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Have you guys heard the phrase “loving on” before? I hadn’t, until I met up with a group of Texans and Pennsylvanians for a missions trip to Mexico when I was a junior in high school.
Whatever its origin, the expression is interesting in its implication of action. It’s something you do TO something or someone. And that’s exactly what needs to happen in order to turn a plain old barn into a magical wedding reception venue!
Our venue needs some serious “lovin’ on”. Photo by me.
I haven’t thought too much about decorating the reception yet. I still have a few (read “SO MANY!”) details to work out.
I can’t help but notice when I come across beautiful pics of decked-out barns.
You may recognize the one above. It’s been floating around on the internet quite a bit.
These barns have definitely been loved on. I’m planning on asking around for white Christmas lights I can borrow from friends and family.
Any other suggestions for ways I can decorate?
Wow, your inspiration pictures are beautiful! I’d suggest lots and lots of tealight and votive candles!
I’d love to use candles, but I’m already worried about the heat … stupid July. Does anyone have experience with using LED votives?
Our reception is in a barn too. We’re using LED tea lights on the tables and also along some of the horizontal beams along the barn wall. It looks like you have some beams that could accomodate some LED “candles” as well. I heard white gives off better light then the yellow LED candles. I got a really great deal on them on ebay and found some inexpensive votive holders at candles4less to keep their fakeness hidden. We’re also using the paper lanterns and bigger globe lights. Hope that helps.
I’m getting married in a barn this summer and one great detail are grape vines on posts if you dont want to overdo the white lights. we are fortunate enough to have troughs on the sides of the barn that we will fill with ice and the wine bottles. the top water troughs are for fresh flowers!
I have lots of white Christmas lights leftover if you’re interested in purchasing them.
Some are on normal green strings (for the tree), some a battery operated and on white strings (specifically “wedding” lights).
e-mail me for more info. at padiserene at yahoo dot com
Let me know if you’re interested!
I love the photos of the decorated barn. Not sure if you want a “barn” look or are using the barn because it’s what you have available. I ask because I wanted to know if you want the wood exposed. If not, an idea is to use fabric (it doesn’t have to be expensive- even the white plastic that comes on rolls for table cloths will work). Paint Drop cloths will work also. The idea is to cover the exposed wood with gathered fabric which can either be stapled on or you can use PVC pipes, hem the fabric (no sew using tape) to create a curtain affect on all the walls. This would brighten up the space. The white mini lights give a wonderful romantic effect. Also, because the “ceiling” is so high I would make the flower arrangements very tall to fill in the space. If you’re doing it yourself find branches
to fill in around the flowers and with satin ribbon hang crystals (bought at local craft store) from the branches for more “twinkle”. I have more ideas but don’t want to ramble on.:)
How about using those lanterns- so beautiful adn I know you can buy (maybe rent) LED lights for those too. Good luck! I know it will beautiful after you love on it!
miss bunny, led fake candles work great, especially when they are placed in holders where you can’t actually see the candle just the light from it (ie a velum-lined glass vase).
If you can up-light the posts, it makes for a very dramatic look. Decorate the posts with tulle, fabric, or branches and place spot lights near the base pointing up.
I wouldn’t block all those beautiful wood walls, but you could break it up with swags of fabric and lights. Play with textures… soft fabrics, flowers, and fuffy tissue paper poms constrast nicely with all the rustic wood
Led votives only last a short period of time… so they aren’t truly practical for an event like this… You can get candles or even oil lites that last for hours…
I agree with the white Christmas lights. That’s how we spruced up our venue too. And you are right about candles and heat. Our winter wedding was nice and toasty warm due to all the lights. One suggestion I have is creating focal points for the eyes to naturally gravitate to (eg. centerpieces, chandeliers, etc.). Happy planning!
I think you would be okay with tea lights (they don’t give of THAT much heat). Your venue is so beautiful, I can’t wait to see what you do with the place!
I may be barn-biased but it doesn’t even look like it needs that much love to me! A few well-placed chandeliers would look fabulous though, or even hanging wreaths if that’s more the look you’re going for. Depending on your vibe, you could do grapevine or floral or moss or wheat or boxwood. (You’d have them hanging so they looked kind of like chandeliers, with the open part of the circle parallel with the floor.) Good luck!
That barn is in gorgeous condition! Honestly, my biggest recommendation would be not to over-decorate the space. Your inspiration photos have A TON of detailed design elements to them, and they almost don’t look like barns anymore to me. I assume couples who pick this type of venue swoon over rustic romanticism as much as me though…..
I was married and had my reception in a 19th century barn that was redone and filled with stained glass windows and fireplaces. Oh it was sooo lovely! I think white christmas lights will be great. Surely if you and your fiance reach out to everyone you know you’ll get some good donations or lendings of lights! If it’s possible time wise to hit up Fourth of July sales, you could probably score some great lights for cheap! If you can add hanging elements, definitely go for the off white paper lanterns!!!!! It will be so pretty!
There was a post earlier (pretty recently I think) about tealights hanging in glassware from a hardware store (I think ones that cover a lightbulb). The paper lanterns are amazing too- you could do a variety of sizes and a variety of glassware hanging with candles. I am sure whatever you end up doing will be gorgeous!
Your inspiration shots are incredible though!
I’m venue envious, Miss Bunny. I think barn receptions are amazing! Probably because I grew up on a working farm and it always amazes me to see beautiful barns when they’re all cleaned out. Anyway, like West Coast Bride said, you may not want to do too many decorations. White lights on the beams and poles combined with nice table linens and centerpieces might be all you need, especially if you’re going for the rustic look.
I think simpler the better in these rustic places. Highlight their rustic-ness! Incorporate wood and simple field flowers where possible. White twinkly lights will look wonderful too
Oh my - I think it’s BEAUTIFUL just the way it is! I love how it’s so rustic and simple. A few paper lanters, some twinkle lights and flowers and that should be enough.
Good Luck!
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Mrs. Bunny, Columbus Age and Occupation: 24, Associate Editor/Reporter Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Reporter Engagement Date: September 23, 2008 Wedding Date: July 2009 Venue: Everal Barn, Westerville About Me: Organized, but messy. I love art (all kinds). I don't have any secrets. I talk a lot and listen even more. I show love by baking. I'm timid by nature, but brave when it counts. Mr. Bunny and I work at competing weekly newspapers, which makes it a little interesting trying to describe our work joys and frustrations without giving away too much before the paper comes out. In spite of that little hurdle, we've managed to build a pretty solid relationship in the short one-and-a-half years we will have been together when we tie the knot. I can't wait!
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