In June, I will have been married for 16, yes 16 years yet I remember the planning like it was yesterday!  Deciding on the date, the ceremony venue, the reception venue, the menu, the disco, the DJ, the dress, hair, makeup, bridesmaids, cars…the list was endless!  The Church wedding and hotel reception were fantastic and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world, yet of late, I have been hearing and seeing more alternatives to perhaps a ‘traditional’ wedding venue!

Press Day

I received an invitation to attend a Press Day at what looked like a very pretty little place close to Winchester called The Barn at Avington.  Despite being primarily a blogger on Beauty and Dance, I of course jumped at the chance to check this venue out…especially as a Makeup Artist wanting to get more into the wedding scene I figured it’s only right to start blogging all things nuptial!  Let’s face it, beauty doesn’t have to be about Makeup and Skincare…beauty is all around and it’s in a plentiful supply here!

The Barn at Avington is a quaint venue tucked away in the Hampshire countryside on a 500 acre working farm close to Winchester.   The Barn itself is a conversion of an out-building which was part of the farm and has been transformed with its grey and white scale decor, a given blank canvas, allowing for just about any theme to take shape under.  The building is industrial yet rustic, cool, light and airy, a perfect setting for your wedding ideas to be brought to life.

Not stopping at the main building, there is a beautiful woodland clearing where humanist ceremonies or arrival drinks can take place, in a wonderfully whimsical spot right by the river.

Alongside being an alternative to the traditional wedding venue another fabulous thing to note about The Barn at Avington is the attached accommodation!   Your wedding day can essentially become your wedding week allowing you plenty of preparation time leading up to the big day meaning that the Barn itself can be arranged and perfected just how you would like it to be.  Suppliers don’t all need to be rushing in and out on the morning of the wedding, time can be taken avoiding those last minute stressful dashes!

The cottages allow for a Monday to Monday stay on site.  The light and airy, modernly kitted out rooms lend themselves to an ideal place to relax…hot tub anyone??…  These are also perfect for those family members perhaps travelling in for the wedding.

The very lovely Beth Allen who is the Events Manager of The Barn at Avington is also on hand for couples to help make their day run as it should.  Beth has a list of carefully sourced local suppliers and caterers which can be suggested taking into account differences in budgets and tastes that the couple has.

On the Press Day itself The Barn had been arranged to give a taster of what could be done and on first impressions walking into the building it certainly had the ‘Wow-factor’.   Elegantly laid tables, floral centre pieces, ornate place settings and huge letter lighting spelling #THE BARN greeted us.   There was also plenty of space for a disco and dance floor to be installed should you wish.

 “So many couples say to me they’d like a venue they can put their stamp on, where they’re not treated as part of a conveyor belt of weddings, that’s also close to the M3 and has great accommodation to boot. The Barn at Avington offers exactly that. We’ve transformed the industrial barn into a cool and light space for people to style in a way that suits them and the easily accessible site is available for family and friends to enjoy for an entire week – so you’re never made to feel rushed. And spending your wedding night in a romantic hidden glade is the ultimate way to start married life!”  Beth Allen

Speaking of the Hidden Glade…I had no idea such a place existed!

Quite literally a secret hide-away a mere few minutes drive from The Barn site itself is this wonderfully scenic hidden gem.  A glamping site exclusively for two.  Featuring a comfy sleeping area with stunning views of the countryside where upon opening the drapes in the morning you’re in the ideal spot for sunrise.  A fully serviced ‘en-suite’ style bathroom with modern shower, toilet and sink complete with hot running water and finally a further relaxing area where the sun sets in the evening with sun loungers and a BBQ!

The Barn at Avington has so much to offer the couple who wants to make their own mark on their wedding day and with the surrounding breathtaking views, you really do have to see it for yourself!!

If you’re planning your wedding and want to know more about what this cosy venue can offer please check them out at their Open Day on Sunday 20th May.   They will have a host of their recommended suppliers in attendance so you really can see what it is all about!

Head to The Barn at Avington website or check out their Instagram for more information.  To see the suppliers that contributed to the Press Day set up at The Barn check them out on Instagram, details below:

Flowers – Rabbit and The Rose

Venue Styling – Linen and Lace Events

Venue Styling – Lo and Behold Bespoke

Furniture – Purple Door Props

Tablewear – Crystal Hire Ltd

#THEBARN letters – Hello Doris Loves

Stationary – Belles Soeurs Lettering

Wedding Cake – Reilly Cakes

Petite Cakes – Sparkle Bakes

Brownies – The Fabulous Catering Company

Photography – Angela Ward Brown

**The beautiful header photo for this blog post was also provided by Angela Ward Brown, other used photos credited accordingly**

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