All posts by sbskl6

FAQs-Barn at Blueberry Hill

What is the barn capacity?    150

How can we use the patio space?     The patio can be used for seating, cocktail hour, dancing or table space.  It does not have a roof and we are unable to place a tent over the area.

Will there be another wedding the same day?   There is only one event booked per day at the barn.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?   Blueberry Hill has  different houses for your family and friends on the property.  There is a Hampton Inn 2 miles from the barn.  There are also many beautiful houses available for short term rentals.

Do we have to use the caterer, baker, photographer, etc. that you choose?  Here at the barn we give you the flexibility to choose all your favorite things for your big day.  Remember you are saving money when booking with Blueberry Hill as the bartender and Dj are included.

What is the clean up process?     The Barn at Blueberry Hill will handle all standard clean up and trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception.

Do you have an onsite kitchen?    We do not have a full kitchen at the barn.  Please inform your caterer that the food will need to arrive hot.  You are welcome to grill at the barn.  We do have a refrigerator, sink and dishwasher.

Do you provide table linens, glassware and flatware?  In an effort to go green we do have over 150 goblets, wine glasses and mason jars for drinking, 150 sets of flatware, plates, napkins and drink dispensers at the barn.  We do have table lines in a variety of colors for 20 round tables.  We also provide linens for long table to use on the buffet, gift, dessert tables, etc.

If we plan to have our ceremony offsite, does your fee change?  Since we only do one event per day the fee remains the same.

Can I have alcohol at my event?  We do not have an ABC permit but you are welcome to bring beer and wine.   A bartender is required if alcohol is served.  I do have a kegerator and request that you bring kegs instead of cans and bottles.

#weddingvenue #locallyownedweddingvenue ##barnwedding

Questions when planning an outdoor wedding ceremony

With the Outdoor wedding in full swing I thought it was time to post some things to consider when planning your wedding outside.

When you are looking for an outdoor venue for your garden wedding ceremony, find out if tents are permitted, or if there is a building nearby that can accommodate your wedding in case of inclement weather.  The Barn at Blueberry Hill offers the ability to have your wedding in the rustic barn or outside under the arbor.

Visit the venue beforehand. Is it big enough?   The barn will accommodate 200, outside will hold more.

Are there washroom facilities?   Their are 3 bathrooms at the barn.

What about parking?  Parking is located across from the barn and a parking attendant will be there before the wedding.

Ideally, visit the site at the same time of day you plan to have your ceremony. That way, you can figure out how to configure your site so that you and your guests are not blasted by the sun.  In the summer months it is best to wait until 6pm for the ceremony to allow the sun to not be so harsh.
Find out if any other events are being held at the location on your wedding date.   Your wedding will be the only event scheduled on your wedding day.
Find out if chairs are provided. If not, find out if chair rental is permitted. Many garden venues will only permit ceremonies, and some do not supply chairs for guests. If you are looking for a simple garden ceremony this won’t be a problem. If chairs are permitted, choose wooden chairs. Metal chairs get scorching hot in the sun.  The barn has wooden benches for the outdoor ceremony that will seat at least 200.
If you are planning to get married in the summer, find out if there is shade where the ceremony is being held. You might be able to stand up to the 90 degree heat, but what about your grandmother? Also, provide bottled water for your guests to keep them hydrated. You could also offer lemonade or sparkling water before the reception. Parasols for elderly guests are also a nice idea. Or you could make your programs in the shape of fans so guests can fan themselves.  These are all excellent suggestions to make your guests more comfortable. Remember the later in the evening your wedding ceremony starts the cooler the outdoor space will be.
If the venue is in a secluded area, make sure you give your guests good directions and allow for extra travel time for guests to find the venue. If your guests have to take back country roads to find the site, they might need some extra time to get there.  the Barn at Blueberry Hill is conveniently located 2 miles off I-77 with signs marking the turns.
Keep decorations simple. Gardens need little adornment.  The barn has shepherd’s hooks mason jars, sheers for the arbor and tree stumps for you to use during your wedding ceremony.
When choosing a wedding gown, make sure you keep in mind that you will be having a ceremony outdoors. A gown that will bustle or has no train is your best bet.
Don’t choose flowers that can’t stand the heat. If you are working with a florist, s/he should be able to guide you in the right direction. Also, keep several buckets of water onsite in a shady spot to store wedding bouquets so that they spend less time in the sun.  Simple seasonal flowers look great in the mason jars.
Go with the flow. Garden weddings are less predictable than weddings indoors. Be prepared for inclement weather. Even if the weather is perfect, unexpected things like bird droppings, sirens and bee stings are always possibilities.

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Adding AC and Heat

I am overwhelmed by the response to the barn.  We have booked 27 weddings so far and some months are full for 2015.  I am even getting some inquiries about 2016.  We have decided to add 4 heat pumps to the main area of the barn to make the venue more comfortable.  We will also be offering the barn for Christmas parties.  Call to reserve your time.  I have several different options for catering with different price points.

Amazing

???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ????????I continue to book weddings.  Just booked another wedding today for next May.  All the couples are excited when they see the barn.  The rustic charm is a winner.  The only criteria for a wedding at the barn is that is be fun.  I love living on the farm and am glad these couples have chosen to be married here.  Patio is complete thanks to Nick Robson.  Lounge area is complete that leads to the patio and fire pit area.  Added milk cans and hanging mason jars to the rustic décor this weekend.  Hanging gardens from Wall Greenhouse and Nursery.

Finishing up

The barn is getting closer to completion, now to clean up the mess.  They have sowed grass this week and will install pavers for the fire pit next week.  Two couples are coming Sunday to sign their contracts for next year.   Can’t wait to help them with their barn wedding in North Carolina.  Just saw the first engagement pictures today, they were wonderful.  imagesBlueberries will soon be ripe and the barn should have the landscaping finished by then.

Bookings and more

We have only been open since June 7 and have over 20 bookings.  God has been so good to us.  I feel blessed to live in Surry County North Carolina and I am excited to see and talk with all the couples about their weddings.  I want them to have fun weddings that their guests will be talking about for years.  We are now in the final stages of completing the barn and landscaping.  We are working on the game area complete with fire pit.  we have also added a lounge for guests to hang out away from most of the action.  This area is also a great place for the groom and his groomsmen to wait before the wedding and maybe play a game of corn hole.  I hope this area will be complete next week so I can post pictures.

First Event Terrea’s 50th

My brother and his children Michael, William and Michaela Wall gave Terrea (my sister-in-law) a surprise 50th birthday party as my first barn event.  She was surprised and everyone loved the barn.  What’s not to love with rusty tin, burlap, blue mason jars and a fire pit to roast marshmallows for smores.

50th birthday ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ????????