It's hard to plan a wedding, especially if you want a rustic but charming New England barn wedding. It's like trying to get a bunch of cats to do what you want. These places are picture-perfect because they mix old-fashioned style with country charm. But anyone who has planned an event before will tell you that it takes a lot of work to do it in a place like this. A list can be very useful. You could think of it as a guide to a happy marriage. Let's make it easier to understand by breaking it down into steps.
In New England there are a lot of barns that would make great postcards. There are a lot of beautiful and different choices from Vermont's wide open spaces to Massachusetts's historic touch. You need to find a barn that works for both your guest list and your idea.
When you think of barn weddings you might picture quiet places. They are cute but don't forget how useful they are. Make sure your guests can get to the event especially if a lot of them are coming from far away. Check to see if there is good parking and enough places to stay overnight close by. Visit New England has a complete list of barns that are easy to get to.
After you've picked a place for your wedding it's time to get creative and plan the theme. Barn weddings are naturally rustic but you can make them more unique by adding your own touches.
Find out if you like the rustic elegance of beautiful flower arrangements and chandeliers or the more laid back look of hay bales and string lights. Your decor should not only show off your style but it should also make the barn look better. If you want to get ideas for rustic wedding styles check out The Knot.
The way the barn is set up has an effect on everything from the ceremony to the dance floor. Planning this ahead of time is important so that everything goes well on your day.
Think about whether you want the ceremony to take place inside or outside. It can be beautiful to have a ceremony outside in front of a barn but the inside can be warm and welcoming. Both have their own charm but which one you choose depends on what you like and what time of year it is.
The most important part of planning a wedding is finding vendors. If you work with them everything will go well. Yes it's a lot of work but it's worth it.
You usually have to hire a caterer from outside the barn. Choose a caterer who has experience working in barns. They will know what to bring and how to deal with those conditions without any trouble. 258 Reviews of HollyHedge Estate in New Hope PA (https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/hollyhedge-estate-new-hope/0953f50cf3b7a461.html) has a list of reliable vendors that only work on barn weddings.
Your guests are there to celebrate your love. A nice way to say thank you for coming is to make sure they are comfortable and have fun.
Change your plans based on the weather. Give people fans or places to cool off in the summer. For colder months think about outdoor heaters or warm blankets. Letting guests know you've thought about their comfort sets a nice tone.
In addition to dancing think of other fun things to do that fit the barn. Lawn games are great for getting to know people on the grounds and a photo booth with rustic props adds a fun touch. For more ideas check out Pizza Party Wedding Reception Ideas for a Fun Celebration for some fun ways to keep your guests entertained.
Offering shuttles between hotels and your venue makes things easier to plan. Make sure there are enough places to stay nearby especially for friends and family who are coming from out of town. These little things show that you really care about your guests.
With your wedding planning list in hand you're ready to get started on planning a New England barn wedding that everyone will remember. The goal of this guide is not to scare you but to give you information and steps that will make the journey easier. After all planning your wedding is just as much about the experience as the actual day. Accept it and it will take you to a day full of love laughter and memories you will treasure.