog Posts

A First Look With Your partner

A First Touch

A First Look With Parents and Loved Ones

A First Look With Your Wedding Party

Where Should You Have Your First Look?

Make Your First Look Your Own

Outdoor Ceremony

The Lakefront Stairway

The Lakefront Walkway

The covered porch

The Faulkner Room

In Front of the Wall of Windows

In Front of the Fireplace

The Lakeside Room

In Front of the Fireplace

In Front of the Wall of Windows

In Front of the Reclaimed Warehouse Doors

The Grand Hall

Choosing Your Ceremony Location

Floral Chandeliers at The Jefferson

Where the Hoists Are

How It Works

A Few Ways We've Seen Them Used

Faulkner Room

Grand Hall Center of Room

Grand Hall above the Dance Floor

One More Thing to Add to Your Florist Conversation

Start With the Setting

The Faulkner Room

The Lakeside Room

Dinner on the Covered Porch

Dinner at the Jefferson Guest House

Consider the flow of the evening

Start with Cocktails

Dinner, Toasts and Beyond

An Open Venue for Catering

Plan your Tables, Chairs & Setup

Getting Here

A Simple Rehearsal Dinner Planning Checklist

Part of the Whole Wedding Weekend

Voted Best Wedding Venue in Oxford, MS — 9 of the last 10 years. Thank you.