A few weekends ago we had the absolute pleasure of having a nosy round a stunning new barn venue in Silchester, Hampshire. We heard that our friends at The Wild Fork, Benjamin Stuart Photography, Wessex Flower Company and Victoria Shute Calligraphy were taking part in an exciting photo shoot for a brand new venue so we just had to find out more!

We'd heard wonderful things from a handful of suppliers who had already had a sneak peek of the venue. So, we dropped Al and Carla a message on Instagram and agreed to pop along to see what this new rustic venue had to offer. We were expecting great things but in fact what we were greeted with was even more fabulous than we could have imagined.

Al and Carla have thought of every last detail with Silchester Farm, making sure everything is perfect (including the toilets which are quite frankly, fabulous). This is how you renovate an 18th century barn whilst still keeping every inch of its unique character!

Lots of lovely local suppliers had dressed the venue in such a complementary way that their creations almost looked as though they were part of the venue itself. Wessex Flower Company, Ruby and Grace Florist and Miss Mollie's Flowers showcased their floral wizardry with an abundance of foliage and autumnal hues. We particularly loved the dried woodland foliage in the ceremony backdrop and archway in the barn entryway.

Finishing flourishes included Pretty Pieces Perfect Day's charming vintage china as well as a macrame backdrop and rustic welcome signage from Ivory and Bloom Hire.

The tables in the barn were a true collaboration of all the suppliers involved, including yours truly with our pumpkin tea light holders, hand-dyed cotton table cloths and metallic animal place card holders! We were honoured to be part of such a wonderful bunch of wedding professionals and when it came to the tables we were over the moon to see how they'd turned out. Jasmine had her Wild Fork hat on and used her creative direction to craft a range of beautiful tablescapes with crockery and glassware from Crystal Hire and Victoria Shute's beautiful calligraphy. Again, the florists adorned the table with their amazing arrangements.

As we walked from the driveway, we could see the reception area through the large glass windows. There are actually a surprising amount of windows in this barn venue so light will certainly not be an issue! There's a large open space to the right as you walk in which you can see has plenty of potential for dressing - Silchester Farm are also going to hire out this space for hen parties, workshops and other events which is such a wonderful idea!

The space to the left is possibly the most cosy little nook we've ever seen, complete with squidgy mismatched furniture and fireplace. It's an ideal for spot for older guests who may need a little peace and quiet later in the evening. 

Although the atmosphere was warm and cosy whilst we were there on a rainy September day, the barn itself is extremely open and spacious. Fairy lights enrobed the oak beams which gave the barn a festive, wintry feel. With large windows either side, you can tell that this venue is absolutely perfect for summer events too and we can picture the large doors opened out to the extensive grounds outside.

Long family style dining tables and chairs are included in the hire price which we think is super generous considering their quality. Long trestles are right up The Wild Fork's street so naturally they dressed them beautifully with Crystal Hire's stoneware plates and little trinkets. We were so pleased with how our pumpkin tea lights looked and our metallic animals looked right at home.

Now, toilets might not be the first on your list of things to check... but, Silchester Farm's loos are pretty impressive! With an industrial vibe and a Hollywood-style full length mirror, your guests will be queuing up for a totally different reason. Did someone say toilet selfie?!

If you're on the look out for a rustic barn venue for your 2020 wedding then do make sure you get in touch with Al & Carla from Silchester Farm. Not only were we seriously impressed with their renovation, they're also a pair of incredibly lovely people who we'd be more than happy to work alongside for your special day!

Wedding Suppliers Involved in Open Day
Flowers - Wessex Flower Company, Miss Mollie's Flowers, Ruby & Grace Florist
Table Settings - The Wild Fork with Crystal Hire Ltd
Pumpkins, Animal Place Card Holders, Dyed Cotton Runners - Wedding Shed
Drinks and Nibbles - The Wild Fork
Photography - Benjamin Stuart and Studio Rouge Photography
Stationery and Table Plan - Victoria Shute Calligraphy
Welcome Sign & Macrame - Ivory and Bloom Hire
Cake Display - Victoria's Sponges & More
Tiered Wedding Drip Cake - Francesca Calkin's Cake Company
Vintage China - Pretty Pieces Perfect Days
Harp - Lizzy Bennie Music
Band - Karizma 

A Wedding show that doesn't play by the rulebook was always going to spark our interest, but learning it was held by the event gurus Revelry Events sent our interest into over-drive. With the words gin, biscuit sculptors and party mentioned, we're counting down the days to see all the post-show content, but for now, we'll settle for a Q&A with the people behind the magic.

1) What inspired you to launch your own Wedding Show?​ 
After a decade in the industry, we got pretty fed up with the 'sea of trestle tables' format of the average wedding fair, and wanted to do something more interactive, more stylish and more fun. Something that really gave each supplier an opportunity to be creative and for guests to enjoy themselves.

2) With the Wedding Industry taking over the world and Wedding Shows become more common, what sets yours apart from the crowd?
​Being wedding planners ourselves we know amazing suppliers that we've worked with before so we started by getting them on board. We've also stayed true to our brand of rulebook-free weddings so we've got some wonderful suppliers that you might not normally associate with a wedding such as a temporary tattoo stand, glitter artist and biscuit sculpter.

Of course there are lots of things you would expect from a wedding show - bridal designer, florist, photographer etc... but they are all modern in style and brilliant in quality.

3) Revelry Events are known for bending the rules, what contemporary features should we expect from Unruly?
​There will be some entertaining surprises! We'll say no more about that. It's also very interactive with free workshops such as vow writing and calligraphy, skin care consultations from beauty brand Arbonne. Plus it will look on fleek as a Kardashian might say.​

4) Are there any trends you think will be shining through on the day?
​Greenery is still riding high so that will be prevalent, but we'll also have pops of hot pink just to add a bit of punch to the day. The show itself will be across two floors in a warehouse space which is a venue trend in itself.​

5) We're food obsessed, what foodie delights will there be?
​Ahh we'll have a tasting menu from Funthyme who will be providing some delectable treats to try. We'll also have a gin bar because who doesn't love gin?

6) Sum up the Unruly Wedding Show in 3 words?
​ Modern, cool, party​
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7) How did you choose your team of unique suppliers?
​ Most are wonderful people we've worked with so we know the quality of the work, their work. The rest are likeminded companies we've admired from afar.

8) Talk to us about the venue and why you chose it?
​The venue is gorgeous. We found it because we were looking for a light and airy space for a styled shoot and it seemed to fit the bill for the show as well. Huge ceilings and windows, a blank canvas with character. It was exactly what we were looking for. 

9) If you were planning your own Wedding this year, what would we expect to see?
​Greenery probably would have been key and succulents are still big but we also love the detail - interesting chairs and coloured wine glasses can really add personality to a table. Right now we're loving iridescent and think that will soon be making waves. Also - slightly quirky but, the llama. We guarantee you llama print will take over from tropical and cactus prints to be the motif of 2018.

10) The most important question, how do people get their hands on a ticket?
​ Well I'm glad you asked, they can head on over to our tickets page and grab one online for £8 or its £10 on the door.​

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending one of Ufton Court's fantastic wedding fayres. When I set off, the weather was pretty horrible & drizzly but that didn't dampen any spirits; as I drove up the picturesque drive I noticed the buzz around the Tithe Barn as suppliers hurried to set up their tables!

The humbling thing about Ufton Court's wedding fayres is the atmosphere. Everyone knows each other so there's always lots of friendly chatter but if you're new, everyone is so welcoming too! Although I used to work at Ufton, and know a few of the suppliers very well, those I weren't too familiar with were so friendly and quick to introduce themselves.

I was super excited to be attending my first wedding fayre as Wedding Shed. Julia, Ufton Court's lovely wedding manager, asked if I would do a short talk about wedding themes, specifically woodland magic! Of course, I was over the moon and so up for it. I couldn't wait to be at one of my favourite venues, I quickly contacted a few of my recommended suppliers and soon enough we'd planned a woodland magic display and I'd planned my talk! 

The Wild Fork, Lulabee & Croppers in Bloom were more than happy to help with my display and the end result was just how I imagined it. 

Helen at Croppers in Bloom consistently wows me with her stunning florals, that's why I was so desperate for her to help with my display! She was on board straight away and helped me plan a selection of flowers to suit the woodland magic theme. I painted a pumpkin with white chalk paint which Helen filled with marsala and cream flowers and greenery, I then popped a pair of antlers either side which I sourced from my local farm shop, Vicar's Game. Helen also filled little jam jars and provided sprigs of greenery for me to drape over the table, it all looked FAB.

The finishing product was even better than I'd imagined, I was really chuffed and so thankful for everyone's help. It just proved how well suppliers listen, they really can turn visions into masterpieces! At 1pm I began my small talk about themes and planning and ended up having a chat with a few lovely couples, I loved it!

I can't go into lots of detail for every supplier who attended the fayre but everyone really made a huge effort and every table looked amazing, complementing Ufton Court's rustic beauty! You could see the interest on all the attendees faces, they were wowed and so intrigued. This was one of my favourite displays; a unique, rustic woodland display by the Flowerstalk.

Here you can see a full-on floral display by two of Ufton Court's recommended florists; Harrison & Green on the left and Sonning Flowers on the right. Both totally different but equally gorgeous!

Ambience Events were showcasing in the Archer's Hall and had a chic table set up with a glitzy table cloth and plenty of sparkle!

Lovely Zoe from Pretty Pieces Perfect Days had brought Dotty along to the fayre! Dotty the vintage caravan was all set up as an amazing photo booth! I've heard so much about this little caravan so I was really excited to have a peek inside, she's totally adorable!!!

I met a very nice lady from White Rose Bridal, they had a gorgeous collection of dresses, I particularly loved the detail in the lace of this one.

All in all the day was a huge success; for me, for Ufton Court, for the suppliers and for all the couples who came looking for inspiration! Thank you Ufton Court for having me :)!