How To Plan A UK Vineyard Wedding
A vineyard wedding is romantic, magical and full of charm; it’s the perfect wedding venue for your big day. It’s also one that is becoming more and more popular, as you no longer have to jet off abroad as there are some beautiful vineyards right here in the UK, offering picturesque surroundings and long weekends relaxing amongst the vines.
When we think of a vineyard wedding our minds automatically go overseas to sunnier climates, but UK vineyards have so much to offer! So, if you think having a vineyard wedding is right for you, we have teamed up with the Sussex vineyard and wedding venue, Oastbrook Weddings who are sharing their top tips and advice on how to best plan yours.
Themes
Most couples start with a theme, or vision of some sort when it comes to planning their big day. When thinking about your vineyard wedding day consider complementary themes that will go with your surroundings. This could be anything from a rustic theme, incorporating the vine leaves within the table displays, using the grapes as a starting point for your vineyard themed invitations or using a fresh continental lemon theme for a touch of contemporary luxe. Its earthy vibe and beautiful backdrops can be transformed into the right theme and vision for you and your partner.
Styling
Whether you choose to get married indoors or outdoors, using your picturesque surroundings, and pairing the wine with local produce is always a good place to start when it comes to styling. Adding a little bit of your personality into your basics goes a long way, so think about what you love as a couple and hone in on that to create something that suits the two of you perfectly. Don’t be afraid to express your individuality!
Guestlist
The one good thing about having a vineyard wedding in the UK is that you don’t have to worry about excluding friends and family that can’t or won’t fly! Most vineyards will have plenty of space so you will not be limited to the number of guests you have. At Oastbrook Vineyard we have numerous areas for both your ceremony and wedding breakfast and a marquee option in the grounds for larger weddings, meaning you get the luxury backdrops of the vineyard and don’t have to compromise your guest list. Always discuss with your planners what options are available and the different areas you can use for different parts of the day; they may come up with a plan you’d not thought of!
Photography
It’s a good idea once you have chosen your photographer to meet them at the venue to discuss your areas and times for the best photographs on the day. For example, when and where the sun sets for an epic sunset photography opportunity amongst the vines.
The Weather
There are obvious pros and cons to this one, and it’s a good idea to have discussed all opportunities and eventualities with your venue. For example, at Oastbrook we would plan the outdoor ceremony you wanted and have a plan B in place, in case the weather didn’t allow it. We also have indoor areas and the opportunity to have a marquee, so whatever the weather we would work with you to create the perfect day for you and cover all eventualities.
The Wine
The one thing you don’t have to worry about at a vineyard wedding is the wine! There’s wine aplenty and we make sure that each course is matched perfectly with one of the wines from the vineyard. At Oastbrook we have our own sparkling rose too, which means your drinks reception and toasts are also covered!
Sustainability
UK vineyards are sustainable in their own right, producing British based produce and most tend to use local suppliers and local produce as their recommended suppliers. So, if you’re an eco-conscious couple, you can work with the venue to make your wedding as ethical as possible and look at ways of re-using items throughout the day, recycling leftovers and making your carbon footprint lighter.
If you love the thought of having a vineyard wedding and want to know more about the weddings offered at Oastbrook, contact them for a private tour of their estate and go see what they have to offer.
Photography: Jacqulyn Hamilton @jacqulynhamilton / Venue: Oastbrook Weddings @oastbrookweddings / Dresses: Bowen Dryden @bowendryden / Celebrant: Rose & Grace @roseandgraceceremonies / Shoes: Beyond Skin #beyondskinshoes / Gloves: Cornelia James @cornelia_james / Accessories: Victoria Louise @victorialouiseaccessories / Nails: Beauty Call Boutique @beautycallboutiquesalon / Silk dressing gown @marksandspencer / Suits, shirts, shoes, ties, handkerchiefs, waistcoats: Suits to Suit @suitstosuituk / Furniture, props & styling: Hire Love UK @hirelove_uk / Crockery, cutlery & glassware: Harriets Table @harrietstable / Linens: North Fields Linen @northfieldslinen / Florals: Orchard Blooms Florist @orchardbloomsflorist / Makeup and hair and styling: Cara Mcdaniel Creative @caramcdanielcreative / Models: @guto.mbt @leabroc
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