How does this venue sound? PIP

Narwhal

I found this barn venue (and it's a bargain, too!) after much searching. I wanted a barn-like space with a bonfire area, and I found it! The outside is really cute, I think. The inside needs some work, but there is plenty of time to DIY.




I was told that they normally have the ceremonies outside, then dinner inside. However, there isn't any air conditioning inside other than ceiling fans. From the pictures, I think it's possible to open the flys to get air circulating, but that's something I need to look into more. Summer in SC is kind of really hot, but I figured maybe we could time it right so that the reception doesn't start until after the sun goes down, when it's a really nice temperature.

Anyway, I was thinking about having the ceremony outside, dinner inside, and then dancing and socializing outside with s'mores and other roastable edibles.

Does that sound too much like a pain in the butt to have it separated that way?

Goldlie11

How would the socializing go down exactly?  I only ask because usually during the dancing portion, those who choose not to partake usually stay at their tables.  So, would you have additional seating outside as the dancing takes place?

Narwhal

Yeah, that would be one of my ideas. Probably seating by the fire or maybe have some other things to do like some games. I haven't thought it through completely. Of course, people are welcome to stay inside if they would like, I just feel like the dancing would be much more comfortable outside.

Goldlie11

Well, I think a barn wedding is super cool.  Do you know about how many people you will be inviting?

Narwhal

The barn can hold upwards of 150 people, depending how it's laid out, but we're probably only going to invite about 75 at the most.

Narwhal

Also, I can't believe you're already 4 months out, goldlie! Wow.

Goldlie11

Well I think it's a fine plan to me.  I love laid back weddings.  Our guest list is at 80, so we have similar numbers.  Pardon my ignorance, I've been MIA lately. Do you have a date or at leas a month/year?

And yeah 4 months is crazy.  I kind of feel like I've been engaged forever.  But once I hit 9 months, time has been flying.  

calindi

When's the big day?

I love the venue, and think it'll work just fine.  We're doing something similar - ceremony on the grounds, cocktail hour on the porch, dinner inside, and dancing outside under the tent.  The venue said it's how many of the couples choose to do it, and it's worked just fine.  I love the idea of dancing under the stars!!!  Maybe some awesome fairy lights in the trees for a romantic atmosphere?

[Deleted User]

I think that having games inside the barn as well would be good for those who opt to stay in the barn. 

It doesn't sound like too much of a transition, what you plan sounds totally doable.  Dancing outside with stars and the view of a lit of barn sounds like opportunity for great photos and would be a hit with the guests!

jeanacorina

Our wedding was in June in Louisiana, it was warm but not too bad. However, almost everyone opted to stay inside in the air conditioning for the reception.

Maybe you could make sure to spread the word that there won't be any A/C and that folks should dress comfortably?

I think it sounds like a sweet venue and has potential for you to really customize it and give your wedding tons of character.

bourgehm

I LOVE it!! I wish I could find some gem like that around here!

Narwhal

We're looking at sometime in the summer or fall of 2012, but no real date yet. There's no date that really jumps out at us for significance, so we're just gonna go with the classic "whenever you're available" day.

Games inside sounds like a good idea too. When we go visit I'll have to draw up a diagram to see if there's room for everything I want to put in there. The only issue I'm having with how it's laid out is that there is this really awkward wood burning stove that's just plopped in the middle of the room. It wouldn't be on, of course, so it wouldn't be a burning hazard, but what a pain to decorate around.

ETA: By Summer or Fall of 2012, I really mean "any time between June and September that isn't August."

loves2shop4shoes

I think the venue looks beautiful.  You could do what I'm doing and steal Oceana's program fan idea and use it for the ceremony.

sparkles88

Narwhal, I love it! Sometimes I feel like weddings are such stuffy affairs, but that venue is definitely not stuffy. I feel like it would be such a fun place to have a wedding. Also, I bet there would be lots of fireflies if you had the reception at night!

AudgiePodge

That's neat.  I think that it would be a great choice.

PaigeMcC

LOVE.