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10 Reasons to Have a Barn Wedding

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10 Reasons to Have a Barn Wedding

Your wedding day is the one occasion that’s all about romance and love. To set the scene for the perfect day, you need a unique, picturesque, and unforgettable venue. And when looking into the various types of venues, you’ll quickly notice that nothing compares to a barn wedding for pure romance. They are architectural marvels that may be dressed up for a romantic, sophisticated celebration or stripped down for a rustic aesthetic. 

If you’re planning a wedding, you need a venue that will create an unforgettable experience, so fall in love with all the amenities and whimsy of a magnificent barn. 

10 Reasons to Have a Barn Wedding

Modern-day couples are embracing natural settings with elegant and rustic details and saying, “I Do” at barn wedding venues in North Texas. So, if you’re looking for wedding venues in McKinney, check out our brand new event space – The Cinnamon Barn. And if you’re on the fence about whether a barn venue is right for your special day, here are 10 reasons why it is. 

  • Picturesque Effect

It is undeniable that barns provide a stunning and attractive environment. The image of sweeping fields, majestic and grand barns and versatile spaces are particularly appealing. 

These little details give a barn wedding the romantic feel that many crave. It provides endless streams of memories that will last you a lifetime. You and your guests can appreciate the simple things of life, like nature’s beauty and a peaceful setting.

And when it comes to wedding photography, there’s not much that can top a barn wedding venue backdrop. 

  • Plenty of Spaces

While the incredible surrounding already makes it a great location, the bonus is that there are plenty of spaces for everything and everyone. So it is the perfect all-around location for people with an endless guest list. But also charming enough to host small and intimate events. 

The abundance of space inside and outside the wedding venue allows your guest to enjoy the rural atmosphere. The Cinnamon Barn is a beautiful, elegant, and rustic white barn with 9 acres of indoor and outdoor areas for you to use. The versatility allows you to create a wedding experience unlike any other. 

  • Great Potential for Decoration

Every decorator’s dream is to have a venue that is like a blank canvas. This provides an opportunity to create your dream theme. Most hotels and event venues already have a predefined look, so it is challenging to do unique decorations. Every wedding looks the same. 

But a barn venue is a blank canvas waiting for you to add your style. Barns are neutral with tons of personality that can be elevated to fit your theme. As a result, you’ll have an incredibly unique wedding experience that your guests will love. 

  • One Venue Fits All

Barn wedding venues in North Texas are the one event space where you can hold a wedding all year round. So whether you prefer a steamy summer event or a cozy winter wedding, barns provide the ideal surrounding to make that dream come true.

The surrounding lush grasses and warm summer breezes are enough to make your guests feel energetic during summer days. And during winter, you can create the perfect wonderland with flowers and floral decorations.

When choosing McKinney wedding venues, selecting one that allows you to infuse your style to create a memorable wedding experience is essential. The Cinnamon Barn near McKinney is an all-white, grand barn, a blank slate ready for your florals and decor. And no matter what season or time of year, it will be an incredible backdrop for your wedding. 

  • You Can Make The Most Of The Same Location.

Most barn locations like The Cinnamon Barn offer a bridal suite, groom quarters and ceremony and reception furnishings in addition to the venue. Although you can still employ your preferred services, it is more convenient to use the venue services.

  • Dedicated Teams

The Cinnamon Barn’s wedding team is only dedicated to making your wedding vision come true. Besides, they are more experienced in helping you create your ideal wedding since they know the barn’s features and personality.

With a venue design to make you and your guest comfortable and a team dedicated to your wedding, you can rest assured of having the perfect wedding of your dreams.

  • Family-Oriented

What better way to start a beautiful chapter of your life than using family-promoting scenery? Barn wedding locations are in rural places away from the bustling and jostling of city life.

You and your guest can peacefully enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. Taking in nature’s beauty with friends and family will make everyone feel connected. 

  • Great Photo Opportunity

The romantic scenery, the peaceful atmosphere, lush landscape, and personalized décor indicate that you will have your dream wedding. However, all these factors mixed together truly makes a magical compilation of the best day of your lives!

One factor is guaranteed whether you take your shots inside or outside the barn – those photos will be amazing. The lush landscape and the grand all-white barn showcase the rural charm you will only find in a barn setting.

You can also take some inside shots to capture the romance and warmth of your wedding settings. But, of course, the flower and light arrangement is the best recipe for taking fairytale shots. 

  • Escape The City 

Barn wedding locations give your wedding the destination feel without going far. The setting is perfect for the destination wedding theme, especially if the location has unique features like lakes or mountains.

For instance, The Cinnamon Barn is located minutes from Lake Lavon. A rolling green landscape completes the picture of the perfect getaway wedding location. 

  • Your Love Story Fills The Space

Planning a wedding can be stressful. That’s why most soon-to-be-wed couples want the actual day to be, in a single word: RELAXED…. And barn weddings are perfect for this! They’re elegant without being overly stuffy or formal. So you can let your hair down, knock back a beer or a glass of champagne, and swap your heels for cowboy boots or sneakers. This is where memories are made. 

This laid-back yet upscale vibe that barn weddings foster has everything to do with the design of their spaces. Rustic wedding venues in North Texas combine earthy elements, like distressed wood, with modern aesthetics. In doing so, they’re elegant yet simple and never showy-allowing the couple’s love story to fill the space. 

The Cinnamon Barn is perfect for creating the ideal romantic atmosphere. It has the picturesque effect, spaces, and serene atmosphere guaranteed to make your wedding memorable. Besides the location, there is an endless list of services we provide onsite. 

For more details about our rentals, email us at info@thecinnamonbarn.com

 

Beat the Summer Heat on Your Wedding Day

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Beat the Summer Heat on Your Wedding Day

It’s the heart of summer in Texas, and we all know what that means… IT’S HOT, HOT, HOT! With the next few weeks (and maybe longer) projected in the 100-degree plus temperatures, it’s essential that you consider the protection and comfort of your guests and wedding party for your summer wedding.

Here are a few of our top hot wedding day tips:

Time of Day: For starters, you should plan to pay close attention to the time of day. Whether you are having a portion of your ceremony, cocktail hour, or even reception outside, the last thing you want is to worry about heat complications or even heat stroke with any of your guests, which can happen quickly when temperatures are as high as they are in the Texas summer.

Remember, while the sun and shade are important to consider for your event, this can also be a great idea to consider the beauty of a sun setting in your photographs. Talk to your photographer about suggested ideal times, or what they consider to be the “golden hour” for your photographs.

Wedding Party Attire and Looks: Generally bridesmaids have it a little easier in this department if the traditional bridesmaids’ dresses are selected. In contrast, finding attire for men can be challenging. From tuxedos to suits, men’s attire can be excessively hot in the summer sun. Although Texas may not be considered a typical “destination” event location, consider similar attire styles as a destination would typically require if you plan to have an outdoor ceremony in the Texas summer heat.

Beyond clothing, consider how the heat will affect hair and makeup. It’s hard enough for most brides and bridesmaids to tame their hair into a perfect, flowing ‘do. Add in heat and humidity, and long curls or waves will be disastrous. To fight frizz and humidity, ladies should try pulling part or all of their hair off their face and neck to stay cool and picture perfect.

According to Wedding Wire, here are a few tips for your wedding day makeup.

Cleanse, prime, choose products, and set.

“These four steps are key to making your summer wedding makeup last,” says Jennifer Adams of Formal Faces in Atlanta, Georgia. “For makeup, wash your face, apply a primer, use a high-quality foundation, and finish it off with a setting spray.”

Stay inside as long as possible.

“If it’s incredibly humid outside, the best thing you can do is wait inside until the very last minute,” says Jennifer. “This is especially important for your hair. Waterproof makeup really works (you can waterski in waterproof mascara!), but there is no hairstyle or hair product that will stand up to rain or humidity.” So once you’re ready to go, wait it out until it’s time to head down the aisle.

Rinse your face with cold water.

After washing your face with a cleanser, rinse with very cold water. “This will cause your pores to close up nice and tight, which will prevent them from releasing as much oil throughout the day,” says Jennifer. “Then add a light moisturizer – if you don’t moisturize at all, your face will over-produce oil!” Wait 10 minutes for the moisturizer to sink in, apply your primer, and then apply makeup on top.

Additional Refreshments: Typically refreshments aren’t served until after the ceremony, at the cocktail hour, or even reception, but if you plan to have an outdoor ceremony in the heart of the Texas summer, consider offering water bottles or other refreshments during the ceremony.

“A water station positioned near the entrance of your ceremony is a great way to welcome guests and keep them cool and comfortable. Regardless, it’s a great idea, in general, to hydrate your loved ones before the long night ahead and the cocktails to come.” – Mindy Weiss

Accessorize Your Wedding Day Look: “Parasols are picture-perfect. Capes, boleros, and wraps make great accessories for colder nights so you can dress for the heat by day. And royal wedding-style hats can keep you cool in an outdoor ceremony while looking more fashionable than functional.” – Mindy Weiss

Create Shade with Décor: Tenting and other canopy decorations can contribute to your beautiful design ambiance while also creating functionally appropriate shade for your guests for all instances that may be outside during your event.

Here are a few ideas from the team at Martha Stewart about creating additional shade at your outdoor summer wedding:

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are an affordable way to provide cover for guests who need it-plus, they can double as favors. Dark colors will always attract the sun and make it even hotter, so choose a brightly-colored umbrellas if your goal is to help guests cool down. Clear umbrellas should also be avoided, as these create a greenhouse effect. Pick one style and stick to it: You don’t want to see a bunch of random colored umbrellas in the background of your photos! Paper parasols are pretty, popular options, too. You could also set up patio umbrellas instead of individual ones that move with guests.

Tented Lounge

If you’re hoping to avoid tenting your entire wedding, consider renting a tent for just one section of the celebration, like cocktail hour or your lounge. This will ensure that there’s a spot for guests who are too warm to escape to during the party.

Leafy Greens

If you can, choose to have your ceremony and reception in spaces with a lot of greenery or trees that can offer natural shade. You’ll love how it looks in your photos, and your guests will appreciate the break from the sun if it’s unbearably hot outside.

Make the Menu Summer Fun: Get creative with your refreshments and focus on the heat instead of trying to hide it. Think about incorporating popsicles, ice cream, snow cones, or other cool treats to embrace the summer season while keeping everyone cool at the same time.

According to Food and Wine – here are a few recommended cool food items:

More Cool Foods

Chilled Chocolate Desserts

Melon Recipes

Homemade Ice Cream

Summer Salads

Ceviche Recipes

How to Make Sushi

Tips on Cocktails and Cool Food for Hot Weather

Wine-Chilling Cheat Sheet

Beat-the-Heat Wines

Delicious Raw-Food Recipes

Frozen Drink Basics

Ice Cream Dessert Shortcuts

The Best Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

How to Make Ice Cream

Lessons from Ice Cream Maven Jeni Britton Bauer

The Best Pasta Salad Recipes

Tips on Making Perfect, Cool Gazpacho

 

Ceremony Programs with Dual Purpose:

You can never go wrong with a fan to cool down with. Give your guests gifts for the outdoors in the form of programs shaped like fans, parasols, or even favors designed to keep them cool throughout the day and night.

No matter what time of year you decide to get married, there are considerations to take into account. From the potential of unpredictable ice in the winter to unimaginable heat – Texas has it all. At The Cinnamon Barn, our experienced team will help provide guidance throughout the planning process. In addition, our outdoor and indoor spaces provide versatility for your wedding day. To schedule a tour while our new venue is in the construction process, or to secure your wedding date, contact us today.

Dallas Wedding Venue, Featured On Voyage Dallas

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Prianna, the co-founder of The Cinnamon Barn, was honored to be featured with Voyage Dallas. During the interview, she was able to provide readers with a bit of background about the decision to open a wedding venue and the inspiration behind the name. Take a look at the preview below and click on the link at the bottom of this post to read the full article on Voyage!

We’ve been in the hospitality business for 17 years, actually. When my husband and I got married, we were looking for a place to have friends and family gather around for a few days and enjoy that time without being rushed.

That’s where this dream started. I thought-  why don’t we start a wedding venue in a serene setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still be close to home, right here in North Texas?

And so, we searched and searched. Then, in 2019, on a much-anticipated family vacation with our parents to Jamaica, we were golfing at the Cinnamon Hill (home of Johnny Cash-hey!), and fell in love with the lush greenery, surrounded by water. We took that as a sign, and around the same time, we found this beautiful 9-acre property with 2 natural ponds minutes away from Lake Lavon, and like they say…. the rest is history.

The Cinnamon Barn was born, and we will be officially opening our doors in January 2023 for weddings, corporate events, and family events!

Dallas Wedding Venue

Read the full story here!

How to Pick a DFW Wedding Venue

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So, you’re engaged! Congratulations, now it’s time to pick your DFW Wedding Venue!

Now, are you wondering where to start? How to start planning and what to look for? We can help. For most couples, picking a DFW wedding venue is the first place to start. It will likely set the tone (or fit what you’ve been dreaming about) for the style of your big day, and allow you to start to research additional vendors based on what you’ll need in the space.

Searching for a DFW Wedding Venue can be challenging! There are so many wonderful locations to select from within the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, all created with different styles and budgets in mind. When narrowing down your list, here are a few things you should look for.

  1. Start by selecting a date (or a couple of dates that you’d be happy with). If this is a deal-breaker – this is definitely an important place to start qualifying venues and selecting them as options. To check available dates at The Cinnamon Barn, simply fill out our contact form and let us know what you’re looking for. We will be in touch in no time to tell you if the space is available.
  2. Decide whether you’ll need more than one venue. Are you looking for a venue that has designated separate spaces for the ceremony and reception? A venue only for the reception? A venue with overnight accommodations? What will accommodate all of your needs, your future spouse’s needs, and the needs of your guests? Luckily, at The Cinnamon Barn we have a number of options available to you. From an indoor-only ceremony and reception to an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, we have it all.
  3. Determine the estimated number of guests. This too can simply rule out a number of options and save you from falling in love with a venue that doesn’t meet your needs. At The Cinnamon Barn, our maximum occupancy is 300 guests. Depending on your wants and needs, we’ll advise you to suggest the ideal guest count within these parameters.
  4. Determine your overall budget and your venue budget. Wedding budgets are all over the map, and largely determined by the venue and the number of guests you’d like to include. On average the venue typically ranges between 30-40% of the total wedding budget. To figure out what your wedding venue budget is, take your total wedding budget and multiply it by .35 – once complete, you’ll have a benchmark to know what to start looking for. The Cinnamon Barn ranges from $6000-$8500 on the weekends and varies largely depending on the month of the year. We do also offer weekday/night availability.
  5. Think about your location. Where are the majority of your guests coming from? Do you need lodging accommodations nearby?  If you are planning specific lodging, consider shuttle service to and from to truly offer your guests a stress-free experience.
  6. Determine your theme/style. For most couples, one or both of you have been dreaming about your wedding day, and what it looks like and feels like. Choosing a venue can largely determine the style of your event. When your venue search begins, decide if you’re looking for a blank slate for you to fully customize, something that already reflects your style, or somewhere in between. In most cases, couples are looking for a beautiful space that has some personality but will still allow for customizations that reflect your style and can make your dream event come to life. At The Cinnamon Barn, there is a level of elegant, approachable, sophistication that is versatile with many different color palettes and styles.
  7. Estimate the extras. As you can probably already imagine, the extras can add up quickly. It’s important when you start looking at your venue options, to look at what is included in your rental and what you’ll need to rent and hire for. Some venues include or offer an option for table rentals, partnerships with select vendors, chairs, and more. On your venue tour, be sure to ask about what is included in your rental and about our preferred vendor list. We would be happy to recommend trusted vendors who can help you bring your vision to life.
  8. Ask about the timeline. Most venues have similar rental time periods and offer additional hours upon request. Asking about this upfront will prevent you from running into delivery and clean-up time restrictions leading up to your event. At The Cinnamon Barn, we include 12 hours in your standard rental rate, but offer extended hours upon request.
  9. Look around for the perfect photo opps. No shame, go ahead look around and visualize where you’ll have your first dance photo, the cake-cutting photo, what you’ll see when you’re walking down the aisle, and where your large group shots will take place. Do you have options for indoor and outdoor photos? Keep in mind, that as weather can be unpredictable in Texas, you’ll want to make sure you’re happy with the backup option, just in case.
  10. Ask about the nitty-gritty details. Although not as fun as simply taking in the beautiful space, you’ll need to make a list of the nitty-gritty details that are important to you. Here are a few of the most common to consider:
  • What decor options are there. Are you able to bring in your own?
  • How many tables and chairs are included, if any?
  • What other rental items are recommended or allowed?
  • Is there space for small vignettes of furniture?
  • Are animals allowed on site?
  • What rules are in place concerning music (DJ’s and bands)
  • Are there additional charges for cleanup or is it included in the rental cost?
  • Is there a preferred shuttle or valet service that can be recommended?
  • Is there an option to take bridal portraits at the venue at a different time?
  • Is there a preferred (or required) vendor list for all of the other necessary vendors?
  • What is required of the additional vendors who are brought in (ie. additional insurance requirements, etc.)?
  • Is a planner recommended?
  • What is the inclement weather option if an outdoor ceremony is planned?
  • What are the alcohol and security options and/or requirements?
  • What is the rehearsal schedule/option?

DFW Wedding Venue

In regards to The Cinnamon Barn, you can stop by our Frequently Asked Questions page to find out the answers to the above questions. Of course, we will also be able to answer any additional questions or concerns on your venue tour. To visit the frequently asked questions page, click here. To schedule your Cinnamon Barn tour, click here.

In general, finding your DFW Wedding Venue after your engagement can feel like an overwhelming task, but you should keep in mind that this should be a fun activity with your soon-to-be spouse! Make the most of it, search together and narrow down a list of prospective options that fit your needs. Tour your favorites and have fun doing it. Enjoy the planning process for your big day!