Nature Redefined – An Intimate English Manor Reception

Cascading neutrals and vine-wrapped pillars poetically framed a tablescape, mimicking the garden surrounds of an English countryside manor.

On the capacious grounds of a South England manor, cascading neutrals and a focus on height and barely-there contrast demands pause.

With touches and tones that are entirely pulled from nature, raw materials, and an emphasis on movement (e.g. a sculptural wedding cake with fabric-like fondant and swaying centerpieces), space becomes sanctuary.

Varying shades of taupe. The textural diversity of linen, stone, and wood. Vine wrapped pillars framing the tablescape. All of it becomes a breathtaking act of mimicry, each material an echo of the stately architecture of the manor.

The outcome? A startling sense of unity with the venue and location, as if nothing had been adorned at all.

manor house wedding venues

“All of it becomes a breathtaking act of mimicry, each material an echo of the stately architecture of the manor.”

Abigail of AR Weddings & Aga Hosking’s Styling Tips

Your reception table styling should always try to complement and be sympathetic to the venue or surroundings. That is why choosing the right venue, (essentially your canvas to work with) is so key in achieving the right aesthetic within your overall wedding design.
Don’t be afraid to create asymmetric table designs. There is always the temptation to do a repeated pattern of elements particularly when working with banquet style layouts. But creating tables with varying levels of height and textures throughout creates interest and depth.
Using similar tones from the same color family can be problematic if care isn’t taken over the various hues you are bringing in. Make sure to balance the colors of your crockery, candlesticks and vessels, with the correct base like your table linen and furniture.
When creating your wedding design, think first about how you want your day to feel rather than look. Then, think about how you want the natural flow of your day to materialize. This will then, in turn, help you prioritize what is most important to you aesthetically.