Wedding Blog
When I found out my younger brother’s prom was being held at our wedding venue, the Everal Barn in Westerville, Oh., I couldn’t wait to see how they decorated the place.
The barn (and the homestead, where my bridesmaids and I will get dressed) was once part of a privately owned family farm before the land was transferred to the City of Westerville in 1978.
The prom theme was Twilight at Everal (I wasn’t surprised, considering the popularity of the Twilight series).
I thought the table settings were pretty cute, but the barn is pretty small, so setting up the room to seat even 140 people for dinner made for tight quarters.
Seeing the barn set up for dinner made me happy that we decided to not have a sit-down meal. There wouldn’t be room for all our guests, let alone a dance floor, if we’d decided to go this route.
I was also reassured that the chairs that come with the venue won’t “throw off my groove.” Breathe, Miss Bunny. Chair. covers. are. unnecessary. Green with black metal? That’s not bad at all.
My fears about the interior lighting were reaffirmed, however. I’m going to have to muster a bevy of twinkle lights if we’re going to avoid the need for the yucky built-in overhead lighting.
I may also commission Brother Bunny to help me with LED throwies for the $1 paper lanterns I bought at Michaels. He’s really into all things electrical, so that project would be right up his alley.
Overall, the renovated barn is gorgeous on its on and doesn’t need much decoration. Hopefully, we can wrap some of the beams in twinkle lights, string up a few lanterns and poms, and be done.
My MOH and sister Sunny Bunny and I spent a lot of time talking about which direction to face the audience during the ceremony. The flat lawn in front of the barn is the ideal location for us to set up chairs. If they sit there, either the guests will face the lower level of the barn or they’ll face the pond with the barn on their right (the other two sides have a road and a parking lot in the background). Neither of these is ideal.
I wish there were a big tree for us to stand under, like this.
But there’s nothing like that at the park.
Perhaps, instead, we’ll hold a ceremony in the round?
Have you ever attended a ceremony held in the round? What did you think of it?
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We are getting married outdoors, by a small tree. But I still want to try to do a half circle so it’s a little more intimate. Never been to a “circle” wedding though.
Ooo, I love the idea of a ceremony in the round — it sounds so theatrical! 
Can you cover the light with semi-sheer fabric in order to have some light, but nice romantic light.
I think a ceremony in the round can work well if you set it up the way you have it in the photos, with the three breaks - the officiant could have their back to one, with you and Mr. Bunny facing each other, and your back to the other two. That way, everyone’ll be able to at least see someone well 
I haven’t been to one in the round but I’m DYING too! I think you should go for it — it’s so intimate.
I love the idea of a ceremony in the round! It’s like having the love and support of your family and friends all around you. Oh please do it and show pictures! haha
I think I drove by your venue over the weekend! I was in town for my sisters graduation at Otterbein. What street is it on?
It is BEAUTIFUL!
I was trying to figure out how to avoid having the ordinary chair set-up! Thanks Miss Bunny! You’re fantastic!
we thought of doing a ceremony in the round! I love the idea!
Can I go back to high school so I can have a Twilight prom? Mine was “under the sea”… LAMEEEEE
I think ceremonies in the round are most gorgeous, and best with LOTS of guests to make the chair setup look really neat!
@Mrs. Quiche — I’m sure you did! It’s right down the street from Otterbein at Main St. and Cleveland Ave.
I’m going to have a ceremony in the round! I’ve never been to one, but I love the look and the symbolism of being literally surrounded by your loved ones.
The logistical thing I’m most worried about is where the photographer will be during the ceremony…
I think a ceremony in the round sounds awesome, although I’ve never been to one. Do it!!
My ceremony will be in the round also, well technically an Octagon :). The chapel where our ceremony is one of the most unique chapels in the country as it is an octagon with the altar in the center.
I went to my first “round” ceremony last year and LOVED it. It made a large wedding feel very intimate and cozy. Everyone got a great seat and view. All the guests talked about how wonderful it was. You’re going to love it!!
i dont know if you have a Big Lots store by you. But they have miniature paper lanterns with LED lights inside of them on sale for $2. They are by Martha Stewart.
I bought a bunch this weekend. Such a great deal! They might look nice at your venue.
Twilight-themed prom? Hilarious! The barn looks beautiful! Your wedding’s going to be amazing.
I’ve never been to a ceremony in the round, but I love the look and feel of it.
p.s.- Your location is beautiful!
Hehe, I agree with Mrs. Penguin! I would’ve LOVED a Twilight themed prom. Of course, Little Bunny’s prom could’ve been even more Twilighted themed! I googled Twilight and found this:
http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/04/host-a-twilight-theme-party-at-home/
For your lighting scheme, I don’t know if glass hurricanes have come to mind, but they could add a certain pa-zazz. Crate & Barrel was the first example that came to mind. Pottery Barn used to have really simple ones. Couldn’t find the example!
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1340&f=14280
Of course, now I think I remember you blogging that you can’t have open flames, so poop. LOL.
I LOVE the idea of a ceremony in the round! Oh I hope you do this (for my own very selfish reasons of wanting to see it!).
I have never been to a ceremony where the chairs were round but that looks lovely! The barn is gorgeous
I totally agree that you don’t need to do much in terms of decorations. Small touches in a rustic setting make all the difference. We wound twinkle lights around wooden beams at our wedding and it was very romantic and sweet!
I have had many good experiences at weddings in the round. Just saying.
we too are having a rustic style wedding…and our venue doesnt have a real AHA! location for the ceremony. so we are making our own….our officiant will stand between 2 whiskey barrels with flowers/foliage on top for our “alter” and above us we will hang paper lanterns from the rafters….
I LOVE the round chair set up. I just e-mailed my venue contact to see if it’s possible. I haven’t seen it before, but I think it looks great. Does anyone have tips or feedback about the set up?
I’ve never been to a ceremony held in the round before but I think that’d be a really cool and unique thing to do!
I love the round ceremony idea! I would love to do that… Is it best with lots of guest or for a small ceremony? We´re having 55-60 guests.
We are doing a ceremony in the round…well, it will be more like a half-circle. We are getting married in a loft and will end up standing under a funky chandelier! My florist is either going to hang pomaders made from kermit buttons and/or spider mums or we are going to hang single orchids and spider mums from the ceiling around the chandelier
I’ve never been to a wedding that had the chairs set up differently, so I’m excited!
I’ve been to a wedding in the round, it was really close and intimate. You could really feel the emotion. I loved it!
I love the idea of doing a ceremony in the round a lot more intimate
we planned it in the round too until we changed our venue. now we’re having a semi-circle of guests standing around us.
We’re planning on having our ceremony in the round. =) We love the idea of actually being physically surrounded by the people we love, and it echoes the symbolism of a circle & the wedding bands.
Love Love where you and your bridesmaids are getting ready so cute!
I’ve always loved the round idea, but never been to a wedding where it was done!
My ceremony was in the round and it was awesome. My groom was a bit nervous about everyone looking at him… but everyone could see us and the best part, it felt really great to be surrounded by so much love. I stole glances at people’s faces throughout the ceremony.
I’ve seen pictures of a friends wedding held in round. I think it’s a FANTASTIC idea! I imagine it probably feels a lot different than the traditional altar with people looking at the back of your head.
I’m having my ceremony in the round too! I think it’s so unique and different; the set up will look almost identical to the last pic you posted. I love how it’s different than traditional rows and creates a more intimate feel.
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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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