Equestrian Inspired Weddings
The sport of horseback riding has long held a cherished spot in the heart of many people.
It is also a pastime with many elements that have made their way into the style lexicon of our society.
A great idea for a wedding would be to incorporate some of the timeless style and elegance of the equestrian world into your reception.
This is not to say that the bride and groom will be wearing boots and helmets.
Instead, take your inspiration from a hunt breakfast (minus the foxes, of course).
Places like country clubs or upscale lodges would make great venues for an equestrian inspired wedding.
Look for locations that have that great old men's club feeling - leather chairs, fireplaces, dark wood, and tartan accents.
Of course, if you do not find a place that has all of the décor that you want, you can always install it yourself.
Rich jewel tones would make an appropriate palette for the wedding.
Your bridesmaids will look fetching in hunter green, burgundy, or navy dresses (and they will thank you for not decking them out in tough-to-wear colors like the gray and yellow that are so hot this season!).
Everyone will want to wear tasteful and classic accessories.
Pearl bridal jewelry is a must, not just for the bride, but also for her attendants.
The bridesmaids can combine their pearl bridal jewelry with other accents such as heavy gold bracelets, or monogrammed silver bracelets (which make a perfect bridesmaid jewelry gift, by the way).
The gentlemen will look dashing with accessories like silk ties with horse and rider motifs, and foulard pocket squares.
For a more subtle pattern, the groom could wear a tie patterned with bits or horseshoes.
A custom bow tie in one of these designs could be a great option (and it would be so cute worn at the office Christmas party instead of plain black or red).
The focus of a hunt breakfast is, naturally, the food.
The sumptuous fare usually served at a hunt breakfast would be great for a fall or winter wedding reception.
Include a combination of breakfast and luncheon favorites.
Ideas include: a carving station with roast beef, turkey, and country ham, biscuits with gravy, and bacon and eggs.
This type of reception is clearly not intended for vegetarians! Top it off with mimosas, Bloody Marys, and champagne punch.
Keep the décor at an equestrian inspired wedding warm and comfortable looking.
You want to think about evoking a classic English horsey lifestyle.
Some feminine touches are okay, but overall the décor for this theme should tend to be less frilly.
Simple vases with rich red flowers would be great centerpieces.
For a really unique decoration, steal this idea that I once saw in a restaurant: take Hermes scarves with some of their famous equestrian prints, pop them into frames, and hang them anywhere in the room that could use a little extra accent.
It's very chic instant art, and after the wedding, you will enjoy wearing the scarves for the rest of your life.
Last, but certainly not least, the bride and groom should plan to make either their entrance to the reception or grand exit at the end of the affair on horseback.
It would be very romantic for the newlyweds to share one horse.
If the bride will need to ride sidesaddle instead of astride, it would be a good idea to practice in advance of the wedding.
Your wedding should be all about your passions.
If you and your fiance love horses, then what better way to share that favorite pastime than with an equestrian inspired wedding? The classic English lifestyle has much to offer as a source of great ideas for a wedding reception.
It is also a pastime with many elements that have made their way into the style lexicon of our society.
A great idea for a wedding would be to incorporate some of the timeless style and elegance of the equestrian world into your reception.
This is not to say that the bride and groom will be wearing boots and helmets.
Instead, take your inspiration from a hunt breakfast (minus the foxes, of course).
Places like country clubs or upscale lodges would make great venues for an equestrian inspired wedding.
Look for locations that have that great old men's club feeling - leather chairs, fireplaces, dark wood, and tartan accents.
Of course, if you do not find a place that has all of the décor that you want, you can always install it yourself.
Rich jewel tones would make an appropriate palette for the wedding.
Your bridesmaids will look fetching in hunter green, burgundy, or navy dresses (and they will thank you for not decking them out in tough-to-wear colors like the gray and yellow that are so hot this season!).
Everyone will want to wear tasteful and classic accessories.
Pearl bridal jewelry is a must, not just for the bride, but also for her attendants.
The bridesmaids can combine their pearl bridal jewelry with other accents such as heavy gold bracelets, or monogrammed silver bracelets (which make a perfect bridesmaid jewelry gift, by the way).
The gentlemen will look dashing with accessories like silk ties with horse and rider motifs, and foulard pocket squares.
For a more subtle pattern, the groom could wear a tie patterned with bits or horseshoes.
A custom bow tie in one of these designs could be a great option (and it would be so cute worn at the office Christmas party instead of plain black or red).
The focus of a hunt breakfast is, naturally, the food.
The sumptuous fare usually served at a hunt breakfast would be great for a fall or winter wedding reception.
Include a combination of breakfast and luncheon favorites.
Ideas include: a carving station with roast beef, turkey, and country ham, biscuits with gravy, and bacon and eggs.
This type of reception is clearly not intended for vegetarians! Top it off with mimosas, Bloody Marys, and champagne punch.
Keep the décor at an equestrian inspired wedding warm and comfortable looking.
You want to think about evoking a classic English horsey lifestyle.
Some feminine touches are okay, but overall the décor for this theme should tend to be less frilly.
Simple vases with rich red flowers would be great centerpieces.
For a really unique decoration, steal this idea that I once saw in a restaurant: take Hermes scarves with some of their famous equestrian prints, pop them into frames, and hang them anywhere in the room that could use a little extra accent.
It's very chic instant art, and after the wedding, you will enjoy wearing the scarves for the rest of your life.
Last, but certainly not least, the bride and groom should plan to make either their entrance to the reception or grand exit at the end of the affair on horseback.
It would be very romantic for the newlyweds to share one horse.
If the bride will need to ride sidesaddle instead of astride, it would be a good idea to practice in advance of the wedding.
Your wedding should be all about your passions.
If you and your fiance love horses, then what better way to share that favorite pastime than with an equestrian inspired wedding? The classic English lifestyle has much to offer as a source of great ideas for a wedding reception.
