Lifestyle
Best venues for a themed wedding reception
30
Oct
Oct
I know that themed weddings might not be for everyone, but those who already have children might love the chance to create a day that is fun, engaging and immersive for youngsters as well as themselves.
I love seeing how people translate a theme into a one-off, truly individual special day, so I thought I would have a go at getting a little creative and finding some unusual venue options myself. I’d have no trouble saying ‘I do’ in any of these locations – but how about you?
Warner Brothers Studio Tour – Hertfordshire
Weddings are always magical, but for an extra dose of wonder, what about having the evening reception in among the sets of the Harry Potter film franchise? Just imagine all the little ones’ eyes lighting up as they get to run up and down Diagon Alley, while the grown-ups enjoy a glass of bubbly and some specially prepared food. Nothing is off limits here and there’s plenty more information to be found on the tour website.
To really tie the wedding itself into the venue, I’d look to incorporate some Harry Potter imagery, such as the Hogwarts house colours or maybe themed jewellery. Or imagine having someone dressed as Dumbledore performing the order of service!
Brunel’s SS Great Britain – Bristol
I can already picture how uplifting it would be to choose a nautical theme for a wedding, with everybody toasting to cries of ‘ahoy’, can’t you? What’s more, little ones never fail to look adorable in sailor-style clothes!
Docked in Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside, the SS Great Britain is an amazing venue for a themed wedding, as you can hire it for both the ceremony and reception, meaning that no travel is necessary. Already decked out with bunting and flags, this really would be a fabulous wedding venue and I hear that the catering is excellent, too.
Dreamland Margate – Kent
Life is a rollercoaster and marriage can be too…in the best way! Dreamland is a unique fairground meets amusement park meets retro haven that is available for a range of wedding, civil ceremony or blessing events and the amazing venues will definitely tempt you to take on more of a fairground theme for your big day.
A ballroom, roller disco, sea-view hall and treetop bar are just a few of the amazing locations for a wedding that nobody will be able to forget – and the photo opportunities look incredible, too. From riding on a carousel together through to driving bumper cars, newly married couples can really express themselves at Dreamland, but if the roller disco is going to be enjoyed, a shorter wedding dress will be essential!
Camp Katur – Yorkshire
I’m a huge fan of outdoor activities with the kids, as well as staying faithful to seasonal changes, which is why Camp Katur sounds amazing as a wedding venue. An outdoor woodland glamping site, it offers the opportunity for couples to get back to nature with their ceremony and reception.
If there are plenty of kids on the guest list, I’d be tempted to go all in with the woodland theme, with cute animal masks and floral garlands for all the pictures. A naked wedding cake, simple finger foods and an open fire in the evening would really bring everything together and fully embrace the bohemian, rustic ambience.
The Screen on the Green – London
Finally, while doing my research, I really fell in love with the idea of hiring a cinema for a wedding reception – and The Screen on the Green is perfect. Small enough to be intimate and special, but still able to accommodate plenty of people, private screenings are part of the package and allow for a very definitive theme for the rest of the wedding elements. People can wear clothing from their favourite films and maybe even have their bridesmaids and groomsmen in similarly themed attire as well, which would look so sweet on kids.
It’s really easy to look at other people’s weddings and feel like maybe you missed a trick with your own, but I like to remember that it was yours and individual. That being said though, I wonder if I could justify doing it all over again, to book one of these places…!
Image source Boo Roo and Tigger Too with permission.
Disclosure – This is a collaborative post.