Page 38 - Indulge June 2017

By Shannon Sigafoos
What makes rustic weddings so
appealing? In many ways, it’s
what these weddings are not — that
is, the “big white wedding” that is all
about tradition. Rustic wedding brides
and grooms are all about creating new
traditions, a more relaxed setting with a
little less formality and still having every them for the best way to do that. People
detail of their big day meticulously taken
care of.
“The whole idea of weddings has
changed,” says Stephanie Stevens, owner
38 | indulge • June 2017
of Bell Gate Farm in Coopersburg, which
has a state of the art converted barn on
233 acres. “Nine out of 10 of our brides
want lawn games and a more relaxed
setting, but they still want the amenities
that a traditional venue has, like heating
and air conditioning. Nobody wants to do
the reception line anymore. They want to
mingle with people. We’re working with
are really looking for getting the most
value and the best bang for their buck,
and a different kind of wedding that’s still
a beautiful day in a really special place.”
Everyone knows that brides have an
insatiable appetite for what’s new and
trendy — and what’s trendy is simplicity.
Bell Gate Farm will see a number
of weddings take place on the property
this season, complete with simple floral
arrangements, candles and lanterns, and
soft light around the property. In other
words: Less is more.
“When you’re dealing with rustic
venues, you’ve got so much nature
going on around you. We’re seeing bridal
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316 North Best Avenue, Route 145 • Walnutport, PA 18088
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parties holding bouquets of lavender or
simple succulents. I’m also directing my
brides to paper flowers. They last, they’re
beautiful, and you can’t tell they aren’t
real,” says Stevens. “Lighting also plays a
really big part. People are using candles
and lanterns, including mismatched
lanterns. We put up Edison bulbs on the
deck, and a lot of brides want additional
lighting throughout the trees. People are
using light as part of their décor, so that’s
saving some money, too.”
Simple is also the key word for dress
and color trends for the season. Sheath
and mermaid silhouette-style dresses
are in. Big gowns with a lot of fabric are
out. It’s all about matching chic style
with a chic venue.
“In terms of color, I’m seeing a lot
of champagne and pink and anything
that’s kind of muted,” says Stevens. “For
the bridesmaids, I’m seeing a lot of the
same color dress, but different types
and styles of that dress. Dressmakers
are making convertible dresses that give
you a wide range of ways and wear.”