| A Wedding in the Woods |
Romantics, who recall storybook scenes of Robin Hood and Maid Marion’s wedding day, may consider a forest to be a magical place. Others, who adore walking amidst nature, may view the woods as a source of pure beauty. In any case, a forest can be the perfect theme for your wedding.
You might want to have part or all of your wedding outdoors or with some imaginative décor, your “wedding in the wood” can even be held inside.
Here are some ideas that will hopefully get your creative juices flowing for organizing your forest-themed wedding.
Let the forest inspire you for an outdoor ceremony. Take advantage of a naturally-formed aisle between strands of trees and set up seating (either rustic, such as logs stumps with cushions, or more conventional fold-up chairs) along either side. Your décor is already taken care of—nature’s beauty—but you can compliment it with lights, draping fabric, photos hanging from branches and other simple adornments. Select music (such as acoustic guitar, harp or uilleann pipes) to fit the atmosphere you are trying to create.
Your wedding reception can also be inside or close to the forest, whether it is around a campfire, a picnic or under a marquee tent.
For your forest-themed wedding, you’ll undoubtedly want some photographs taken in a several gorgeous natural spots and it’s probably a good idea to select some of these spots ahead of time. But you can also add some spontaneity to your photo shoot and encourage guests to follow you along some impromptu trails through the woods.
Even if your entire wedding is indoors, there is nothing stopping you from bringing the forest inside. In the ceremony space, incorporate potted trees or branches, recordings of bird sounds or an archway embellished with forest foliage. The reception space can have theme colours like greens and earth tones, centrepieces may include ferns and mosses and the seating chart could be arranged by tree species.
Pick a forest sub-theme that fits your personalities, and this will play a major role on everything from food and music to décor and attire. Possible forest themes include medieval, storybook, autumn, fairy, Lady in the Wood, Celtic, ecological and more.
Ensure you and your guests are comfortable. When you send out your invites, encourage guests to wear footwear suitable for walking around your venue. For fun you can also provide maps or create rustic signs directing guests to each location.
We would love for you to visit us at Kippure Estate and walk some of our 240 acres of mature woodlands and meadows, bordered by the Wicklow Mountains and the River Liffey. You can also meet our wedding coordinator, Grainne Eustace, who will ensure your day is uniquely YOU. E-mail weddings@kippure.com for inquiries.