Country House Weddings in Cornwall: Planning a Classic wedding at Boconnion

Deciding on a theme for your big day can be a tough decision. Lots of themes such as boho, modern and rustic are proving particularly popular at the moment for couples, however they may just simply not be your cup of tea. If you're a couple that prefers timelessness over trends, you may prefer a classic wedding theme and style. Here’s everything you need to help make those plans a reality.

Why Boconnion for a classic wedding in Cornwall?

Boconnion as a wedding venue is the perfect backdrop for classic country house weddings. 

You have the total freedom to celebrate in whatever style suits you. Whether that’s with a celebrant ceremony in the grounds or, a church service at the ancient church of St. Helena, which is less than a 10 minute drive from the estate. As Boconnion is a blank canvas venue you can create your own vision, selecting the colour scheme, decor, layout and running order of your day. 

Suits by Little Anne-Maids - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Hair and Makeup by Kimberly Holland - Models: Jamie, Adam and Poppet the dog

The Classic Wedding Dress and Suits 

A traditional wedding dress is white or ivory, elegant and simple. Think flowing skirts, a stunning floor length cathedral veil and lots of chiffon and silk; a dress fit for a princess!

Did you know it’s also tradition for a bride to be given a decorative horseshoe, to be sewn onto the hem of the wedding dress or tied around your wrist? 

For our grooms, when it comes to finding the perfect three-piece suit for a classic wedding in Cornwall, I love working with Cornish-born company Little Annes-Maids. Think blacks and greys, with a pop of your favourite pastel colour (to match your bouquet) for the tie and pocket square. 

Dress by Bridal Gossip - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Hair and Makeup by Kimberly Holland - Model: Molly

White Wedding Florals 

It wouldn’t be a classic wedding day without hundreds of flowers. I love whites, muted pastels, rich creams and occasionally deep red roses when planning a traditional wedding. One of our recommended suppliers The Velvet Daisy can create a wedding arch for the ceremony, featuring delicate and subtle floral installations that will make your aisle look stunning. You could also ask for your bouquet to match the arch, tying your outfit to the decor.

There are also lots of options for decorating the estate with florals, from the chairs to the marquee, and the many stone doorways leading into the Barton Reception Barn, Georgian Manor House and Boconnion Barton.

Suits by Little Anne-Maids - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Floral Arch by The Velvet Daisy - Hair and Makeup by Kimberly Holland - Models: Adam and Jamie

A Classic Cake 

Multiple tiers, crisp white icing, beautiful edible roses and intricate craftsmanship. By choosing a bespoke wedding cake designer you are guaranteeing the cake is exactly how you want it, whilst also utilising the knowledge of a professional cake maker. 

It is of course tradition for the bride and groom to cut the cake together, and it’ll probably be featured in many of your wedding photos (as well as enjoyed by most of your guests too!) so make sure it’s a beautiful centre-piece for your big day. Historically, the cake cutting is a symbol of the bride and groom's union and a promise to provide for one another. Couples are encouraged to cut from the bottom tier in order to symbolise longevity and continuity of their relationship. The tradition which you may or not know about is where the bride and groom feed each other cake! This symbolises their commitment to take care of one another.

Recommended supplier Sarah from The Cornish Cakery specialises in providing beautiful and unique luxury wedding cakes across Cornwall. Sarah can offer a range of different flavours and will work with you to create a cake that reflects your day and vision perfectly.

Cake by The Cornish Cakery - Florals by The Velvet Daisy

Simple and Elegant Furniture and Tents 

For traditional wedding furniture, keep it simple. And simple, however, does not mean boring! Aim to keep the furniture and decor relatively understated, avoiding anything too flashy or extravagant. Think classic, chic and elegant. Wooden cross-back chairs can look amazing dressed or undressed. You could opt to decorate with bunches of white flowers and ribbon to add a splash of traditional florals. A clean and classic canvas marquee (with a flower arch around the entrance) and long trestle tables topped with candles, flowers, elegant name cards and classic crockery will always look the part. 

Dress by Bridal Gossip - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Hair and Makeup by Kimberly Holland - Bouquet and Floral Installation by The Velvet Daisy - Chairs by Trevarno - Model: Sarah

“If music be the food of love, play on…”

Depending on where you choose to hold your ceremony, you may opt for the traditional bridal march in a church or your favourite song as a couple played out as you walk down the aisle during a celebrant led wedding. Whilst many couples go for a sound system or a DJ at the reception (which, don’t get me wrong, I love!) the most magical option for totally traditional wedding music is the beautiful sound of a professional pianist. We highly recommend Roger Miners, who’s extensive repertoire is sure to extend to some of your favourite love songs.   

Pianist is Roger Miners - Dress by Bridal Gossip - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Hair and Makeup by Kimberly Holland - Floral Installation by The Velvet Daisy - Suit by Little Anne-Maids - Models: Sarah and Tom

Food for your Big Day

You’ll more than likely enjoy the feast on your big day in the afternoon, so why is it called a wedding breakfast? The name originated from the old days when it was tradition for the bride and groom to get married after Mass. The wedding party would fast until the ceremony, making the ‘wedding breakfast’ the first meal that the couple shared together as husband and wife. The name stuck and we all still say it today! 

We work with a number of talented, local suppliers who can curate a menu that’ll pair perfectly with your classic theme. A full sit-down meal is definitely traditional, but as it’s your day, remember, it’s your way. Canapés are not only a crowd-pleaser but traditional too, and are often served in the interim between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast. They’ll keep your guests happy and occupied, whilst also giving you and your partner a chance to sneak off for some wedding photos! 

Food by Dish Cornwall

Drinks for your Big Day

On the subject of canapés, whilst these nibbles are going around it’s also a great opportunity to get the bubbles flowing. No classic wedding would be complete without a glass of something sparkling in hand (and it’s vital for toasting the bride and groom during the speeches!). We also work with Copper Cat and Sauce., two local bar services that offer cocktails, beers, ales, non-alcoholic beverages and local spirits. Both bars are extremely versatile and the friendly and professional staff can adapt the menu to suit your theme or preference. 

Bar by Sauce. Cornwall

Classic Stationery 

Choosing the perfect stationery is one of the earliest decisions you’ll make, as you’ll want to send out the Save The Date cards as soon as you’ve booked your venue. To suit your classic theme you’ll want to opt for italic, swirling fonts, embossed gold and silver, minimalistic design and a clean colour palette. Et viola! Your stationery theme can be conveyed throughout your invitations, place cards, menus and seating plan. Sometimes it’s the simplest of touches that make a big, beautiful difference.

Stationery by Knots & Kisses

Picture Perfect Photography 

Capture every moment of your classic big day by choosing the right photographer. We work with the wonderful Verity Westcott and Steven Prebble, both of whom know how to perfectly frame your big day at Boconnion. An image speaks a thousand words, and by setting up your shots at different locations around the estate, you’ll end up with a variety of images that tell the stunning story of your wedding day. The photos can be formal and inspiring, candid and genuine, and both of our recommended photographers are experts at getting that all important group shot with every one of your nearest and dearest in the same image. 

A classic wedding calls for picturesque, elegant and simple photos showcasing your love for each other. You’ll treasure the images forever so let’s make sure they are perfect! 

Photo by Verity Westcott Photography - Dress by Bridal Gossip - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Hair and Makeup by Kimberly Holland - Suit by Little Anne-Maids - Models: Sarah and Tom

In my opinion as a wedding planner, Boconnion is the best blank canvas for your perfect classic-themed, country house wedding day in Cornwall. If you would like any more information or inspiration, please don’t hesitate to contact me on weddings@boconnion.co.uk. As your personal wedding planner for your big day, it would be my pleasure to tell you more about weekend weddings at the Boconnion Estate.

All photography by Verity Westcott Photography, shot at Boconnion and featured in Wed Magazine.