The brief was for an informal, relaxed and fun atmosphere, with a 1950's street party vibe, combined with subtle shades of blue, green, pink, with hessian aspects, and flowers in white.
In addition to the brief, the bride sent over some images for me to work from, with the bunting in soft pinks, blues and subtle green, the palette gave me the opportunity to bring together some gorgeous china, much of which was produced between the late 1940's and into the '50's for this village hall wedding, in Cotebrook, Cheshire.
The key china I started with was this Royal Doulton 'Merle', which you can see below, this almost became the accent piece of china, with everything else being built around it. The pattern is beautiful and it just worked so well when it was in situ in the hall, especially when I saw the bunting in the flesh.
It was then, just a case of adding in all the other colours and in the right numbers to stop the Merle being over-whelmed, once put together on the tables, once together the china was a beautiful combination.
Looking at the image below, you'd be hard pressed to see how this could cone together, but together it did. I have to say, full praise to the bride and groom for their concept, imagination and design. This hall was the perfect location for the theme and their wedding reception.
Once set up, the bunting, china and the hall were meant for each other and brought the concept literally to life. With a soft colour on the walls, combined with the cornucopia of china colours, white gypsophilia and white roses, the tables looked beautiful.
For me, the bunting really added that extra special touch, providing a softness and it really did pick up the vive of the 1950's village hall wedding, it all came together so beautifully.
Of course missing from the tables are the 3 tier cake stands, teapots, clotted cream and jam dishes, along with cream jugs and sugar bowl. I decided that opting for a simple 3 tier cake stand was important, otherwise they could interfere and create too much 'noise' on the tables, so the bulk of them were ditsy rose, I also included three other patterns, Royal Albert 'Moss Rose', Richmond 'Time for Tea and Royal Albert 'Jubilee Rose'.
And with all the Afternoon Tea set up, they looked gorgeous. The client opted for The Lace afternoon tea (currently being updated).
These gorgeous 3 tier stands each had a clotted cream and jam dish each.
We can’t thank you enough for the amazing display of china you provided. It was another perfect part of a perfect day and got so many great comments.
You deserve every success for all your hard work and endeavor, it was fantastic that we were lucky enough to have you involved in our special day."
Anna and Matt
May 2023
How would have I developed the look further? I'd have changed the chairs and really gone for that 1940's, '50's look by adding wooden church hall, fete style chairs, that would have blown me away.
If you'd like to have vintage china at your wedding reception, please do get in contact, I'd love to hear from you.
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Location
The Cotebrook Village Hall is on the outskirts of Tarporley. The hall is a perfect venue for a wedding reception and I have to say very competitively priced. I can highly recommend it and it's conveniently next to the prettiest little church, all you have to do is walk through the church yard gate and you're in the village hall!!
There is a good sized kitchen and two additional rooms that can be hired out.
The village hall has been in service since 1939, being substantially renovated in 2018.
Contact details:
Telephone: 01829 760513
Caterer: The Wild Flour Food Co.
Copyright belongs to: The Vintage Tea Service