Find a weather-proof wedding venue in Somerset
How to choose your perfect all-weather wedding venue in Somerset
7 top tips to help you choose your perfect wedding venue in Somerset, where even rain on your wedding day won’t dampen your spirits!
Your wedding venue sets the stage for your big day. Whether you choose a traditional manor house wedding venue or a unique wedding venue in Somerset, the space will influence the styling, the lighting and the atmosphere. When it comes to finding your perfect venue there are hundreds of options and plenty of things to consider – including the weather!
From photographing hundreds of weddings in Somerset, I can tell you first hand, you can never predict the Great British weather! And while most couples cross their fingers for sunshine on their wedding day, hot weather can also bring its own challenges. In this blog, I am discussing the importance of choosing a wedding venue that you’ll love whatever the weather.
Whether you have rain on your wedding day or baking hot sunshine, here are 7 top tips for finding your perfect wedding venue in Somerset…
The search for your dream wedding venue in Somerset
Somerset boasts a huge variety of unique wedding venues. Choose from elegant country house wedding venues, secluded vineyards, coastal settings or rustic barns nestled in the heart of the countryside. When you are searching for your wedding venue in Somerset, firstly decide the style of venue that best suits the day you’ve been dreaming of. Here are some of the best venues in Somerset.
Embrace the Season
The season your wedding date falls in will affect how your wedding day plays out. If you envision guests enjoying garden games on the lawns of your wedding venue, plump for the summer date. Embrace a rich colour palette during the autumn months. Make the most of long nights at a winter wedding, creating a cosy atmosphere by decorating with plenty of flickering candles and twinkling fairy lights. In the spring, set the scene with an abundance of blooms. Whatever the time of year, ensure you are happy with both the indoor and outdoor options at your venue so that you’ll be happy to see sun, snow or rain on your wedding day!
Getting ready for your wedding
A wedding venue with a designated room for you to get ready in is a huge bonus. Staying the night before or arriving early on the day will save you the stress of travelling, especially if you experience inclement weather! Additionally, a venue’s getting ready area is usually light, spacious and uncluttered making it the perfect blank canvas for photography – personalised pyjamas at the ready!
Ceremony space for your wedding
At some venues, the ceremony space can be completely overlooked. While the ceremony only lasts for a maximum of an hour, if you ask me, it is the most important part of the day. Naturally, you want a breathtaking area to say your vows. Choose a wedding venue in Somerset that offers a ceremony space with wow-factor, like the light and airy Orangery at St Audries Park or the gardens of Pennard House.
Prepare for rain on your wedding day
The first rule of planning the perfect day is to always have a backup plan when it comes to relying on the weather. Choose a wedding venue with plenty of options for each part of the day. If you hope to have welcome drinks outside in the venue’s gardens, but cloudy skies mean you will have to celebrate indoors, make sure you are equally happy with the inside reception rooms so that rain on your wedding day doesn’t leave it a washout!
Picture perfect wedding backdrops
Capture the beauty of the countryside by choosing a venue with stunning outdoor spaces. From the manicured gardens of a venue like Crowcombe Court, to the lush lawns and scenic views of Hestercombe House, outdoor areas provide idyllic settings for both ceremonies and romantic photographs. While natural light is preferable, venues with well-appointed indoor areas offer much more flexibility when wet or windy weather threatens. Choose a wedding venue in Somerset with elegant interiors and plenty of picturesque backdrops for timeless wedding portraits inside as well as out!
As day turns into night
When selecting your venue, envision how the venue will transition from day to evening. Pay attention to how natural light filters through the space during different times of the day and how inside spaces are transformed. Will your guests have an area to go as rooms are turned around for the evening, or will you run the risk of everyone standing outside in the cold? Opt for venues that offer a seamless transition, ensuring a magical experience from day to night.
Choosing the perfect wedding venue in Somerset goes hand in hand with selecting the right photographer to capture every moment. Select a venue with plenty of options for perfect photographs, and together with your photographer plan for every eventuality. When it comes to the weather, I say embrace the unexpected to find the silver linings. And don’t panic if you have rain on your wedding day – it is lucky, after all!
