Cold Creek Farm

13 Amazing Ideas for a Cozy Winter Wedding in Georgia

2020-02-24

Winter is a gorgeous season to get married. The snow makes for beautiful pictures and cold weather dresses like velvet add an elegant touch. The only thing you’ve got to worry about is the cold.

Depending on your wedding venue, it can be tough to keep yourself and your guests cozy and warm. It’s difficult but not impossible if you know what foods and drinks to serve at your reception. You can also wear boots under your dress and put something over it if your shoulders are bare.

These aren’t the only ways to stay warm at your winter wedding in Georgia. Check out this helpful guide to learn more.

1. Provide Warm Drinks

Nothing will hit the spot on a cold day in Georgia like a warm drink. While coffee and tea are sometimes customary at weddings, have fun and mix it up a little. For example, provide your guests with seasonal drinks like rich hot chocolate or spiked apple cider. Don't forget to give everyone mini marshmallows and candy canes to stir their hot chocolate with.

2. Wear Boots Under Your Dress

There's no rule stating that you have to wear fancy heels under your dress. Consider trading out those heels for a warm pair of boots, especially if it's snowing. Not only will the boots keep your toes from freezing but they have more traction than a pair of heels. This makes it less likely that you'll slip on the snow when you're walking down the aisle.

3. Use Soup as an Appetizer

Don't overlook the warming power of soup. Most of your guests will love it and thank you when they've got something hot in their bellies to thaw them out from the winter snow. There are a ton of hearty soups that will suit your needs perfectly. Why not give your guests a variety?

4. Wear a Shaw

If you fall in love with a dress that doesn't have sleeves, don't put it back on the rack. Go ahead and get it and invest in a shaw. Having a thick, furry shaw won't only keep you warm, it'll also add a nice wintery touch to your dress. If a shaw doesn't suit your style, you can also try a cape. Wearing a cape will also tie together your winter look and you can use the hood as an interesting headpiece.

5. Give Winter Gloves as Your Wedding Favor

Want to stop your guests from freezing while you're saying "I do"? Provide gloves as a thoughtful and useful wedding favor. Gloves are something that everyone can use during and after the wedding, and they'll think back to your special day every time they slip them on.

6. Fun in the Snow

With winter in Georgia comes snow at times. Instead of trying to avoid that fact, embrace it. Snow makes for a beautiful background for wedding pictures. Don't be afraid to get silly with your photo op. Throw a few snowballs, make snow angels, or build a snowman. This is less of a tip for staying warm and more of a tip to help you adjust to your choice of season and venue.

7. Put Candles at the Reception Tables

There are a lot of neat things you can do with your decor when you're having a winter wedding. One of these is candles at the reception tables. They provide a warm, cozy glow to create a more intimate atmosphere during your reception.

8. Bring the Heat

Many outdoor wedding venues also allow you to set up cozy heating elements during the reception like campfires or heat lamps. This will keep you and your guests warm while allowing you to spent some of your reception outdoors.

If you go with the campfire idea, don't forget to provide the stuff to make s'mores. They're the perfect snack for the children at your reception.

9. Blankets

To add a little extra comfort to your wedding, have a blanket bar. Your guests will appreciate having a source of warmth so close by. You can take the opportunity to incorporate the blankets into your pictures too. A shot of the bride and groom cuddled up in a blanket is too adorable to pass up.

10. Lanterns As Decorations

If the owner of the venue says yes to candles, you should also bring lanterns into the mix. They'll create a warm glow throughout the room or outside area. Lanterns are a versatile decoration too. You can set them on the tables, hang them up around the venue, and more.

11. Furry Seat Throw

Adorning your wedding chairs with white furry throws will help sell your winter theme. They also provide your guests with a comfy place to sit and watch the ceremony. Even though your attendees won't be wrapping up in the throws, they can still keep them warm as well.

12. Bring on the Seasonal Flavors

They're many things that can help set the mood of your wedding. There's music, lighting, and food. Incorporating seasonal flavors into your menu like cranberries, cloves, apples, mint, and vanilla will really put your guests in the seasonal spirit.

13. Winter Colors

You can use your wedding colors along with lighting to create a warm contrast. Pick out winter colors like blues, greens, and whites. Once you've chosen your colors, use fairy lights and candles to cast a warm glow throughout the venue.

Keep Yourself and Your Guests Cozy During Your Winter Wedding

Having a winter wedding in Georgia is gorgeous but cold. If you don't take measures to make things cozy you'll end up with unhappy, shivering guests. Use these tips to heat up your winter wonderland.

Are you still looking for the perfect venue to host your winter wedding? Contact us to book a tour.

11 Country Wedding Ideas to Create The Wedding of Your Dreams

2020-02-17

As of 2018, the marriage rate in the US is 6.5 per 1,000 people. Perhaps you've watched all your friends get married, patiently waiting for your turn. And now, it's finally here!

Maybe you're a country girl and you'd love to have a rustic wedding. However, you need some inspiration to create the wedding of your dreams.

Not to worry! Read on for 11 country wedding ideas that'll make your big day the best it can be.

1. Flower Crowns

Yes, we know that between festivals and other rustic weddings, flower crowns are a bit overdone. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on that idea, especially if you've always wanted to wear one for your wedding!

What you can do is stay away from the more popular flowers and put your own spin on things. For instance, you can use baby's breath or even orchids for your flower crown.

Do some research and come up with some unconventional yet beautiful flowers to use for your own crown.

2. Cowboy Boots

Traditionally, you'd wear elegant high heels and dress shoes for weddings. But give it a bit of a country touch by wearing cowboy boots instead!

You can even have your bridesmaids and groomsmen all wear matching ones (or as close to matching as possible; cowboy boots for men vs women can vary slightly). This makes for some very cute photos.

3. Cowboy Hats as Decor

If you think wearing cowboy hats is going a bit too far for your wedding, there's still a way to incorporate them into your big day. You can use them as decor!

For example, the flower girls can use it to carry the flower petals they scatter down the aisle. Or you can place them on the tables with flower centerpieces on top.

4. Wine Cork Name Cards

Maybe you (or your friends) already have some wine corks saved up. Or maybe you'll have some fun getting through some bottles to get the wine corks needed.

Either way, these can make amazing name cards for your reception tables. All you have to do is cut a part of the cork so it can sit even on the table and make a slit so it can fit the name cards. It's best to get the name cards printed on business cards, as they're both sturdy and small.

5. Naked Cake

When you think of wedding cakes, you probably think of gorgeously frosted, 3-tiered beauties. But naked cakes work really well, especially for a country wedding!

Considering the color scheme of your wedding will already be earthy, a naked cake would fit in perfectly. Have the baker make the cake in brown tones and decorate it with fresh fruits or flowers, such as strawberries, blueberries, or in-season flowers.

6. Wheelbarrow Cooler

This idea is perfect for outdoor weddings, especially if you're in a farm or garden setting.

Instead of putting drinks out to chill in coolers, why not use a wheelbarrow? All you have to do is fill the wheelbarrow up with ice, stick the drinks in, and it'll make a great piece in your wedding.

All your guests will have to do is go over, reach in, and pick out the drink they desire. It'll be nice and chilled in that spacious wheelbarrow!

7. Mason Jar Vases

If you don't want to go with the cowboy hat centerpieces, you can try Mason jars instead. These are nice and plain, so all you have to do is fill them up with water, then adorn them with beautiful bouquets.

If you're having a summer wedding, sunflowers can make great additions to these vases. Not only will they be big and cheery, but they'll also give that perfect country touch.

8. Mason Jar Drinking Glasses

If you're going to be bulk ordering Mason jars, why not get some as drinking glasses too? This can help you be more eco-friendly, as you won't have to use disposable cups.

Buy some chalkboard tape, put a strip on each one, leave some pieces of chalk out, and your guests can label their Mason jars for the night. They can go home with a souvenir as well.

9. Wooden Planters

Ok, say you don't like the idea of either cowboy hats or Mason jars as your centerpieces. So why not keep it simple and use wooden box planters? These will be easy to fill with beautiful arrangements, plus they're reusable. Leave the boxes unpainted to give your reception a country and rustic feel.

10. Use Wood Panels for Decor

There's nothing more rustic than wood panels! You can do so much with these, as they'll fit in with practically any decor.

For example, you can put your reception display on a panel, propped up on a stand. Or if you're having an outdoor wedding, you can use some open wooden doors, complete with an archway at the start of where you walk down the aisle. It'll simulate you walking through the doorway of a church or other indoor setting.

11. Hay Bales for Seating

Hay bales can make for some interesting wedding seating. Just make sure to line it with some comfortable fabric so your guests don't get poked while they're enjoying your big day.

Afterward, you can make sure these hay bales go to good use by donating them to a nearby farm or animal shelter.

Use These Country Wedding Ideas as Inspiration

After reading this article, we hope you have some great country wedding ideas that will inspire you to have an unforgettable rustic wedding.

If you want your wedding to be unique, no worries. You can still take one of our numerous ideas and put your own twist on them to make them completely special!

Want to book your wedding in a rustic setting? Then get in touch with us today. Cold Creek Farm is a family-owned wedding venue that is perfect for hosting rustic weddings in North Georgia!

10 Summer Wedding Tips for the Perfect Warm Weather Wedding

2020-02-10

Summer is one of the most popular seasons of year to get married. Everything is brighter, warmer, and happier. Additionally, some of the best honeymoon destinations are in the prime during the summer.

However, summer days also bring high levels of heat and discomfort, especially if you're going to be all dressed up. Many summer weddings, as beautiful as they are, forget to take this into account and end with hot, uncomfortable guests.

Fortunately, by following some simple summer wedding tips, you can avoid common summer wedding woes and have the perfect day to begin a great marriage.

Keep reading to find out how.

10 Tips for a Comfortable Summer Wedding

1. Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day

Ideally, you want to avoid having people outside during the hottest parts of the day. It varies, depending on where you live, but the summer heat usually peaks around 3 pm.

If you're hosting your ceremony outside, we highly recommend waiting until the mid to late evening to avoid making everyone sweat in their wedding attire. While the wedding is 100% about the event, you also don't want your guests miserable.

Wouldn't you rather people remember your wedding as "It was so beautiful!" instead of "It was so darn hot!"?

2. Keep the Dress Code Lighter

Speaking of keeping people cool, although you shouldn't settle on how the bridesmaids and groomsmen should dress, you should keep their comfort in mind as well. After all, these are some of the most important people in your life, why else would they be standing up there with you while you get married?

As one of the most important summer wedding tips, we recommend light and airy clothing, which shouldn't be too hard to accomplish for the bridesmaid dresses. However, you may have to get creative for the men. As for the guests, tell them to wear cool, breathable dress ware.

Finally, remember to keep you and your significant other cool and comfortable as well. This day should be one of your best memories, not one full of sweating, smeared makeup, and constant discomfort.

3. Be Prepared for Summer Showers

Most climates experience summer showers. Some of them surprise showers, others not. When you're planning your wedding months in advance, however, there's no way to know if it will rain on your special day.

As your wedding date gets nearer, you'll be able to get a more accurate prediction of the weather, which will allow you to plan according. Regardless, we recommend being fully prepared for the worst. Have a backup plan and plenty of available shelter for everyone.

4. Provide Plenty of Shade for Everyone Involved

Another key summer wedding tip is to make sure there are ample amounts of shade for people to retreat to if they're not stationed there already. As noted above, when you set your wedding date, there's no way to know exactly what the weather will be.

If your wedding happens to be on one of the hottest days of the year, it would be best if people could watch the ceremony under the shade of a tent or pavilion, rather than baking in the sun until it's over.

5. Avoid Heavy Foods

Next, make sure you keep the food light, fresh, and crisp. You want your guests to be energized by the food, rather than bogged down. Unfortunately, delicious heavy meals tend to slow people down, and will even make them sick in warm temperatures.

We recommend putting a heavy emphasis on things like grilled vegetables, fresh fruits, and salads. Meat is okay, but avoid big steaks, roasts, and other red meat.

6. Remind People to Bring Sunblock

As a courtesy to your guests, one of the best summer wedding tips you can implement is reminding people to bring sunblock in the invitations. It would be terrible if the one thing people brought back from your wedding day was a severe sunburn!

Depending on where you live, you may also suggest that people bring bug spray. Mosquitos can become quite a nuisance in the summer, especially at night as the air starts to cool.

7. Have an Indoor or Tented Photo and Reception Area

If you don't want people trying to pack up and go as if a church service just finished, aim to have your wedding reception in a cooler location. If everything is under a tent or pavilion, the temperature may not be an issue.

However, if people are hot during the ceremony, they'll want relief when it's over, especially to sit down and eat their meal. Additionally, you'll want people cool and comfortable if you expect them to dance!

Finally, having a cool setting for you and your significant other to take wedding pictures is vital. While some pictures should be taken outside, if you're sweating your makeup off in every photo, you're not going to be pleased with the results.

8. Pick the Right Flowers and Decor

Next, one of the most vital summer wedding tips is knowing how to decorate. Once again, you want light and airy materials and colors. A white wedding design full of bursts of color such as blue, coral, and yellow makes for a refreshing and elegant touch.

Additionally, some flowers don't handle the heat well and will wilt immediately if exposed to hot temperatures. Make sure you're choosing hardy flowers such as succulents and tropical flowers.

9. Wear a Summer-Friendly Hairstyle

Another important tip for the bride is to wear a hairstyle that promotes staying cool. We recommend brides (or grooms with long hair) wear their hair up to keep it off their neck and shoulders.

This will also help prevent things like high humidity and wind from disrupting your style.

10. Provide Cool Desserts

Finally, one of the summer wedding tips guests will most appreciate is the implementation of cool or frozen desserts. You can, of course, keep the wedding cake, but you should also provide things like frozen yogurt, fruit pies, and frozen cocktails.

Your guests will appreciate this extra summery touch to your wedding.

The Most Important of All Summer Wedding Tips?

While the comfort of your guests is important, remember that this day is all about the happy couple! Design your wedding with these summer wedding tips in mind but keep it styled to your personality and design preferences. Create a wedding you'll remember fondly forever.

And if you're looking for the perfect summer wedding venue, we host beautifully charming and rustic weddings at Cold Creek Farm. Take a look at some of our wedding packages.

What's on the Menu?: 9 Wedding Snacks Your Guests Will Love

2020-01-20

Your wedding is the best time to get creative and serve your guests something they've never experienced before. Don't you want your wedding to be memorable for you and all of your guests?

Serving snacks at your wedding is one of the best ways to make all of your guests happy and full. You can serve snacks before the dinner or even late into the night while you're all shaking your butts on the dance floor.

Having unique snacks is even better!

Keep reading for nine wedding snacks that your guests will surely love.

9 Wedding Snacks Your Guests Will Love

1. Elevated Toast

When it comes to your wedding snacks and appetizers you're going to want to think outside of the box and get unique with your menu. Elevated toast is a great finger food that anyone will love.

For the elevated toast, you start off with crispy ciabatta bread and then go from there. Toppings can range from chicken salad, avocado, pickled veggies, and so much more. You can stick with one or two kinds of toast or go crazy with it. Your guests will love munching on some delicious toast before the real meal is served.

2. Little Pizzas

Little pizzas are a wedding snack that can be served before the main course or well into the night when everyone is looking for a bite to eat. You can go with the classic cheese and pepperoni or even opt for a margarita pizza. This is a creative way to have a fan favorite dish at your wedding.

Everyone loves pizza! Making them miniature will just add to the uniqueness. You can even serve them in mini pizza boxes with you and your significant other's names. It is a great little detail that you can add to your wedding to make it memorable for you and your guests.

3. Soft Pretzel

Another fun and delicious snack that you should have at your wedding is soft pretzels! You can create a soft pretzel bar with tons of different dipping sauces like cheese, mustard, ranch, or anything that you can think of. This is a wedding snack that would go well before the meal but may even work better as a late-night snack.

Your guests will love seeing all the freshly baked soft pretzels and choosing delicious sauces to dip them in. Having a soft pretzel bar at your wedding will totally be a hit and something that your guests will remember!

4. Fast Food

While you might not want to bring McDonald's as a snack to your wedding ,you can still take inspiration from their menu. Serving mini burgers or sliders, a side of fries, and a coke or a beer for a late-night snack is perfect and something everyone can enjoy.

You can even make cute boxes to serve your food in just like a take out box so your guests can grab and go. This is a snack that they can eat while they're mingling and it will surely be one that fills them up. It is also just a fun little element that you can add to your unique wedding.

5. Trail Mix Bar

Another fun addition to your wedding would be a trail mix bar. This snack is very versatile and you can have a little something for everyone. You can also make a trail mix bar look really aesthetically pleasing and fit into any style wedding.

Create separate jars filled with Chex mix, pretzels, m&m, your favorite nuts, or any other candies and treats you can think that would go in trial mix. This way your guests can pick and choose to make their own trail mix. You can give them little to-go bags so they can take a treat home from your wedding too!

6. Mini Pies

If you don't like cake and would rather treat your guests with a unique dessert, opt for a mini pie bar. You can have tons of different flavors of pie all in tiny pie shapes!

Set your mini pie bar out so your guests can snack on pies all night. This is an awesome way to make your wedding feel unlike the norm and put a creative twist on it. Plus your guests can try all the different pies as they're mini!

7. Your Favorite Snack

Some people love snacking on snacks! If you and your significant other a huge snackers, then you should have your favorite snacks at your wedding.

Whether your favorite snacks are potato chips, hot Cheetos, or popcorn, these would be awesome snacks that your guests will love. You can also figure out cute ways to serve these snacks that your guests will always remember.

8. S'mores

Are you looking for a unique sweet treat for your guests to snack on? S'mores are a delicious snack that will create enjoyment and nostalgia for your guests. Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolatey goodness are the perfect treat for your guests. You can even get creative and offer some alternatives to the classic s'more such as adding a Reese's or using pretzels instead of graham crackers.

This is a great snack if you're opting for an outdoor or barn wedding as it fits the theme perfectly. Cold Creek Farms offers a stone fire pit so you and your guests can stay warm and roast marshmallows under the stars.

9. Milk and Cookies

Another awesome late-night snack to have at your wedding is everyone's favorite: milk and cookies. This snack is so easy and your guests will love indulging in some milk and cookies after spending the whole day celebrating your love. You can have a whole variety of cookies and even an entire variety of different kinds of milk to choose from. This way your guests will be sure to find the perfect evening snack to end the night.

Weddings Snacks Your Guests Will Love

No matter what wedding snacks you choose for your special day, your guests will be sure to love them. Pick fun snacks that you can serve before dinner and even snacks for late into the night!

If you're looking for a wedding venue in Georgia, then make sure to book a tour of Cold Creek Farm.

Your Ultimate Guide To Planning a Big Barn Wedding

2020-01-20

More and more couples are choosing barn wedding venues these days.

Today, we're going to give you the complete guide on how to plan a big barn wedding that'll make your day to remember even more memorable. Before all the breathtaking farm-centric photos, vows under the moonlight, and barn line dancing, there's an enormous amount of work that needs to be done.

Here are some of our best tips for planning your big barn wedding!

7 Tips for Planning a Barn Wedding

Look for Barn Wedding Venues

Before you settle on a private barn location, take a look in your area for barns that specialize in weddings. At Cold Creek Farm, we offer various wedding packages that have varying features depending on what your needs are.

Not all barn wedding venues are going to be as well equipped as we are, with our 5500 sq/ft climate-controlled barn, DJ booth, full buffet, photographers, and event staff. Most barns are going to be, well...barns.

If you're looking to get married in the gorgeous mountains of North Georgia, contact us for reservations. We're a family-run operation that has your best interests in mind. We offer the best parts of the barn wedding experience but give you all of the convenience of a standard wedding venue.

Set Aside Money for Extra Features

First and foremost, not all barns are created equally. More often than not, you're going to have to set aside some of your wedding budget to pay for things that might seem a bit mundane.

We're talking basic lighting, a sound system for the officiant, a speaker system for the ceremony, tables, chairs, and catering. Even running water isn't necessarily a guarantee, so you'll want to ask all of the questions you can possibly think of when you start looking at barns.

Again, barns that are used to hosting weddings will have most of this stuff covered. But if you're just using a relative or friend's barn, be ready to make some renovations or updates.

Noise Complaints

Check on the sound ordinance rules in that particular area. Just because it's your big day doesn't mean that the neighbors are going to want you partying until the wee hours of the morning, dancing to loud music and singing at the top of your lungs. The proximity of the nearest property will probably determine how late your DJ can pump out the jams.

Prep the Grounds

There's a chance you'll have to prep the grounds yourself. Think about it: barns are typically situated on farms, which aren't usually well-suited for hundreds of guests in tuxes and dresses. The mud, dirt, grass, and rocks might pose a problem for some of your guests.

If you're having elderly people at your wedding, this is especially problematic. Anyone with mobility issues will need some form of special treatment to get from their car to the barn. Rubber mats or sheets of plywood are good cheap solutions for when this situation arises.

Bugs, Weather, and Allergies, Oh My

The other thing you're going to be dealing with is the elements. Specifically, mosquitos, rain, storms, and plant allergies might run the risk of putting a damper on your party. When you decide to get married on a farm, these are the things you deal with.

Have can upon can of bug spray ready to go and line any pathways, smoking areas, and surround the barn with citronella torches. If your wedding is happening in the summer months, you'll want paper fans to combat the heat (barns aren't always designed with ventilation in mind) and umbrellas to block the rain.

Lastly, barns are full of allergenic things like hay, grass, and remnants of long-gone animals. You don't want people sneezing and wheezing through your vows, so allergy-proof the barn just to be safe. Put blankets over hay bales and put allergy drugs in the washrooms for people to grab if need be.

Bring a Change of Clothes

It's completely understandable to want your guests and your wedding party to show up in their formal wedding attire. Since you're going to be partying in a barn, however, you should allow for a wardrobe change after the ceremony is finished.

There's no denying that sandals, running shoes, or even galoshes are going to be more suited for moving around the farm than dress shoes and heels. Also, if it's a hot one, you'll want to ditch the suit jacket as soon as possible.

Arrange Rides

Last, but not least, you'll want to ensure that your guests are able to get home safely. Since there probably won't be accommodations on-site, you'll want to arrange for a school bus to periodically take guests from the barn to the nearest hotel, assuming you've blocked rooms off for the occasion.

For those left behind, you can always order some Ubers or taxis to the farm grounds to get back to the hotel. Under no circumstances should you let anyone that's had a few too many to drive their vehicle from the barn.

Start Planning Your Barn Wedding Today

Your dream barn wedding awaits! Now that you know what's in store, you can start searching for the perfect barn for your wedding today. When you're with a hundred of your closest friends and family members, there's no better place to be.

To book a barn for your North Georgia wedding, visit coldcreekfarm.com.

DIY Rustic Wedding Ideas

2020-01-20

The best thing about planning a DIY rustic wedding is that you can get the much desirable rustic look for a cheap price. When we think of rustic, we think of natural pieces and wooden aspects. All of these wonderful details are things that we can find for close to nothing when it comes to spending money.

So many rustic details can and should be made at home. DIY pieces made from natural elements are what screams, "rustic," in the first place. If your dream wedding is a rustic country style wedding, then worrying over the budget isn't something you need to do.

Below are several DIY rustic wedding ideas to help you save on your wedding budget!

Wedding Globes

Wedding globes are the perfect decoration to hang from the ceilings or to rest on tables. If you want to use them for the wedding ceremony, then you can hang them above the seating area or all around. For the reception, you can place them on the tables as a centerpiece or hang them in the reception area as well.

To make DIY rustic wedding globes, you'll need foam balls of whatever size you'd like. You can even consider mixing different sizes, so choose a variety of sizes if you'd like. Then, you'll need fresh or silk baby's breath flowers and floral wire.

You'll take the baby's breath and connect it to the foam ball using the floral wire. Once the entire foam ball is covered in the flowers, you have yourself a DIY rustic wedding globe.

Lace and Burlap Décor

Lace and burlap are two wonderful rustic features to have at your rustic wedding. You can use these rustic materials for just about any décor piece, but using them as chair decorations is brilliant. They're super easy to make as they require little work.

Take the burlap and create nice big bows out of it. You then need to take the lace and tie it around the center to hold the bow together. Once this is done, you can then write words like "Mr." and "Mrs." on them to distinguish the bride and groom's chairs.

You can also use this same technique to label the chairs in your reception as well. This is a much more rustic way to tell people where they're sitting than using placeholder cards.

Custom Invitations

You can save money on your wedding by creating your own invitations as well. Search online for some fun rustic invitation templates. There is plenty to choose from and downloading them is free!

You can purchase supplies at the craft store for printing them with. Be sure to grab some extra rustic supplies for adding in some small details as well. Use the template you choose to fill out all of the invitation's information.

Once you've done this, consider printing out the invitations on wood-grain printer paper. This gives the full effect of a rustic invitation. You can then take twine or another type of string or yarn that goes best with your wedding style and tie it around the invitations.

Cupcake or Cake Display

The wedding cake or cupcake display is the center of all wedding receptions. Everyone can't wait to dig into the delicious cake! Creating a rustic wedding cake or cupcake display is simple.

Take a few rustic crates. Small ones should do just fine, but if you have a lot of cupcakes, then you can opt for larger ones. Place a white table cloth on your cake table.

Then, use burlap to decorate around the table, attaching it to the edges and allowing it to flow off of the table. Your wedding cake goes to the center of the table while the rustic crates get placed around it. You'll then fill the rustic crates with cupcakes.

Place the cupcakes in and on top of the crates to tie everything together.

Barn Wedding Reception

If you're not sure where to hold your wedding reception, then look no further than a rustic barn. Having the reception in a barn is an easy way to give the wedding a rustic feel without having to do much of anything. The barn itself is rustic and adds a whole lot of character to your wedding.

This is a great way to save for your wedding. It's a beautiful venue and will save you from having to spend money on multiple decoration items.

Wine Barrels with Flowers

Barrels with flowers is another added touch that's easy to create but makes a huge difference. Take a couple of wine barrels and add flower bouquets to the top of them. You can probably picture in your head how amazing and rustic these look.

Once you create them, you can then place them at the entrance of either your wedding ceremony, your reception, or both!

Rustic Vintage Table Numbers

The last DIY rustic item on our list is a rustic vintage table number. To create these table numbers, you'll need white picture frames (look for ones that have some rustic details on them), burlap, clear number stickers, cardstock, and a bone folder.

The burlap will go inside the picture frames and used as a background. The clear number stickers then go on top of the burlap. We suggest using black numbers, which go well with the rustic theme.

Once completed, they're the perfect rustic features for each table at your reception.

These DIY Rustic Wedding Ideas Are Simple Yet Perfect!

When planning a rustic wedding, you don't need to become haunted by financial stress. Instead, consider these DIY rustic wedding ideas and see how simple creating your own wedding can be.

Ready to book your barn venue for your rustic wedding? Click here to get a price list!

How to Plan the Perfect Wedding in Georgia

2019-07-12

Are you thinking of having your wedding in Georgia? Georgia has an irresistible combination of great weather, great venues, and that famed southern hospitality that makes it a good place to tie the knot. But there are so many scenic and beautiful places to say ‘I do’ in Georgia that it can get a little overwhelming to choose the best one for your wedding.

This article informs you about the important things to keep in mind when planning a wedding in Georgia. Our advice brings you closer to the fairy tale wedding you have always wanted.

How to Plan the Perfect Wedding in Georgia

One of the greatest things about getting married in Georgia is the state’s diversity. The variety ranges from the urban metropolitan areas of Atlanta to the beautiful shores and coastal areas of Savannah. The diversity ensures that you will likely find what you need for the perfect Georgia wedding.

You have been dreaming of a picture perfect wedding in Georgia for years. From invites to venues, here is everything you need on your wedding checklist!

1. Choose the Perfect Season

Nothing ruins southern weddings like bad weather. An unexpected change in weather is a serious downer on your perfect wedding that you can avoid by setting your wedding to coincide with the right weather. Many people planning to wed in Georgia opt for the sunny weather.

Warm and sunny weather is desirable. However, keep in mind that Georgia summers can get very hot. If you are planning to get married in Georgia, then fall is probably the best season. Temperature and humidity during fall in Georgia are just right. Georgia experiences a splendid fall season that guarantees brilliant colors and a stunning backdrop to your wedding photos. Most of our couples choose September, October, or November to tie the knot.

If fall is not your favorite time of the year, Georgia also has a beautiful spring season. From late March through mid-May, the mild warm weather lets you enjoy an outdoor wedding without too much humidity.

Georgia’s great geographical variety means that the climate can greatly differ between different venues. You may choose the perfect fall date but choose a venue predisposed to high humidity. Thus, take care to pick the right venue for your big date. If you have time, you can drive to different venues to get a feel of the weather and make the right decision.

2. Wedding Venues

Georgia’s has a great variety of wedding venues that can leave you spoiled for choice. You can choose to have a formal black tie affair in the state’s urban areas or a rustic southern wedding under the stars.

When making your choice of wedding venues in Georgia, make sure to select those that offer the full set of services that you need for your wedding. For example, venues with all-inclusive packages are a great option to give you everything you need in one place. The great variety means that you do not have to compromise. You can get the exact Georgia wedding venue that is in line with your wedding ideas.

One of your draws to Georgia could be a chance to set your wedding in an authentic southern environment. Georgia has great venues that offer classic southern hospitality that will leave your guests reluctant to leave.

3. Cost

One of the most important considerations for any wedding is the cost. Thankfully, you do not have to overstretch yourself financially to get your dream wedding in Georgia. The average wedding cost in Georgia is less than the country’s average. A typical wedding in Georgia costs $21,000 while the average American wedding is $25,000. The lower cost means that a wedding in Georgia is not only a fairy tale, but it also makes sense financially.

To ensure that you get the best deals, seek out as many wedding venues as you can to get a feel of their services and prices. Doing research beforehand is crucial as it ensures that you get the best out of your dollars. If you are wondering how to plan a wedding, one of the tools to get you started is a wedding budget calculator, which helps you keep the costs in check.

4. Legal Requirements

It is easy to get lost in the fine details of planning a Georgia wedding that you forget about the legal requirements. The process of getting a marriage license in Georgia is quite easy. You can get your marriage license in any of the state’s counties as long as you meet the legal requirements.

To get a marriage license in Georgia, both you and your fiancé need to be over eighteen years old. You also need a valid driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport. If you were previously divorced, you have to present the official divorce decree. For people who are not residents of Georgia, you have to apply for your license in the same country where you plan to get married.

5. Group Activities for Your Guests

You want your guests to have the best time possible before, after, and during the wedding. Georgia is packed with activities that ensure your guests will have a truly memorable time. Georgia has plenty of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and historical sites. As an incentive for your guests, you can inform them beforehand about the various attractions that they can enjoy. You can even include group events to add further appeal to your wedding.

Areas of interest in Georgia include the Georgia Aquarium, Appalachian Trail, and Martin Luther King historic site among other attractions. Your guests can even visit the World of Coca Cola Center in Atlanta for a taste of Georgia’s most famous export.

6. Traveling Needs

Traveling arrangements are an important consideration for Georgia weddings. Georgia’s international airports in Atlanta and Savannah make it very convenient for guests to fly from all over the world. The Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta is especially well connected as a major national hub. Once your guests fly in, they can rent a car to the wedding destination. Alternatively, you can arrange for transport for all guests for added convenience.

If your guests choose to drive, you are also well covered. Georgia’s extensive road network means that it should not be too hard getting to a wedding venue.

Georgia Was Made for Fairy Tale Weddings

Now that you know the most important things to keep in mind for a wedding in Georgia, you're on your way to planning your fairy tale wedding. Georgia offers the best wedding venues at the best prices, guaranteeing you a memorable experience.

Check out one of the best Georgia wedding venues by exploring Cold Creek Farm! We are a barn wedding venue nestled in the North Georgia mountains, offering all-inclusive wedding packages with the best local wedding vendors. Contact us to learn more!

Rustic Beauty: 11 Barn Wedding Decor Ideas

2019-06-26

There were more than 2 million marriages in the US in 2017.

The number of potential locations, themes, and wedding decor options is nearly as high as the number of marriages per year. But if you've already narrowed your location down to a rustic barn, then you're one step ahead. The next step is finding the right decor.

A barn is a perfect setting for a rustic, boho, or country-style wedding, but the sheer size can feel overwhelming when it comes to decorating. That's why you need to start collecting the best barn wedding decoration ideas.

Lucky for you, we've gathered the top 11 things to keep in mind for your rustic barn wedding. Keep reading to learn what they are.

1. Prepping the Barn

If the barn you've chosen is an event space, then you won't have to do as much prep. But if the barn is located on an operational farm, then there's likely a lot of prep work to do before your wedding.

Some of the items to think about include:

Cleaning the windows, walls, and floors of dust, dirt, debris, and cobwebs
Cleaning out any hay, dirt, and other materials from the barn and giving it time to air out
Removing any hazards from where your guests will be (i.e. loose nails, splintered boards, rusted hinges, missing floorboards)
Fixing up paint where necessary

Depending on how much prepping and cleaning the barn needs, consider starting this process several months before the day of your wedding.

2. Find Out What’s Permitted Before Gathering Barn Wedding Decoration Ideas

There might be restrictions on what you can do with your decor. It's best to find out this information before you get your heart set on your barn wedding decorations. Make sure that you can use things like candles or extra hangings and furnishings on the walls.

3. Get Communal With Your Seating

For a more intimate dining experience and to bring a touch of relaxation to your rustic barn wedding, consider swapping out formal chairs for long benches. This type of seating photographs really well, and the wooden finish will suit the rest of the barnyard decor perfectly.

Pair the communal-style bench seating with wooden tables. You shouldn't cover these with table cloths. Instead, embrace them with pretty decorated Mason jars for flower vases, twine, and straw placemats

4. Brighten Up The Barn With Cozy Lighting

With very little windows and indoor lighting, barns aren't the brightest spaces. If your barn isn't a regular event space, it's likely up to you to bring light into the space.

If permitted, candles make for romantic and cozy lighting that work perfectly with rustic decor. If you're not allowed to use real candles due to the hazard of an open flame, then opt for battery-operated or electric candles that look just as great. You can place them along window ledges, in wall scones, and on tables.

You can also wrap rope or twinkle lights along the beams and pillars. And for your main lighting attraction, chandeliers or elaborate lanterns hanging from the ceiling or rafters are a great idea. They draw the attention upwards and look beautiful in photographs.

5. Don't Overdo It With Florals

With a rustic wedding, less is more. Instead of splurging on elaborate floral arrangements, collect foliage, greenery, and seasonal plants to represent the season. You can create stunning and simple arrangments in Mason jars that are minimalistic and uncluttered.

You should also think about bringing some wood pieces into your decor. Whether that means birch branches in your arrangments or wooden candle holders, your barn will have a lot of exposed wood that can be accented and reflected in your decor.

6. Bring Some Life to The Barn Walls

When you book a more conventional venue, the walls are usually decorated for you with paintings and other decals. But with a barn, you have a lot of bare walls to work with. You can bring some life to the walls with:

tulle, ribbons, and greenery along ledges, rafters, and beams
themed pieces like wagon wheels or saddles hanging from or leaning against the walls
quilts, Mexican blankets, and other fabrics draped as accents on some walls

The key with your barn walls is not overdoing it. You want to use the walls as an accent, but you don't want them to be too busy.

7. More Mason Jars

We've already mentioned Mason jars twice. But when it comes to rustic weddings, more Mason jars are a must. They work as candle holders, flower holder, centerpieces, wedding favors. These versatile little jars are affordable and give you the home-made look you want for a barn wedding.

8. Make Sure to Match Your Bouquet...

While not exactly part of the decor, you want your bouquet to match your rustic theme. Talk to your florist about the colors you're using, your other floral decor, and what you want from your bouquet. They'll likely recommend flowers like roses, hydrangeas, and trailing foliage for a more relaxed look that doesn't sit neatly.

9. ...And Your Attire, Too

You can't match mason jars, candles, and a rustic bouquet with a traditional wedding gown. Instead, complete your theme with the perfect rustic wedding dress. Think boho and flower crowns to really pull the relaxed look altogether.

Your groom can also reflect that theme in his attire for the evening. Look at tweed suits and avoid the traditional grey, navy, and black options.

10. Don’t Forget About Outside

While most of your evening will be spent inside the barn, don't forget about the photographs during the day. Outside the barn makes for a great setting for a photo shoot, and adding some accents can really pull those photo's together.

Make sure that the lawns and field are well-groomed. You might consider placing wildflowers in large bouquets around the perimeters. Stacked hay bales and corn stalks also add a bit of authenticity and can be made more feminine with tulle and ribbon accents.

11. Make Sure Your Wedding Reflects You

Most importantly, make sure that when you're looking for barn wedding decoration ideas, you're adding a bit of yourself into the mix. You want your wedding to reflect you and for your guests to see your personality in your decorations. And with platforms like Pinterest, the possibilities for creativity and customization are endless.

Searching For the Perfect Rustic Wedding Venue?

Barn wedding decoration ideas have to start with the basics, and that means thinking about prepping the barn and knowing about any restrictions. Once you have those details sorted, you can start planning the personal touches in lighting, seating, and wall accents. Just remember that when it comes to rustic barn wedding, less tends to be more.

And when you're ready to book the perfect venue for your rustic wedding, contact us to find out how we make your day unforgettable.

7 Essential Elements of Good Wedding Venues in Georgia

2019-05-09

Weddings in the US cost an average of $35,329.

It's no secret that weddings aren't cheap, and a big part of that budget goes toward your venue. When you're looking for the perfect place to host your festivities, you should know exactly what to look for among the many wedding venues in Georgia.

Choosing the perfect venue is a combination of personal preference and good planning. In order to plan properly, there are some major details to consider that are often overlooked.

But this guide tells you exactly what to look for so no detail is missed. Keep reading to learn about the 7 most important elements of wedding venues.

1. Choosing Your Venues vs Choosing Your Date

One of the first decisions you have to make is what your wedding date will be. Or is what venue you'll be holding the reception at? The answer to that depends on personal preference, but there are some things you'll want to consider.

If you select a wedding date before selecting a venue, you're limiting your options to what's available at that time. But if you choose your venue first, you might not get the weekend or season you want.

Remember that your venue will set the entire tone of your party. That's why most couples choose the venue first and then base the date on the availability of that space.

But another important component of timelines is when you should choose your venue. The best wedding venues in Georgia are usually booked between 12 and 18 months in advance. Meaning that if you have a particular place in mind, you better go and see it well before wedding season starts.

2. Location, Location, Location

Classic brides tend toward ballrooms and country clubs, bohemian brides gravitate toward big open spaces that they can decorate from scratch, and country brides might look at barnyard-style venues. Deciding between indoor, outdoor, and open-concept is a big reflection on who you are as a bride. It can also make or break your decor plans.

When choosing your location, you'll also want to think about accessibility and transportation. It's important that it's not too out of the way for guests to comfortably get to and from the venue. It should be relatively easy to find and easy to access by all manners of transportation.

Where your venue is geographically is particularly important if you have different venues for the ceremony and the reception. You'll need to know how long it takes to get from one venue to the other. You'll also need your guests and vendors to be able to make it from one part of the wedding to the other without any unnecessary hassle.

3. What’s Included?

Some venues will take care of all the little details for you. That means you just have to pick the venue, and they handle everything from catering, to table settings, to the wedding cake.

Other venues give you more flexibility to choose your own vendors. Often, they'll at least have a list of recommended vendors that they've worked with before and trust.

You'll also need to consider whether you're holding your ceremony and reception in the same venue. If you are, can the venue support that? Make sure you're asking the right questions.

Once you know what your venue can and cannot do, and to what extent you'll engage their assistance, make sure you find out the cost. Most wedding venues in Georgia will have a flat fee for the venue, with additional costs for anything they take care of on your behalf.

4. Size Matters

In the wedding world, size matters. You can't put 300 guests into a venue with a capacity for 100. And while that's obvious enough, you also need to make sure that your 300-capacity venue will have room for your 300 guests after the tables, chairs, buffet, bar, and dance floor are set up.

At the same time, you don't want a space that's too big for the number of people attending. With too much extra room, the venue won't have the intimate feeling you need at a wedding. And filling that space with decor and other extras can end up costing a small fortune.

The best way to figure out if you have the right amount of space is to visit the venue while another wedding is taking place. Try and visit a wedding with a comparable number of guests, so you get a good idea of space after everything 0 and everybody - is set up. Don't forget to check that there's enough room in the parking lot as well.

In the case that you have your heart set on a venue that accommodates a limited number of guest, you can always work backward. That is, create your guest list according to how much space you have to work with.

5. Clash of the Curtains

The likelihood that the venue's existing, nonremovable decor matches your colors and theme is very, very low. While the venue doesn't have to match your plans exactly, you should make sure there are no major clashes between walls, carpets, chairs, and curtains, and what you have planned.

6. Service With A Smile

When you call to arrange your visit to the venue, and during that actual visit, you should get a good idea of what the staff is like.

How easy was it to get through to the venue? How quickly did they set up your meeting? How did they answer your questions?

Answers to these questions and more will give you a good indication of smoothly the venue runs and what you can expect from them on the big day. Not only will great staff make your guests feel comfortable and cared for, but they'll also lighten your load up to and including the day of your wedding.

7. Budgeting

Probably the biggest consideration for your venue and your wedding, in general, is your budget. Venues can range in price in the tens of thousands of dollars. You'll want to know what you can afford before you go making any appointments.

A good rule of thumb is to allocate 10-15% of your overall budget on your venue. But if the venue includes things like catering or table setting, that can quickly go up to more than 20%.

Choose One of the Best Wedding Venues in Georgia

Among your first steps after getting engaged is deciding whether your venue or your date is more important. Once you have that nailed down, you'll need to consider logistical items such as location, size, and cost. After that, think about little details that make a big difference, such as the courtesy of the staff and how the existing decor might work with your vision.

And when you're ready to choose, choose one of the best wedding venues in Georgia. Farm weddings are the rustic, charming choice for any Georgia bride .Contact us today to set up your appointment.

Mother Nature's Wedding Present: 11 Ways Rain Will Improve Your Wedding Day

2019-04-26

When asked about their worst wedding day fears, brides will always list bad weather right at the top. They want everything to be perfect and rain doesn’t play into that equation.

Or does it?

Rainy days have advantages sunny days can’t touch, especially when it comes to a romantic wedding setting. And since you can’t control the weather, it’s always best to prepare for whatever Mother Nature blesses you with.

Let’s look at 10 ways having rain on your wedding day can be a blessing in disguise.

1. Rain Creates a Romantic Atmosphere

Some of the most romantic scenes in movies happen in the rain. Think about it… the kissing, the dancing, the love; all level up when it rains. And for your wedding day, you deserve nothing less than an Oscar-worthy day!

Rain gives an instant romantic atmosphere. From the sound of rain on rooftops and windows, to the cuddle-inducing rumbles of thunder. It will wrap your day in a cozy, romantic ambiance that you can’t get any other way.

2. It Means Good Luck

Many brides believe the worst thing that can happen on their wedding day is for it to rain. But in many cultures, that’s simply not true. In fact, it symbolizes good luck for the marriage ahead.

The major meanings a rainy wedding day carries with it is cleansing, fertility, renewal, and unity. It gives your special day a fresh start, washes away all the bad memories from the past, and gives you and your spouse a new chapter to start together.

3. Rain Helps Your Wedding Flowers Last Longer

You took extra time picking out your reception centerpieces and the floral arrangements are the things dreams are made of. The last thing you want is for anything to ruin the look you’re going for!

That’s where the rain can help.

A rainy day tends to make the air cooler. The clouds prevent direct sunlight and humidity adds a touch of moisture to the air. All of which your wedding flowers will love.

Without the heat, dry air, and harsh direct light, your flowers are less likely to wilt.

4. It Helps Create Great Wedding Photos

Rain is a natural light diffuser, which will add a romantic softness to your wedding photos. It’s like a photo filter direct from Mother Nature!

Many photographers will tell you some of their best photographs happened during a rainy wedding day. The mist and moodiness of a cloudy sky is not something easily recreated when it’s bright and sunny.

If you think rain is a possibility on your wedding day, pick a photographer who is comfortable shooting in the rain and has lots of creative ideas to make it work in your favor.

5. It Brings Your Guests Together

Your wedding day is all about celebrating with family and friends. And while an open-air reception is bright and airy, it doesn’t give the intimate feeling you may be after.

Rain can help you improve that very thing. By putting your reception under a tent or into a venue, your guests will huddle closer together.

So don’t think about rain ruining your plans, think of it as letting you be closer to the ones you love.

6. Your Vendors Will Be on Their A-Game

Vendors are normally pretty good about keeping the bride happy. But if you have rain on your wedding day, they will go the extra mile to keep a smile on your face.

That’s because the last thing anyone wants is to have an upset bride, which they think rain will cause. Your vendors will pay closer attention to details, be extra careful on set up, and do everything they can to keep you happy.

7. You May Have a Wedding Day Rainbow

Whether you think there’s a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow or the Land of Oz is on the other side of it, rainbows are special.

And how many people do you know have a natural rainbow appear on their wedding day?

A rainbow won’t happen without the rain, so if the drops start to fall, embrace it. You may get to have the unique experience of having a colorful wedding gift from Mother Nature herself.

8. Rain Can Help Upgrade Your Wedding Decor

You may have hoped for an outdoor wedding, but if rain forces you inside, know that all hope is not lost. You can have just as beautiful of a day inside; with perks you may not have thought about.

Adding lighting or overhead twinkle lights can give a romantic glow. You can add more flowers for an outdoor feel. And it may surprise you, it may be more gorgeous than you thought it could be.

You also have the added bonus of not having to deal with bugs. That kind of win works for any decor.

9. It Allows You to Inject a Little Playfulness

Sure, your wedding day is all about romance. But what’s a special day without injecting some personality into it as well?

Having rain on your wedding day will allow you to loosen up a bit. Take some fun pictures with colorful rain boots. Get umbrellas for the entire wedding party and take candid photos.

Allow yourself to get a little wet if you can! Facing a rainy wedding day with a great attitude will make the day that much more special.

10. It Can Help Your Guests Be More Comfortable

If heat and allergies threaten to put a wedding day damper on your guests, rest easy the rain will wash those troubles away.

The sunshine is great, but it can cause your guests to be out in excessive heat. This can leave them sweaty and cranky, the exact opposite of what you want. And those daytime allergens will leave guests sneezing throughout your ceremony.

The rain will wash the air, leaving a cooler, cleaner atmosphere on your special day.

Let Rain on Your Wedding Day Be a Silver Lining

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how much you enjoy your day. With these tips, having rain on your wedding day will let you see the silver lining on any storm cloud that heads your way.

Looking for a venue in the Georgia area that can host an indoor or outdoor wedding? Book a tour with us! Our family would love to share our beautiful setting for your special event.