When it comes to weddings, couples today are breaking away from conventional ballroom affairs and seeking unique and enchanting settings to exchange their vows. One such trend that has gained popularity in recent years is the woodland wedding. What better way to celebrate in this beautiful county of Dorset where we are abundant in beautiful woodland settings.
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of nature, woodland weddings offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and natural elegance. In this blog, we will explore the enchanting world of woodland weddings, from their breath-taking venues to the décor, attire, and more.
Why Choose a Woodland Wedding?
- Natural Beauty: Woodland weddings allow you to celebrate your special day surrounded by the stunning beauty of nature. Whether it’s a lush forest, a tranquil meadow, or a picturesque grove, the backdrop for your wedding will be awe-inspiring.
- Intimate Atmosphere: These weddings often create an intimate and cosy atmosphere, perfect for sharing the most important moments of your life with your closest friends and family. Ensure you find a space that is big enough for you and all your guests and be mindful of the route to your location – will anyone attending need flat access? Are there obstacles to contend with? Have you advised your guests that they may not want to turn up in stilettoes?
- Rustic Charm: Woodland weddings offer the opportunity to embrace rustic decor, from wooden accents to earthy colours, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
- Unique Photography: The natural setting provides a unique backdrop for wedding photographs. The play of light and shadows among the trees can result in truly magical pictures. The natural backdrops in a woodland setting cannot be matched in any indoor wedding setting to make the most of them.
Choosing the Perfect Venue
Selecting the right venue is the foundation of a successful woodland wedding. Different woodlands settings will be in different stages of growth/beauty at different times of year, so do your homework! You don’t want to end up at a venue where the flora and fauna are not in bloom or where the weeds have taken over. Here are a few types of venues you can consider:
- Forest Clearing: Exchange vows in a secluded forest clearing where the towering trees form a natural canopy. This setting offers an intimate and magical atmosphere. However ensure you have a plan to check the weather forecast and that you have a PLAN B increase it looks like rain on your special day!
- Riverside Retreat: For a touch of romance, consider a venue near a serene river or tranquil lake. The gentle sound of flowing water adds a soothing element to your celebration.
- Meadow Magic: Wide open meadows with wildflowers and tall grasses provide a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony and reception. Also check that you are absolutely certain when the flowers will be in bloom. It’s worth doing your homework so that your day is filled with the colours of the meadow, rather than with the colours of the dying flower heads.
- Treehouse Adventure: Some venues offer the option of exchanging vows in a rustic treehouse, giving your wedding a fairytale-like quality. Again, think about who will be attending, how you will all gain access to the treehouse etc.
Woodland Wedding Decor
- Natural Florals: Opt for locally sourced, seasonal flowers to create stunning bouquets and center pieces that complement the natural surroundings.
- Rustic Chic: Incorporate wooden elements like tree stump cake stands, wooden signs, and lanterns to enhance the rustic charm of the venue.
- Fairy Lights: String fairy lights through the trees or along the reception area to add a touch of magic and create a cozy atmosphere for the evening.
- Wildflower Aisle: Create a beautiful aisle by leaving the natural flora intact and simply marking the path with petals or small decorative items.
Attire and Styling
- Bride and Groom: Opt for attire that complements the woodland setting. For brides, flowing bohemian-style dresses or earthy tones work beautifully. Grooms can consider linen suits or casual attire. Stick with natural colours that reflect the woodland you will be in.
- Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Choose attire that harmonises with the natural surroundings, such as muted earthy tones for bridesmaids and casual suits for groomsmen.
- Footwear: Consider comfortable, flat shoes or even barefoot for a true woodland feel. Don’t forget to warn family and friends in advance that they will be walking and standing on uneven ground for the whole occasion, and that it may be muddy! Check the weather forecast the day before and give guests a heads up so they come fully prepared with the right footwear.
Catering and Entertainment
- Rustic Dining: Serve a menu that embraces the local and seasonal ingredients and consider options like a barbecue or a picnic-style feast. Plan in detail what you will need to display, serve and then dispose of your catering, and of course opt for eco friendly as much as you can.
- Live Music: Acoustic bands, string quartets, or solo guitarists can provide live music that complements the tranquil ambiance. Don’t forget to check out legalities of playing music in your woodland, and make provision for any PA that will need to be power free.
- Bonfire: For the evening reception, a bonfire with marshmallow toasting is a fun and cosy activity. Again, check out the restrictions at the location with regard to having fires, and also ensure there are adequate and safe means of disposal.
Woodland weddings offer a magical and unique way to celebrate your love amidst the beauty of nature. With the right venue, decor, attire, and thoughtful details, your woodland wedding can become an enchanting and unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. So, if you’re a nature-loving couple seeking an intimate, rustic, and utterly romantic setting for your special day, consider embracing the enchantment of a woodland wedding. It’s a choice you won’t regret as you embark on your journey of love amidst the trees, the breeze, and the birdsong.
For further inspiration have a look at this website for your Dorset Woodland Wedding: Dorset Woodland Weddings
