If you’re looking to get married at Elmbridge Farm, the chances are you want something a little different to the norm. It might be the quirky setting that did it for you or maybe the fact that you can bring your own suppliers, but we’d bet you probably don’t want a stuffy, traditional wedding. So how do you go about creating something more relaxed whilst still keeping on top of it all? Don’t worry, we got you!
Credit: Dearest Love Photography
The most important thing to remember when you’re getting married is this: it’s your day and you can do it however you want to! It shouldn’t just be a box-ticking exercise. We like to give you flexibility and choice so that you can have your day just the way you want it. By having different options of setting for your ceremony, the freedom to roam our spacious grounds and allowing you to bring the suppliers that offer just what you’re looking for we know you’ll get the wedding of your dreams!
But what other bits of advice can we give to help you put together a wedding day which is laid back yet still well organised and still super special?!
Forget tradition!
You don’t have to rip up the rule book entirely; you might still want most of the usual elements, but you don’t have to say yes to something just because it’s the done thing. You should style the venue with a vibe that suits you, not just what you’ve seen done before. Choose the food you really love to eat; if a burger van is more your thing then that’s what you should have! Structure the timings of the day in a way that makes sense to you, allowing yourselves time for the things you want to do most.
If the idea of a first dance terrifies you, you don’t have to do one. If you’re worried about wearing killer heels all day, go for trainers. If you don’t want the standard ceremony, have a go at writing your own vows. You see where we’re going with this…
Whatever makes you more comfortable and gets you excited for the day, that’s what you should do. It always means so much more when you add your own personality instead of just going for the things that everyone expects. It means the day is all about YOU – just as it should be – and that way you’re guaranteed to have a top time. Trust us, your guests will love it too!
Credit: Nellie Photography
Getting that informal vibe
There are a few simple ways to create a relaxed atmosphere if you want to move away from all the formal stuff.
Food is a big one, as the difference between fine dining and street food is huge. If you are looking for something very casual then food trucks could be the way to go. Pizza ovens, fish & chips, Mexican or Caribbean… we have seen it all here and they always go down a storm! A seated table service meal can be very relaxed too. Not all caterers do a stuffy service and boring menus, in fact all the caterers on our recommendations list are on there because they do relaxed and trendy excellently. Think sharing platters, deli boards, grazing tables, BBQ food – a long meal with sloshes of wine and great company!
Remember what we said about your drinks also being crucial to the day?! Guests helping themselves to beers from a barrel will instantly set a more relaxed tone than a formal champagne reception. When you have that down time, there are a few other things you could consider which will help create the right atmosphere. Perhaps during that time you could have some acoustic music played or set out some games for people to get stuck into. A quick round of mini golf or a little bit of croquet can really get everyone in the right mood. Sitting around on haybales being serenaded in the sun, now that’s a great vibe for a wedding!
Credit: Ginger Jams
How do we help?
Honestly, the key to being able to sit back and relax on your wedding day is having planned it to perfection beforehand. Many DIY venues just hire you the space and leave you to get on with it, but we have lots of processes in place and a great team of people who will make sure it’s all plain sailing.
When you book with us, you’ll receive a wedding planning manual which goes through all your key dates in the venue managing timeline from booking your accommodation here to finalising your floorplans in the tipi. We know you probably chose us because you want to take your wedding into your own hands, so we promise we won’t be in the way. But (spoiler alert!) there’s a lot to do, so we try to lend a helping hand.
As well as those who will support with the planning, we have a great team of people who’ll be there on the day too. Our in-house co-ordinator will be on hand all day checking things are set up, liaising with your suppliers and being on call for you whenever you need them. Plus our Elmbridge staff will take care of your drinks, man the bar and be an extra port of call for you if there’s anything else you need. You really don’t need to worry about a thing!
Credit: Becky Garland Photography