Let's share with you expert opinion on the pros and cons of holding a wedding in a country house! We asked a couple of questions to professionals in the wedding industry, and also asked our reader, who recently turned from a bride to a wife, to describe her impressions. Lots of useful information and tips below. From the first mouth, as they say.
How did you come up with the idea of a wedding outside the city?
Ksenia Korennaya - creator and director of the Nuances event studio - For a couple and her family, this is truly an incomparable experience - to receive guests in your home, to feel comfortable and relaxed, while getting ready for the bride in your own bedroom, where every detail is painful familiar, where the walls inspire calm and seem to whisper “everything will be fine.” This condition is worth all the difficulties and peculiarities of working on sites of this type.
Veronika Zhukova - creator and decorator of the VZ Decor studio - The newlyweds rented this cottage for the New Year holidays, it was then that they liked the place itself, the large area (about 30 acres), the hospitable host, the proximity to Moscow and the adequate price-quality ratio. When the question arose of where to hold the wedding, the guys made their choice in favor of the cottage for the same reasons.
Irem Dvoryaninova-Ananyeva - wedding planner - The idea of a wedding in a country house was born from the following basic requirements: the ability to accommodate at least 50 guests for 2 nights; the possibility of holding a wedding both in a banquet hall and in a tent on the street, economic benefits.
Olga Garifullina - our reader, a bride who recently became a wife - A wedding is, first of all, a holiday for close friends and relatives, a reason to get together and have fun. Since we liked the rustic style, the main criterion for the venue of the holiday was the presence of a large green lawn on which various interactive zones could be placed: exit registration, a buffet line, a relaxation area, a place for writing wishes, two photo zones. The white tent did not fit into our concept at all, so we began to consider options for country houses.
Country Club "Dream Hills Club"
Moscow region, Khimki city. microdistrict Novogorsk, st. Zarechnaya, ow. 20, building 1 7 km from MKAD +7 Capacity from 10 to 100 Check per person from 4000 rub.
The club is located in a closed, guarded area surrounded by forest. A very romantic and atmospheric place, as if specially created for a wedding photo shoot.
Dream Hills Club Wedding Benefits
- Gastronomic restaurant with an exquisite menu from the chef and desserts from its own pastry chef.
- There is a summer veranda by the water, an indoor banquet hall (for 70 people) with panoramic views of the picturesque valley and stylish decor.
- There is a site for an outdoor ceremony with a beautiful view and comfortable seating.
- 4 SPA cottages.
- A special area for fireworks.
More photos, contacts and booking on the website
How did you prepare for the wedding?
Ksenia Korennaya , creator and head of the Nuances event studio: “We only needed to come to the site a couple of times. We took all the measurements to design a wooden podium and a tent in the area in front of the house, looked at how the electrical wiring was arranged, assessed where and how the ceremony could be held, and where photography could be done. All meetings were mainly held in Moscow, and we usually conduct discussions online. We came across a very calm bride, Natasha, who completely trusted us. This was the secret of success. If the bride checked us every time, it would be a big distraction from the difficult work. And here we could concentrate and foresee everything.
Veronika Zhukova - creator and decorator of the VZ Decor studio: - The preparation was extremely calm and positive. The guys immediately trusted me, we drew up an action plan, prepared a presentation, chose the option we liked and completed the project perfectly.
Irem Dvoryaninova-Ananyeva - wedding planner: - Preparations for the wedding took 3 months. It started with choosing a cottage, then a catering company was selected and a menu was drawn up. Next, the main contractors were hired: presenter, photographer, cameraman, etc.
Olga Garifullina , a bride who recently became a wife: “ We planned the wedding for July 16th. Already in January we realized that our date was very popular and we urgently needed to look for a cottage. The search took about 3 weeks. After the first 4 options we almost gave up - the Soviet spirit was everywhere, although we had already chosen the best, in our opinion, options. Either leopard print bedspreads, or a hut on chicken legs in the yard, or strange curtains. But the fifth cottage immediately sank into our souls. Everything was very elegant, but restrained, a very well-kept house and grounds, an intelligent owner. To be sure, we looked at a couple more cottages and still returned to that option. Then we stopped preparing for the wedding for a couple of months and only remembered about it closer to March. We started to draw inspiration from the Internet and looked at what we could do on our own. Most of the decor was made by hand.
Is there a difference in planning a wedding in a cottage or in a restaurant? If so, what is it?
Ksenia Korennaya – creator and head of the “Nuances” event studio: - Of course, there is. The main thing is that in the restaurant banquets are held three times a week, and this is the first time it is held in the house. Therefore, everything is brought, assembled and arranged for the first time and only for one time. The scheme for holding the event in this place has not been tested, hence possible force majeure.
Veronika Zhukova - creator and decorator of the VZ Decor studio: - For me personally, it makes no difference in which place I do my favorite thing. As a rule, the problem is in the people; in some places the “local staff” are friendly and friendly,” in others it’s quite the opposite.
Irem Dvoryaninova-Ananyeva - wedding planner: - There is a huge difference between preparations in a restaurant and a cottage. It is necessary to take into account all the technical details: from toilet paper, soap and bed linen to all the subtleties of the holiday.
Country Club "Vidnoff"
Moscow region, Leninsky district Vidnoye, Kooperativnaya st., 2 4 km from MKAD +7 Capacity from 40 to 350 Check per person from 2000 rub.
The Vidnoff club is located in the town of Vidnoye, which is a 20-minute drive from Domodedovo. First class service combined with a homely feel makes this venue an excellent choice for a luxury country wedding.
Wedding benefits of the Vidnoff club
- Convenient layout of banquet halls: 3 separate halls (for 200, 100 and 50 people) can, if necessary, be combined.
- Live music in all halls. There is a white grand piano in the small hall.
- A rich selection of dishes from the chef and an experienced sommelier.
- Gifts for newlyweds: free tasting for 4 persons; free room for newlyweds and a 25% discount on accommodation for their guests; 3 additional hours for shooting “Love Story” or congratulations.
More photos, contacts and booking on the website
How can you protect yourself as much as possible from force majeure by planning a wedding in a country house?
Ksenia Korennaya – creator and director of the “Nuances” event studio: - Write a list of them in advance and try to provide a solution for each, have it with you and connect its implementation if such a situation arises.
Veronika Zhukova - creator and decorator of the VZ Decor studio: - Do your work honestly and professionally. Talk honestly about the difficulties that have arisen and possible problems, if any. And, if possible, resolve these issues in advance.
Irem Dvoryaninova-Ananyeva - wedding planner: - It is possible to protect the client and yourself in only two ways: a correctly drawn up agreement with the owner of the cottage with a detailed appendix to the agreement, where absolutely everything is taken into account. And a full in-house team: from cleaning and catering to decorators and artists. And, of course, the house acceptance certificate: any scratch on the wall must be registered.
Hotel Prado
Moscow region, Solnechnogorsk district Der. Novaya, 47 46 km from MKAD +7 Capacity from 100 to 300 Check per person from 1600 rub.
The Prado banquet hall is located at the hotel of the same name in the village of Novaya, Solnechnogorsk district, Moscow region. From the Prado Hotel it is a 5-minute drive to the Istra Reservoir. The place is ideal for a wedding celebration.
Wedding benefits of the Prado Hotel
- Spacious banquet hall with an area of 200 sq. m – 100 people with banquet seating.
- The hall has the ability to connect sound and lighting equipment.
More photos, contacts and booking on the website
What do you need to take into account/pay attention to/order/find/have with you/be prepared for...?
Ksenia Korennaya - creator and director of the Nuances event studio: - Catering should look in advance for a place where they can place their mobile kitchen, carry portable refrigerators or simply a large amount of ice. The tent structure should be located on a flat area; it is advisable to make a small deck or podium for it. Make sure that the tent is installed in advance. Do not order a tent without walls, there is always a chance of rain. Make sure that the walls can be tightly closed so that water will not flow inside. As a rule, the power of the electrical system at home is not enough for loud music, a band performance, a photo booth, retro garlands of light bulbs, etc. Order generators, but be aware that they make loud noise, and place them away from the celebration area. If there are a lot of guests, take care of dry closets - going into the house will be too difficult. Have a cleaning service that will be on duty at the event and will help you in case of unforeseen situations such as broken dishes and abnormal rain.
Veronika Zhukova - creator and decorator of the VZ Decor studio: - I always have a plan “B” if something goes wrong (several contractors in reserve who can save). Working with trusted contractors. Plus, at the preparation stage, we discuss weather options if the event is held outdoors.
Irem Dvoryaninova-Ananyeva - wedding planner: - That's it. That's all. Bed linen, toilet paper, soap. That is, what the local staff does for you at the hotel. Don’t forget to agree with the owner about how quickly and at whose expense the plumber will come in in the event of a leaking faucet. It is worth knowing the possible load on electricity when sound equipment, a stove, light, boiler, and so on are running at the same time. You should also have a tool with you (in case of a leaky faucet), and extension cords in case of a broken outlet. And have 100% of your proven team.
Pros of a wedding in a cottage
Ksenia Korennaya is the creator and director of the “Nuances” event studio: 1) Convenient logistics - the entire holiday scenario in one place. 2) Atmosphere – no venue can compare to the warmth of your own home. 3) Savings - if the wedding is small and the house has space for receiving guests, then you save a decent amount on renting a venue.
Veronika Zhukova - creator and decorator of the VZ Decor studio: - A closed area where only you and your guests are. Cozy homely atmosphere. A large number of different recreation areas. Possibility of walking around the territory. Fresh air. Possibility to accommodate some guests overnight. Parking. Fireworks on site.
Irem Dvoryaninova-Ananyeva - wedding planner: - Pros: cost-effective. If you want a 2-day wedding, you can choose a street or banquet hall on your wedding day. The second plus: make your wedding the way you want it. The ability to involve all of your own contractors, without exception.
Olga Garifullina - a bride who recently became a wife: - For us, a cottage is a complete plus: 1) Freedom of movement around the territory. Guests can communicate with whomever they want, as they are not tied to a specific place at the table. 2) Possibility to stay overnight. 3) A large number of available entertainment: sauna, billiards, table tennis, swimming pool (from those available) plus a lot more that we brought with us (interactive areas, “music corner” with equipment).
Country hotel "Istra Holiday"
Moscow region, Solnechnogorsk district Der. Trusovo, BO Berezki, building 19 45 km from MKAD +7 Capacity from 18 to 300 Check per person from 2500 rub.
The Istra Holiday country hotel is located on the banks of the Istra Reservoir in an ecologically clean area, surrounded by mixed forest. It has a cozy, almost homely atmosphere, which is so popular with newlyweds who decide to have their small wedding with an outdoor ceremony here.
Wedding benefits of the country hotel “Istra Holiday”
- 79 hotel rooms, including cottages, are available to newlyweds.
- 2 restaurants (with a capacity of 90 and 70 people), a sports bar, summer areas - to choose from for your wedding banquet.
- Excellent wellness center: swimming pool, salt cave, bath complex (saunas, cedar barrel, Japanese furaco), massage and beauty rooms.
- Children's animation with playgrounds.
- Sports rental. inventory.
- Private beach.
More photos, contacts and booking on the website
Cons of a wedding in a cottage
Ksenia Korennaya – creator and director of the “Nuances” event studio: 1) Complexity of organization: the scheme for organizing a wedding in your own home has not yet been worked out, since no one has ever done this there and is unlikely to undertake it ever again. In this sense, popular wedding venues have a great advantage. 2) Technical aspects: electrician, toilets, cleaning service, additional furniture - all this is on every standard site, and none of this is in your house. There wasn’t enough tablecloth - the site will easily give you another one, but the situation is the opposite - there is no reserve, everything is calculated. Try to anticipate problems and order everything in excess to ensure the proper level of the event.
Irem Dvoryaninova-Ananyeva – wedding planner: 1) Technical malfunction of the cottage. 2) Risk of noise from neighbors: there is nothing stopping a neighbor from turning on the lawn mower during the ceremony. 3) Cottage staff and attitude towards the client. 4) Service. 5) The cottage itself may not really be suitable for a holiday.
Hotel "Yacht Club New Bereg"
Moscow region, Mytishchi district D. Boltino, st. Tourist (exit from Ostashkovskoe highway to 8-liniya street) 9 km from MKAD +7 Capacity from 35 to 300 Check per person from 3500 RUB km from MKAD
The Yacht Club Novy Bereg Hotel is located on the picturesque shore of the Pirogovskoye Reservoir. This hospitable, cozy and comfortable complex in the Moscow region is very popular among newlyweds.
Wedding benefits of the “New Bereg Yacht Club”:
- Hotel - 58 cozy rooms of various categories
- Currently there is a promotion: 10% discount on rooms for guests, and the newlyweds themselves are given a Suite room as a GIFT.
- Summer tent – 250 people
- Year-round tent – 90 people
- Universal banquet hall – 350 people
- Restaurants, BBQ gazebos
- SPA complex with swimming pool, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi
- Beach with summer pool
More photos, contacts and booking on the website
Inconveniences and prohibitions
All professionals agreed that the main prohibition is to turn the music down after 10 p.m., and after 11 p.m. not to make any noise at all. Inconveniences include some cottages in which it is not possible to display fireworks or the lack of a platform and place for a fire show.
Olga Garifullina - a bride who recently became a wife: - At about 21.00, the electricity was turned off in the entire cottage community for about half an hour. We were left without music and light, and at that time the program just required computer operation. I had to quickly rebuild the program. Nevertheless, there was a shift of half an hour. The concert of the musical group began after 22.00, when it was no longer possible to make noise in the area. Although the concert was in the house, representatives of the owner of the cottage still heard the noise and came to investigate. In the morning, when we were moving out of the cottage, the owner and I spent quite a lot of time contacting the security of the cottage community and finding out whether any of the residents had complained about us or not. It turned out that we did not disturb anyone.
Consult with neighbors
Often, installation on site begins a day before the wedding day. Much depends on where the country house is located and whether there are neighbors’ houses nearby. In some places installation cannot be done at night. That is why the time for installing the tent, decor and furniture on the site must be strictly agreed upon in advance so as not to cause inconvenience to anyone.
Photo: Maxim Koliberdin
Tips on the topic for brides
Ksenia Korennaya - creator and director of the Nuances event studio: - When choosing a wedding in a cottage, do not take on it yourself, be sure to find an experienced organizer who has had similar experience and can imagine all the difficulties that you will encounter. Having chosen, trust him, and everything will certainly go like clockwork. You won't even know about many of the difficulties.
