Rachel Soothill

Highlighting the beauty and versatility of our West Sussex wedding venue, we recently held a chic styled shoot proving that barn wedding day styling doesn’t always have to be rustic!

The shoot brought together a selection of the very best, handpicked wedding suppliers from the West Sussex area including a florist, cake maker, stylist and photographer. Together we curated a cool but romantic look with a contemporary black and white colour theme, enhanced by touches of gold and striking displays of greenery.

The look was inspired by the newest addition to our popular Styling Selections, Magical Monochrome. Working with The Floral Artisan, our new styling option is a sleek but romantic pairing of chic black with crisp, beautiful white. The stylish package includes everything you need for your wedding day décor including matt black candlesticks and holders, black and glass table numbers with tables adorned with beautiful foliage and vases filled with gorgeous seasonal white flowers.

We combined this look with our new Entrance Display Styling Selection, designed to enhance the entrance space of the Threshing Barn with a modern medley of monochrome touches. The look features a large black arched mirror, black and glass cards box and black lanterns and candles all set to the backdrop of beautiful foliage. These new styling options provided the inspiration for our recent shoot and the end result was magical.

The theme was used across the venue to ensure the shoot gave couples plenty of inspiration for their whole wedding day, from the ceremony right through to reception. Shot by the talented Ruby Roux Photography, the photoshoot took place in our impressive Threshing Barn and tranquil Dairy Barn.

The expansive reception space of the Threshing Barn featured beautifully dressed round tables with our twinkling chandeliers drawing the eye up to a stunning hoop of foliage suspended from the rafters. This was enhanced by simple but romantic white drapery. Romantic Drapes is a new element of our Southend Barns Styling Selections and one we know will be popular!

Lucy from coveted bespoke floral design business, The Floral Artisan, provided breath-taking arrangements which complemented the romantic feel of the shoot beautifully. Known for her structural yet whimsical take on wedding flowers, Lucy created a modern twist on a classic botanical style, carefully crafting fabulous focal displays using foliage and houseplants as well as minimalistic white centrepieces featuring seasonal spring flowers which worked with the monochrome theme perfectly.

The overall colour palette being monochrome with green and warm gold tones, Lucy opted for white flowers in different shapes and textures including anemones, freesias, spirea, ranunculus, tulips and large blousy roses and orchids. These all contrasted beautifully against a backdrop of dark, delicious greenery, peppered with the unexpected addition of houseplants!

Wedding day houseplants featured heavily in the styling, taking the look to new heights and helping to create a fresh and modern vibe for the shoot. The trend for living plants as a décor option on your wedding day is one we love as it aligns with our passion for sustainability. For this shoot we used beautiful houseplants from local grower The Little Botanical, who are based just up the road in Chichester. Plants including Strelitzia bird of paradise, areca palm and leafy monstera in the brand’s concrete pots added a striking twist to displays. The sweetest succulents in harmonising black and gold pots were also dotted across tables as wedding favours.

Tables were dressed with black tapered candlesticks in elegant black holders and assorted black and glass vases, courtesy of our Magical Monochrome Styling Selection. These were complemented by delicate scalloped glass charger plates with gold edging, matt black crockery, brushed gold cutlery and glassware delicately edged in gold, all by Crystal Hire.

Picture perfect against a wall draped in white, stood a beautiful three-tiered wedding cake by Cakes in Bloom. The cake was decorated with a gorgeous oversized black ribbon and was framed inside a beautiful floral half-moon display with black hurricane lanterns, candles and signage. Twinkling fairy lights glowed from beyond the white drapes which drew the eye to the picturesque set up. The floral moon was also used in the Dairy Barn for the ceremony, showing just how versatile some displays can be.

Curved signage by My Event Lab finished the look adding texture with a range of plaques in varying colours including matt black, stone and semi-opaque clear with gold lettering.

Over in the Dairy Barn, the theme continued with the incredible half-moon display by The Floral Artisan forming the focus. Overhead were swathes of white drapes and twinkling fairy lights, highlighting the barn’s beautiful beams. A mass of candles adorned the floor at the end of the aisle casting a romantic light across the room, which translated perfectly on camera.

Both spaces were styled to showcase the incredible versatility of our 220-year-old farm buildings and the end result is a great example of how our wedding venue’s traditional charm can be beautifully combined with a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic.

The perfect finishing touch, models (and real life couple) Marysia and Ryan looked resplendent in chic wedding day looks from Whyte Weddings and Astares. Marysia was beautifully styled by Lauren from ID Hair & Make Up, who went for a soft but striking look which highlighted Marysia’s natural beauty and intricate lace gown perfectly.

Timeless and sophisticated, capturing the essence of spring in a modern and visually stunning way, we are beyond delighted with the results of our styled shoot and hope that it provides some exciting wedding day inspiration for our couples.

Huge thanks go to all the amazing suppliers who worked so hard to bring this incredible look together. You can find a full list of the talented people involved below.

To find out more about our Styling Selections, including our brand new additions, please contact us on enquiries@southendbarns.co.uk or call 01243 641247.

• Photographer: Ruby Roux Photography
• Linen, Cutlery, Glassware: Crystal Hire
• Florist: The Floral Artisan
• Cake: Cakes in Bloom
• Signage and Props: My Event Lab
• Hair & Make Up: ID Hair & Make Up
• Dress: Whyte Weddings
• Suit: Astares
• Favours and Plants in Pots: The Little Botanical
• Models: Marysia & Ryan

The start of spring has an energy all of its own, a joyful optimism as the world bursts back to life and in our countryside setting we are lucky to witness this glorious reawakening first hand. From the incredible displays of tulips in our landscaped gardens to the beautiful blossom adorning trees and the glorious sound of birds filling the air – we have to admit, our West Sussex wedding venue looks pretty spectacular during spring.

Although even with minimal additions a spring wedding at Southend Barns is breath-taking, this time of year offers incredible scope for the imagination when it comes to seasonal wedding décor. To help give your wedding planning a kick start, our team has come up with some of our favourite wedding trends for spring. Keep reading to find out more…

What a Wonderful World

Spring really is an enchanting time of year at Southend Barns. Our gardeners work tirelessly to ensure every inch of our wedding venue is absolutely beautiful all year round, but there is just something about the gardens springing to life once more which fills us with delight.

If you want to make the most of our stunning surroundings then why not consider our Secret Garden for your wedding ceremony? Positioned between our alpaca’s field and the pretty flint wall of our Dairy Barn, The Secret Garden features an elegant pergola at the end of a sweeping aisle. Lined with chic stone benches and edged with beds bursting with seasonal flowers, The Secret Garden makes an enchanting setting for your outdoor wedding ceremony.

To add a personal touch, many couples like to decorate the pergola with floral displays. From circular structures clad with flowers to cascades of greenery entwined round the wooden beams, whether your aesthetic is maximalist or more refined, The Secret Garden offers a beautiful backdrop to your spring wedding day.

She Comes in Colours

Bursting with optimism, spring is a gorgeous time to use beautiful colour in your wedding day styling. Classic options include pretty pastels in pinks and yellows, but why not embrace the unexpected with a day dedicated to beautiful blues or be inspired by the blossoming spring gardens and add a splash of colour with vibrant corals, pretty lilac and bright, sunny yellow. 

Both wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses can also take gorgeous inspiration from this time of year. From embroidered wedding dresses featuring cascades of appliqué flowers to the subtle hint of a floral design in a lace overlay, this fresh trend allows you to go as big – or small – as you want.

If your dream wedding gown is sleek and minimal but you’d still like to include spring florals, then bridesmaid dresses are a great way to inject the trend into your wedding styling. From tonally printed silk gowns to mismatched floral dresses, there is something to suit every taste and level of formality.

Drip, Drip, Drop Little April Showers

Our spring weather is known to be a little unpredictable – it’s part of what gives us such glorious lush countryside. As a wedding venue in the South of England we are prepared for any eventuality and have ensured that, inside or out, our venue can be enjoyed to the full no matter the weather!

Our Collecting Yard enjoys views across our central landscaped garden and is completely sheltered from the elements with glass screens, heaters and a central fire pit. From the frostiest of winter’s night to the height of summer, our Collecting Yard provides an ideal space to enjoy the outdoors in the most comfortable way possible.

An unexpected benefit of a rain shower on your wedding day is some absolutely glorious photo opportunities! If the heavens open, it is all hands on deck to provide our brides and grooms shelter from the elements. In fact, some of the most romantic wedding pictures we have seen have stemmed from a rainy walk under our umbrella tunnel to the Dairy Barn.

Spring Wedding Styling

A wedding trend we are currently in love with is the use of blossom filled branches to form incredible sculptural centrepieces. Whether used alone for minimalist cool, or in collaboration with decadent floral arrangements, this great wedding styling option adds height and interest to any centrepiece.

If you are at a loss with where to start with your wedding day styling, then did you know that we offer a range of styling selections? Each of our five styling options – including our new fairy light ceiling installations – has been carefully tailored to complement the beauty of our barns in the best possible way.

Perfect for a spring wedding, Champagne Rose combines the sweetest pink and white silk flowers with chic copper touches and sleek tapered candles. Wild & Green is also a stunning option for spring wedding styling featuring swathes of luscious greenery offset by rustic twine, glass and fragrant herbs. Each of our styling selections can be used alone or adapted to incorporate additional wedding décor elements.

Find out about all our Styling Selections here.

Food Glorious Food

From spring greens to classic roast lamb, spring food offers a mouth-watering selection of flavours, perfect for a dreamy wedding breakfast.

Our Roots Kitchen Garden is the source of many of our seasonal ingredients including our herbs and lots of our vegetables.  Our focus at Roots has always been about using incredible quality ingredients to create delectable dishes. By growing as much as we can onsite we are able to offer the delicious, authentic flavours that only garden to table can provide.

From our Roots Allotment Vegetable Salad to our Sussex Wild Mushroom, Leek and Toasted Pumpkin Seed Tortellini and of course the spring classic Overnight Shoulder of Lamb, served with a rosemary and cranberry glaze, roasted new potatoes, crushed pea and mint salad and delicious allotment vegetables. Our Southend Barns wedding day menu packs a punch in innovative seasonal dishes with something for every couple and their guests to enjoy.

For more seasonal styling ideas click here.

Photo credits:

Adorlee Weddings

Ruby Roux Photography

Helen Cawte Photography

Emma Hare Photography

From organising your hen party and helping you plan your day, to removing the confetti in your hair and delving in the depths of your dress to find that hidden hook for your train. Bridesmaids go above and beyond for their loved ones, so it is only natural to want to thank them with a gift as wonderful as they are.

Your bridesmaid tribe are an invaluable part of your wedding day team, so if you are looking for the perfect way to show your gratitude, keep reading for our pick of the best bridesmaid gifts for all budgets…

Gifts Tailored to Them

Thoughtfulness is the key to a great bridesmaid gift, so what better than a personalised present? Whether they love all things botanical, live for interiors or have an appetite for fashion and jewellery, lots of lovely businesses are now offering an in-house personalisation service – perfect for saying thank you for being on team bride.

The possibilities for personalised bridesmaid presents really are endless but below are just a few of our favourites…

Leading fragrance house, Jo Malone, offer some lovely options for personalisation on their candles, colognes and gift boxes. With a variety of scents ranging from their famous Lime, Basil and Mandarin to the quintessentially British English Pear & Freesia, there is a something to suit all tastes. A gift from this popular brand is guaranteed to be a hit in your bridesmaid gift bag.

Local to our wedding venue, West Sussex brand The Little Botanical offers personalisation on many of their gorgeous plant pots. Whether you are looking for a special Maid of Honour gift or just want to say ‘thank you for being my bridesmaid’, a houseplant with a thoughtful imprint makes a lovely bridesmaid gift that will continue to grow as your friendship blossoms.

Jewellery is a popular option for bridal party gifts and can also be worn as a bridesmaid accessory on the day, so why not take it one step further with a piece inscribed especially for your besties? From sweet pendants carved with their initials, to bejewelled earrings featuring their birthstone, the possibilities for thank you presents are endless and can be tweaked to suit the taste and style of each bridesmaid.

If you are looking for a wedding party gift they will treasure forever why not opt for a framed picture of the two of you. Whether taken during a special shared moment or from the wedding itself, this sweet bridesmaid present is guaranteed to bring a tear to her eye.

As well as wedding day gifts for the bridal party, couples are also becoming more and more creative with their bridesmaid proposals – personalisation is a great option if you are looking for a sweet way to ask the big ‘will you be my bridesmaid?’ question.

How about a personal and useful gift such as these personalised accessories from Katie Loxton? Choose from pouches, makeup bags and passport holders to bags and purses – all stylishly embellished with your bridesmaids’ initials or names.

Traditional Thank You Gifts

They are classics for a reason. These traditional bridesmaid gifts are a wonderful way to say thank you to bridesmaids, no matter what their personal style is.

Treat them to their tipple of choice, from a much-loved flavoured gin to a vintage bottle of bubbles.

One of our favourites, which we think makes a great choice as a wedding day gift is a bottle of sparkling wine from local West Sussex vineyard Tinwood Estate. A stone’s throw from Southend Barns, Tinwood offer a trio of delectable sparkling wines ranging from the soft pink Brut Rosé to the delicate Blanc de Blancs and of course the vineyard’s very first offering, Tinwood Brut. We think they are so good that the wines also feature as part of our Roots drinks menu!

If your bridesmaids are more about the florals than the bubbles, a beautiful bouquet delivered to their door might be just the thing to show them how much you care.

Chichester is full of beautiful flower shops many of whom offer same day delivery to the local area. Choose from a seasonal array of bouquets or alternatively go bespoke with an arrangement created with your bridesmaid in mind. Don’t forget to add a thoughtful handwritten card for that added personal touch.

The sweetest of treats will always be indulgent chocolate. With a range of luxury options available, chocolate now holds its own in the world of wedding party gifting. From the decadent delights of champagne truffles to Hotel Chocolat’s most mouth-watering chocolate box, this is a classic – but always popular – way to thank your bridesmaids.

Who doesn’t love a candle? Whether you’re led by the beautiful packaging, fabulous fragrances or those with personalisation options, this is always a great gift for bridesmaids. Here at Southend Barns, we have our own range of luxury candles that would make lovely keepsakes.

The Gift of Relaxation

It is always lovely to have something to look forward to once the big day is over. Whilst for you that might mean a honeymoon, why not give your tribe something special to look forward to with a group spa day? Not only is this a great opportunity for you all to get together once again, it is also a lovely way to thank your bridesmaids and reward them for all their hard work.

If you are looking for an extra special way to treat your Maid of Honour then why not gift her a stay in our luxury shepherd’s hut? Located on our farm in the tranquil West Sussex countryside, the hut comes fully equipped for ultimate relaxation – complete with sparkling wine and a delicious breakfast hamper from our Roots kitchen.

DIY Bridesmaid Gifts

Wanting to do something a bit more sentimental? Why not put your creative skills to good use and create some handmade bridesmaid gifts. You could present them with a surprise getting ready kit on the morning of your wedding with customised dressing gowns, slippers or PJs and a mini bottle of bubbly. Or create goodie bags filled with all their favourite things in celebration of your friendship – their favourite sweets, a photo montage, nail varnish or a charm as well as a well written thank you card.

Whether you are looking for something fun, meaningful or practical, there are so many ways to say thank you to your bridesmaid team. There are no set rules on budget either – from splashing out to creating something low-cost but made with love, your bridesmaid besties will appreciate the token.

Located in picturesque Sussex, our rustic wedding venue has so much to offer. As well as beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, landscaped gardens and a stunning reception barn, Southend Barns also has two beautiful and luxurious accommodation spaces for you and your beau on the night of your wedding.

For your wider wedding party, this part of the world does not disappoint, offering a range of choices from luxury hotels to boutique B&Bs all located near our rustic barn wedding venue.

At Southend Barns we strive to make your wedding planning as stress free as possible and so our team have gathered together some of the best accommodation near our wedding barns – all located in Chichester and the surrounding area.

The Milking Parlour, Southend Barns

With views across its own private rose-filled courtyard, our Milking Parlour Bridal Suite is a dreamy place to spend your first night of married life. Complete with roaring wood burner, the Milking Parlour also offers a luxurious place to get ready for your wedding or steal a quiet moment alone during the festivities.

Find out more.

Mama Lou Shepherd’s Hut, Southend Barns

Set in our alpaca’s grazing field with its own festoon lit path and pretty garden, our shepherd’s hut is the epitome of luxury glamping. Fitted with everything you could possibly need including a wood burner and prosecco stocked fridge, this is a peaceful and beautiful place to relax after a wonderful wedding day.

Find out more.

Boutique Accommodation near Southend Barns

If your guests wish to continue their luxurious wedding day experience even after the clock has struck 12, then our surrounding area of Chichester, West Sussex does not disappoint. A stones throw from our wedding venue, you can find some charming boutique hotels or self catering options that we’ve tried and tested:

Tinwood Estate
Musgrove House Boutique B&B
Purchases

Chichester City Centre Accommodation

Famed for its magnificent Cathedral, Roman walls and impressive culture, the stunning city of Chichester is the perfect location for guests to find accommodation for your wedding weekend. Only three miles from Southend Barns, the city boasts a great selection of hotels and B&Bs:

East Walls Hotel
Chichester Harbour Hotel and Spa
The George & Dragon Inn
The Clock House

Large Hotels near Southend Barns

If you would rather your loved ones stayed under one roof, there are several hotels local to our Sussex barn wedding venue with plenty of space for larger groups:

Chichester Harbour Hotel and Spa
The Goodwood Hotel
Chichester Park Hotel

Budget Hotels near Southend Barns

We know some wedding guests simply need a warm place to rest their head following your special day and we are pleased to say Chichester offers several budget friendly options when it comes to lower cost accommodation.

Travelodge
Premier Inn

If you need some help or advice on finding the right accommodation for you and your guests, please do get in touch to chat to our team.

As more and more couples opt for a plant-based menu on their big day, our Roots team are continually redeveloping our vegan and vegetarian offering. With produce sourced from across the local area, including our own Roots Kitchen Garden, the menu packs a punch both in flavour and creativity.

In honour of Veganuary we thought we would celebrate some of our most popular plant-based dishes, guaranteed – whether you are plant-based or not – to satisfy.

Scrumptious Starters

Gone are the days of a measly side salad to accommodate plant-based friends. Our Roots starter menu is full of flavoursome and imaginative dishes, delicious enough to tempt even the most carnivorous wedding guests.

Some of our stand out options include:

• Crispy gochujang cauliflower, Nutbourne tomato, coriander, mango and miso chutney
• Halloumi fries, green slaw, torched gem lettuce, pomegranate, mint yoghurt
• Beetroot and chickpea scotch egg, three beet salad, watercress salad and mayonnaise. Beetroot ketchup

Magnificent Mains

Our plant-based mains feature a mouth-watering and diverse selection of dishes that will form a memorable centrepiece to your wedding breakfast. From katsu halloumi to delicious butternut gnocchi, below are some of our most popular options:

• Sussex wild mushroom, leek and toasted pumpkin seed tortellini, local asparagus and pea salad, pumpkin puree, pine nut pesto
• Butternut gnocchi, Sussex wild mushrooms, miso, spinach, charred spring onions, toasted sesame seeds
• Katsu halloumi, sesame rice, green slaw, pickled carrots and radish, katsu sauce

Delicious Desserts

Our decadent menu of plant-based delights elevates vegan desserts to new heights. Whether deconstructed sweets are your thing, dark and indulgent chocolate or a twist on a British classic, these are just some of our most loved plant-tastic puddings…

• Deconstructed strawberry and mango pavlova, mango sorbet, mango and pink pepper jelly, vanilla cream, strawberry gel
• Chocolate brownie, chocolate goo, chocolate meringue, raspberry sorbet
• Pink Lady apple tarte tatin, salted caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream

Click here to browse our full plant-based menu

There is nothing like a winter wedding at Southend Barns. From the frost dancing across our landscaped gardens to the warm glow of twinkling lights inviting you in from the cold, there really is a touch of magic here during winter.

Over the years we have seen our couples embrace their winter nuptials with some truly wonderful ideas. Read on for a dose of seasonal wedding inspiration…

Where The Love Light Gleams

With a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, striking old wooden beams and elegant, tall Christmas tree, our Threshing Barn lends itself beautifully to winter wonderland styling.

Whether your heart sings for flowers in crisp, cool seasonal whites or traditional festive greenery elevated with vibrant touches of red and gold, our barns provide the perfect backdrop to all winter themes.

Our Elegant Ivory Styling Selection is also a beautiful choice for winter, embracing seasonal tones with white and green silk flowers, antique silver touches and the warm glow of candlelight. Find out more about this and our other in-house Styling Selections here.

Have a Cup of Cheer

Delighting in the decadent is what cold weather cuisine is all about, so why not pepper your menu with some yuletide classics?

Roots catering has created some delicious seasonal dishes over the years including “pigs in blanket” with cranberry, mustard and honey dip, overnight shoulder of lamb with a cranberry and mint glaze, slow-cooked blade of beef with allotment vegetables and pink pepper mash, and a mouth-watering mince pie and frangipan tart served with rosemary pine custard.

And don’t forget the drinks – from hot chocolate complete with all the trimmings to warm and fragrant mulled wine (one of our chef’s specialities) and of course the ever popular espresso martini, set your winter’s scene with delicious drinks enjoyed to the backdrop of our roaring firepit and sheltered Collecting Yard.

The Prettiest Sight to See

Whether you dream of old Hollywood glamour or ethereal beauty for your wedding day look, winter offers a wealth of possibilities. Is your style a stunning long sleeved lace dress with sweeping train, a faux fur cape or jewel encrusted gown? The cooler months lend themselves perfectly to everything from high glamour to edgy wedding day chic.

Make the Season Bright

Nothing says celebration like a dazzling display of fireworks – particularly on a crisp night. Here at Southend Barns we are mindful of our surrounding countryside and so use a specialist, low noise supplier to fill our skies with sparkle and cascading colour. If you are interested in arranging a firework display for your big day, do chat to our team who will be more than happy to help.

Sunday 19 February 2023, 10.30am – 2.30pm

Are you planning a wedding and looking for some inspiration? Then look no further, as we are hosting our Wedding Fair on Sunday 19th February 2023!

We have handpicked wedding suppliers that offer high-end and distinctive services. The chosen suppliers have all been tried and tested by our own wedding couples, and will be on hand to showcase their services and answer any questions guests may have.

The Wedding Fair will cover every wedding aspect, with suppliers being spread across the Dairy Barn, Threshing Barn & Bridal Suite. The plethora of stands will include videographers and photographers, wedding stationers, cake makers, musicians and stylists, to name just a few.

To book your place at this FREE event click here.