How to Create the Perfect Woodland Wedding
Photo Credit: Christine and Ian via Oh So Beautiful Paper
Woodland weddings are the next big thing and it's not hard to see why. Breathtaking natural settings, ethereal lace dresses, and to die for decor... no wonder everyone's lusting after hosting their nuptials among the trees.
If you've got your heart set on a glamorous woodland wedding then check out the following ideas to help you get inspired for your big day...
Wedding Stationary
From fun animals motifs to quirky hand drawn illustrations, you can let your creative side run wild with woodland inspired wedding stationary. Add an element of sophistication by sticking with a simple color palette that plays to the strength of your setting. Neutral colors such as white, brown, beige, and green all work well. Keep it rustic by opting for recycled and eco friendly paper, preferably natural and unbleached. The pulpier the texture the better, as this adds a beautiful tactile quality and sets the tone for your what's in store for your guests.
Photo Credit: Christine and Ian via Oh So Beautiful Paper
Photo Credit: Christine and Ian via Oh So Beautiful Paper
Photo Credit: Christine and Ian via Oh So Beautiful Paper
Wedding Venue
Getting hitched in the woods isn't always as easy as it first sounds as most natural sites have their own rules and regulations that don't often accommodate wedding parties. With private estates this isn't a problem you have to worry about. You are free to host your ceremony and reception anywhere on the grounds you like, allowing you the freedom and vision to create your dream woodland wedding.
These following breathtaking estates are just 3 examples that would make for the perfect woodland wedding venue:
- Pleasantdale Chateau Estate, New Jersey
Situated on 40 picturesque acres of woodland, meadows, ponds, and formal gardens, this historic estate has extensive amenities and impeccable service. Special features include a grand ballroom which can host up to 300 people, 30 beautiful guest rooms, and an indoor pool with stunning glass ceiling. A woodland wedding at this world class destination wouldn't soon be forgotten!
Nestled amid an array of serene redwood, oak, bay, and fir trees, Edgewood is the perfect venue for couples who want a rustic yet elegant event. The 60 acre property boasts a beautiful barn, deck, lounge, and miles of professionally built hiking trails.
The Rosaline Estate is the ideal backdrop for a weekend wedding getaway in the woodland. The grounds are like scenes taken from exquisite paintings, including expansive lawns, a pond with dock, brook, wood trails, and much more besides. The charming colonial home is equally impressive and can accommodate 10 guests for overnight use.
Wedding Attire
Vintage wedding gowns adorned with lace and floral embellishments, ethereal full length wedding veils, bohemian headpieces, and boots are perfect for brides looking for timeless woodland wedding style. Grooms in hats, bow ties, waistcoats, and nature inspired boutonnieres comprising of ferns, thistles and wildflowers are always a winner. Remember to choose wedding attire that is light and easy to wear, while simultaneously complimenting the natural beauty of the woodland. Keep makeup clean and simple, and let the hair flow free paying homage to the wild side of your wedding theme.
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Wedding Flowers
Woodland weddings are all about the flowers. Ferns in all different shades of greens are the ideal base to start working from. The shape of a fern instantly creates an organic aesthetic and feel, and when paired with the right blooms they add volume and depth to your arrangements. If you are lucky enough to find them, then tree peonies look exceptional with a woodland theme. Other woodland treasures to consider include moss covered logs, clusters of cobnuts and large oak leaves, and rich colored foliage.
Photo Credit: Amy Wallen Photography
Photo Credit: Maharaj Photography
Wedding Decorations
The best thing about tying the knot alfresco is the magical woodland setting will be decoration enough, all you need to do is add the finishing touches. Whimsical material altars, hand cut logs and straw bale seating arrangements all fit the bill beautifully. Floral centerpieces bursting with texture, muted tones, artichokes and juicy berries make for eye catching table decorations, couple that with quirky twig table settings and cute paper doilies and your woodland wedding decorations will look divine.
Photo Credit: Maharaj Photography
Photo Credit: SWOON by Katie
Photo Credit: Dan et Lulu
Wedding Menu
When it comes to woodland themed weddings, rustic is the only way to go with your wedding menu. A menu consisting of sumptuous fresh local produce including open baskets of forest berries, chunky fresh baked bread, and delicious jams and chutneys from the local area will compliment the surroundings perfectly. For a glam twist on your rustic menu, add a collection of woodland inspired cocktails for your guests to indulge themselves in. Woodland punch is the perfect drink for the occasion, made from a blend of southern comfort, cherry Heering liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, fresh pineapple juice, and soda. Another cocktail which lends itself well to the woodland theme is the ‘nuts and berries’ recipe consisting of just two simple ingredients. The Frangelico is the ‘nuts’ and the Chambord is the ‘berries’!
Photo Credit: 1 Fine Cookie
Photo Credit: Premshree Pillai
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Wedding Cake
The ultimate wedding cake for a woodland theme would have to be the naked fruitcake. The un-iced cake, sat atop a bed of dried leaves and adorned with delicate baby’s breath is a real show stopper...it'll look so good you won't want to eat it! Naked cakes are a beautiful sight to behold, especially when featured in a charming rustic woodland setting. If you're not a fan of fruit cake then you can go for a classic deconstructed victoria sponge filled with cream icing between the layers. Some cake pros feel this style looks unfinished and worry about the cake drying out, but in spite of that naked cakes still look pretty damn spectacular.
Photo Credit: Karen Flower Photography and Blueberry Hill Cakes
Photo Credit: Karen Flower Photography and Blueberry Hill Cakes
Wedding Favors
Thank your guests with eco friendly wedding favors that are kind to the earth, and they'll head home remembering the natural beauty of your special day. From handmade botanical soaps using high quality flora and essential oils to gorgeous succulents that can also double up as centerpieces or place settings, there are endless ideas for woodland inspired wedding favors. Other favorites include potted herbs or saplings, wildflowers seed packets, and quaint flower presses, all of which will bring the recipient joy for years to come.
Photo Credit: BreaMarieP
Photo Credit: Chiot's Run
Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment without electricity is always the preferred option with woodland weddings, and this can mean a soulful acoustic double act, a romantic harpist, or even a lively folk band complete with harmonica, fiddle and accordion. Hang a selection of vintage picture frames from the trees for a fun woodland twist on the classic wedding photo booth so your guests can have fun snapping themselves in the enchanting forest. If your venue allows, come evening time why not wind down the day with a warming camp fire that will keep everyone feeling nice and toasty throughout the evening (don't forget the marshmallows!)
Photo Credit: Joe Lares
Photo Credit: Dan et Lulu
Photo Credit: Zanthia
Your Turn...
Are you planning a woodland wedding? What ideas or inspiration are you looking to incorporate into your special day?