I have been posting quite a few winery weddings lately, I just love the romance that grape vines, rolling hills and the country side embodies.
Getting married at a winery usually means a destination wedding, which is a great move to get your close friends and family away together to enjoy a weekend… it’s also not as costly for your guests as an overseas trip would be. The atmosphere in the vines is perfect for an elegant, intimate or large lavish affair. The wonderful people at Rochford Winery let us in on the secrets to organising the perfect wedding in the vines.
” Growing up, when you pictured your dream wedding and walking down the aisle to your waiting Prince Charming – did you picture it in a church? Because these days more and more brides are turning to alternative wedding venues to make their special day something they – and their guests – will never forget. So why not walk down an aisle with rolling hills in the background, say your ‘I dos’, then crack open a bottle of sparkling and party in the vines!
As vineyard weddings become more and more popular for bride and grooms-to-be – here are some useful tips for holding your wedding at a winery.
#1 Your dream wedding
Just because you are not going to a traditional function venue, it doesn’t mean you can’t tailor your wedding to be exactly what you want. Find out what different wineries offer in wedding packages and then choose one that is going to be flexible in creating your dream event. Pick one with an experienced wedding and event team – and you can rest assured your special day will run smoothly and be unforgettable – for all the right reasons.
#2 Food
Wineries and vineyards that have an on site restaurant should be able to suggest a menu that perfectly compliments their wines (and vice versa). So work closely with both the event team and the chef when choosing food and wine – they have the intimate knowledge! Also consider using local produce in the menu – whether its cheese and olives for hors d’oeuvres, freshly baked country breads with a main meal, or handmade chocolates at each place setting – you can add a unique touch for you and your guests to enjoy.
#3 Wines
This is the great part about getting married or having your reception at a winery – plenty of wine! Your guests can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, wine glass in hand – knowing the tasty drop has potentially been grown, ripened, picked and produced all on site. Wineries should offer a carefully selected package of wines to suit the occasion or the option for you to put together your own unique and memorable selection from their wine list.
#4 The venue
Yes, your photographs are going to look fantastic – the stunning white dress with rolling hills in the background and bridesmaids walking through the vines – but make sure your guests enjoy the views too. Hold the ceremony out in the vineyard, sip champers at the cellar door and party in a marquee on the lawn! Don’t be contained to a function room or restaurant, get out and amongst it, and see what unique opportunities a winery can offer you.
A word of warning: standing in a barrel crushing grapes with your feet – will leave stains on your dress…”
Within a one-hour drive from Melbourne is the ultimate wedding destination in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley – Rochford Winery. Rochford Winery is your blank canvas – allowing you to design your own wedding and create your own party atmosphere amid Rochford’s world class facilities, with awarding winning food and wine.
Rochford Wedding Cocktail Packages – prices start at $75.00
Rochford Wedding Sit Down Packages – prices start at $95.00
To discuss your wedding with the Rochford Team phone 03 5962 2119
Are you having your wedding at a winery? We would love to know if you have any tips too!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Kate x
Psst – swing by Facebook and get the latest inspirations, chat with other brides and pose your own questions.
If you need some more receptions inspirations check them out on the Modern Wedding Website.