A rural setting

A green setting is of course a must for your rural wedding! "In a natural setting, the theme of your rural wedding is enhanced. Thanks to the relaxed atmosphere created by nature, you can enjoy each other and your loved ones in complete tranquillity. Your ceremony can take place outdoors, with a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. What's more, you can take your romantic wedding photos in peace and quiet, surrounded by lush green meadows. For example, our neighbours are donkeys, sheep and cows - great, isn't it? Another advantage of a rural site is that parking is usually easy. We already have space for over 100 cars - there's always room to park!"

Warm decorations

Of course, a country wedding also means that the venue needs to be warmly decorated. Stephen explains: "For example, you'll want flowers and candles on the tables, larger floral arrangements and other decorations that fit in well with the country or rustic style of the reception hall. Don't forget the finishing touches either: put up a welcome sign, have menus printed, provide name tags for the tables, and perhaps an extra eye-catcher for the head table. It can also be fun to give your wedding party a personal touch, for example by giving your guests toiletry bags containing personalised items."

A classic sit-down dinner or a modern walking dinner

Do you prefer a sit-down dinner or a walking dinner? Both can be perfect for your country wedding. Stephen explains, "Think carefully about the type of dinner you want. In terms of the ‘rest factor’, a sit-down dinner fits in perfectly with a classic wedding party and gives a sense of wonder. On the other hand, a walking dinner makes for a slightly more social party, where you yourself have more time and opportunity to talk to your guests. Plus, with a beautiful buffet in a more modern style, you can offer something for everyone."

However, Stephen has noticed a recent shift away from classic catering towards more modern buffets and food stalls: "Whereas it used to be more common for country parties to opt for a classic catering package, we're now seeing couples leaning more and more towards buffets with a more relaxed atmosphere and quality street food . Couples seem to want to spend less time at the table, so they can chat with more guests. They also increasingly want to create a unique experience for their guests, a big party with all the people they want to be there, and a high-level dance party. At the buffets, guests can have something to eat if they're hungry, and later there will be a dessert buffet with all sorts of goodies... And cakes! Whichever catering option you prefer, a well-presented buffet is a must! At Valkenbulcke, for example, we use our ‘foodbikes’ for this purpose: old transport bikes that we've refurbished and which we place in the buffet room."

Green sleeping

According to Stephen van Valkenbulcke, what makes your rural wedding party complete? Spending the night in the countryside after the party! "It's really nice if you can spend the night in or near your reception hall. That way you can cool off comfortably during and after the party, and sleep in the greenery - right in the middle of the meadows! We've built our own little house as a honeymoon suite, with a large four-poster bed and a large bathroom. For guests wishing to stay overnight, we are happy to provide a glampingtent" , shares Stephen.

About Valkenbulcke

Valkenbulcke reception room, formerly ‘Salons Valkenbulcke’, is centrally located between Ghent and Bruges, on the edge of the Meetjesland, and easily accessible via the R4. The team creates an experience from A to Z for every bride and groom. Stephen says: "The first contact is always with me; I'm your point of contact during your preparations and I'm personally present at your party afterwards. Our team listens to your wishes. Together we'll work out the formula that's right for you, and we'll be happy to work on a tailor-made basis. We'll make sure you have no worries on your wedding day and that everything goes smoothly. For your wedding menu, Chef Günter always creates a fun seasonal offering - deliciously prepared with fresh produce every time."

Read more on this topic via these links:

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33 practical questions before booking your party room or wedding venue

A farmhouse as a wedding venue

Country party rooms that will warm your heart in West Flanders

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Romantic party rooms for your dream wedding

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