Use venue features in your theme

Don’t overlook existing venue features as focal points for your venue décor. Make use of any wow factors at your venue, such as a grand piano or a vintage tractor, and then use them for your photos! Ask your stationary designer or cake maker to include an image of your venue entrance or other stand – out detail to give a truly cohesive theme for your day.

Photo Credit: SandS Photo – Wedding Photography & Video [photo of isle featuring oak beams and doors onto lake]

Colour the room

Uplighters and back lighting create a fairy tale feeling as guests enter the room. Use strong colours for an unforgettable statement look, perhaps red or purple for a more dramatic feel, or simple warm white or pale blue to enhance the romance of your chosen venue.
A rainbow of colour
Turn the ceiling into a kaleidoscope of colours to emphasize your venue’s airy interior. Hanging pom poms, lanterns or cascading fabric adds something truly magnificent to your dining room décor.

Get crafty

For a really personal touch for your big day, consider the charm of genuinely hand-crafted invites and place settings. Your guests will appreciate the time spent and you will beam with pride at the compliments you receive. DIY touches are budget friendly and put a truly individual stamp on your day.

Photo Credit: PixiesintheCellar – Wedding Photography

Let there be light

What better way to illuminate a beautiful barn wedding than with a chandelier or two? Sandhole Oak Barn’s chandeliers handcrafted by a local blacksmith are stunning as they are… but they can also look amazing with a little seasonal foliage and hanging tea lights.

Blooming Beautiful Beams

Possibly one of our favourite wedding decoration ideas, particularly for winter weddings, is a strong use of seasonal foliage and sprinkled with twinkle. It’s important that your venue is equally as brilliant by night as it is by day, given that your celebrations continue as the sun goes down. Greenery mixed with hanging battery-operated tea lights for your first dance is truly magical and makes for stunning photographs.

Photo Credit: SandS Photo – Wedding Photography & Video

Bunting everywhere and on everything!

Bunting is still a popular feature at many country weddings and one of the easiest ways to bring a colour theme and vintage look to your wedding, without hiding a barn venue’s lofty heights and the splendour of exposed beams.

Love blossoms

When you’re getting married in a barn or church, you’re often already blessed with high ceilings, and a spacious dining area. Introducing tall blossom trees draws the eye upwards and adds a romantic finishing touch that brings the outside in.

The rustic look

Take inspiration from rustic rural interiors and create a display using old baskets or crates. Mismatched sizes and styles, together with a mixture of metal and wooden boxes, will look great once filled with personal touches – old photographs, candles, or something old, something blue. A family tree of weddings adorned with trinkets can tell your guests the story that has led to your moment here and now…
For more inspiring ideas and real life wedding stories use the arrows to read more from our wedding blog archive.

A passion for pallets

If someone asks you if you can make use of their old wooden pallets… just says yes! They provide a great way to let your guests know the order of the day – get creative with paints, photographs, fairy lights or other decorations you may already have. It can be a great DIY wedding project with the added bonus that this piece of your theme hasn’t cost a penny.
image taken by Rachel [photo of pallet sign at wedding]

Centre piece candelabra

Add candles to your tables to complement your venue’s existing style and enhance the glittering effect of any overhead lighting. Candelabras give a super chic and luxurious feel to a barn wedding.

Stylish back drops

Fabric drapes are a simple way to lavish a decadent feel upon any space. Sheer fabrics will retain a breezy feel, while a glittering fabric ramps up the glamour. In larger spaces consider coloured options too, which can be used to frame your top table area.

Flower power

Why not frame the “I do” moment in flowers for a completely perfect memory? A ceremonial arch way looks amazing for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. You can use artificial blooms for an option that is gentler on your budget, and even re-use the archway behind your top table or as a DIY photobooth later in the evening.

Dress it with a flower garland

Take advantage of your venue’s existing features such as Sandhole barn entrance. Trailing flowers and foliage wreaths add a real wow factor as your guests cross the threshold of your venue. Such decor works especially well when the indoor and outdoor space is exclusive to you, giving your guests the entire day to enjoy them.

Photo credit: The Flower House – Cheshire Entrance of Barn

Love letters

Worn metal with exposed Edison bulbs provides a more modern industrial vibe or choose wooden finishes for a country look. If the word is “love”, then spell it out for your guests. Use giant initials for your ceremony or “Mr & Mrs” for your evening reception area – a versatile wedding feature that is another great photo opp.

True love – It’s a sign
Charmingly hand-written signs provide important info for your guests whether it be letting them know they are in the right place or what to do at the right time. Consider using them to echo sentiments of love and your “happily ever after” around the venue, and to personalise the space.

Grazing tables

This wedding decoration idea is a real feast for the eyes. What could be more tantalising than fresh figs, grapes, pickles, cured meats and a display of cheeses on slates and wooden serving boards. A multitude of cakes can be complemented by pretty linens. Better than a bland buffet – this décor doubles up as dinner and guests will love it!

Flower walls

Trailing flowers, fragrant delphiniums, vines or even artificial petals create a picturesque backdrop for your cake table. Large or small, this versatile feature could liven up the smallest little nook at your venue and provide another space for those wedding selfies.

Evergreen centres

Most florists will be delighted to create a stunning table runner that will also fill your venue with fragrance. Eucalyptus or ferns are popular plant choices, either with or without flowers.

Image Photo credit: table runner taken by Top Table

For more inspiring ideas and real life wedding stories use the arrows to see more from our wedding blog archive.

Rural details

Why not make use of the charms of your rustic venue, whether it’s an old milk churn or an old cart wheel – make it part of the outdoor display. Agricultural bits and bobs or containers can still create show-stopping style. Country cottage flowers in milk bottles or even in the basket of a vintage bike enhance the genuine charms of a rural barn wedding.
Image taken by Rachel photo of milk bottles in a floral display

Trestle tables

Many venues will have the dining space should you choose to hire trestle tables as an alternative to round. They’re ideal for more informal weddings with intimate numbers, but also look ever so stylish however you chose to dress them. Simple floral centrepieces, lace or hessian work brilliantly – remember less is often more.

Twinkling fairy lights

One of the simplest, yet most effective wedding decoration ideas is fairy lights. There’s nothing like their romantic glow, ever so slightly out of focus, as a backdrop for your first dance photos… A recommended lighting supplier or experienced venue dresser can drape them from the rafters above or skilfully wrap them evenly around beams. Alternatively, cluster them in vases as table centrepieces or in lanterns down the aisle.

Photo credit: Richard Milne

Take a seat

Chiavari chairs have featured for some time now in barn weddings with either white painted, lime washed, stained or natural wood finishes. Simple decoration can enhance a whimsical, country theme. Hessian bows with a spray of gypsophila can give an equally good result to a framed padded chair if you want to prioritise comfort and avoid the cost of hiring alternative chairs.
Formal arrangements
As soon as your guests walk into the room, tall floral arrangements create grandeur associated with a truly elegant wedding. Slender vases add a formal finish for country weddings, and classic roses evoke an English style for a truly classic barn wedding.

The Midas touch

The combined effect of reflective surfaces and the luxurious warmth of gold adds up to an ultra-glamorous effect. Every element of your reception can be tinged with gold – opt for gold-rimmed glassware, charger plates, and sequined table runners. Give your favours and desserts the Midas touch with chocolate coins and edible glitter.

Step by step

Whether it is for your guests to “pimp their prosecco” or garnish their G&Ts, a ladder filled with a selection of herbs and liqueurs transforms reception drinks into an unforgettable experience. They can also be dressed up in all manner of ways to add a sentimental touch to your reception décor, or a quirky table plan display.

A creative plan

Creative seating plans are a focal point for any wedding and the best ones reflect the story of you as a couple and your chosen interests. The Hogwarts Express travelling to each station or table, a globe with pins of your chosen destination tables or even photos of the two of you each year up to your teens provides an interesting talking point for your guests. You can read our blog on creative table plans here.

Photo memories

You could use them for your seating plan, or simply to share the story of your romance and relationship so far. Encourage guests to add their own polaroid pictures throughout the day to your photo board or personalise their place setting with a happy shared memory. A picture speaks a thousand words.
Image of couples photos displayed on a ladder

The best theme – YOU

We can discuss all the up-to-the-moment themes and trends for your day. How to “keep up with the Jones’” or that must have activity for your guest reception. But please remember that the best theme for your décor, wedding story and day is the two of you. Let your interests and imagination touch every aspect of your wedding. Simply pick all of the things that you both like and they will go together – because YOU go together. Let your personalities dictate your wedding choices, be bold when discussing your ideas with suppliers, and you and your guests will experience the most genuinely heart-warming, and unforgettable day. All about you…

For more inspiring ideas and real life wedding stories use the arrows to read more from our wedding blog archive.

Did you know that rain on your wedding day is good luck because it signifies that your marriage will last, because a knot that becomes wet is extremely hard to untie and that being said. When you “tie the knot” on a rainy day, your marriage will allegedly just as hard to unravel.

Here are some reasons why a rainy wedding is great!

You won’t have to worry about overheated wedding guests.

If it’s raining, one thing you don’t have to worry about is overheated guests. Rain often brings freshness to the air and cools down the atmosphere around you, which is perfect if you’re suited and booted for the entire day.

Photo Credit: Frank Henshall Photography

It can reduce pollen and allergies in the air.

If you suffer from hay fever and other allergies the last thing you could want on your wedding day are hot and sunny skies, which are potentially the ideal conditions to kick-start, your allergies to turn your nose and eyes red.

You can take some truly amazing photos.

Photos in the rain can be utterly beautiful. From being close under shelter as the showers fall or showing pure joy as you jump over puddles. It has to be said there is something truly spectacular about shots taken at night while in the rain. It’s also a real opportunity for your photographer to show their skills and create real works of art.

Photo Credit: Joel Bickerton Photography

An opportunity for fun fashion!

So you may require a quick shopping trip to get hold of some rainy day accessories but there is something to be said about some jazzy wellington boots and a wedding dress! It is also a perfect opportunity to show off your personal style. There are even umbrellas in many colours and styles, from the classic to fabulously alternative.

Cuddle up.

Sure it’s raining, but it’s YOUR WEDDING DAY! Take the change in temperature as a great excuse to cuddle up. If the weather becomes a little chilly set out some cozy blankets in a basket for you and your guests – they will love that they can wrap up and still enjoy the day as the night draws in, without having to bring a spare jacket! They won’t even notice the slight chill in the air, plus it can produce a lovely rustic atmosphere.

Embrace the weather!

Just embrace it all! Remember the reason you are there is to marry the love of your life with all your friends and family surrounding you. Whatever the weather is doing you will still have the perfect day because it’s yours. So what if your dress gets a bit muddy it’s a sign you fully embraced every moment!

Photo Credit: Richard Milne Photograph

Top tips:
•Have a wet weather plan – another part of the venue, a covered tent, a flexible start time. Get as many options as possible.

•Hire some beautiful umbrellas, just in case!

•Don’t panic! We had the most thunderous downpour during our ceremony resulting in the whole thing being pulled from the grass and into our Plan B area – an outdoor but covered terrace, with a monsoon as our backdrop over the mountains. In the past 9 months since we have been married so many people have commented how incredible and dramatic our ceremony was – literally taking place in a storm! It is certainly not one that will soon be forgotten and it added a great element to our story.

•Enjoy it! I didn’t realise until I saw the pictures that I actually laughed coming down the aisle as it was all so insane – I’ve never seen rain like it and there in the midst of it all was all of our loved ones, and my husband waiting at the end of the aisle. Talk about an entrance!

•The pictures will be epic! The bigger the clouds, the more dramatic the photo!! Best make sure you hire Natalie who managed to shoot pictures of our ceremony, while standing out in the rain with a brolly balanced & covering her camera, and somehow managed to get clear, touching pictures with not a hint of raindrop. Not to mention all the photographs out in scenery, just as we had imagined.’

Photo Credit: Jonny Draper Photography

After getting engaged, Ashleigh and James were looking for the perfect Cheshire wedding venue – big enough to celebrate with all their family and friends and with overnight accommodation. Dreaming of a barn venue with beautiful beams and high ceilings, when they saw Sandhole Oak Barn, they fell in love!

“We were so excited to finally find that perfect venue. It had all the beauty and charm we were hoping for but with the comfort of a modern venue,” explains Ashleigh. “The lake was just the icing on the (wedding) cake!”

Design and Décor

A beautiful colour scheme of pastel blue and white was chosen, along with a hint of coral. Decorations were kept to a minimum, allowing the natural beauty of Sandhole Oak Barn to shine through. Rose petals were scattered down the aisle and the table centrepieces were floating candles and pretty flowers.

“The high ceilings and beautiful beams together with the gorgeous view were decoration enough,” smiles Ashleigh. “As the sun set, the tables looked beautiful by candlelight.”

Looking the part

The beautiful bride wore a beautiful ivory gown with lace detail and a keyhole back by David Tutera.

“It had a chapel length train and I wish I could wear it every day!” laughs Ashleigh. “I tried on lots of dresses before I found the one. This combined all the different elements I loved.”

Ashleigh wanted to look simple and elegant to kept her accessories to a minimum with a diamond pendant necklace made from her mothers engagement ring. She completed the look with diamond stud earrings and Champagne-coloured shoes with a touch of sparkle.

James looked the part in a royal blue suit with pale blue tie and white shirt from Selected. Meanwhile, the adult bridesmaids were beautiful in pale blue full-length gowns from Phase Eight while the flower girls looked adorable in pretty ivory dresses from Monsoon.

Wedding day details

Following a romantic ceremony, guests enjoyed Pimms and canapés before the wedding breakfast was served. Starting with asparagus and poached eggs, the main course was chicken with parmesan mash and, for pudding, a lime and white chocolate cheesecake.

“We’re big foodies and wanted a really great meal,” says Ashleigh. “Top Table, our caterers, and Confetti & Crumbs who made our cake made sure of that. Everyone commented on how delicious the food was.”

As day turned to evening, roast pork sandwiches were enjoyed alongside the delicious wedding cake – three scrumptious tiers of chocolate, carrot cake and lemon.

That’s Entertainment!

A pianist played the grand piano at Sandhole Oak Barn to welcome the bride down the aisle and as the newlyweds walked back up the aisle. He continued to play throughout the drinks reception and the wedding breakfast.

In the evening, a DJ filled the dance floor, playing ‘La Vie en Rose’ for the first dance.

“He did a great job of taking requests from our guests,” smiles Ashleigh. “We had everything from Indie to Motown and cheesy pop!”

Ashleigh’s favourite moment:

“Saying our vows to each other in front of our friends and family. It felt very special, as if no one in the world had ever done this before!”

“Having photographs taken beside the lake during sunset while our guests were inside. It was so peaceful and beautiful and a strong memory we share of the day.”

Photography courtesy of © Adam Wilkinson Photography

After a romantic New Year’s Eve proposal, bride-to-be Claire and her fiancé Sam couldn’t wait to begin planning their rustic wedding. “We had been together for seven years, and we knew exactly where to start!” smiles Claire.

The Venue

Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire was their chosen venue. “We were already aware of Sandhole and saw ourselves getting married there,” says Claire. “My parents so kindly offered to pay for much of the day so our budget was set” she adds.

When Claire and Sam went to visit this barn wedding venue, it was just as they had hoped and more. “The view, the beautiful barn, the staff… we were overwhelmed by the welcome we received and the surroundings just spoke for themselves,” she says. The happy couple provisionally booked the venue straight away and began imagining how they could add personal touches and décor for their special rustic wedding day.

The Styling

When it came to decoration, Claire and Sam chose a rustic wedding theme with a splash of glamour – a look to which Sandhole Oak Barn lends itself perfectly with its neutral décor and beautiful beams. “We chose white chair covers with cream organza sashes,” explains Claire, “and the flowers were pale coloured roses with foliage to tie in with the country surroundings”. The wedding cake was adorned with white roses and, for favours, Claire’s mum made jam which was presented in small glass jars with nametags. “Our younger guests had sweets instead of jam” smiles Claire.

The Dress

“I’m not tall so had always imagined wearing a simple, fishtail dress,” says Claire. In reality, she ended up choosing a stunning princess-style lace dress with an elegant black sash around the waist. “I absolutely loved it and knew instantly that it was the one,” she adds. With such a fabulous dress, Claire kept her accessories simple with small drop earrings, a tiara, bracelet and a medium length veil.

Claire’s four bridesmaids, Amy, Becky, Harriet and Sally, looked radiant in mint green embellished floor-length dresses. “I was keen to buy dresses that the girls could wear again,” explains Claire. “We took our search to Manchester and found the perfect dresses in Miss Selfridge!”

The Big Day

Claire and Sam tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Sandhole’s breathtaking rustic Oak Barn. “My dad walked me down the aisle and we had a very light-hearted but emotional ceremony,” says Claire. “A pianist played our chosen music, Canon in D. It was perfect!”

The Celebrations

After the ceremony, the wedding party enjoyed winter Pimms and a delicious selection of canapés for the drinks reception. Their delicious three-course wedding breakfast started with asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon with hollandaise sauce, followed by fillet of beef with dauphinoise potatoes. For dessert, they were treated to a trio of desserts – a mini crème brulee, a chocolate brownie with ice cream and a mango and pear tartin. “We were too greedy to choose just one pudding!” smiles Claire.

When it came to the evening entertainment, Sam and Claire decided against a band or DJ and instead created their own playlist. “This was mainly due to our dwindling budget!” says Claire. “It also meant that we could choose our own music from start to finish”. This included their romantic first dance song, ‘Lucky’ by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. “A few years ago, Sam mentioned this song and that he thought it would be great as our wedding song. The words are really meaningful – about being in love with your best friend”.

The Honeymoon

Two days after the wedding, Claire and Sam enjoyed a ‘mini-moon’ to Harrogate. “We stayed in a lovely hotel called Rudding Park,” says Claire. “They treated us like royalty! We’d like to go on a honeymoon abroad when our son is a little bit older.”

Claire’s Top Tip:

“Enjoy your day and make the most of anyone offering to help. We made sure everyone in our bridal party knew what was supposed to happen when. They played a huge part in making sure the day ran smoothly.”

Photography courtesy of © Amy B Photography

With suppliers to source and a wedding venue to find, the initial stages of wedding planning were a little overwhelming. To help them on their journey, Chloe and Richard took to the internet to source a dream wedding team.

Top of the couple’s wishlist was a beautifully unique wedding venue and fantastic food too. They also wanted to plan an unforgettable evening party with music from a live band.

The Venue

Chloe and Richard stumbled upon Sandhole Oak Barn whilst looking online. “I was looking for wedding venues in the North West area, where I’m originally from, even though we currently live in Yorkshire,” explains Chloe.

Once the pair found Sandhole online, they knew they had to book a visit. Luckily, their show around was a real success – with the couple sold on booking the barn wedding venue right away.

The Styling

Keen to add a personal touch to their wedding, Chloe and Richard opted for a DIY wedding theme. They used wooden blocks as their table centrepieces teamed with cream jugs, gypsophila and heart shaped table numbers. “We went for the simple but effective look with a vintage touch,” says Chloe.

Other handmade touches included a DIY table plan and jam jar tea light display, ideal for adding the finishing touches to the wedding breakfast space and creating the personal wedding that they dreamed of.

The Dress

As soon as Chloe saw her Maggie Sottero dress, she knew it was “the one”. “I absolutely loved wearing it and didn’t want to take it off!” she smiles. Her stunning gown featured two layers, one in ivory and one in light gold. Its lace details also complemented the vintage wedding style of the day.

The Ceremony

Chloe arrived at the Barn bright and early, along with her bridesmaids, to get ready for her big day. “It was so lovely to make use of the beautiful dressing room,” smiles Chloe. With the bridal dressing room just moments away from the aisle, Chloe didn’t need to travel far either to meet Richard at the end of the aisle. “As I was walking down the aisle, someone stood on my veil – of course, I laughed it off,” she smiles.

The Celebrations

Chloe and Richard’s celebrations were all about family, friends and good food. Their three-course wedding breakfast featured a chicken and parma ham main and a trio of desserts. “We had so many compliments about the food, it was exceptional,” says Chloe.

The speeches were a highlight too, with the best men delivering some cracking lines. “Richard’s two best men had all the guests laughing for 20 minutes straight,” smiles Chloe. “It was priceless.”

The day closed with celebrations on the dance floor – and Chloe and Richard sharing a special dance to the Goo Goo Doll’s Iris.

Chloe’s Top Tip:

“Don’t spend your time worrying! I wished I’d enjoyed the build-up to the day more – instead of worrying about every last detail. Even if something does go wrong, you’re in so much of a bubble you won’t even notice.”

Photography courtesy of © Vikki Hughes Photography

When Emma and William tied the knot in August 2016, they chose Sandhole Oak Barn for their beautiful country themed wedding.

The Perfect Venue

Having looked around numerous country venues, the happy couple felt that Sandhole Oak Barn had everything they were looking for… and more! ‘The barn is spectacular’ says Emma. ‘The setting is beautiful; the staff were amazing and the gorgeous Granary was a lovely place to get ready for the day ahead.’

Theme of the Day

With a summer, country theme, vibrant shades of orange, green and yellow were introduced to Sandhole Oak Barn using wonderful sunflowers and orange gerberas. Emma put her creative hat on and made all the table decorations herself. ‘As an alternative to flowers, we used fresh herbs, planted in pots that I decorated myself’ explains Emma. ‘Pheasant feathers and cinnamon sticks adorned the candles in the centerpieces.’

All About the Dresses

Moving away from traditional ivory and white, Emma wore a beautiful gown with a tartan bodice in shades of orange and mustard yellow with a handkerchief hem and silk skirt. ‘My shoes were hand-painted by my daughter and her boyfriend,’ smiles Emma. ‘They said ‘Mr & Mrs Stout’ down one side and ‘Let’s do this thing’ down the other. Absolutely gorgeous!’

Emma had one adult bridesmaid and one flower girl. ‘They wore muted tones of mustard yellow,’ she explains ‘accented with some of the tweed from my dress, dried flower crowns and Converse All Star trainers!’ Emma’s page boy wore a brown tweed suit and blue shirt, the suit being specially personalised with sunflower buttons and a sunflower bow tie.

As for the Groom…

William looked the part in brown tweed jacket and waistcoat with a blue shirt. He accessorised with blue shoes, and his buttonhole was a gerbera sitting inside a yellow cartridge case.

The Wedding Breakfast

Following a classic, elegant Champagne reception, guests were invited through to The Oak Barn to begin the wedding breakfast. Asparagus was served to start, followed by duck and a trio of desserts – Chardonnay jelly, lemon tart and crème brulée. Delicious!

Evening Celebrations

As day turned to evening, Emma’s parents took to the floor for the first dance, in place of the bride and groom, dancing to ‘Hello Dolly’ by Louis Armstrong. Guests enjoyed fish and chips, served in newspaper of course, and the band got the party started.

Emma’s Thoughts

‘The wedding exceeded all our expectations. Sandhole was amazing with brilliant staff and food. The only disappointing element was the weather – I would have loved an outdoor ceremony overlooking the lake!’

Photography courtesy of © Matthew Holland LBPPA

With an elegant colour scheme, beautiful flowers, fabulous menu and live music, Pip and Anthony’s September wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn was a romantic delight.

With a September wedding date in mind, Pip and Anthony were looking for the perfect venue for their special day. They fell in love with the rustic style and tranquillity of Sandhole Oak Barn.

“We went to an open day and the staff were so friendly and welcoming,” explains Pip. “We knew this had to be the place!”

Setting the Scene

After getting engaged in New York, the happy couple wanted to introduce an element of city glamour to their countryside wedding and embraced a sophisticated colour scheme of deep blue, pink and grey.

When it came to décor, fairy lights provided a subtle, romantic ambience and an illuminated heart sat at the end of the aisle. Classic blooms included roses, gypsophila, eucalyptus and pink astilbe, with Pip’s flower girl carrying a flower wand.

“We both wanted fairly traditional flowers that wouldn’t detract too much from the people holding them,” says Pip. “We went for simplicity and the ‘less is more’ approach.”

Bridal Style

The beautiful bride chose a Pronovias gown from Maria Modes in Macclesfield.

“It was feminine and the princess dress of my dreams!” smiles Pip. “My mum and I both walked up to it at the same time and just knew that it was my dress.”

Meanwhile, Anthony looked the part in a Prince of Wales checked suit from Cheshire Menswear, also at Maria Modes.

Finally, Pip’s bridesmaids wore frosted lilac / dusky pink dresses with an embellished neckline by Lipsy from Next, while the flowergirl’s pretty dress was from Monsoon.

Wedding Day Details

Following the romantic ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed ‘tipples and tasters’ while a saxophonist played.

“We also had a pianist to play during the wedding breakfast,” says Pip. “We loved the element that the live music brought to the day.”

Sitting down to dine, the exquisite wedding breakfast commenced with baked asparagus tips wrapped in Parma ham, moving on to fillet of local beef with a vegetarian alternative of spinach and pine nut lasagne. For pudding, a trio of desserts was an unsurprisingly popular choice.

“The main course was just excellent and got the most compliments,” smiles Pip. “It was a main course that dreams are made of!”

Evening Celebrations

As day turned to evening, Pip and Anthony, both fans of Disney, danced their first dance to a version of ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’.

“Neither of us is a pro at dancing,” says Pip, “so our main priority was that the song was fun and we could sway to it!”

Keeping their evening food simple yet delicious, bacon butties, sausage butties and chips was just the thing.

Pip’s favourite moment:

“Walking down the aisle with my dad, and then saying our vows to each other. I was so happy and I could feel the love radiate in the room. It was truly magical and our Registrar was amazing!

Advice from the Bride

“I was so worried about the minor details and they really didn’t matter on the day. The best parts of the day were simply getting ready with the girls, getting married to the love of my life and dancing the night away with everyone I loved! Focus on enjoying the journey with the people you love. Also, I love a pair of high heels, but I was so relieved to change into flats in the evening. I danced the night away in pink Puma’s with bows on!”

If you are considering Sandhole Oak Barn for your celebration, we would love to show you all this wonderful venue has to offer. Please get in touch with our friendly events team to discuss your plans, receive a brochure or arrange a visit.

Photography courtesy of © Luke Slattery Photography

With Spring upon us, we’re dreaming of beautiful, rustic weddings in our idyllic barn, overlooking the countryside beyond. If you’re planning a spring celebration, it’s time to be inspired.

Image Courtesy of Suzy Wimbourne Photography

Design and Decoration

Nestled within 400 acres of Cheshire countryside, Sandhole Oak Barn gives you the perfect opportunity to embrace the seasons. With its neutral décor, oak flooring and full-height windows, The Oak Barn lends itself to a wide range of styles and colour schemes.

Image Courtesy of Joanna Eardley Photography

Images Courtesy of Embee Photography

In the spring, as you gaze over the fields, the lake and the wildlife beyond, it seems only natural to echo the same colours inside, introducing foliage and pastel shades to your décor. We love to see delicate shades as well as the brighter hues of oranges and yellows. Of course, if you’re marrying close to Easter, you might also decide to incorporate Easter eggs and perhaps even have an egg hunt for your younger guests.

Image Courtesy of Project Valentine Photography

Images Courtesy of David Jenkins Photography and Emma Stoner Photo

Pretty details could include coloured table linen or glassware, elegant menus and place cards and rustic chalkboard or wooden signage. Don’t forget ambient lighting and pretty fairy lights as the sun goes down.

Images Courtesy of Danielle Victoria Photography

Image Courtesy of Luke Slattery Photography

Your Wedding Style

Embrace the fairy-tale element of the season and the setting, following the trend for dresses with lace, tulle and embellishment. At this time of the year, the weather is especially tricky to predict so it can be worth having a shawl or wrap to hand if you like the idea of enjoying welcome drinks on the lawn or verandah. Towards the end of the season, you might even decide to say your vows under the Clock Tower.

Image Courtesy of Suzy Wimbourne Photography

Image Courtesy of Luke Slattery Photography

Image Courtesy of Luke Slattery Photography

Echo your chosen colour palette in your bridesmaid dresses, perhaps opting for different shades to suit each bridesmaid. There’s nothing prettier than a range of pastel-coloured dresses or ombre shades in pinks, blues or greens.

Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography

And, when it comes to groomswear, why not make the most of the countryside setting by introducing a hint of tweed!

Image Courtesy of Shane Webber Photography

All About Flowers

This is the most wonderful season for wedding flowers. Alongside the more traditional roses, nature also offers you tulips, freesia, anemones, nuscari, hyacinths, and narcissus. Consider adopting an element of sustainability and using potted plants as your table centres, perhaps adorned with foliage and herbs. Bulbs and saplings also make great wedding favours.

The borders and wild flowers are also in full bloom, with lots of daffodils, primroses, crocuses, viburnum, swaths of yellow flag irises around the lake, and the lovely magnolia trees by the Barn, giving you some beautiful settings for your photos.

Image Courtesy of Joanna Eardley Photography

Image Courtesy of Shane Webber Photography

Image Courtesy of Suzy Wimbourne Photography

Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography

Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography

On the Menu

Our award-winning approved caterer, Top Table, will look after your bespoke wedding menu. Chat to them about using seasonal produce and designing a menu that reflects the season. And, of course, you might like to create some spring cocktails, perhaps a colourful Cosmopolitan or a romantic Bellini.

Image Courtesy of Richard Milnes Photography

Image Courtesy of Neil Parry Photography

Cakes, Glorious Cakes

With so many options for styles and flavours, you really can create a wedding cake to suit your day. Think of it as a blank canvas upon which you can impart your chosen colour scheme and design. Ask your florist to embellish a pure white cake with spring flowers and foliage, copying those used in your arrangements. Introduce pastel coloured icing and hand painted flowers for your spring extravaganza or choose something completely different. Naked and semi-naked cakes look great in the spring, decorated with seasonal flowers and fruits to create an informal, boho vibe.

Image Courtesy of Danielle Victoria Photography

Image Courtesy of Richard Milnes Photography

Image Courtesy of Adam Riley Photography

For more spring wedding inspiration take a look at our Spring wedding gallery.

If you have yet to visit Sandhole Oak Barn, we would love to show you all we have to offer. Simply call our friendly team on 01260 540007 or 01260 224215.