Tips for planning a pub wedding
I've been a wedding photographer at several amazing pub or bar weddings in the last few years. They are gaining in popularity, and it's easy to see why. It's a familiar setting that many of us will instantly feel comfortable in and can be much more relaxed than some more formal wedding venues. As well as offering a great choice of food and drink, many pubs also have gardens or some outside space, which can often be used year-round.
I've put together a list of five tips for planning a pub wedding:
1. Choose a pub with character
Look for an inviting atmosphere that reflects your personality as a couple. The decor, lighting, and overall vibe will impact the feel of your wedding and the look of the photos captured on your day. A pub with lots of natural light flooding in through large windows will give a different look and feel to an underground bar, that’s entirely lit by artificial lighting all day. Perhaps the pub is your local or where you had your first date, if the pub means something special to you as a couple and you want to share it with your favourite people then go for it, your guests will feed off your positive energy.
2. Consider the menu
Pubs are known for offering traditional British grub, so you can expect less formal menus with dishes like fish and chips, pies, and roast dinners, which all sound amazing! Make sure to sample the food beforehand and ask about dietary requirements to ensure there is something for everyone. There are pubs which will serve more specialist menus too, which may be more to your taste. Pubs with a nice beer garden may also allow you to bring in a catering company to serve up delicious barbeque food or a hog roast.
3. Make it personal
One of the best things about having a pub wedding is that you can put your stamp on the day. From the decorations to the entertainment, the DJ or playlist, you can make it as unique and personal as you like. Don’t feel like you need to follow trends or do things that are expected on a wedding day. Not a fan of wedding cake? Save the budget for something you do want. DIY weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and pubs can be a nice starting point that allows you to bring in your own personality.
4. Think about the ceremony
Most pubs are not licensed to hold civil ceremonies, so you will need to get married elsewhere before heading to the pub for the reception. This could take place at the local registry office or town hall on the same day, in which case you may also need to consider how to transport guests from one place to another - public transport can be a fantastic option in big cities like London as it can be a part of the day itself, but it isn't always an option in some towns. Alternatively, you can have a humanist ceremony, which can be more personal and relaxed. You can have a civil ceremony a few days before and sign the registrar, then have a humanist ceremony at your wedding.
5. Ideas for pub venues
If you're looking for pub wedding venues in the UK there are no shortage of options out there, cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and London have many pub venues that can meet your needs. Some popular choices include Love Lane Brewery and The Little Fox in Liverpool, The Oast House and Three Little Words in Manchester, and The Depot and The Tokenhouse in London.
But if you have something in mind that's a little more personal to you, like your local - speak to them to find out what they may be able to offer, they don’t always advertise venue hire or weddings as an offering, but may let you hire a part or even the whole venue for the day.
If you are planning your own pub wedding anywhere in the UK and need a wedding photographer to join you for the ride and document your day it would be great to hear about your plans. Get in touch on the button below, I’m based in the North-West, but I’m happy to travel across the country for a fun wedding party.
