Open Air Business December 2018

FUNCTION VENUES
We have only done three events
to date and I am sure there will be
instances where I wish that I did
have a preferred suppliers list that
I have vetted but so far so good!
The only stipulation we have is
that caterers are certificated and
have all their hygiene practices in
place etc. This is very important.
How do you publicise yourself?
So far, through Facebook alone.
Being a graphic designer has
helped tremendously as I was
able to create visuals myself. I had
a drone video made and it has
had around 5,000 hits and done
everything I needed it to do in
terms of ‘selling’ the venue.
How would you describe your
‘style’ or unique selling point
A rustic, informal, self-catering
woodland venue.
How have you researched the
market?
I knew the market well from
my wedding photography days
and have some good contacts.
I also visit trade shows such as
the Showman’s Show and the
Glamping Show, and keep up to
date with Open Air Business of
course.
How do you find it working with
your father in law?
It’s great. He has his own ideas and
input and a wealth of experience
with converting barns but he lets
me get on with it. He is still a little
surprised that people want a
wedding in a barn.
What challenges have you faced?
We are entirely off-grid and run
off generators – at the moment
we have a 66kVA SDMO which is
probably too big so I am thinking
of reducing the size but having
two sister generators so one can
act as a back up should the worse
happen.
Our water comes from a bore
hole and we have a septic tank to
treat waste. We have a sustainable
ethos, which is also a necessity
as we are in such a remote,
unconnected location.
When it came to planning we
hired a consultant as they speak
the right lingo. The local authority
was actually very supportive and
helpful, even suggesting we do
more here.
A couple of our neighbours did
object, and I can’t blame them for
that. They are physically a mile
away and we do everything we can
to keep them informed about when
events are on and try to keep good
relations.
What are your plans for next
season?
I am interested in adding some pod
accommodation in the woodland
but in a sensitive way – not
overdeveloped. At the most we will
have two weddings a week but I am
not sure it will be commercial to
offer them for let for just one night.
It will all come down to ROI.
ADDRESS BOOK
MARQUEES
The Tipi Company www.
thetipicompany.com
FURNITURE
Tipples Hire, Shrewsbury www.
tipplesbar.co.uk
FLOORING
William Armes (Dandy Dura
matting) www.william-armes.
co.uk
GENERATOR
SDMO uk.sdmo.com
HEATING
National Heater Shops www.
nationalheatershops.co.uk
I am also looking at how we
might get into the corporate events
market, and maybe even wakes. A
small public event might also be a
possibility if it was done sensitively.
I know the site would lend itself to a
Santa’s grotto type event but I don’t
want to cash in on Christmas in a
tacky way – it would be more about
engaging people.
What do you enjoy about the
business?
Being part of happy occasions, and
great ROI!
What are you most proud of?
The positive feedback from
everyone who comes and loves
the location, barn and setting.
Producing an idea into reality.
What advice could you give
to someone coming into the
industry?
It will cost more than you think and
there will be things you can’t plan
for. Be realistic, speak to people
within the sector and plan, plan,
plan.
LIGHTING
Festive Lights www.festivelights.com
FIRE PITS
Fire Pits UK
www.firepitsuk.co.uk
DETAILS
Bridal Barn
Claverley
Wolverhampton
Shropshire, WV15 5PS
01746 710180
www.bridalbarn.wedding
24 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM