Getting Married in a Barn
These days, there are plenty of wedding venues you can choose, from a fancy hotel to a castle. There is, however, a particular kind of wedding venue that’s gaining popularity among couples today farm weddings.
So, what’s behind this trend? Are barn weddings merely a passing fad?. Many couples, however, don’t see it that way. To them, this choice of venue is as a special expression or extension of their personalities. Perhaps, you see the barn as a symbol of your connection with rural life and natural surroundings. It’s fitting that you celebrate a joyous occasion in a place teeming with life and hope. Here are some of the things you can do to make barn wedding a decision worth considering.
1. Dressing up the Barn
The high ceilings, wide space and sturdy beams present a cathedral-like atmosphere. It’s a perfect place for the momentous exchanging of vows. You can also fill the barn with any decorations you can possibly imagine. This is your chance to personalise your wedding ceremony and reception to your heart’s desire. Think of the place as a blank canvas you can transform with a dash of creative flair. For example, hanging a few fairy lights, bunting flowers or lanterns to turn the barn into a whimsical place. Add some appropriate wall drapes and sparkly glitter balls and you could turn it into a ballroom.
Often, the barn’s walls and floors are painted in neutral colours. This widens your choices of a wedding with themes like country, natural, rustic or vintage. You could even adopt a theme that features both old and new for the wedding venue. After the ceremony, you may wish to change the overall look and convert the barn into a funky dance floor.
2. Historic Venues
Barns often exude a historical look, which adds to the venue’s charm and character. Imagine walking down the aisle of a barn built a century or two ago. Or, picture you and your beloved dancing the night away in a Victorian farmhouse. In addition, a barn is also a fitting place for vintage or rustic wedding styles.
3. Countryside Setting
The scenic countryside is one of the reasons why many couples are opting for barn weddings. In Britain, many barn wedding venues still operate as working farms. Which is why a field of bountiful crops and an assortment of farm animals present a photo opportunity you shouldn’t miss. What better backdrop to your wedding celebration than the glorious panoramic views of the lush rolling countryside.
4. Memorable Accommodation
Sleeping on a farm the night before or after the wedding is truly a memorable experience especially for people used to city life. Each accommodation offers precious private moments and peaceful relaxation from various wedding activities. Meanwhile, the fresh countryside air has a revitalising effect on the body. Farm wedding venues that offer this full service can also provide accommodation for family members and friends.
5. Wedding and Party in the Garden
No wedding is ever complete without the traditional and expected reception and party. Often, a garden can be used as an alternative for wedding ceremonies. Guests can also enjoy their drinks as they explore the grounds and admire nature’s sheer beauty. The garden is also a good place to have outdoor meals and where both adults and children can have fun playing games afterwards.
Under the starlit sky, gardens also make suitable dance floors. Have your favourite DJs or band fill the night with beats that will last till the small hours of the morning.ÿ Even if it rains many barn wedding venues have marques to protect you and your guests from the natural elements. This means no matter how hard the rain pours, the party can still go on.
6. Peaceful and Romantic Wedding Ceremony
One of the advantages of a farm wedding is the simple serenity of the place, which in the company of family and friends, will certainly add to the romance of your special occasion.
Aside from offering wedding venues, many farms also offer honeymoon cottages like those at Crockwell Farm. After the wedding night, you could spend a day or two on the farm. This idea offers several merits. You and your beloved can spend that time exploring the quiet countryside or browsing the attractions of t the local market town.
7. Don’t forget the Photo Ops
A wedding is not complete without photographs.ÿ With their stunning settings, farm weddings offer many opportunities to take magical cherished pictures. In this age of online photo sharing,ÿ you may wish to post a few memorable snaps online.
Here are some tips on how to take photographs that are worthy of sharing on Instagram or Pinterest. You could use the following as scene setters or backgrounds:
- Water features
- Statues
- Venue’s architecture and decor
- Garden
- Outdoor stairs a perfect photo opportunity for groups or couples
- The classic bride walking down a spiral staircase scene
- Group photos in front of the wedding venue
- Prenup or before the wedding scenes
8. Less Restrictive
Wedding venues like hotels can place restrictions such as dress codes or menu choices. A barn venue, however, gives you enough free rein to inject your personality and style into the wedding. You can go with formal attires or casual depending on your preference. Your choices of food to serve are only limited by your imagination. There are also no traditions that you should follow. Design choices also fall under your discretion. For example, only you can decide to use or buy designer table runners or simply use the hand-made ones.
Farm weddings offer a unique and refreshing venue. The atmosphere gives you the freedom to choose what kind of ceremony and reception party to conduct. To discover a world of choice, get in touch with a wedding planner who has the dedication, skills and experience to turn your dream wedding into a reality.
Author’s Bio:
Harriet Thame is the marketing head at Crockwell Farm, a venue specialising in barn weddings. She’s the organiser of Taster Evenings, where couples start the planning process after seeing Crockwell’s best features.
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