11 Ideas For Non Traditional Wedding Features in 2024

You’re engaged! Congratulations! Now it’s time to get planning and research shows that more Gen Z and Gen X engaged couples are looking to have a non-traditional wedding features from a quirky outdoor tipi venue to unique experiential catering and entertainment. Non-traditional weddings don’t have to be seen as less special or impressive, but an ideal opportunity to be extraordinary and memorable, often talked about for years to come. Our team of wedding experts here at Sheepy Meadows have provided 11 ideas to help embrace the non-traditional and get creative with your special day. 1. Unique Location or Venue Demand is increasing for unique locations and wedding venues and a popular choice of venue is the outdoor tipi. Outdoor tipi venues such as Sheepy Meadows in Warwickshire offer a blank canvas, perfect for personalisation and an array of styling from DIY to professional. This unique style of wedding space with roll-up windows and sides, allows for the indoors to meet the outdoors, and encourages a constant flow of people throughout the venue instead of segregating areas. It’s a great option for couples looking for an alternative wedding and hoping to add interesting and out-of-the-box features to their special day. Styling by Make It Special Events 2. Specialty Catering Ditch the 3 course sit down meal where everyone is forced to eat a set menu containing something they likely don’t like all whilst being made to talk to strangers they don’t know across the table. Instead allow your guests to eat at their own pace and reduce food waste with unwanted courses, by using our specialist street food suppliers. It may save you a few ££ too! Popular choices for 2023 were classic Fish & Chips and a Hog Roast, for 2024 we predict people will become even more adventurous by incorporating around-the-world cuisine and more plant-based options. Seek inspiration from award-winning wedding catering companies such as Anthony’s Catering, Black Peppermint and Beef on the Block. Styling by Make It Special Events 3. Activities and Games When we think traditional wedding, we think alcohol and dancing and not much else in the way of entertainment. Surveys show that Gen Z and Gen X couples care about inclusivity, diversity and equality and because of this they have been shown to consider this when planning their wedding. Research from the Guardian in 2023 stated that between 2002 and 2019, the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds in England who reported monthly drinking fell from 67% to 41%, showing a generational shift in attitudes to alcohol and a need to change the way we have always planned events and weddings. It also explains why you may be seeing TV adverts for popular brands such as Corona, Guiness and Captain Morgans all promoting their 0% alcohol range. A common trend for gatherings in 2024, is a “no and low” – meaning no or low alcohol available. It’s not for everyone but with the growing number of people deciding not to drink alcohol, guests would appreciate the…

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3 Must Have Tipi Wedding Style Trends for 2024

Are you dreaming of a tipi wedding that's as unique as your love story? One of the main benefits to having a tipi as your dream wedding venue is it's ability to be tailored to your taste and style. We've got you covered with 3 sensational styling ideas to make your special day unforgettably magical. 1. Classic Chic Bliss Complement the rustic charm of our Tipi with soft pink tones, contemporary gold-beaded glassware and classic white roses. This style is perfect for the classic chic brides who want to fuse the traditional and the modern. Styling by Make It Special Events 2. Enchanted Forest Fantasy Sheepy Meadows tipi is nestled in 150 acres of picturesque countryside, from our colourful wildflower meadow to our very own flock of sheep, you have a plethora of wildlife and nature on the doorstep, making the perfect backdrop to capture your rural romance! Styling by Make It Special Events 3. Rustic Modern Elegance Unlike some more traditional venues, outdoor tipi wedding venue uses nature as a backdrop to your day and as a result the transition from day to night is quite a thing of beauty that will leave you and your guests in awe. Our tipi venue becomes even more enchanted as the day goes on and the lighting beings to change. As night falls, ask your photographer to capture shots of your party dancing in the moonlight and sitting under the blanket of stars. To start planning your dream wedding speak with our friendly team. Head over to our contact us page.

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8 Photo Ideas for Your Tipi Wedding

Whether you’re a natural in front of the lens or a little camera shy, we all know how important it is to capture the special moments of your wedding. You only have one chance to capture wedding memories, so planning for it shouldn't be underestimated. Spending time with your photographer getting to know your venue prior to the wedding can help you and your partner feel more at ease and know what to expect on the day. To help share some inspiration, here are our 9 most popular wedding photography spots here at Sheepy Meadows tipi and wedding venue. 1. Rustic Feature Wall As a venue we are passionate about sustainability and upcycling materials to bring rustic modern touches to our uniquely special setting. Our most popular photography feature includes our rustic, upcycled barn wall. Distressed and draped with festoon lighting our feature wall looks eye catching no matter the time of day. Ideal for couples wanting a more edgy look for their wedding photography. Photos by Lovely Creatures 2. Moments in the Meadows  Sheepy Meadows tipi is nestled in 150 acres of picturesque countryside, from our colourful wildflower meadow to our very own flock of sheep, you have a plethora of wildlife and nature on the doorstep, making the perfect backdrop to capture your rural romance! Photos by Lovely Creatures & Darley and underwood Photography 3. A Blanket of Stars  Unlike some more traditional venues, outdoor tipi wedding venue uses nature as a backdrop to your day and as a result the transition from day to night is quite a thing of beauty that will leave you and your guests in awe. Our tipi venue becomes even more enchanted as the day goes on and the lighting beings to change. As night falls, ask your photographer to capture shots of your party dancing in the moonlight and sitting under the blanket of stars. Photos by Blonde Shot 4. Luminating Lighting   If it is one thing our tipi promises, is to bring ambience and atmosphere to your day with a variety of lighting such as grand rustic chandeliers made from rope and old cartwheels finished with vintage bulbs and dried hops for decoration. Each support beam inside our tipi is wrapped in twinkling lights making a magical background for indoor photography. Photos by Blonde Shot 5. Snaps in The Snug If you and your partner feel like getting more intimate shots, cuddle up in our cosy indoor snug area. Equipped with retro leather sofas, draped in sheep skin, boho rugs, topped off with a roaring fire pit, you have all the elements to get comfortable and relaxed. Photos by Lovely Creatures 6. Bohemian Bar If you and your partner feel like getting more intimate shots, cuddle up in our cosy indoor snug area. Equipped with retro leather sofas, draped in sheep skin, boho rugs, topped off with a roaring fire pit, you have all the elements to get comfortable and relaxed. Photos by Lovely Creatures 7. Cake Cutting in the…

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Tipi Wedding Trends for 2023

There are many benefits to having your wedding in a tipi. Tipi venues can be more cost effective when compared to some traditional venues and they provide a blank canvas to make your special day truly unique to you. Other positives include having outdoor and indoor space, making for a day full of variety for your guests, with plenty of opportunity to soak up the surrounding countryside and some warm sunshine. Wondering what decor goes well inside a tipi? Here are our predicted trending styles for tipi weddings in 2023. Minimalist Themed Wedding In 2023, less is definitely more, as the trend for minimalist styling at weddings is becoming ever more popular. This modern way of theming focuses on detail outside of grand floral table displays, bringing sleek modern touches. Ideal if a traditional wedding is not your cup of tea. With this type of styling you can experiment with colours you'd never usually imagine at a wedding, such as black, like in the image below. Styling by Junie Poonie Bohemian Themed Wedding The rise of boho brides continues through 2023 as the world becomes more at one with nature post pandemic. Neutral earthy tones and rustic touches compliment a tipi very well, which explains why it is the most popular theme for this type of venue. If you and your partner enjoy the outdoors, then a tipi wedding is ideal for you, as the boho theme helps bring your love for the countryside to your special day. Use neutral tones, pale floral displays, lace detail and sheep skin to make the indoors feel like outdoors. This style is perfect for eco-minded brides and grooms, as you can use reclaimed furniture and recycled materials to add character to your wedding. Sheepy Meadows tipi has over 500 solar panels, meaning your wedding could be completely ran on renewable energy. Styling By Make It Special Events Festival Themed Wedding Not every tipi wedding has to be neutral tones. If you and your partner enjoy the fun side to life and want to channel your vibrant personalities into your wedding, then a festival theme could be the one for you. Bring bright colours, funky florals, glitter and live music to your day and make it a celebration to remember. The combination of indoor tent space and rustic outdoor area at Sheepy Meadows tipi fits this theme so well, making it feel authentic. Get imaginative with your catering and elevate the experience by using suppliers that have the style of catering you'd typically see at a real festival. Styling by Make It Special Events Classic Themed Wedding When you think of tipi weddings you may not think traditional… well you’d be wrong. As mentioned earlier,  tipi venues supply a blank canvas, allowing for any theme to suit. With a plethora of natural light at your disposal, you can elevate your whites and make the classic look really pop! Make your special day truly unique for both you and your guests by collaberating a traditional theme to a modern venue.…

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How to host an eco-conscious wedding

Weddings aren’t hugely eco-friendly affairs. There can be a lot of waste from food, throwaway decorations, plastic packaging, and so on. In all the excitement of planning your special day, it can be easy to forget about the impact that your big day could have on the environment.We know that you don’t have to compromise on style to host an eco-friendly wedding. We’ve put together a few ideas to reduce waste and host a more eco-conscious wedding day, some of which may also save your budget as well! Photograph by Grace Nicole Photography Buy a vintage or pre-loved dressReusing a dress or going preloved is a fantastic eco-friendly option as it reduces the need for buying a brand-new dress. Look on places like eBay, Etsy, and even Facebook Marketplace to find the perfect wedding outfit for you.   Photograph by Grace Nicole Photography Don’t get rid of your dressIf you are opting for a new dress, be careful not to rip or stain it. You can save your dress and pass it down to the next generation of brides in your family, or even donate / sell it post-wedding for a bit of extra cash. Photograph by Lovely Creatures Think about your accessoriesSomething old, something new, something borrowed and something blue? Choosing accessories that you know you will wear again is imperative. This will save money and will hold happy memories to remind you of your special day with each wear.  Photograph by Darley & Underwood Photography Choose a sustainable venueWhat do your chosen venue do to help save the planet? For example Sheepy Meadows tipi wedding venue is now ECOsmart accredited showing our comprehensive approach to sustainability. We have solar panels to produce all of the electricity for your event, and a wildflower meadow and beehives to keep the wildlife happy, as well as providing a perfect backdrop for your wedding photos! Photograph by Ian Bursill Repurpose your shoesLet’s be honest, you’re probably not going to wear your white wedding shoes again, so why not give them a new lease on life by giving them a makeover. There are lots of options for dying your shoes or having them modified for every-day use. Photograph by EKR Pictures Let your wedding party chooseYour bridesmaids are so much more likely to wear a dress that they’ve chosen and is in their style. Throwaway culture has a massive impact on landfill, therefore consider choosing a colour or style and letting them choose the rest! Photograph by Grace Nicole Photography Let's talk stationeryEmailing your invitations / save-the-dates means that they won’t get lost or end up in the bin and can also save money! Keeping your invitations online will also make things easier to track RSVP’s, dietary requirements, plus ones, and much more! Photograph by James Andrew Photography Cut down on travelThe biggest carbon footprint of your wedding is likely to be from travel. Choosing a location that is close-by will reduce the amount that the wedding party need to travel, as well as…

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The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

Just got engaged and don't know where to start with the wedding planning? We know firsthand that here can be so much to think about when planning a wedding, it can almost seem overwhelming! But give yourself enough time, and an itemised checklist, and you'll keep it all under control. We've got you covered, check out our list below... Take a moment to celebrate and throw an engagement party Settle on a budget Gather names and addresses for the guest list Narrow down 3-5 dates Hire a wedding planner Research and visit wedding venues Create a wedding website Finalise wedding date Reserve venue Book your celebrant / officiant Choose your wedding party Book your photographer Book your videographer Enjoy your engagement shoot Book florist Book entertainment Book catering Reserve accommodation Wedding dress shopping Choose colour palette Shop for wedding party outfits Wedding dress fittings Order invitations Book cars and transportation Book hair and makeup Purchase wedding insurance Shop for accessories Set up gift options Plan and book honeymoon Send out save the dates Research and order cake Meet with celebrant/officiant Research and order favours Book rehearsal dinner venue Purchase wedding bands Bachelor/ette planning Book wedding night accommodation Work with florist on flowers Decide on a playlist for the ceremony and reception Make a rental item arrangements Send wedding invitations Finalise menus with caterers Obtain marriage license Confirm ceremony order Begin writing vows Bridal party, parent gifts Order menu cards Purchase / hire wedding decor Finalise full day timetable Order rehearsal dinner invitations Schedule hair trial Schedule makeup trial Finalise seating arrangements Confirm details with vendors Order wedding programs Order thank you notes Confirm honeymoon bookings Track RSVPs and follow up Send out vendor payments Wet weather contigency plan Send shot list to photographer Organise guest book Organise small decor Confirm final florals with florist Give out final schedule Confirm guest count with caterer Confirm vendor arrival times Break in shoes Waxing/threading appointments Finalise your vows Give rings to the best man Manicure & pedicure Attend rehearsal & dinner Drink lots of water Finish packing for the honeymoon Practice your vows GET MARRIED!

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Wedding Photos you MUST take

Once your special day has passed, your wedding album will hold many memories of your big day for years to come. With all the planning that goes into a wedding, don’t forget to capture these special moments.The bride opening her wedding morning giftGetting your makeup doneGroom getting readyBride putting her jewellery onBridesmaids helping the bride get readyA closeup of the finished bridal lookBridesmaids’ reaction to the brides finished lookTraditionsBridal shoesWedding PerfumeClose-up of the groom’s outfit detailsBridesmaid flowersBridal bouquetButtonholesThe ceremony room before the proceedings beginExterior shot of the venueThe bride ready to goParents seeing the bride / groom for the first timeArrival of flower girlBride preparing to go into the ceremonyThe groom waiting at the altarThe bridesmaids walking down the aisleThe page boy / flower girl walking down the aisleThe bride / groom entering the ceremony room and walking down the aisleThe bride being given awayThe ring bearerThe exchanging of the ringsThe first kissThe ‘just married’ shotThe signing of the registerThe couple walking back down the aisle as a coupleThe confetti shotThe champagne shotBride with Flower GirlsClose-up of the ringsA close-up of the coupleThe couple facing each otherThe couple under the veilThe couple kissingThe look of loveThe couple flashing their wedding ringsThe couple against a ‘statement’ wallThe couple with a smoke bombThe couple in the venue groundsThe couple with their childrenThe couple with their familiesThe couple with their grandparentsThe bride and the bridesmaidsThe groom and groomsmenThe couple with their wedding partyThe couple and all of their guestsCandid shots of groups of friendsThe reception room before the guests arriveThe couple exploring their reception venueThe couple making their wedding reception entrancePets at the weddingGuests minglingThe tablesThe table numbersThe place settingsOther décor detailsFavoursThe dessert tableThe wedding cakeThe cutting of the cakeThe couple holding handsEach of the speechesThe couple reacting to the speechesThe guests during the speechesThe toastsThe couple chatting to their guestsChildren at the wedding receptionThe first danceThe partyLights and décorThe entertainmentParty games

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How to make a wedding hashtag

Coming up with a cute or clever hashtag can be difficult. There’s a reason why they’re popular though! Unless you’re having an unplugged ceremony, your guests are likely to post photos of your wedding on their social media. Creating a hashtag offers one place where you can collect happy memories and behind the scenes footage of your special day. It may also inspire some of your guests! Use your names This may be a bit obvious, but you should include your names somewhere within the hashtag. Think of first and last names, nicknames, and so on. Consider your shared married name or combining your names to create a ‘couples name’ like Brangelina, Bennifer, or Kimye. Get punny The cheesier the better. Look for alliteration, rhyming, synonyms, or our favourite, puns. If you’re completely lost, maybe turn to your wittiest friend, or an online generator to lend a hand. Use numbers If you’re struggling to pull something today, maybe use your wedding date or year as a jumping off point. If you don’t put a personal spin on this however, you risk using someone else’s hashtag and will get a mixed feed of wedding images or other events. Check your spelling For obvious reasons, check your hashtag for any issues that could hinder its use. For example, if you have a double ‘a’, consider switching your names around to avoid mistakes. So, for #MirandaAndJon consider switching to #JonAndMiranda. Check that it hasn’t been used before Before you plaster your hashtag over invitations and signs, do a quick search to ensure it’s completely unique. You may want to switch it up if another couple have used it before. Consider changing the order of names or using some different numbers. You want your hashtag to be unique. Once you’ve settled on a hashtag, you need to make your guests aware before the big day. Consider adding it to save the dates, invitations, and don’t forget your wedding website. If you post photos throughout the planning stage of your big day, don’t forget to tag those as well! Your guests will love seeing a peek of what’s to come. It is also a good idea to put up a reminder onsite on the day. This could be done on table-settings, welcome signage, or as a label on the favours. We guarantee that you will treasure the behind-the-scenes footage of your big day for years to come, and you’ll be able to access it in one big virtual wedding album

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5 top tips for Planning a Tipi Wedding

No matter what style of venue you choose for your wedding, there will always be a plethora of things you need to consider, and a tipi wedding is no different. From weather considerations to ceremony requirements, there's a lot to think about. To make things easier, we’ve taken a look at some of the biggest considerations for planning your tipi wedding. Here are some of our top tips to make your tipi wedding dreams a reality: 1. Make sure you have a wet weather contingency plan One of the most common questions we get asked by couples’ is, “what happens if it rains?” Everyone knows just how unpredictable the wonderful English weather can be, even in the peak of summer, so planning for both rain and shine is always important. Luckily our stunning tipi set-up means there’s plenty of space indoors to capture some fantastic photos and enjoy your big day with guests. But if you’re keen to make the most of the beautiful outdoor space, there are loads of creative ways to capture incredible wedding photos. Check out our blog on our favourite wet weather wedding photo ideas for inspiration. Try to choose décor and entertainment that will work great both indoors and outdoors, so that the weather can’t dampen your plans, but also create a backup list for anything that is strictly outdoors. For example, an outdoor ice cream cart could be swapped for a sweet stand inside, or a basket of flip-flops for achy dancing feet could be complemented with a basket of umbrellas for anyone needing to go outside. Hopefully, your wet weather contingency plan won’t be needed but its better to have peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy the lead up to your wedding. 2. Consider your ceremony options Here in the UK, legal outdoor ceremonies aren’t permitted, and can only be conducted under a fixed roof. The legislation around outdoor weddings is still being deliberated, but for now, its important to consider where the legal part of your ceremony will take place and how your ceremony will be conducted on the day. We love celebrant led ceremonies here at Sheepy Meadows. A celebrant has no restrictions in terms of the content, format or style of a wedding, allowing you to create a completely bespoke ceremony, tailored to you and your interests. They can include lots of beautiful, personal details about the couple and often have an element of guest involvement too. These relaxed ceremonies create lasting memories for both you and your guests. Signing the legal paperwork will need to be done separately and can be done at a local registry office. If you're looking for something more traditional, church ceremonies can be conducted at a church personal to you or at one of the beautiful churches local to Sheepy Meadows. Having a traditional ceremony in a church before travelling to Sheepy Meadows for a quirky tipi reception can be a great way to combine both classic and unconventional wedding features.…

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Read more about the article 5 Creative Photo Ideas to Make You Love Rain on Your Wedding Day!
© Joel Overbeck

5 Creative Photo Ideas to Make You Love Rain on Your Wedding Day!

We’ve all been there. Big plans for an exciting day outdoors, beautiful blue skies leading up to the day, and sun cream at the ready… only for it to start raining cats and dogs as soon as you step outside! It’s one of the biggest worries couples have about their big day. Luckily for us, our tipis are as stunning inside as the surroundings they’re set in, so you won’t have to worry about your day being a washout. But if you’re still worried that bad weather will put a dampener on your day, fear not. We’ve collected some incredible photo ideas by talented photographers to show you just how beautiful rain on your wedding day can be. Photo Op 1: Umbrellas Our best friend when its raining (but not so much when it’s windy!), umbrellas make for fantastic wedding photos. Whether you choose a bright umbrella to contrast grey skies, a personalized wedding umbrella to match your styling, or a transparent umbrella to capture some creative shots, we love the way these unusual wedding accessories look! Ask your photographer about lighting the inside of the umbrella for some stunning evening shots. Photo Op 2: Raining Glitter Those clever wedding photographers aren’t going to let a little thing like rain spoil your wedding photos! And one of our favourite tricks we’ve seen photographers use is lighting the rain from behind, creating the illusion of glitter falling down around the happy couple. This is particularly effective once it starts to get dark, resulting in romantic images that can be cherished forever. Photo Op 3: Wellie Boots When the skies start to pour, dig out your trusty wellies for some fun photos! From bright, patterned wellies to light-up, glittery wellies, we love the way they contrast with formal dresses and suits. Splash in puddles and trail through the mud, embracing your inner child, and you’ll end up with some gorgeous photos full of happy faces. Wellies are a great accessory for festival weddings, and you can even get personalised wedding wellies! Photo Op 4: When it Rains, Look for Rainbows Who doesn’t love seeing a rainbow painted across grey skies? And without the rain, we wouldn’t see them! A gorgeous touch of colour, rainbows are said to be a promise of good things to come – the perfect sentiment for your wedding day. If you’re lucky enough to be rewarded a rainbow, make the most of it, and get outside for some beautiful photos. Photo Op 5: Embrace the Rain! As much as we all wish we could, we can’t control the weather, so when you can’t beat it, join it! Embrace the weather in all its glory, creating some fun memories as you dance in the rain. We’ve seen brides frolic in muddy bare feet, grooms drinking beer in the pouring rain, and children getting absolutely drenched as they giggle and play outside. It makes for natural, playful photos that everyone will enjoy reliving for years to come. Why not bottle…

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