Following on from our last blog post we thought we would explore the next stage of planning a wedding now you’ve thought about the venue, the theme and the numbers! About ten months before the big day it’s time to get creative and think about what you would like to wear and those all-important accessories to go with that dream wedding dress! We’re thinking veils, tiaras, jewellery and shoes!

…and don’t just think white, a few weeks ago here at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel the bride wore bright burnt orange satin high heels underneath a long classic white dress and they looked great!

It’s also time to choose bridesmaids and ushers and their outfits! You can be traditional or bold – the choice is yours, but thinking about it now will save time and effort as the big day will come round sooner than you think. Think about themes and colours that suit you not just your shading but your personality. Why not have a girlie get together with your bridesmaids and start planning! It’s not only a good excuse for a catch up but a shopping trip too!

If you’ve found a designer somewhere else in the world or seen a perfect dress online remember it can take time to get things shipped across to the UK and don’t forget to factor in fittings into your time schedule. Sizes do vary around the world so a size 14 here could be subsequently smaller if you buy a dress from Asia so chances are adjustments will have to be made. When ordering anything online remember to double check there is a secure payment system and you trust the site.

At this stage it may also be a good time to book some key people for the event as the best get booked up early. We’re talking florists, hairdressers, beauty therapists, photographers, cake makes and wedding cars! Oxfordshire is full of good wedding suppliers and if you’re stuck for contacts our wedding lounge at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel has a host of supplier numbers so please free to pop in and browse.

It maybe that these suppliers can also help with some of your decisions for example a florist can advise best what flowers are in season and then in turn help with colour choices on the day. The wedding car maybe a sleek bright red sports car, an old black cab or a traditional Rolls Royce all these quirks and characters start to build the theme of the day! Our chair cover supplier even recommends to colour co-ordinate with the curtains in our Oxford Suite if you really want to be perfectly matched.

As the count- down begins next time we’ll look at the six monthly checks to ensure you’re on schedule for your perfect dream wedding day!

If you are looking to book an Oxford wedding venue why not pop by and visit us here at Oxford Thames Four Pillars and see the newly refurbished College Barge, the ornate walled garden and new for Autumn 2012 our outside gazebo!

The post Planning your wedding day I Part 2 I Dress & Suppliers appeared first on Four Pillars Hotels Blog.

AIM is a nationwide “kitemark” for venues and service providers in the meetings and events industry, giving buyers the reassurance of quality, professionalism and value-for-money.    As well as suitability of facilities, each AIM venue is individually assessed for legal compliance and is required to meet a strict code of conduct in regard to its business processes.

Meanwhile, Four Pillars Hotels have introduced bespoke software for iPad streaming across the group, giving speakers the opportunity to deliver innovative and highly impressive presentations to unlimited iPads.   The software also enables delegates to send live questions to the presenter from their iPads and the presenter can run live electronic voting sessions, with the results published real time.   The service allows organisers to run a professional digital event, with full audience participation and feedback throughout the day, as well as survey evaluations and data capture post event.

Jane Longhurst, mia Chief Executive, the keepers of the AIM standard said, “I commend Four Pillars Hotels for the strategic vision shown in the decision to achieve AIM across all its properties. AIM is a reassurance to meetings and event buyers that the facilities and value provided by a venue meet industry benchmarked standards, it means they can have confidence their event will be a success. Achieving AIM sends a message to buyers that a venue is superior, so it’s not surprising that an increasing number are insisting on AIM before making a booking.”

Nikki Farr, Director of Sales for Meetings and Events, says “Following the launch of our Meetings Four You offering last year, the new AIM certification and iPad streaming reinforce our commitment to providing a professional and innovative meetings and events service to our clients.   We pride ourselves on being small enough to care, yet big enough to deliver and continually seek news ways to deliver exceptional service and facilities to both old and new clients.”

From a Victorian mansion to a contemporary lakeside resort to a property in a prime city location, Four Pillars’ extensive facilities are perfect for all kinds of events, from a board meeting to a major conference or team building event.   Introduced in 2011, the company’s Meetings Four You produced was designed to give the meetings planner total flexibility and a tailor-made solution for each event, with a range of options including the unpackaged “meetings by the hour” where clients only pay for the things they need.

Find out more about meetings at Four Pillars Hotels by visiting the Meetings Four You website

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When it comes to planning a wedding there is nothing our Wedding Co-Ordinators don’t know! One of them, Sharon King has been planning weddings at our Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel for the past 14 years and must’ve helped over 1000 brides plan their special day over the years.

There are a few special things to remember before approaching a venue about your special day.

1) Where would you like to get married? In a church, in a meadow or in a licensed premises like a hotel?

2) Who would you like to invite? An estimate number of guests is key to selecting the right venue as rooms will vary in size.

3) What style event are you envisaging? This will help set the scene for the venue! Are you dreaming of a religious ceremony with a traditional wedding breakfast? Or an open ceremony in the outdoors or looking for the ultimate wedding venue in an old castle or medieval barn?

It’s always a good idea to get out and about and see venues first hand to get a real feel for a place, the ambiance, the staff, the service and the welcome!

Most importantly, remember the day is your day and try and reflect yours and your partner’s personality into the proceedings and don’t be influenced by other family members who may have other ideas.

You will see from our testimonial page how Sharon has played a key part in making our past wedding couples a day to remember and we’ve even got a few baby tales to tell too.

Over the next few months you’ll be able to read about how to plan your big day and special things to think about on the Four Pillars Hotels blog!

In the meantime, if you are looking for a picturesque Oxfordshire wedding venue why not pop by and visit us here at Oxford Thames Four Pillars and see the newly refurbished College Barge, the ornate walled garden and new for Autumn 2012 our outside gazebo!

For anymore help and advice on planning your special please do give Sharon a call. She’ll be more than happy to help!

The post Planning your wedding day I Part 1 I The Venue appeared first on Four Pillars Hotels Blog.

We are proud to announce that we have teamed up with Bluestorm Solutions & Tablet Rentals Ltd to offer iPad streaming software for events, conferences, and summits. They are able to provide FULL 360 solution to our costumers, including the software, full setup, support onsite and even the actual iPads, as they rent iPads for the event through Tablet Rentals Ltd.

The iPad streaming software works by giving each delegates at your event an iPad while you hold your presentation. While you go through your different slides, those following the presentation will get the same images on their iPad screens and even more so, it gives new possibilities of interacting with those listening throughout your presentations.

Some of the features of the iPad streaming technology include the possibility of:

Streaming the presentation to an unlimited amount of iPads

LIVE ability to submit comments and questions on individual iPads throughout the presentation that can be viewed after

LIVE iPad voting in polls that can be added into the presentation

LIVE voting results submitted within the presentation

Ability to save voting results, questions, comments and other interaction captured from the audience

Branded iPads with corporate or event logo

The iPads will be set up, configured, and delivered ready-to-use to your event on the day, and this exclusive new iPad technology for events will give your audience a new innovative way to interact with your presentation like never before!

So what are you waiting for? If you have a presentation coming up at your next event, conference, meeting, or any other place you can see this great new iPad streaming technology work, just contact 0203 551 9997 / 0207 749 7242.

Plus, hire iPads from Bluestorm Solutions as part of your event at a Four Pillars Hotel and get a 10% discount. Quote Four Pillars 2012 when booking.

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When you visit a Four Pillars Hotel, we want to ensure you feel as ‘connected’ as you do at the home or in the office.

With our wireless internet service guests can keep in touch whether in your bedroom, a conference room or just relaxing in the bar.

We are pleased to offer FREE Wi-Fi access throughout all Four Pillars Hotels.

This is enhanced at our Cotswold Water Park and Tortworth Court Hotels where a 10mb dedicated line has been installed.

To gain access guests will need to collect a voucher from reception. There is a limit on the connection speed and data transfer. For guests wanting connection and/or transfer rates above the “free levels” business vouchers can be purchased. 

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Royal International Air Tattoo Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 July at RAF Fairford

Few events can rival the intensity, drama and spectacle on offer at the world’s greatest air show. The Air Tattoo, one of the UK’s premier outdoor events, will return this summer with an extravaganza of entertainment for all the family. Alongside the thrilling flying action, visitors will be treated to non-stop entertainment on the ground – so whether a wide-eyed first timer for a seasoned air show veteran, the experience will be breath-taking.

With over 250+ aircraft participating each year, upwards of 140,000 visitors and support from the Royal Air Force and some of the world’s leading aerospace companies, the Royal International Air Tattoo has been acknowledged as not only the world’s largest military air show but also one of the UK’s premier outdoor events for the whole family!

Best of British Show Saturday 26- Sunday 27 August at Kemble Airfield

Cotswold Airport presents a brand new event celebrating the Best of British. Join us over the August Bank Holiday and enjoy a fantastic Flying Display, entertainment in the Arena, live music from the Sound Stage, fabulous food and much, much more.

Fly to the Past Air Show Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 September at Oxford Airport

Fly to the Past is a unique air show, at a unique venue using a unique audio visual production to support the aerobatic displays. We celebrate the history of flight with live filming of the aircraft to giant screens and an all-surround sound system that delivers a live commentary supported by a soundtrack of historic audio clips and music scores. A movie in the sky!

Events at Blenheim Palace

Battle Proms Saturday 14 July

Every summer thousands of concert-goers pack up a picnic, stock up on fizz and join the party in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace for the Battle Proms Concert.

Picture a balmy summer evening with friends, sublime music, daring horsemen, fantastic fireworks, cannon fire and even a breath-taking Spitfire display. Over the last 15 years the organizers of the Battle Proms have developed what is now one of the most distinct and comprehensive concert programmes in the UK; this is an exceptional evening not to be missed!

Mini & VW Show Sunday 15 July

This year’s Mini and VW takes place during the summer where fans will head to the beautiful Park here at Blenheim Palace for a joint event organised by Andrew Greenwood. Mini and VW shows are a new and growing concept. The show is a gathering of clubs and private enthusiasts as well as trade stands and jumble stands, where the public can purchase VW/Mini parts and accessories as well as having the chance to see many customised and cherished motors on display.

Whether you’re a Mini and VW fan, or you just enjoy the opportunity to browse the show set within stunning surroundings this should be just the ticket, with club stands, trade stands, concourse and also an auto jumble. At joint Mini and VW shows you can expect to see some cool alternative accessories from the air-cooled scene and perhaps find some inspiration for your Mini project too.

Oxfordshire Classic Car Show Sunday 26 – Monday 27 August

Blenheim Palace offers a superb venue for the 7th Oxfordshire Classic Vehicle Show (Sun & Mon) with a Supercar Picnic & Bike Display on the Monday August Bank Holiday.

A spectacular gathering of classic cars from vintage through to kit and custom will be on display in the palace grounds on 26th and 27th August. Blenheim Palace provides the most appropriate venue and work in partnership with vehicle event specialist Andrew Greenwood’s Classic shows to organise an event to excite, amuse & educate vehicle enthusiasts & the general public alike. This two day event has the added bonus of vehicle judging and an experienced motor commentator to talk us through the day’s events. On the Monday there’s a Supercar Picnic and Bike Display taking place so it promises to be a good two day event and something well worth attending

Blenheim Park International Horse Trials Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 September

The Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is in its 22nd year and is now firmly established in the eventing calendar with the world’s best riders as well as the thousands of spectators who come each year to watch the event.

With the magnificent backdrop of Blenheim Palace the first phase of the competition “Dressage” takes place all day on Thursday and Friday, in which a series of pre-set movements are judged subjectively. On Saturday the cross-country, which is the pivotal part of the whole competition takes place over big solid fences and water jumps across the River Glyme on a timed course which runs around the stunning Parkland of the Palace grounds. The finale, which is the Show Jumping takes place on Sunday in front of the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace.

In addition to the eventing action there are lots of other activities in other arenas, Pony Club and Riding Clubs team competition on Thursday and Friday. Plus more than 175 retail outlets!

MGB 50th Anniversary Rally Sunday 23 September

The MG Car Club and MG Owners Club are jointly celebrating their 50th Anniversary with a Birthday Party in the magnificent surroundings of Blenheim Palace where their early photo shoot days took place.

This memorable day is open to MG’s spanning all eras and aims to get you, the MG enthusiast, fully involved and entertained! A display of MGB’s covering all models from the production years – together with examples of other cars which shared the same basic chassis. Significant companies supporting MGB 50, are MG Motor, Heritage Motor Centre, Moss Europe, British Motor Heritage and Brown and Gammons. The chosen charity for the MGB 50 year is Macmillan Cancer Support

If you are interested in Oxfordshire accommodation whilst visiting any of these events then click here

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We’re delighted to be celebrating all things British this June, July and August with the launch of Four Summer, a range of great value breaks and getaways.   Packed with fantastic offers and value added deals, not to mention a string of fun festivities, Four Summer provides the perfect excuse to escape and explore some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside at affordable prices.

Whether it’s Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire or the Cotswolds that you choose, Four Pillars Hotel provides the perfect base for a relaxing summer getaway.

Take advantage of a summer weekend escape from just £46 per person, per night (dinner, bed and breakfast) or make the most of a mid-week break and capitalise on a 15% discount, with rates starting from just £39.95 per person per night (dinner, bed and breakfast). Those seeking an extended stay can enjoy a 20% discount from just £37.60 per person (dinner, bed and breakfast) on all five night stays – meaning the longer you stay, the less you pay!* All this, PLUS children stay and eat breakfast for free**; there’s little excuse to leave British soil and plenty of cause for a traditional summer celebration this year!

For full T&Cs or to book, call 0800 374 692 or visit www.four-summer.co.uk

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One thing is for sure, that the offers wont be around for long! To receive these offers you need to register via the website, and you will then get the deals delivered into your inbox every Wednesday.

Alternatively you can also get details of our 72 Hour Sale by following us on Twitter or becoming a fan on Facebook or adding us to your circles on Google+

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Organisations keen to ensure they uphold their CSR policies throughout all areas of the business and reduce energy use wherever possible can just log onto www.meetingsfouryou.co.uk and use the online calculator tool to determine how many trees they would need to plant to offset their own event or meeting.  The results are produced in an easy to read spreadsheet format and the request can be submitted electronically to Four Pillars, who will organise the planting of the trees and prepare a certificate for your company in advance, simply adding the final cost to your invoice.

This initiative follows the news that all six of the Four Pillars Hotels have been awarded the Silver rating under the Green Tourism Business Scheme, which our CEO Charles Holmes describes as “a tremendous accolade and a great credit to the teams involved.  Responsible tourism is an important part of what we do and we will continue to work towards improving our ratings as we move forward”.

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