If you want your big day to be that little bit different – relaxed and romantic, without the typical formalities of a traditional wedding – then a twilight wedding might be perfect for you. But what is it?

A twilight wedding is a ceremony that starts any time after 5.30pm, skips the wedding breakfast and goes straight onto the reception. It’s a great option if you want to remove the pressure of entertaining your guests for an entire day, and save money by reducing food requirements.

From ‘I dos’ in front of intense orange skies, to first dances under the moon’s natural spotlight, an evening wedding is probably one of the most romantic settings available. And here, we explain how you can make it happen…

SUNSET KISSES

There is something inherently passionate about blue skies delicately lit by pink, orange and red hues. It makes the perfect backdrop for an intimate moment, like a first kiss. But if you want a sunset wedding, you’re going to have to do your research!

First of all, you need to figure out when the sun will be setting. This will be different depending on what time of year it is. Weather apps are pretty reliable for expected sunset times, but make sure you check a few resources and monitor the sunsets in the days running up to your big day.

Then you have to decide where you want to be and what you want to be doing when the sun is setting – eating, celebrating, sharing your first dance, or maybe even tying the knot.

Of course, saying your vows as the glowing ball of light sinks into the distance and illuminates the venue is going to be beautiful, but make sure your wedding pictures enjoy the same charm. If you want your wedding pictures to be enriched by romantic skies, we recommend starting your ceremony 30-40 minutes before the sun is expected to set.

LOCATIONS FOR A TWILIGHT WEDDING

Not every wedding venue is suited to an evening wedding. What might look bright and aesthetically pleasing in the day, may seem rather lacklustre without natural light. Make sure you visit each venue in the evening so you can properly envision how it will look during a twilight wedding.

To make the most of mother nature’s allure, why not seek out an outdoor wedding venue? This way you don’t have to worry about lighting, or your guests being blinded by the sun shining through windows. Instead, use fairy lights and candles to add subtle flourishes of light that complement the sun as it’s setting and act as a beautiful light source when the sun is hidden. (Take a look at our Oak Pagoda and find out how an outdoor wedding could be tailored to your needs.)

If you’re set on having the ceremony inside, ensure the décor is suited to twilight settings:

• Will the sunset be behind or in front of you and your guests and how will this impact visibility?
• Does the sun affect the colour scheme of the room?
• What type of lighting can you use and how will this add to the theme?
• How much lighting will be needed?
• Is the venue going to be cold after the sun sets?

At Heaton House Farm, we have a whole range of lighting set-ups, and our team can advise you on the best way to illuminate our barns and achieve the look you want. And if you’re thinking of a winter twilight wedding, we have extensive heating throughout our venue – including under the floor!

DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT

Traditional weddings can be long, especially for the happy couple who have had a busy few weeks making sure everything is perfect for their big day. This can mean that by the time the party is just getting started, you and your guests might be ready to hit the hay.

That’s why we love twilight weddings. By having the ceremony in the late afternoon and removing the wedding breakfast all together, you and your guests can relax in the morning and dance the night away until your hearts (and feet!) desire.

Just like any wedding, it’s important to put some thought into the most appropriate entertainment for your twilight wedding. As your reception will most likely be at night, look options that are tailored to darkness… Fire dancers, sparklers, disco balls, light shows – your options are endless.

We work will a whole host of unique suppliers that can bring your party to life. Check them out here for a little bit of inspiration.

MIDNIGHT MUNCHIES

A great benefit of having your ceremony later in the day is the option of cutting out the wedding breakfast. As well as being a sometimes expensive addition to a wedding, it can be difficult to find food to suit all of your guests’ requirements.

However, all that late night dancing could have you and your guests working up quite the appetite. So why don’t you consider having some light bites available for when stomachs start to rumble?

Cupcakes, hot dogs, samosas, pizza… there are a range of great food ideas that our caterers can provide for your guests for a quick bite to eat and time to refuel on energy. You don’t have to be stuck with a three-course meal!

PLAN YOUR TWILIGHT WEDDING WITH HEATON HOUSE FARM

We believe our gorgeous surroundings are the perfect fit for a magical twilight wedding. And while we can’t make promises for jaw-dropping sunsets or entrancing full moons on your big day, we know our rustic yet chic venue and breath-taking views will be enough to create a magical atmosphere for you and your guests.

Whether you want to be inside or out, we can cater to your needs with our four diverse ceremony areas perfect for all of our couples’ preferences. We also work with a great range of suppliers who can add something special to your wedding and accommodate your individual needs.

For more information on how Heaton House Farm can bring your dream wedding to life, get in touch today.