Monday, October 7, 2013

Four Tips for an Elegant Farm to Table Wedding


If the  perfect wedding day for you and your partner is a reflection of the love that you have for each other, the love you have for your friends and family, and the love you have for the land, then you may want to consider a farm to table wedding.  Here are four tips to make your Farm to Table Wedding fun, fashionable, and FABULOUS!


LOCATION
Pick a venue that can easily accommodate your out of town friends and family and where logistical challenges can be easily managed.  The wedding pictured below was held at
The Inn at Fernbrook Farms   which is conveniently located just outside of Bordentown in historic Chesterfield Township, New Jersey, just 50 minutes from either New York, Philadelphia, or the Jersey shore. The Inn has seven rooms and there is plenty of additional room capacity nearby.  It is not strictly necessary to have a Farm to Table Wedding at an actual farm (or even in the country for that matter)  but it adds a lot of charm and authenticity to be on a working farm such as Fernbrook.  The crops and other locally sourced foods will inspire your menu.
1)
Tip: Venues should be reserved 12+ months in advance of your wedding



SEASON
If you have your heart set on a farm to table wedding then food will be high on your list of priorities in the planning of your event.  It goes without saying that the styles and flavors of a Farm to Table wedding are going to be shaped by the season with Summer and Early Fall being optimal for climate and variety of ingredients for your feast.
2)
Tip: have contingency plans in place in advance for atmospheric events such as rain, wind, or intense sun.  Remember that the comfort of your guests is the number one job of every host. These considerations can easily be coordinated in advance with your event planner or caterer.

RESOURCEFULNESS = CREATIVITY
When the bride and groom work together to incorporate their personal style and values into their event the results can be especially charming.   At the event pictured here, the bride and groom did the planning themselves. They also put together this awesome  apple themed seating placement where guests picked apples with hand calligraphed leaves that indicated their seating.  The bride and groom discovered a canoe on the Fernbrook property. They placed it on hay bales, and filled it  with ice and cold beverages for a killer self serve solution.  
3)
Tip: Find one or two focal points at you wedding reception where you and your beloved can express yourselves collaboratively.  Adding a personal touch can add charm to the event.  


FOOD
Seasonal locally sourced food just tastes better and it can inspire some real creativity on the part of your Caterer.    Whether you are interested in the environmental and cultural impacts of farming or just the wholesome flavors of real food, a farm to table wedding is a celebration of local ingredients and the land.   
4)
Tip: Find a caterer who incorporates love of local food and farmers in their everyday practice .  This will ensure that they will plan the menu in accordance with the farmer and will highlight the flavors of the season with creative flair.


FINAL THOUGHTS:
A farm to table wedding is a wonderful way to start your life together as a married couple.  After the planning and preparation are over and the day is come be sure to simply enjoy the day with your loved ones. This sounds simple enough but it is hard to overemphasize it.  After all, what good is a perfect wedding if you aren’t able to relax and enjoy it?   Have fun!  



Chairs- PR Ltd.

Tent Draping-Makrancy’s










I am Chef Max Hansen.   Our Delaware River Valley, including Bucks County and Hunterdon County, has abundant cultivated and wild food resources. We use a lot of regionally sourced gourmet foods and products at Max Hansen Caterer and at the Max Hansen Carversville Grocery. Follow me while I cook, forage, garden and meet and feed amazing people!


1 comment:

  1. Wow!! These are breathtaking venues!! I would like to book one of the Wedding venues in Philadelphia for my wedding. I want excellent arrangements and delicious food in my marriage. Can I book this venue now?

    ReplyDelete