Vineyards and Veils

Vineyards and Veils

By Jim and Della Bogaty, Owners Veramar Vineyard


With spectacular settings, plenty of space, and great wines to boot, vineyards offer a fresh alternative to traditional wedding locations. Many couples are enticed and thrilled by the prospect of a Vineyard wedding and you can't get much closer to that dream than by having your wedding ceremony in Virginia Wine Country. What better way to say "I Do"?
But before you send out the invitations, think about what it really takes to pull off a Vineyards and Veils wedding celebration.

If you have chosen a Vineyard for your celebration you have a rich reserve of ideas and creative touches just waiting to be unearthed. Wine has long symbolized generations, growth, harvest and celebration. Celebrate the power of the vines, generations of love coming to this very moment in time and the power of family, past and future. And, of course, the abundance of life!Drawn by fine wine vintages and gorgeous views, Virginia's betrothed trendsetters have begun flocking to local vineyards to stage their main events. Something of a secret just a few years ago, the increasingly reputable vineyards of Virginia are now booked through this year and into the next.

Keep in mind that the vineyards are wineries first and wedding venues second: Most simply rent out their sites, recommend vendors, and allow brides to impose their own fantasies - though all require that if you do serve wine, you stick to theirs.

KEEP IN MIND:
• The degree of difficulty of having a wedding in a vineyard is low as long as the property offers parking, catering area, rest rooms, and an indoor or covered space. You do the fun stuff - choosing the food, flowers, tablecloths, and place settings.
• Vineyards are a very high style quotient; the ambience may vary from rustic Tuscan to sophisticated. Sun-splashed terraces, trellises as far as the eye can see, and stunning mountain or garden backdrops make for breathtaking photos.
• Understand that if the vineyard is in a residential area or it's harvest season, you may be facing time restrictions, even blackout periods.

TIPS FOR PLANNING FOR YOUR VINEYARD CELEBRATION
• Decide if your wedding is going to be casual or formal; getting married in the vineyard can be either, but you should know which experience you want.
• Before finalizing your vineyard choice, check into your vineyard for Restrictions: Do you need a permit and VA ABC banquet license? Ask these and other questions before you proceed with the planning.
• Call again: Before invitations are ordered (3-4 months prior to your wedding) call the vineyard again to reconfirm rules, regulations, and schedule of activities.
• Have a back up plan: rain, wind, or an unexpected event scheduled at the same time can upset your plans. Ask your vineyard reception site if they have back-up plans.• Also, try not to plan a vineyard wedding on a holiday weekend. It is often too busy, but not impossible.
• Be clear on the invitations: indicate your wedding site on your invitation. Make it clear to your guests that the ceremony takes place outside at a vineyard.
• Is the parking area sized correctly and/or hire a shuttle service for guest transportation.

O'S & DONT'S• DO:
Be aware of special needs of older or disabled guests.
• DO: Consider using a pedi-cab to get these older or disabled guests from the parking lot.
• DO: Keep the decor simple...pre-decorated arches and aisle markers.• DO: Hold off bringing out decor until 30 minutes prior.
• DO: Hire a Wedding Coordinator.• DO: Think about golf umbrellas for shade (especially on hot days)
• DO: Have the photographer/videographer bring a wagon to carry their equipment.
• DO: Relax and enjoy every minute of this amazing day!
• DON'T: Keep guests waiting without seats in the sun. Start the ceremony on time.
• DON'T: Plan a ceremony longer than 20 minutes.Earthy, romantic, passionate and relaxed, a vineyard wedding offers so many opportunities for guests and the bridal party to enjoy the entire day in style!

Local vineyards are Virginia’s true hidden treasures offering tantalizing wines, some of which win numerous awards, with the beauty, power and natural elegance of the vines rolling gently over the hills.Vines have long represented family and generations continuing on growing and evolving and of course, life getting better with age! Visit local vineyards online to plan a rich and beautiful Virginia wedding.

Cheers from VERAMAR VINEYARD!
905 Quarry Road
Berryville, VA 22611
PH: (540) 955-5510
FX: (540) 955-0404
www.veramar.com