When we received an invitation to The Barn at Twin Oaks Ranch‘s grand opening this month, I decided to pull on my cowboy boots, drive to Dardanelle and scope the rustic wedding venue out for our bridal readers. As I turned into the dirt road leading up to The Barn, I knew I was in for a treat.
Tucked away off Bandy Lane, Twin Oaks Ranch was rich with inspiration for a rustic wedding. I really enjoyed myself, sampling some delicious catering and meeting the sweet owner and others in attendance. Here are a few details that make the venue memorable:
Succulent party favors. One of the first things I saw were rows of little potted succulent plants being offered as party favors. Perfect for our summer heat, these low-maintenance plants can be great for any guest — even someone without a green thumb like me.
Hay bale seating. The Barn has a variety of seating options — from old rows of auditorium seats to a large wooden swing and modern metal chairs. My favorite option is the hay bale couch, which is comfortable and full of character. The fabric draped over it keeps it from being too itchy and the huge pillows add to its charm.
Fun and games. No matter where I turned, there is something to do at The Barn. Scattered around the lawn are several small games like horseshoes and a bag toss. These simple games are an easy way to entertain guests without asking them to get down and dirty.
Bridal trailer. Just because you opt for a more rustic wedding doesn’t mean you can’t still be pampered. Off to the side of the main entertainment area is a trailer bridal suite. With pink walls, a quilt-covered chaise lounge and several mirrors, the bridal suite is the perfect place to primp with the girls before the big ceremony. Stocked with everything from mouthwash to bobby pins, the trailer has everything you need for a (God forbid) bridal emergency. Oh, and did I mention that it was air-conditioned?
Arkansas Bride magazine. I spotted a copy of our Fall/Winter 2012 Arkansas Bride magazine — a must for any bride!
» Is Dardanelle a little too far for your rustic wedding? Planning with a different theme in mind? We’ve got you covered. There’s definitely something for you in our comprehensive list of Arkansas wedding venues!
» Need some more ideas on planning and trends? Just stay glued to our bridal blog!
