Transform your pub into the perfect wedding venue
The wedding season is now upon us, and many couples are turning to bars and pubs as the perfect setting for their special day. The internet is full of successful wedding stories, and pub weddings are becoming more popular as intimate venues compared to larger destinations such as country halls. All it takes is a little creativity to take your local and turn it into the ideal wedding venue.
Lighten the mood
Colour and theme are one of the first decisions made when planning a wedding and it’s important to be flexible to cater for anything chosen. According to Confetti, the most popular wedding colours of last year were cool pastels, with purple coming in a close second. Rustic themes are rising in popularity, although dark woods and exposed brickwork may be too harsh to fit perfectly within certain wedding themes. Using shabby chic furniture in cream or white could be beneficial and solutions such as organza hanging delicately from the walls with twinkling fairy lights can transform the room simply, incorporating theme and bringing the room together.
Away from the walls, there are many opportunities to lighten up the atmosphere. Tablecloths, place settings and candles are all great ways to integrate theme, brighten the room and add elegance to the pub furniture. In the Wedding Report’s 2016 quarterly, only 14% of people voted that they loved patterned tablecloths, with the rest being indifferent or opposing the idea. Solid-coloured table cloths look great and draw attention to the main focal point of the table, the centrepiece.
Centrepieces are a great opportunity to pull together the wedding theme within your bar. Whether rustic wood combined with roses and tulips or intricate lights, the centre piece creates a central point which ties the whole room together so utilising this is the perfect way to draw away from the pub atmosphere and bring it together to be the perfect wedding venue.
Traditional wooden pub chairs and tables may be too dark for wedding furniture, consider replacing them with traditional Chiavari wedding chairs. In the popular limewash colour the chairs add elegance and lightness that you wouldn’t usually receive with pub furniture.
Finishing the look with lighting, whether bright and bold or intricate and quaint, creates a magical atmosphere within any space. Use lights to subtly transform your bar and wow guests as the day turns into the evening.
Stick to what you do well
Your venue would have been picked for a reason, and a big part of it will be down to the fact that you’re good at what you do. Whether that is amazing food or a great selection of ales, the trick is to keep that central to your offering. Don’t try to only offer what you would expect at traditional wedding venues, if the couple wanted this they would have gone there to begin with.
Think of creative solutions to present food, food stations are becoming more popular and getting creative with your delivery can make all the difference. The design of the station is important. Whether incorporating chalk boards to display food items or mirrored plates, the little details here can make the difference to your presentation.
Getting local businesses involved adds a family aspect to the day, whether local ales or locally sourced food you are sure to keep guests happy as well as knowing you’re doing your bit for the community.
Bar stools should retain their purpose, adding a casual feel to the reception. Pub weddings are often chosen for their comfort, so don’t be scared of leaving some of the other pub furniture around, particularly comfortable armchairs, sofas and low pub tables.
Bar weddings, although more intimate, are still meant to be fun. Keep everything light-hearted and you’re sure all of the guests can enjoy the day. Making sure there is space for entertainers, DJ’s or dancing is a sure way to keep guest entertained as well as ensuring your space doesn’t feel too cramped.
Accommodate the children
Kids play an important role at weddings, and as these days can seem long it is important that there are plenty things to do to keep the children entertained. There is a lot that can be done other than separating a table and thinking outside the box can go down well with both the children and their parents.
Space permitting, why not try a cinema room? Bean bags, cushions and a favourite Disney film ensure the kids can remain safe and entertained for a couple of hours. It’s not unusual to have someone there to keep an eye on the children letting their parents relax in the process.
Board games are a great way to keep everyone entertained. Games such as snakes and ladders or handmade oversized games are great fun and get everyone involved.
A kids menu is a must and presentation is vital. Whether you opt for cardboard boxes or brightly coloured plates, keeping it different from the adults will add a sense of occasion for the kids. Serving favourites such as nuggets and chips ensure everyone remains happy and will keep the kids sweet and on your side.
Out of the box solutions keep your venue fresh and encourages people to recommend you in the future.
Social Media Reach
Social media is a great way to promote your pub, and weddings are the perfect opportunity to market your venue in all of its beauty. Get permission from the couple and take quality photos from the day; th?e food, décor and flowers are all things that people are interested in and highlight your venue in the best light.