Meet our Supplier of the Month: The Orchard at Munsley

Each month we like to get to know a Whitewed member even better and bring you snippets of all sorts of things that you wouldn't know about them from their page. This month our 'Supplier of the Month' is The Orchard at Munsley, a tipi / marquee wedding venue near Ledbury in Herefordshire...

'Team Orchard' just KNOW how to create the perfect wedding day for you - with their gem of a venue in glorious surroundings, a lovely team and the very best suppliers on hand, you're in safe hands here. 

Let's hear what The Orchard of Munsley had to say when we quizzed them - from how a strong cuppa, a little bit of quiet, the perfection of a sustainable tipi or marquee wedding alongside relaxed fun and festival vibes are the order of the day...

Who are the owners behind The Orchard at Munsley, and tell us about your venue

We are Jayne & Ian – Team Orchard! We are a husband and wife team living where I (Jayne) grew up, having moved away, had two boys and moved back to the family farm. My husband, an ex fireman from the Black Country, is now working with my Dad on the farm and enjoying country life! We got married ten years ago on this very site and had such an amazing day that we wanted to offer it to other couples who want a fun and relaxed wedding in an orchard! It’s a team effort and we take great pride in offering a family run, wedding venue working with local suppliers and being as sustainable as possible.We only run 15 weddings a year to ensure we offer you a personalised approach and aim to bring your ideas to life with minimal restrictions.

How would you define your venue’s style? Who does it typically appeal to?

Think fire pits and fairy lights! The Orchard has a fun and relaxed feel where couples can relive their festival memories, while watching the sun go down and the stars come out. There are lots of options for couples to choose from so every wedding looks completely different and can be tailored to each couples' style and uniqueness. Dogs are very welcome and can join in the party which is really important for some couples. Our venue typically appeals to festival goers who love the outdoors and don't want to follow the formalities of a traditional wedding. A big party with nearest and dearest is really important to them with good food, drink, music and an informal, relaxed atmosphere.

Why hire a tipi venue?

Tipis really come alive at night when the fairy lights are twinkling and the fire pit is lit. The atmosphere is electric and the party really gets started. They are flexible structures and can be molded to suit a couples needs, depending on guest numbers and what extras are required inside. Couples might choose a snug area to chill out or a dance floor...the choices are endless! What I love most about a tipi or marquee is the fact that all your guests are in one place, even if you prefer the option of the tipis split up into a chill out area and dance area for example, guests are still together and I think that creates an amazing atmosphere.

What’s the best bit about your job?

The best bit about my job is doing something I absolutely love and am passionate about. I have a background in events management and have always loved the organisational side of things. I get a buzz out of seeing it all come together and people having a great time and being with their favourite people. Bringing everyone together under one roof is amazing and something I will treasure forever from my day. The added bonus is that its happening on the family farm where I got married and have so many happy memories. It is a difficult time for everyone at the moment, farming included, so its a way of diversifying into something I love doing.

What is your greatest fear when you are hosting a wedding or event?

My greatest fear is that the bride will be so worried about everything being perfect that she won't have a good time. There is such a build up to the day and so much planning involved that couples need to enjoy every minute and not worry about a thing. I do recommend wedding planners like Georgie from Georgina Rose Events to take the stress away, and stylists like Lauradana from Wedding Creations UK who can be there in the morning to sort the detail out so all the couple have to think about is each other and enjoying precious time with all their faves. The day most likely won't be perfect, but I think that's what makes the memories. No-one will remember the forgotten bouquet of flowers for the bride's mum, but they will remember dancing the night away with friends and family who they maybe haven't seen for years.

What is the hardest thing a couple has ever asked you to do for their day?

As we are a new venue, we haven't had too many 'out there' requests so far......the quirkiest thing I've been asked is if we allow axe throwing!?!? We don't have many restrictions but this is one of them for obvious reasons!!!

What is your greatest extravagance that helps you get through the day? 

I'm not an extravagant person! A strong cup of tea sets me up for the day! I struggle to function without it first thing in the morning! I have two noisy boys, so silence is also something I really appreciate and no longer take for granted. It gives me that thinking space and time to reflect on things.

What is the one thing you can’t live without in your job?

I can't live without all the fabulous, local suppliers I have met along the way and the support they've given us. They've always got my back and will help out in anyway when needed. I wouldn't have come this far without them! So much time and effort goes into things like photo shoots and open days and I'm overwhelmed by the effort and the late nights that go into them.

What bit of advice would you love to share with couples?

ENJOY every single second of your wedding day. Don't worry if it doesn't go according to plan or the weather isn't how you'd hoped it would be, just enjoy having all your family and friends there to celebrate you as a couple. It's a rare opportunity to have all those who you love in one place. Make the most of that time.

What moment are you most proud of in your profession?

Getting this idea off the ground and owning my own business. Its hard work and sometimes you feel like giving up, but we've made it through and can't wait for happier times. They will come. I do a little dance every time we get a booking as its so exciting when couples choose our venue!

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What an absolute gem of a venue, a glorious backdrop for your wedding celebrations for sure, and all topped off by an exceptional team headed by the lovely Jayne - you're in safe hands here!  

Hopefully you’ve found out lots of useful information from us on The Orchard at Munsley, now it’s your turn to introduce yourself to them and find out how they could help with your wedding venue requirements…seriously, you won't regret it, the photos just don't do it justice!

Happy planning!

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Photographer credits: David Liebst Photography, Pat Partridge Photography, Cat Beardsley, Siobhan Beales Photography, Emily Wells Photography