Relaxed Dry Hire Wedding at Castle View Farm, Leicestershire
Laura and Gary’s wedding in May 2024 kicked the season off for me with a bang! Aiming for a relaxed and informal day, they booked dry hire wedding venue Castle View Farm and Stables in Leicestershire where they had the freedom to create their own unique team of suppliers. Laura and Gary booked my Wedding Day Management package to ensure that all of the suppliers could work together seamlessly to execute their day.
The Venue: Castle View is a charming barn on a sprawling countryside estate as their venue. With its rustic vibe and expansive outdoor space, it was the perfect setting for Laura and Gary’s laid-back celebration. The venue offered complete flexibility, allowing them to bring in everything they needed to create their dream wedding.
The Décor: The styling was a soft and romantic colour palette of blush pink and white to complement the rustic barn setting. Tables were kept simple with gypsophila in bud vases surrounded by candles, allowing the natural beauty of the venue to shine through. As guests entered the barn, they were greeted by stunning statement florals displayed in vintage milk churns.
The Atmosphere: The day felt effortless and informal, with guests encouraged to mingle and explore. The couple wanted their guests to feel at home and have the freedom to enjoy the day at their own pace. Garden games and hay bales played a huge part in bringing the festival fun to the day!
The Food and Drinks: Laura and Gary wanted to steer clear of a traditional sit-down meal. Instead, they opted for a delicious, interactive, and fun wedding breakfast by giving guests the choice between offerings from a Fish and Chip van or Mexican van. The food vans not only provided delicious eats but also added to the chilled tone of the day.
The evening grazing table was a visual feast as much as a culinary one, offering anything from home made sausage rolls and chutneys, to raspberry and white chocolate cookies (serious YUM!). And in place of a traditional wedding cake, Laura and Gary opted for a donut tower for a tasty treat instead.
Laura wanted to incorporate a cocktail hour into the day, so while speeches took place inside (which was probably the most formal portion throughout!) the fabulous bar team prepared special cocktails out in the courtyard for guests to be greeted with afterwards.
The evening was kicked off with an upbeat first dance which encouraged all of the guests to join, and then a very special (and emotional!) mother daughter dance with Laura and her mum. As the sun began to set, the live band took to the stage, filling the evening with music that got everyone on their feet.
Laura and Gary crafted a wedding that was uniquely theirs - fun, informal, and filled with love. While this wedding may have seemed effortlessly laid back, a lot of behind-the-scenes work went into making it all happen. From last minute hiccups the day before to coordinating logistics and managing the setup and timeline, my role as their wedding planner and coordinator was crucial.
A dry hire wedding offers endless possibilities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing all the moving parts. Having an experienced wedding planner on your team ensures that every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
Congratulations again Laura and Gary, wishing you both all the happiness in the world!
Beth x
Photographer: Amanda Forman Photography | Venue and Bar: Castle View Farm and Stables | Styling: Sparkle Event Styling | Florist: Amanda Steele | Celebrant: Denise Wheelan | Food Van 1: The Tex Mex Box | Food Van 2: Jojo’s Fish and Chips | Grazing Table: Pickled Events | Games: Partee Events