In a vain effort to keep up with Gen Z’s constant barrage of ‘_core’ trends, we’re taking a look at another fashion fad that has crossed over to the wonderful world of weddings - Cottagecore.
We actually think we’re way ahead of the trend here as our beautiful pole and canvas marquees have been rocking the cottagecore aesthetic since before Normcore was a thing (if you dont know your '_core' history, Normcore was the core '_core', created by us millennials circa 2014). So, as the self appointed Cottagecore experts of the wedding and event marquee hire industry, we’re going to break down just what Cottagecore is and then we’ll share our favourite ideas for how you can build it into your special day.
What is Cottagecore?
Cottagecore is inspired by the romantic beauty and simplicity of rural life, think homemade bread, billowing floral dresses, English country gardens bursting with wildflowers and summer blooms. It incorporates all that is vintage and handmade. Cottagecore gives us major summer garden party vibes. It’s charming, it’s whimsical and it’s about texture, lots of texture.
Why have a Cottagecore marquee wedding?
If you’re thinking of hiring a pole and canvas marquee for your wedding, this theme would work perfectly as these types of traditional marquee are quintessentially Cotttagecore. The marquees we supply here at Peacock and Bow are handmade by master craftsmen and women, using time honoured techniques. They are full of texture, with their swooping swathes of canvas, tension ropes, wooden poles and coir flooring. When the sun goes down their ambient glow brings laid back romance and a cosiness that can't be beat. Furthermore, they can be situated in a perfectly Cottagecore setting such as a rural location or an English country garden.
If you love a bit of authenticity, nature, nostalgia, and you want to create a wedding that feels intimate, charming, and deeply meaningful, Cottagecore may provide the look and feel you desire for your special day. The trend celebrates a return to simpler times and encapsulates the joy of love, togetherness, and embracing the beauty of the natural world. Its a generation spanning concept that everyone can get on board with.
How can I achieve the Cottagecore look for my marquee wedding?
Here are our top 12 ideas for a Cottagecore marquee wedding.
1. Choose the right type of marquee
Marquees come in many different guises, check out our ultimate guide to hiring a marquee to find out more
If you really want to encapsulate the Cottagecore look, go for a traditional marquee
To be truly authentic, make it a Wills. Wills Marquees are the pole and canvas marquees that we supply
Our pole and canvas marquees are handmade in Britain using the finest materials and create the perfect backdrop for your Cottagecore wedding
Photo credit - Agnes Black
2. Location
Cottagecore emulates the idea of country living, imagine a perfect little hideaway nestled amongst a beautiful cottage garden
To achieve this look, choose a venue, with lots of scenic greenery and flowers
Venues like Holywell Hall in Rutland, South Farm in Hertfordshire, or Chippenham Park in Cambridgeshire combine natural beauty with rustic charm
3. Venue Decoration
Embrace the country allure with floral garlands, wildflowers, and greenery adorning the marquee
Make use of our stunning flower rings to fill the aerial space with stunning floral installations
Incorporate natural elements like wooden furniture
Our wooden cross back chairs and wide rustic trestle tables are perfectly in line with the Cottagecore trend
4. Color Palette
Opt for soft, pastel colours such as blush pink, sage green, lavender, or creamy ivory to enhance the Cottagecore aesthetic
Pinks and purples feature heavily in Cottagecore
Introduce pops of colour with floral arrangements and vintage textiles such as lace and flowy ribbons to add a touch whimsy, colour and texture
5. Table Settings
Use vintage or mismatched china with floral patterns for a charming and nostalgic feel
Incorporate lace table runners and linen napkins to create an elegant tablescape
Go for patterns and bold colours for that homey feel
Add small vases with fresh flowers or herbs as centrepieces
Coloured glassware is having a moment and adds vintage vibes, you can also use it to tie your colour scheme together
Tablescape by Lucy Vail
6. Lighting
Create a warm and enchanting atmosphere with fairy lights or festoon lights hung throughout the marquee
Use lanterns or candleholders with soft, flickering candles for a cosy and romantic glow
We love coloured taper candles and think they're the most charming and romantic of all the candle styles
7. Seating
Provide sumptuous armchairs or rustic wooden benches for a natural and organic look
Add cushions or blankets in floral or botanical prints for added comfort and a cottage-inspired touch
8. Floral Arrangements
Incorporate wildflowers, roses, daisies, and other cottage garden blooms in bouquets, centrepieces, floral arches and flower rings
Include herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme for their fragrant and whimsical appeal
Embrace gypsophila, aka baby’s breath, for simple texture
9. Outdoor Spaces
Create a garden lounge area with vintage furniture, such as wrought-iron chairs or a cozy loveseat, surrounded by potted plants and blooming flowers
Set up an outdoor picnic area with vintage picnic blankets, cushions, and baskets filled with delicious treats
Put out parasols in the daytime, lace if possible, for a vintage feel, and blankets for guests to grab and cosy up under when the sun goes down
Use our giant shepherds crooks, which can be hung with lanterns or festoons to light your walkways and chill out areas
10. Entertainment
Hire a folk band or acoustic musicians to provide live music with a charming and rustic vibe
Channel the traditional village summer fete by including lawn games like croquet, boules, or a coconut shy to add a touch of nostalgic fun
11. Food and Drinks
Serve a menu inspired by seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, such as farm-to-table dishes, rustic pies, and refreshing beverages with fresh herbs or edible flowers
Think of your favourite childhood pudding your grandma used to make and serve it in mini individual form
Offer a tea station with a selection of herbal teas and vintage teacups
12. Personal Touches
Cottagecore is all about DIY so get the family crafting and create handmade signage, calligraphy place cards, or custom-made favours with a Cottagecore theme
To dress your wedding party, consider floral prints, lace, or other vintage-inspired attire to complement the overall aesthetic
Ready to embrace the Cottagecore marquee magic?
If you're now convinced that Cottagecore should be the inspiration for your marquee wedding, remember, the key is to embrace natural beauty, simplicity, and a touch of nostalgia. Keep it simple and don't go too elaborate. Incorporating these ideas will help create a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere for your special day.
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