We recently held the very first of our Southend Barns Date Nights. Exclusively for the lovely couples due to tie the knot at our wedding venue, Date Night provides couples and their families with a wonderful opportunity to meet some cherry-picked suppliers and discover all the exciting styling and culinary options we have for adding that extra touch of magic and personality to a wedding.
The evening took place throughout our venue with everything from our bridal suite to our indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, reception barn, Shepherd’s Hut and landscaped gardens open for guests to enjoy. Each space was also adorned with beautiful wedding day inspiration and possibilities for each couple to consider for their big day.
“We loved being part of both Date Nights. They were glorious evenings full of delicious food, mouth-watering cocktails, sunshine, music, inspiration and had a great atmosphere.
It was a joy to see and meet all of the excited couples looking around the venue with all that it has to offer and to work alongside some other really creative suppliers. The whole event was relaxed allowing people to soak up the sun whilst enjoying the atmosphere, asking questions and experiencing all of the ideas and tasters on show giving them inspiration for what they could incorporate in to their special days.” Kelly, Kelly Hearn Photography
As guests arrived they were greeted by our friendly team who outlined the premise of the evening and served a delicious glass of either local Tinwood sparkling wine or our homemade Elderflower Spritz or Coastal Spritz. Visitors then made their way round our beautiful wedding venue, soaking in the styling ideas on display and sampling delectable treats created by our Roots catering team. All to the soothing sounds of Toast Functions acts, singer and guitarist Luke and steel pan player Mica.
Outside in the Collecting Yard stood our new Hydration Station, which was filled with delicious water infusions perfect for keeping guests cool and refreshed during your wedding day. Our S’mores Cart and Pimp Your Prosecco stand was also on display in this area ready to be sampled by our Date Night guests. Our team chatted to couples about the various options available and provided shot-glass tasters of our popular cocktail menu.
As well as culinary delights, The Collecting Yard’s central lawn was set up with outdoor games and our children’s Teepee offering – the perfect little hideaways to keep young ones occupied during reception drinks.
The Threshing Barn – our large and beautiful reception space – displayed five of our popular Styling Selections and also our props station which showcased the many decorative additions we have available to couples. Created exclusively for Southend Barns, exquisite tablescapes gave a sample of the Styling Selection designs available, including the newest Magical Monochrome package and our Romantic Drapes option. With no space neglected, our entrance hall also featured a new styling selection designed to make best use of this space and create a striking first impression for guests visiting our barns.
As well as wedding day styling, The Threshing Barn also played host to our new Dessert Bar featuring a collection of sweet treats created by our Roots chefs. These included: Strawberry & Elderflower Cheesecake with White Chocolate and Honeycomb; Chocolate & Salted Caramel Croquant with Chocolate Goo and Chocolate Crisp; Tonka Bean Creme Brulee; and Passionfruit Posset with Mango & Pineapple salsa and Pink Pepper Meringue.
Through the patio doors of the Threshing Barn the Roots team were also serving pizzas straight from their outside kitchen with options including: Pesto Chicken & Red Pepper Pizza (torn roasted pesto chicken, balsamic red peppers, parmesan, pesto, and pine nut dressing);
Chinese Style Duck Pizza (slow cooked duck, spring onion, cucumber, hoi sin sauce, sesame seeds and wild coriander) and the plant-based Kitchen Garden Pizza (baby beetroots, Nutbourne cherry tomatoes, spring onion, basil cream cheese, toasted seeds and garden herb pesto).
Moving into The Dairy Barn, we showcased the work of some of our highly recommended wedding suppliers. Lucy from The Floral Artisan demonstrated her skill with an exquisite moongate floral display adding a striking focus to our tranquil, beamed indoor ceremony space. We also had photographer Kelly Hearn, videographer WEDDINGS by liav, and cake maker Carole from Country Kitchen and Exclusive Cakes chatting to guests and sharing their expertise. Carole provided a collection of delicious cake samples including vanilla, strawberry and champagne, lemon and raspberry and a new flavour of pistachio, white chocolate and raspberry.
“As always Southend Barns organised another successful event. Two date night evenings for future brides, grooms and their families to visit their booked wedding venue. I was grateful to be invited to display a number of wedding cake designs and offer tastings of cake to Southend Barns future brides and grooms. The barns and grounds looked amazing, immaculately and thoughtfully set up to showcase the venue and the serving of drinks, s’mores and more! The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with the Southend Barns events team on hand to meet, greet and answer any queries.” Carole, Country Kitchen and Exclusive Cakes
Finally, our Bridal Suite, outdoor ceremony space – The Secret Garden – and our Mama Lou Shepherd’s Hut were open for couples and their families to explore and enjoy.
We live and breathe weddings here at Southend Barns and providing each and every couple who chooses us with the very best experience is our number one priority. We are delighted with the success of our first two Date Nights and the opportunity they gave our couples to think outside of the box with their wedding planning. The feedback from those who attended has been simply wonderful.
If you are interested in finding out more about any of the elements on display during Date Night our office team will be more than happy to help on 01243 641247.
