Happy Friday. I'm ending the week with a lovely retro inspired styled shoot that took place at a wine bistro. It was submitted to me from Debbie of The Dress Matters - it's filled with pretty pink details - including pink wine bottle frosted sugar cookies, pink candy apples, lush pink flowers and even pink candles. Oh, and there's a gorgeous retro wedding dress with a tulle skirt embroidered flowers. What's your favorite "pink" element in this retro styled wedding shoot?

Vendor Credits:
Photographer - Krista Patton Photography // Event Stylists - Keen Eye Designs // Bridal Shop - The Dress Matters // Florist - Media Florist // Make Up - Megan McCormick // Hair Stylist - Allyson Lynch of Ambiance Salon and Spa // Venue - LaBelle Eqoque Wine Bistro // Invitations+ + Stationery - Paper and Posh // Jewels - Osorio Jewelry

I'm thrilled to have Stacy of Bel Vino Winery {located in Temecula California}, joining us today on the blog to take a look at five ways you can transform your winery wedding from the traditional wine themed wedding into something that fits you as a couple and is gorgeous and unique for your guests. I now turn the blog over to Stacy . . .

Whether set at an East-coast, Napa or Temecula winery, it seems as though every winery themed wedding provides a glamorous, yet rustic charm to each and every wedding. As we know, vineyard wedding locations can dramatically affect the style of wedding a bride selects but with many wineries and vineyard weddings looking similar, how do you make your winery wedding unique?

Idea Number 1: Think Outside the Box

Most winery weddings use corks, wine bottles and wine crates as part of their décor but lately it seems as though that is all vineyard weddings consist of. What if instead we created multi-level hors d'oeuvre styled centerpieces? Think outside the box with an assortment of cheese, crackers and grapes as table centerpieces. This would create an intimate, personalized and new way for wedding guests to enjoy cocktail hour food, socialize and enjoy the centerpieces at a whole new level.

The above photo showcases what we mean. But instead of cheeses, crackers and grapes, this fun table display used the centerpiece to share delicious sushi (but you get the idea). Photo courtesy of from My Favorite Flowers

Idea Number 2: Change the Venue

When I write to change the venue, I don’t mean to stray away from a winery but to look into other room options than the traditional tasting/barrel room or veranda deck overlooking the vines. What if instead, you had your wedding among the vines themselves? While it would be a more outdoorsy and casual setting, it would absolutely provide a change of scenery from a typical vineyard wedding and set your wedding apart as unique.

A Jonathan Edwards Winery wedding among the vines | photo by Robert Norman Photography

Idea Number 3: Go Monochromatic

While wine country weddings make us think of rich reds, deep purples and wood tones (which are always lovely), why not change things up with a monochromatic winery theme? Instead of reds, utilize the white wines with their rich champagne tones as inspiration. Crème/gold linens, ghost chairs (clear acrylic), gold plating and white flowers will add glamour, while the monochromatic style will be one-of-a-kind and stylish.

Idea Number 4: Think Industrial

Warehouse weddings with industrial tones are becoming more common for the modern bride so why not implement a love of wine and urban landscapes by requesting to have your wedding in the processing room? Most wineries have large stainless steel tanks, vaulted ceilings and industrial equipment in their processing room which would be made beautiful with the right selection of table linens, centerpieces and more. Plus, having a wedding here would definitely be different from any other winery/vineyard wedding we’ve ever seen before.

Fermentation Room of the Ventolera Winery in Chile | photo by Cristobal Palma

Metlock Ames tasting room

Idea Number 5: Make it More Than an Event

If you are considering an intimate wedding of less than 100 guests, why not make it more than an event with a tasting? Guests can celebrate your nuptials and learn about the proper way to drink wine, find their new favorite and truly have a great time. You’ll have an intimate time with those closest to you and your special day will be different than any other winery wedding anyone has ever been too. For a less expensive option that includes a high guest count, you could also utilize the large amount of space many vineyards have by having lawn games or other entertainment.

Rustic Chic Wine Tasting Wedding

Making Your Winery Wedding Distinctive

With so many winery weddings looking similar, you can make yours distinctive by thinking outside the box, changing the color scheme or thinking of wine as an industry. Would you add any of these ideas to your winery destination wedding? What are the ways you are or have made your wedding distinctive from other weddings which may be considered similar? Share your thoughts in the comments.

About the Author
Stacey Waldron loves to discuss weddings and is an expert on wine country weddings since she is the Internet Marketing Director for Bel Vino Winery located in Temecula California.