Pentillie is a striking Cornish Castle set near the River Tamar, offering exclusive use for weddings. But that’s not all, Pentillie is well up-to-date with one of the coolest wedding food option at the moment, offering guests perfect picnics to enjoy within the beautiful gardens.
Sammie Coryton picks out her top choices for a picnic wedding…
Where?
Choose somewhere with a spectacular view, whether that be in the British countryside, beach, or your favourite spot. Pentillie has a wonderful little Bathing Hut set beside the water that is absolutely perfect for an intimate wedding, or even just a lazy summer afternoon picnic in the Cornish countryside. If the weather decides, in true British fashion, to try and dampen your plans, don’t let that stop you. Bring your picnic indoors and carry on the fun!
When?
After you plan where you’re going to have your perfect picnic, you’ve got to decide when to have it. There’s a saying that “Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”, so I would recommend once you’ve chosen your spot, avoid settling down for your picnic at noon time. No one wants a sunburn on their wedding day! Opt for a traditional time like 1pm, or a late lunch at 2pm is always nice.
The essentials
In terms of picnic wedding essentials, it’s always a good idea to bring something nice to sit on – choose a cosy picnic rug and make sure it’s waterproof – because nobody likes a soggy bottom, of course – or folding chairs to save on car space.
Don’t forget to get your guests something to eat from, get your hands on paper plates, plastic cutlery and plastic glasses! For an extravagant picnic, proper eating utensils are essential as are glassware for that all important chilled tipple – especially when it’s bubbly! Another thing to think of is a cool box to keep away pesky pests, and to ensure your food and drink are chilled.
Other essentials that are a must are hand wipes to avoid sticky fingers, a Citronella candle to keep the bugs at bay, bin bags, and of course, sun tan lotion.
The food
The all-important part of any picnic, especially a picnic wedding. I’d say make sure your picnic is indulgent and plentiful with something for all tastes. In a Pentillie picnic, we include quiche, sandwiches, crisps, mouth-watering chocolate brownies, Bakewell tart, fresh salad and plenty of water for a warm summer’s day.
The best kind of picnics are full of finger food and nibbles. I also think adding a cheeseboard rounds off the day very nicely, as well as strawberries and Pimms for that quintessentially British feel.
Garden games
As well as all that wonderful food and drink, outdoor games are great for keeping kids (and adults!) entertained. I’d say make the most of the great outdoors, and your wedding guests’ company of course, by playing traditional sports games like cricket, kite flying, frisbee, or even card games say on the blanket.
Cloud spotting is also a must when you are outdoors. Create unforgettable memories for your children and relive childhood memories of your own – long, hazy summer holidays where the sun always shined! No computerised devices in sight!
Fancy a picnic? Find out more about Pentillie Castle right here!
