Our Favorite Photo Spots at Rustic Manor 1848
Whether you’re taking sunset portraits in the wildflowers or dancing the night away under our patio string lights, we’re happy to share with you our favorite backdrops that will elevate your wedding photos and allow you to curate a collection of timeless photographs.
As you prepare to embark on one of life's most beautiful journeys, we want to ensure that every photograph reflects the love and joy of your special day. Rustic Manor 1848 sits on just under 12 acres of wooded trails and meadows surrounded by the beautiful Bark River, extensive farmland, and features multiple sites for wedding ceremonies and scenic photos.
Below we highlight the nooks and crannies of Rustic Manor 1848, featuring the most photogenic spots and offering creative ideas for capturing unforgettable memories on your wedding day. Whether you’re taking sunset portraits in the wildflowers or dancing the night away under our patio string lights, we’re happy to share with you our favorite backdrops that will elevate your wedding photos and allow you to curate a collection of timeless photographs.
the IVY WALL
Most Common Photos: Couple’s Portraits, First Touch, Bridal Party Photos
amongst the wildflowers
Most Common Photos: Golden Hour & Couple’s Portraits
farmhouse front porch
Most Common Photos: First Look, Dress Details, Couple’s Portraits
the birch & cedar room
Most Common Photos: Getting Ready & First Look with Bridesmaids
in front of the barn
Most Common Photos: Couple’s Portraits & Bridal Party Photos
wood pile & wood wall
Most Common Photos: Couple’s Portraits & Groomsmen Photos
The tree paths
Most Common Photos: Couple’s Portraits & Bridal Party Photos
behind the barn
Most Common Photos: First Look & Couple’s Portraits
the river landing
Most Common Photos: Golden Hour & Couple’s Portraits
Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline
Planning your wedding day timeline is crucial for ensuring that everything runs smoothly for you and your guests, but it shouldn’t be stressful! We’ve put together a helpful guide to help you create a timeline for your big day.
Planning your wedding day timeline is crucial for ensuring that everything runs smoothly for you and your guests, but it shouldn’t be stressful! We’ve put together a helpful guide to help you create a timeline for your big day:
discuss your priorities
Before planning out any wedding day activities, you’ll want to sit down and determine what aspects of your wedding day are most important to you and your partner. Whether it's capturing stunning sunset photos, enjoying cocktail hour with loved ones, or dancing the night away, you’ll definitely want to prioritize these elements in your timeline.
scheduling DINNER SERVICE
Yes, you heard that right - you’re going to schedule your dinner service first! Typically we see dinner service begin anywhere between 5:30 and 7 pm. Plan on doing a grand march? You can make your grand entrance into dinner service or go straight into first dances if you’re looking to take advantage of your guests’ attention prior to dinner being served!
deciding on a ceremony start time
Now that you’ve scheduled your dinner service, you’ll want to work back 1-2 hours from your dinner start time to find your perfect ceremony time. We don’t recommend having more than 2 hours between your ceremony end time and dinner service, we generally see ceremonies start anywhere between 3 and 5 pm.
when to start getting ready
Talk to your hair and makeup stylists right away to determine how much time is needed for you and your wedding party to get ready. Let them know what time you would like everyone to be ready by and ask them what start time they recommend. Need to access the building earlier than 10 am? Talk to your event manager about adding on early access!
planning for PHOTOgraphy
Your photography team should be skilled in quickly capturing key moments throughout the day. Talk with your photographer about all important wedding day details and lean on them for guidance when it comes to creating your timeline. Want golden hour photos? Look up when sunset is and build in 20-30 minutes for photos 1 hour before sunset.
cutting your cake
Doing a cake cutting? If you have a tiered cake that needs to be cut by your catering team, you’ll want to cut your cake right before dinner service so your catering team has plenty of time during dinner to cut your cake and serve it to your guests! If you only have a personal cake to cut, you can also plan for the cake cutting to happen after toasts or before first dances.
preparing for the end of the night
Handling your own take down? We suggest beginning to take down and package your décor at least 30 minutes before last call. Use the catering room to stage boxes for packaging so guests don’t see you loading. You can pull your vehicles up right to the catering door to load at the end of the evening! Remember, everything must be removed by your contracted vacate time. Want to dance til the very end and not have to worry about packing up your décor? Talk with your event manager about adding our Take Down Services!
additional questions to ask yourself when creating your timeline
are you doing a first look?
A first look is a great way to not only get rid of some pre-ceremony nerves, but also allows you to get most of your wedding photos done prior to your ceremony! Plan for your first look to take place 2 hours before your ceremony begins so you have plenty of time to get back in the bridal quarters before guests begin arriving 30 minutes before the ceremony.
are you offering a shuttle service?
If you plan on offering a shuttle service, we suggest having your shuttle begin picking up guests from hotels 1 hour before your ceremony start time and then begin picking up guests 2 hours before your building vacate time.
do you want a late night snack?
We love late night food and so will your guests! If you plan on offering a late night snack, you’ll want to account for about 50-60% of your reception guests. We recommend having the late night snack available for guests to enjoy about 2 hours prior to last call. Ordering delivery? You can set this up the week prior to your wedding! Pro Tip: Ask to pay and tip upon ordering so you don’t have to worry about any late night snack details as you’re dancing the night away!
SAMPLE TIMELINE WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
10:00 AM - Hair + Makeup Begins
1:30 PM - Separate Bridal Party Photos
3:00 PM - Guest Arrival
3:30 PM - Ceremony
4:00 PM - Cocktail Hour, Family Formals
4:30 PM - Wedding Party Photos, Bride + Groom Portraits
5:45 PM - Grand March
6:00 PM - Dinner Service
6:45 PM - Toasts
7:15 PM - Room Flip
7:30 PM - Traditional Dances
7:45 PM - Dance Floor Opens
9:30 PM - Late Night Snack
11:30 PM - Last Call
12:00 AM - Building Vacate
SAMPLE TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK
10:00 AM - Hair + Makeup Begins
1:30 PM - First Look, Bride + Groom Portraits
2:00 PM - Wedding Party Photos
3:30 PM - Guest Arrival
4:00 PM - Ceremony
4:30 PM - Cocktail Hour + Family Formal Photos
5:45 PM - Grand March
6:00 PM - Dinner Service
6:45 PM - Toasts
7:15 PM - Room Flip
7:30 PM - Traditional Dances
7:45 PM - Dance Floor Opens
9:30 PM - Late Night Snack
11:30 PM - Last Call
12:00 AM - Building Vacate
(Building vacate time is 10 pm if event is held on a Sunday or weeknight)
Stressed about wedding planning? No need, the Rustic Manor 1848 Team is here for you and is happy to answer any questions you may have during your wedding planning process! If you’re interested in learning more about our wedding packages or are ready to get the planning process started, visit the Rustic Manor 1848 website. We are excited to discuss your vision and help you plan a wedding that’s perfect for you and your partner.
Celebrating 10 Years at Rustic Manor 1848
It’s been an amazing journey as we look back on the last decade, and we are so proud of how far we have come since opening those barn doors 10 years ago. We’re so excited to see what our future holds here at Rustic Manor 1848!
Ten years ago, my husband, Eric, and I embarked on a journey fueled by a dream. A dream that sprang from our own desire for a perfect country setting for our wedding—a setting that was both rustic and comfortable, where nature's beauty met modern luxury. That dream blossomed into what Rustic Manor 1848 is today: not just a venue, but a home to over 100 celebrations each year, a witness to love stories, and a foundation for community gatherings.
Rustic Manor 1848 began with our own love story. We were the first to exchange vows on this property, making it not just our business but our home. Living in the restored 1848 farmhouse on the grounds, we are reminded daily of the love and dedication that have grown this venture. Our dream has expanded beyond weddings to include a photography division and planning services, making every event a seamless experience.
Like any great endeavor, we've faced our share of challenges—from the initial construction projects that transformed the venue into the vision we had dreamed of, to navigating the unforeseen trials brought on by COVID restrictions. Yet, each challenge was a stepping stone, pushing us to innovate and grow stronger.
Pride fills us as we reflect on the impact Rustic Manor 1848 has had, not just on the couples who begin their journeys with us, but on the entire community. We've become a cherished home for local schools and non-profits, hosting annual fundraisers that draws this amazing community closer together. This place, where Eric and I started our life together, has grown into a central hub for celebration, learning, and love.
As we look to the future, dreaming of continuing to foster an environment of growth and relaxation, we do so with immense gratitude. To the City of Delafield, for being unwavering supporters; to our neighbors, for welcoming us with open arms; to our families, for their love and support; and to our exceptional team, whose dedication makes every event memorable. We are deeply thankful.
On a personal note, I am humbled by the journey Rustic Manor 1848 has taken us on. Witnessing the growth of our community, and having the privilege of shaping the work ethics and life skills of many young individuals who have worked with us, has been profoundly rewarding. To our incredible team, thank you for your passion and commitment. You are the heartbeat of Rustic Manor 1848 and bring the life and energy we only dreamed about buzzing throughout these grounds. To our clients, thank you for trusting us with your most precious moments. Your stories inspire us every day. And to our unmatched friends and family, your belief in our vision has allowed us to grow and thrive. Together, we've created a place where love, community, and nature converge in celebration.
As we mark a decade of dreams realized at Rustic Manor 1848, we look forward with excitement to the stories yet to be told, the celebrations yet to be had, and the many more dreams to be realized. Here's to the next ten years and beyond.
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Eric & Whitney Shneyder
5 Secrets to a Successful Rainy Day Wedding
Anyone in Wisconsin can tell you how quickly the weather shifts and how unpredictable it may be. Don’t worry, we’re here to let you in on a few secrets to a rainy wedding day! Here’s to making sure you’re prepared and maybe, just maybe, be even ok with a little rain on your special day.
“We can plan everything except for the weather!” - said every wedding coordinator, ever. Unfortunately, there is some truth to this because really, anyone in Wisconsin can tell you how quickly the weather shifts. Don’t worry, we’re here to let you in on a few secrets to a rainy wedding day! Here’s to making sure you’re prepared and maybe, just maybe, even ok with a little rain on your special day.
Amazing Wedding Pictures
Just because it’s rainy on your wedding day does not mean pictures are a loss cause. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! The moody skies and raindrops offer an element you can’t add without Mother Nature’s help. With dark skies and heavy rain drops, you’ll get those haunting pictures dripping in romance. Shifting clouds or mist will give off those soft vibes, feeling fresh and airy. Remember too, often rain will let up at certain points giving way to bright blue skies that aren’t to be missed!
Have a Plan B!
A true sign of a great venue is the ability to roll with the changes. At Rustic Manor 1848, we offer three ceremony sites. The first, and most popular when weather permits, is outside. Alternatively, we offer two indoor ceremony options depending on the number of guests attending. In the hayloft, we can seat up to 160 guests; this is a great choice for that cozy, intimate feel. If you have more than 160 guests, the lower level of the barn is the best plan B! We can seat up to 230 people and your guests will watch you say ‘I do!’ at the front of the barn.
If we know the day of is going to be rainy, we will touch base prior to decide on a plan of action. If rain shows up on the radar on the day of, we’ll discuss the best route early in the morning so we can set the appropriate ceremony site for you!
Props and Accessories
Another perk to add to your pictures are props! Clear or color coordinated umbrellas add a great element. Clusters of umbrellas with the bride and groom peaking out? Heck yes! Rain boots too! Many brands of rain boots can be purchased in different colors to coordinate for your day. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it can make an awesome bridesmaid’s gift if you want to give your ladies a pair too! Those puddles don’t stand a chance.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Stress on any wedding day often comes from the unexpected, so planning ahead is key. Pack a separate bag or tote to aid in all things for a rainy wedding day. For example, bring a tarp or sheets for your wedding party to stand on in the event that the grounds get muddy or slippery. Offer towels to dry off so no one is scrambling once they get inside. Pack a hairdryer and curling iron - so important if you need to do your own touch ups! Purchase a bottle of fabric protector to keep your dress from getting any stains or blemishes. If you’re skipping rain boots, bring a separate pair of shoes to keep your dazzling wedding shoes clean and fresh.
Embrace It
Whether it starts sprinkling as you wrap up your vows or its down pouring and you haven’t gotten a single picture outside - it’s OK to embrace the chaos that can sometimes be Wisconsin weather. Letting guests see you relaxed and carefree will forever leave a memory and a great story to tell later on. We can certify that we’ve seen a few couples go hopping from one puddle to the next and watching a happy, laughing bride and groom is truly magical.
Remember, it’s okay to be concerned or worried about rain. It’s even more important to be mindful of why you’re getting married though, and that’s to be with the one you love most! The tradition goes, a knot that is wet is hard to untie, so “tying the knot” will bring you the best of luck as you start your life together!
Unique Features of Rustic Manor 1848: Wisconsin’s Premier Wedding & Event Venue
We pride ourselves in being Wisconsin’s Premier Wedding & Event Venue and have completed five renovations since the purchase of the property to make Rustic Manor 1848 what it is today. During the course of these renovations, owners Eric and Whitney knew how important it was to set Rustic Manor 1848 apart from other wedding venues.
Located in south central Wisconsin, Rustic Manor 1848 is nestled perfectly between Milwaukee and Madison. The barn itself is a grand 8,000+ square feet that can comfortably host up to 275 guests between the lower level and hayloft for your event. The barn features handicap accessible restrooms, 2 Bridal Quarters with salon set-up, a 30 foot hand crafted bar, private Vendor Staging Room, and beautiful Hay Loft overlooking the Main Hall as well as a deck overlooking the picturesque countryside.
We pride ourselves in being Wisconsin’s Premier Wedding & Event Venue and have completed five renovations since the purchase of the property to make Rustic Manor 1848 what it is today. During the course of these renovations, owners Eric and Whitney knew how important it was to set Rustic Manor 1848 apart from other wedding venues.
fully HEATED & COOLED BUILDING
What if we told you that most barn wedding venues don’t have air conditioning or heating? As it is our primary goal to ensure that all guests are comfortable, we know that probably wouldn’t be the case if we didn’t have the ability to heat and cool our building depending on the not-so-dependable Wisconsin weather. We have multiple zoned heating and cooling throughout the barn, so you and your guests will feel comfortable no matter what time of the year it is!
honeymoon suite
Including a stay right here on-site the night of your wedding is just one of the unique offerings here at Rustic Manor 1848. No need to travel home or to a local hotel, our event managers will escort you to your very own king bedroom suite on-site just a flight of stairs away. View pictures and read more about our honeymoon suite here!
ceremony location options
We offer three different ceremony location options for you to choose from! Not only can you choose to have your ceremony inside or outside, but you actually have two indoor ceremony options. Choose from our Indoor Hay Loft or the Main Floor depending on your wedding vision and guest count. If you originally plan to have your ceremony outdoors, but the weather come wedding morning isn’t looking like it’s in your favor, we can always move your ceremony inside!
flip out bar window
Looking to enjoy the beautiful summer and fall Wisconsin weather during your cocktail hour? Thanks to our flip-out bar, you and your guests can order cocktails right from our outdoor patio and hangout at our one-of-a-kind whiskey barrel cocktail tables.
outdoor fire pit & yard games
Keep your guests entertained with some fun outdoor games. We have giant Jenga, two sets of corn hole and ladder ball for everyone to enjoy! Our cozy outdoor gas fire pit is perfect for warming up during your winter wedding or on a chilly summer night. Our team automatically turns this on at dusk if the weather allows it, making this one of our favorite spots on the property!
12 acres of land
Rustic Manor 1848 sits on just under 12 acres of wooded trails and meadows. The property is surrounded by the beautiful Bark River, extensive farmland, and features multiple sites for wedding ceremonies and scenic photos. Our favorite wedding spot? The incredible ivy wall of the farmhouse which is full as can be by June and lasts through October.
in-house rentals & photography
From rustic farmhouse tables to wedding planning packages to photography services, we offer a wide variety of rentals and additional services you can choose from to enhance your event whichever way you see fit! View our full list of in-house rentals here.
Dying to get married at Rustic Manor 1848? Check out our available dates by viewing availability calendar on our website and schedule a tour to see the property with your own eyes, it’s even better in person! We can’t wait to meet you!
Recently Engaged, Now What? Breaking Down the Wedding Planning Process
It's finally here! You've just taken the first step toward starting the next chapter in your life. Planning a wedding can feel daunting, but we’re here to point you in the right direction and give you a helpful planning timeline to help you remain calm, cool and collected during the wedding planning process.
It's finally here! You've just taken the first step toward starting the next chapter in your life. Planning a wedding can feel daunting, but we’re here to point you in the right direction and give you a helpful planning timeline to help you remain calm, cool and collected during the wedding planning process.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
soak it in
Celebrate the moment! Take some time to enjoy the newly-engaged life - pop some champagne, celebrate with your loved ones, and show off that ring! You don’t have to start planning right away, especially if you are planning for a longer engagement, enjoy the moment and start planning when you are ready.
take engagement photos
Begin researching photographers that fit the vibe you’re going for and book an engagement session! It’s important to take engagement photos early so you have enough time to receive your photos, decide on your favorites, and create a beautiful Save The Date.
gather inspiration
Start dreaming about your big day! Create a Pinterest board, browse through wedding trends on Instagram, and read through wedding blogs to begin curating your own wedding vision.
draft a guest list + BOOK YOUR VENUE
As soon as your guest list is set, start researching venues that align with your wedding vision, location, and can accommodate your desired guest count. Don’t wait to book your wedding venue! If you have your heart set on a certain month (or even date), waiting to book your venue could lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment.
SELECT a CATERER
We recommend scheduling tastings with at least two caterers so you can compare their menus and pricing. Rustic Manor 1848 works off a wonderful list of preferred caterers who offer a wide variety of food types at different price points. We have no doubt that you will find something that satisfies your tastebuds and fits within your budget!
BOOK any “MUST HAVE” VENDORS
If there are any wedding vendors that you must have to make your wedding vision come to life, book them right away! Desirable vendors can book up quickly, so don’t waste any time if you know you need to have them as part of your dream wedding vendor team.
MONTHLY MILESTONES
6-9 months before
book remaining vendors
order wedding dress + bridesmaid dresses
finalize guest list
mail your save the dates
build wedding registry
begin planning day-of timeline
9-12 month before
Order Save The Dates
Start Dress Shopping
reserve room block(s)
continue to gather inspiration
conduct research on wedding vendors
build your wedding website
2-4 months before
finalize details with florist
order wedding cake + dessert
discuss ceremony details with officiant
choose songs for ceremony + reception
send out invitations (3 months before)
plan bar + beverage selections
4-6 months before
book wedding day transportation
research rehearsal dinner options
order wedding stationary
book honeymoon accommodations
purchase wedding rings
shop for SUITS / TUXES
FINAL WEEKS
CREATE SEATING CHART
CONFIRM FINAL DETAILS WITH VENDORS
PICK UP WEDDING RINGS
PACK FOR WEDDING DAY
ORDER LATE NIGHT SNACK
PICK UP DRESS + MEN’S FORMAL WEAR
1-2 months before
hair and makeup trials
finalize timeline + floor plan
order linens
get marriage license
finalize menu with caterer
CONFIRM REHEARSAL DINNER PLANS
Stressed about wedding planning? No need, the Rustic Manor 1848 Team is here for you and is happy to answer any questions you may have during your wedding planning process! If you’re interested in learning more about our wedding packages or are ready to get the planning process started, visit the Rustic Manor 1848 website. We are excited to discuss your vision and help you plan a wedding that’s perfect for you and your partner.
Tips on Choosing Your Wedding Vendors
Planning your dream wedding involves countless decisions, and one of the most crucial aspects is selecting the right vendors to bring your vision to life. From your photographer to your DJ, each vendor plays an important role in creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here are our top tips to help you navigate the process and curating the perfect team for your special day.
choosing your dream team
Your wedding is arguably one of the most important days of your life, which is why it is so important to have a vendor team you can trust to bring your vision to life. Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? We’ve curated a list of tips that is sure to make the process go smoother and ease your wedding planning, anxious mind!
tip #1 - determine your priorities
First things first, you’ll want to sit down with your partner and prioritize your wedding vendors. Create a list of all important wedding details you must have to make your dream wedding vision come to life! Have you been admiring a photographer for years? Are you obsessed with flowers or will candles do just fine for décor? What about food, videography, or music? Once you’ve prioritized your vendors, you can begin to set a budget, which is crucial before you start researching and talking to vendors!
tip #2 - set your budget
Creating a budget for your wedding day is not the most fun thing to do, but it is oh-so important to do before booking your vendors! Starting with the top of your priority list, begin to allocate how much of your budget you are willing to spend on each vendor. Of course this can be modified as you continue wedding planning but it doesn’t hurt to have a starting point! There are so many wedding vendors out there, you’re destined to find ones you love and are within your budget.
tip #3 - do your research
Spending time browsing wedding directories, viewing vendor websites, and scrolling through vendor social media pages is a great way to start the research process! Using wedding directories will allow you to search for vendors by category in your desired area, view their price points and read through reviews. After finding a few vendors that you like in each category, you’ll want to meet with each of them to see if they are a good fit for you. You’ll want to choose vendors that are transparent with their services, pricing, and are easy to communicate with!
tip #4 - ask for referrals
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when choosing your wedding vendors! Asking industry professionals, friends or family who recently got married, and your venue for referrals can all be great ways to find your vendors. You’ll definitely want to reach out to your wedding venue to see if you have to work off a preferred list of wedding vendors. The last thing you want is to have your eye set on your dream DJ and later find out that your venue has an exclusive vendor list you must choose from when selecting your DJ. Getting married at Rustic Manor 1848? No need to stress, the only vendor we need to approve is your caterer!
tip #5 - don’t wait to book your vendors
Most importantly, don't wait to book your vendors! Soak in the newly-engaged bliss while you can but if you have your heart set on certain vendors, waiting to book your them for your special day could lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment should they not be available for your date.
some of our favorite VENDORS
Looking for custom, one-of-a-kind rental items to make your wedding vision come to life? We love our friends over at Vintique Rental, a family owned and operated local boutique rental company. Their vintage, antique, modern, natural & rustic items will add character and style that will enhance your event and make it a day to remember.
Jane Kelly Floral provides exceptional service and dedication to creating unique floral expressions for every event. Their multi-generational wedding floral business offers the perfect mix of interior design and floral expertise to give every couple beautifully curated floral designs for their special event.
Looking for a photography team that knows our venue and surrounding grounds like the back of their hand? Manor Studios 1848 is the wedding photography division of our parent company, Rustic Manor 1848 specializing in shooting with natural light and getting our feet dirty if it means capturing that genuine moment.
From a DJ to a Videographer and everything in between, David Charles Productions is an experienced, dedicated, motivated and goal-oriented professional celebrating over 20 years of providing DJ/MC, lighting, sound, coordination, planning and audio/visual aspects for weddings and events. You’re guaranteed to have a simple planning process and a celebration that is truly a reflection of you.
Lake Country Rehearsal Dinner Restaurants
Though there are so many options for you to host your rehearsal dinner, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite local restaurants serving Lake Country, Wisconsin all within Waukesha County. Our list includes a variety of cuisine types, price points, and atmospheres so you’re sure to find one that fits within your vision and budget!
Your rehearsal dinner is a special wedding event as it provides an intimate and relaxed setting for you wedding party and family members to meet and get to know each other better before the big day! Gathering prior your wedding day creates a more comfortable and cohesive atmosphere for the wedding day itself.
Though there are plenty of restaurants in the Lake Country area, we wanted to highlight some of our favorites. Our list below includes a variety of cuisine types, price points, and atmospheres so you’re sure to find one that fits within your vision and budget!
Weddings can be overwhelming and the rehearsal dinner serves as a way to alleviate some of the pre-wedding jitters! Relax, unwind, and enjoy each other's company before the big day by sharing a meal together and fully enjoy the moment!
How To Run Your Wedding Rehearsal
A wedding ceremony rehearsal is an essential part of preparing for the big day, but it shouldn’t be complicated. Read through our best tips and planning tricks to coordinating your own wedding rehearsal!
A wedding ceremony rehearsal is an essential part of preparing for the big day, but it shouldn’t be complicated. A rehearsal gives the couple, their families, and the wedding party a chance to walk through the ceremony and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the actual wedding day. Here are some tips to help you run a successful wedding ceremony rehearsal:
plan out the details
Create a Detailed Plan: Before the rehearsal, make sure you have a detailed plan of the ceremony. This should include the order of events and the roles of each person involved in the ceremony. This plan will serve as a guide during the rehearsal, helping everyone stay on track and ensuring that all the important details are covered!
Choose a Location: Contrary to popular belief, your ceremony rehearsal does not need to take place at your wedding venue! Especially if you’re getting married in peak wedding season, it may be tricky to get your venue as a rehearsal location if other weddings are booked on the days leading up to your special day. If you’re wedding venue isn’t available - don’t worry! You can have your rehearsal basically anywhere. Think about using a nearby park, your backyard, or even the parking lot of your rehearsal dinner to do a run-through of your ceremony.
Create Your Processional Order: Decide who will be walking down the aisle, if they’ll have a walking partner, and the order in which they will be walking in. While everyone remembers to include the wedding party, don’t forget about the groom, the mother of the bride, and the grooms parents. Some couples also like to include their grandparents in their processional! Your processional order should be written from first to walk down the aisle to last - don’t forget to provide this to your officiant and wedding planner! Here’s a processional example:
Officiant (do you want them walking in first to lead the processional or should they already be standing at the alter?)
Grandparents of the Groom
Grandparents of the Bride
Parents of the Groom
Mother of the Bride (don’t forget her escort!)
Groom
Bridesmaids + Groomsmen (decide who is walking together and the order!)
Maid of Honor + Best Man
Ring Bearer
Flower Girl
Bride + Father of the Bride (or person of significance)
At the end of the day you want to create a processional order that feels right to you.
The officiant is in control
You’ll definitely want to make sure that your officiant is in attendance as they are the ones who will be running your ceremony. Finalize your ceremony details with them, give them the processional order as well as your reader’s names. Don’t feel like you need to rehearse everything before your wedding. What do we mean? We mean, don’t have your officiant read their entire ceremony script; you only need a taste to know what to expect on your wedding day!
rehearse with your ceremony music
It will be extremely helpful to rehearse to the music you plan on using for the ceremony. If you aren’t having your rehearsal at a location where a speaker is available, think about bringing your own Bluetooth speaker and pre-download any music that will be played during your ceremony so everyone knows what music they will be walking to!
practice THE PROCESSIONAL
Yes, anyone included in your processional will want to practice walking down the aisle! This will help everyone figure out what pace they should be walking, one that isn’t too fast or too slow. If you don’t have someone coordinating the processional, you’ll want to decide how far each couple should get down the aisle before the next couple starts walking.
don’t overthink your wedding party placement
While you don’t want your wedding party to be too crammed or spaced out, it isn’t necessary to go to great lengths to figure out where each member of your wedding party needs to stand. Start by having all of your wedding party lined up near the altar as if they already walked down the aisle. Now, since the wedding party members who are furthest from the bride and groom will be walking down the aisle first, they will want to remember the distance in which they are standing from the couple. Then when each wedding party member walks down the aisle, they can fill in next to the person who is already at the altar! While it may feel necessary to curve the wedding party to see the bride and groom easily, you will instead want to have your wedding party stand on a flat angle. This will allow your photographer to capture all of your wedding party in one shot!
PRACTICE THE RECESSIONAL
Finally, practice the recessional, or the exit of the wedding party at the end of the ceremony. Make sure everyone knows where to go and when, so that the exit is smooth and coordinated. If you’re taking wedding party pictures immediately following the ceremony, plan on having a location for everyone to meet at so no one gets distracted after the ceremony and pictures can start right away.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding ceremony rehearsal runs smoothly and that everyone feels confident and prepared for the big day!
The Best Places to Host Your Bridal Shower in Wisconsin
Though there are hundreds of options for you to host a beautiful bridal shower, we wanted to highlight some of our favorites. No matter if you’re looking to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal with your girls or want to do something a little artsy - we know that you’re going to LOVE hosting your bridal shower at one of these incredible Wisconsin venues.
Your bridal shower is such a special day and is one that you’re going to remember for the rest of your life. Bridal showers give your loved ones the chance to celebrate you and the love you have found with your partner, and because this is such an important day, you should host this event somewhere memorable.
Though there are hundreds of venue options for you to choose from in Wisconsin, we wanted to make it easy for you and highlight some of our favorites. No matter if you’re looking to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal with your girls or want to do something a little artsy - we know that you’re going to LOVE hosting your bridal shower at one of these incredible Wisconsin venues.
Rustic Manor 1848
Location: 3115 State Road 83, Hartland WI 53029
Why We’d Love To Host You: Spring is the perfect time to host an intimate celebration here on the RM1848 grounds. We have plenty of space both indoors and outdoors for you and your guests to enjoy. We offer rentals by the hour or fantastic packages that include unlimited soda, juice, coffee and even wine and beer! If you have kiddos joining our outdoor games are a great way to keep them busy while you and your girlfriends socialize.
Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard
Location: S67W28435 River Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189
Why We Love Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard: This family-owned winery is an excellent place to host your bridal shower. You can reserve their rental space, sit back, and enjoy trying out some delicious wine with your loved ones. In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with tasty wine and a beautiful vineyard setting, all while being showered by your closest friends and family.
The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall
Location: 4511 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Why We Love The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall: Gather your squad and get ready to bring out your creative side at The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall. This fun and charming venue is a fantastic spot to host your bridal shower. You and your loved ones can participate in a fun art class, all while sipping on delicious beverages and making memories that will last a lifetime.
The Confetti Lounge
Location: 17700 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045
Why We Love The Confetti Lounge: The Confetti Lounge is the perfect spot to host your intimate bridal shower (it can hold up to 50 of your closest friends and family). This adorable venue can be rented by the hour, or you can choose to go with one of their event packages. The best part? They can also provide fun decorations, event planning or coordination, bartenders, and wait staff.
The Loft on the Lake
Location: 221 W Wisconsin Ave, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Why We Love The Loft on the Lake: With breathtaking lake views and a gorgeous interior, Loft on the Lake is truly one of a kind. If you’re looking to host an elegant bridal shower, this is the place to do it. Drinking mimosas and being showered by your loved ones, all with an incredible view surrounding you, sounds like the perfect day to us
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The Chef’s Table
Location: 500 S 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Why We Love The Chef’s Table: Having your bridal shower at The Chef’s Table is an experience like none other. You and your loved ones will be able to celebrate your upcoming nuptials, all while being served an extraordinary meal. We promise that having your bridal shower at The Chef’s Table will leave your hearts and stomachs full.
Your bridal shower is an incredible time in your life and one that you’ll always cherish. That’s why it’s essential that you choose a venue to host your shower that fits your style and personality. We have no doubt that no matter what venue you decide on, your bridal shower will turn out as amazing as you are.
Why Having a Wedding Planner Is So Important
Having a planner to help guide you through the wedding planning process is extremely important. Many steps go into planning your perfect day, and having a professional by your side ensures that you don’t forget anything along the way. Your wedding is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and the last thing you need is to be stressed out about every little detail. From gaining professional expertise to leaving the small details to your wedding planner and more - here are some reasons why having a wedding planner is so important
Having a planner to help guide you through the wedding planning process is extremely important. Many steps go into planning your perfect day, and having a professional by your side ensures that you don’t forget anything along the way. Your wedding is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and the last thing you need is to be stressed out about every little detail. Instead, let our Rustic Manor 1848 wedding planners take the lead and help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
From gaining professional expertise to leaving the small details to your wedding planner and more - here are some reasons why having a wedding planner is so important:
You Gain Their Professional Expertise
Our team of wedding planners has years of experience in the industry and can help provide some really valuable knowledge. Whether you need input on decor, your timeline, vendor organization, or anything else wedding-related, our planners will be happy to help share their expert opinion with you.
They Take Care of the Small Details
There are a million details that go into planning your perfect day, and it can be hard to keep track of them by yourself. This is where your awesome team of wedding planners comes in! Your Rustic Manor 1848 planning team will write down everything that needs to get done and will take care of each detail, so you don’t have to.
They Do Things Behind the Scenes
There are a number of things that our wedding planners do behind the scenes that you may not have thought of yourself. We’ll provide tissues to wipe those happy tears, make sure that you have plates and napkins for late-night snacks, and even bring along zip ties to straighten out any hanging decor. We are constantly moving and working hard so that you can sit back, relax, and focus on making memories that last a lifetime.
They Take Stress Off Your Shoulders
Your wedding planner will do everything they can to help take any stress off your shoulders. We will be there to answer any questions you may have, walk you through all of the final details, and will ensure that everything is set and in place. In return, all you have to do is focus on enjoying your special day.
They Handle Any Unforeseen Circumstances
Though our wedding planners will do everything possible to ensure that your wedding goes off without a hitch, there are times when unforeseen circumstances may occur. For example, if your ceremony was scheduled to be outdoors, but the weather forecast now says it’s going to storm, your ceremony will have to be moved indoors. Instead of you having to worry about what to do next, our planners will see that everything is taken care of.
Ready to talk to one of our Rustic Manor 1848 professional wedding planners and start planning your perfect day? Take a look at our wedding planning packages, and then contact us to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping make your dreams come true!
Host Your Next Event at Rustic Manor 1848!
Rustic Manor 1848 is well known as Wisconsin’s premier barn wedding venue, but did you know we also host numerous other types of events every year? Conveniently located in southeastern Wisconsin, halfway between Milwaukee and Madison off Hwy 94, we’re easy to find and close to 3 major hotels! Whether it’s a family reunion, graduation celebration, company holiday party, or even a New Year’s Eve extravaganza - we’re here to help you host an event that everyone in your group will love.
The Types of Events We Can Host
Rustic Manor sits on nearly 12 acres of land, and our barn alone is over 8,000 square feet. Between the Main Hall and our Hayloft, we can host groups of up to 275 people. Though we are open to hosting nearly any type of event, below are some examples of events that our venue can accommodate:
Fundraisers
Graduation Celebrations
New Years Eve Celebrations
Bridal Showers
Company Holiday Parties
Baby Showers
Celebration of Life
Birthday Parties
Client Appreciation
Corporate Training Events
Trade Shows
Local Chamber of Commerce Events
College & Sorority Dances
Family Reunions
Family Holiday Parties
Political Press Events
Company Product Launches
Class Reunions
Networking Events
If you would like to host an event at Rustic Manor that isn’t listed above, please don’t hesitate to contact us to see if we can accommodate your group.
Standard Inclusions
There are a number of standard inclusions you’ll receive when choosing to have your event at Rustic Manor 1848. We are happy to include these items in the rental cost as we know that they will help you to host a memorable event at our venue. See below for the full list of standard inclusions:
Single Night Stay for One Couple in our On-Site B&B
Access to the Barn & Surrounding Grounds
1 Bartender Fee Waived
No Fees For Outside Caterers
Custom Creation of Floor Plans
Access to Two Private Staging Rooms
Fully Heated & Cooled Building
Indoor Hayloft for Event Overflow
Second Story Deck with Stunning Countryside Views
Flip Out Bar Window for Beverage Service on Patio
Plastic Round Guest Tables & Assorted Banquet Tables
White Padded Folding Chairs
One Final Meeting to Discuss Layout & Beverage
Room Set with Tables & Chairs Upon Arrival
Outdoor Cocktail Tables
Coat Room
Assorted Outdoor Yard Games
Paved Parking Lot for up to 74 Vehicles / 35 Additional in Gravel Overflow
Fully Handicap Accessible Main Hall & Restrooms
Hourly Pricing and Rental Packages
To best suit your needs, we offer hourly pricing and rental packages for non-wedding events hosted at Rustic Manor 1848.
Hourly Pricing: If you choose to pay by the hour for your event, the cost is $255.00 per hour plus a 5% sales tax. Hourly pricing includes everything listed in our standard inclusions.
Basic Rental Package: Our Basic Rental Package costs $1500.00 plus a 5% sales tax. This package includes everything in our standard inclusions, as well as the following:
5 Hours of Rental Time of Your Choosing
Projector, Wireless Microphone, and In-House Sound System
Unlimited Soda Service
Unlimited Coffee Service
No Hassle Package: Our No Hassle Package costs $2900.00 plus 5% sales tax. This package includes everything in our standard inclusions, as well as the following:
Up to 2 Hours of Personalized Planning Assistance
7 Hours of Rental Time of Your Choosing
Projector, Wireless Microphone, and In-House Sound System
Setup Assistance the Day of the Event - Take Down Assistance is NOT Included
Two Domestic Half Barrels
1 Case of House Wine (12 Bottles Mix & Match)
Unlimited Soda Service
Unlimited Coffee Service
Up to 2 Bartender Fees Waived
Please note that there is an additional $150.00 fee for any Holiday Weekend.
If you have any questions about our venue, pricing, or rental packages, or if you’re ready to reserve your event date, please contact us. A member of the Rustic Manor 1848 team would be happy to help! We can’t wait to help you host your dream event.
15 Things You Get When Booking Your Wedding at Rustic Manor 1848
Booking your wedding venue is so important. At Rustic Manor 1848, we strive to ensure our couples know they are being cared for every step of the way. We offer so. much. more. than just a place to get married.
You’ve reserved your wedding date at Rustic Manor 1848, and your dream wedding is just around the corner - yay! We cannot wait to help you plan and host your special day.
When you choose to have your wedding at our venue, you automatically get a list of inclusions that will help ensure your wedding goes as smoothly as possible. We are happy to offer these inclusions to each of our couples and hope they can take some of the stress of wedding planning off your shoulders.
From exclusive access to the barn and surrounding grounds to a single-night stay in the bed and breakfast - here are 15 things that you automatically get when booking your wedding at Rustic Manor 1848:
1. Single-Night Stay in the Bed & Breakfast Suite
We built a bed and breakfast suite for our couples to enjoy the night of their wedding. The best part? You also will receive a self-serve continental breakfast your first morning as newlyweds!
2. Options For an Indoor or Outdoor Ceremony
You read that right! You can choose to have your ceremony inside or outside. Furthermore, if you originally wanted to have your ceremony outdoors, but the weather come wedding morning isn’t looking like it’s in your favor, we can always move your ceremony inside.
3. Private Bridal Quarters
Two separate and private bridal quarters are available so that your entire wedding party can get ready…but away from one another. Get your glam on, pop some champagne, and let the guys enjoy a cigar on their private patio - you’re about to get married!
4. Cozy Fire Pit
Our cozy outdoor gas fire pit is perfect for warming up during your winter wedding or on a chilly summer night. Our team automatically turns this on at dusk if the weather allows it, making this one of our favorite spots on the property!
5. Exclusive Access to the Barn & Surrounding Grounds
Our barn is over 8,000 square feet and sits on nearly 12 acres of privately owned property. There are endless opportunities for beautiful wedding photos on our grounds. We don’t offer tours or meetings on wedding days because we’re 100% focused on you, no one else.
6. Heating and Cooling Throughout the Barn
We have multiple zoned heating and cooling throughout the barn, so you and your guests will feel comfortable no matter what time of the year it is. Need some heat in the morning if it’s chilly? No problem! Working up a sweat later on the dance floor and want the AC turned on? Heck yes!
7. Fun Outdoor Games
Keep your guests entertained with some fun outdoor games. We have giant Jenga, two sets of bag games and ball toss for everyone to enjoy!
8. Paved Parking Lot
Our paved parking lot is accessible and has space for up to 74 vehicles. Your guests (or shuttle driver) can pull right up to the front entry to drop off if needed. There’s also room for an additional 35 vehicles in gravel overflow.
9. Plastic Round Tables and White Padded Garden Chairs
We have plastic round tables and comfortable white padded garden chairs available to use throughout the entirety of your wedding. With chairs set aside for both indoor and outdoors needs, there’s no moving of chairs following your ceremony. Both ceremony and dinner seating can be set at the same time!
10. Access to Our List of Preferred Caterers
We have an amazing list of preferred caterers that are reliable, trustworthy and offer some really incredible food options. You’re going to love working with them as much as we do!
11. Full Event Staff on the Day of Your Wedding
We will provide you with our friendly and hardworking event staff on your wedding day. That means you don’t have to worry when someone spills a drink, if the restrooms (there’s 3 by the way!) need restocking, if a trash can needs emptying…we’ve got you covered! No couple or their family should have to worry about cleaning the venue on wedding day. That’s what we’re here for!
12. Coat Room
If the weather is a little chilly on the day of your wedding, we have a coat room where your guests can store their jackets. This easy to access room is right off the main entry for guests to use as needed.
13. Flip-Out Bar For Patio Service
Double the drinks, double the fun! Thanks to our flip-out bar, you and your guests can order drinks inside as well as right from our patio.
14. A Final Meeting to Wrap Up Your Planning
We always get excited to schedule your final meeting together. Here, we’ll spend about an hour going over all of your beverage needs and to discuss your hall layout so that you feel prepared going into the day of your wedding.
15. Peace of Mind
Our incredible team is here to ensure your wedding day is as stress-free as possible. Have questions along the way? Please ask! Need to measure something of test your centerpiece on a table? Join us at as many Public Open Tours as needed! Our team has hosted over 800 weddings here at Rustic Manor 1848 so we know a thing or two about how they day will flow. We want you to have peace of mind knowing that we’re working hard so that you can relax and enjoy every moment you’re here.
If you still need to reserve your dream wedding date at Rustic Manor 1848, we suggest you do so as soon as possible. Dates fill up fast, and we don’t want you to miss out! To see if your date is still available, you can check the availability calendar on our site and then schedule a tour to check out the property. We can’t wait to meet you!
Breaking Down Our Wedding Planning Packages
When it comes to wrapping up the final details of wedding planning, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed and worried about missing something important. Never fear, our team of wedding pros are just the ones to ensure you have everything covered on your big day!
Let’s face it, planning your wedding can be stressful at times. There are a million things that need to get done, and there’s not a whole lot of time to do them. You have to choose a dress, find a caterer, get a DJ, write your vows, plan your tablescapes.. let’s just say the list can get pretty long.
Wedding planning shouldn’t have to be stressful. It should be fun! When you choose to use our wedding planning packages, our team will work closely with you to plan your wedding. We’ve helped plan hundreds of weddings over the years and know a lot about what the process entails.
Each of our wedding planning packages was carefully designed by our team to ensure that our couples get all of the help they need. We currently offer three different wedding planning packages:
The Month-Of Package
The Day-Of-Package
Event Take-Down Package
Let’s take a closer look into what each of these packages entails so that you can decide which one is best for you.
Event Take-Down Package
The last thing you want to do at the end of your wedding day is take down all your decorations. Instead, let us do all of the work for you! With our Event Take-Down Package, we will take down all of the decorations you brought with you and help load them into your vehicle.
The Month-Of Package
Our The Month-Of Package is perfect for any couple that has reached their wedding month but hasn’t quite nailed down all of those last-minute details yet. This is where our Event Coordinator comes in! They will work closely with you to ensure everything is set and ready for your special day. No matter what you need, our Event Coordinator will be by your side, helping you until you say “I do.”
This package includes our Event Take-Down Package.
The Day-Of Package
Instead of having to run around and make sure that everything is set and in place on your wedding day, we suggest using our Day-Of Package. With this package, you get your very own Personal Attendant for the day who will see that everything is taken care of. All you have to do is sit back, pop some bubbly, and spend time celebrating with your loved ones.
If you’re interested in learning more about our wedding packages or are ready to get the planning process started, visit the Rustic Manor 1848 website. We are excited to discuss your vision and help you plan a wedding that’s perfect for you and your partner.
Furthermore, if you know a couple that’s getting married at Rustic Manor 1848, our wedding planning packages make an excellent gift.
10 Things Every Bride Should Do the Morning of Their Wedding
Planning a wedding means feeling like you have a never ending to-do list. In all your planning, it’s important to make sure you add these 10 things to your “Wedding Day To-Do List” to ensure it’s everything you hoped it would be!
The birds are chirping, the sun is shining bright in the sky, and the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here - it’s your wedding day! In a few short hours, you’ll be walking down the aisle to marry the love of your life.
Sure, you may have some pre-wedding jitters, and there are probably a million different thoughts running through your head. But it’s important to remember that your wedding day is supposed to be fun! So, leave your worries behind, jump out of bed, take a deep breath, and make sure that you’re doing these 10 things the morning of your wedding:
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Start your day by drinking a big glass of water. Many brides understand the importance of staying hydrated, and drinking a glass of water early in the morning will certainly help.
2. Take a Deep Breath (or Two)
You’ve spent countless hours planning your wedding, and everything is ready for your big day. All that’s left for you to do is sit back, take a deep breath, and relax. You got this!
3. Take A Walk Down Memory Lane
Before all the hustle and bustle of the day begins, maybe while you’re taking in some of those deep relaxing breaths, open your phone and scroll through the photos you have saved of your journey together. Laugh at those early, goofy photos and smile upon those more recent ones. This is your person! Today’s going to be an amazing day with them.
4. Go Over Your Checklist
A few weeks before your wedding, make a checklist of everything that you’ll need to bring with you. This way, you can go over this list on the morning of your wedding and ensure that you don’t forget any essential items.
5. Eat Breakfast
Eating a delicious and nutritious breakfast in the morning will fuel you for the rest of the day. So please, don’t skip breakfast - you’re going to need it!
6. Change Into Something Comfortable
Put on a robe, sweatpants, or whatever clothing you feel the most comfortable in.
Chances are, you have a lot of pampering and prep ahead of you and comfort is key during this time. Personally, we recommend loose fitting clothing, no watch and no hair ties around your wrist. These things can leave lines on your skin for hours so skip them altogether!
7. Rehearse Your Vows
Take some time out to rehearse your vows. Even if you know them by heart, reviewing them one last time doesn't hurt. After all, practice makes perfect!
8. Get Your Glam On
Glam is one of the most fun parts of your wedding morning! So sit back, get your hair and makeup done, and embrace your inner queen. Today is your day, and you deserve to be pampered.
9. Listen to Music (and Have a Dance Party, Too)
There’s nothing like listening to some of your favorite songs or even some old school jams to get you pumped up on your wedding day. By all means, try to sneak in a dance party with your tribe too!! You know they’ll be down for all the hype vibes that morning!
10. Pop Some Champagne
Last but certainly not least, gather up your tribe and pop that champagne! It’s time to celebrate your special day while also taking the time to show appreciation for all of the amazing friends and family who have helped you along the way. There’s some delicious sparkling cider options out there as well to accommodate everyone’s tastes while still staying fancy!
Make the most of your wedding day from the moment you wake up until the very last song plays. This is a special day for you and your partner and the moments ahead are something you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.
If you’re interested in having your Wisconsin barn wedding at Rustic Manor 1848, it’s easy to contact us! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and will work to help you find the perfect date for your wedding.
The Basics of Wedding Linen Rentals
Wedding linen rental can be overwhelming. Not only because you have a variety of choices, but the basic logistics of figuring out what size you need for your tables can be confusing. Here we break down the basics you need to know about renting linens for your wedding.
When it comes to knowing exactly what you will need for your wedding, well, it can feel a little overwhelming. Should you opt for classic white or go for bold color? What linens do you need for the ceremony and reception? How long do the linens need to be to fit the size of your tables? Who knew that there was so much to consider when it comes to tablecloths, napkins, and runners.
While buying linens is an option, it can be expensive and a hassle storing and cleaning, which is why many couples prefer to rent linens. At Rustic Manor 1848, we do not rent linens but our preferred caterers do, which is another great reason to work with these vendors.*
When reserving linens, here are some things you will want to know and talk through with your linen vendor.
The Details
The linens you select for your wedding help set the style and tone for your big day, as they cover more square footage than any other design element. Linens come in a variety of colors, designs, and fabrics. Once you’ve selected the style, you’ll want to determine the size and shape for ordering.
The Most Common Types
Napkins: The one type of wedding linen rental you are more than likely guaranteed to need for your reception. Beyond standard white polyester napkins, you can choose linen, gauze, or cotton fabrics. Make sure to order 5-10% more napkins than you’ll need to account for any spills that may happen throughout the night.
Tablecloth: Unsurprisingly, the most common type of wedding linen rental. These basic linens can quickly transform your reception tabletops depending on your color palette and overall style. If planning late night food, don’t forget to plan for that. We recommend booking extras to be on the safe side.
Table Runner: These long, rectangular pieces of fabric can be layered on top of tablecloths or placed on bare tables for a decorative touch
The Size You Will Need
You will want to consider your tablecloth length- lap vs. floor. Lap length is ideal for casual or outdoor weddings, while floor length showcases a more formal look. In whichever direction you choose for your tables, we recommend ordering floor length tablecloths for your guest book, appetizer, and dessert tables as they provide coverage for storing boxes.
5 foot round tables: 120” floor length / 90” lap length
6 foot banquet table: 90 x 132 floor length
8 foot banquet table: 90 x 156 floor length
30 inch cocktail table: 120” floor length
The Logistics
One of the most important elements when ordering your linens is the logistics. The wedding venue and décor can not begin to be set-up until the tables are set with linens. Therefore, you will want to work with your linen vendor to coordinate delivery or pick-up, so that your linens are at Rustic Manor 1848 early the morning of your wedding day.
Remember that your RSVPs impact your table count, which in turn impacts your linen count. Just like other wedding vendors, your linen vendor has deadlines for changes. When in doubt, we recommend ordering extra to be safe.
The Price
Linen rentals vary, so talk with your linen vendor to get a detailed quote. Remember to factor in additional cost for specialty fabrics, if you are not going with standard linens. Once you have selected a linen vendor, make sure to read their policies regarding the rental process, including delivery, return and any charges for damaged linens.
The linen vendor you select should be able to help you with questions about design and colors, but most importantly they can help you in selecting the correct size and quantity (plus a few extras to be safe) you need so that you are confident that you are not scrambling at the last minute.
* For additional information see Rustic Manor 1848’s catering policies and non-preferred catering waiver form.
Why you should book with Rustic Manor 1848’s preferred caterers?
Not only have we partnered with some of the best wedding caterers in southeastern Wisconsin, but we’ve got 5 good reasons that you should book with one of our partners today.
One of the major considerations for your reception is your food choice. So whether you are looking for a cocktail hour with passed appetizers, a buffet-style dinner or a full, sit-down dinner it needs to go off without a hitch. At Rustic Manor 1848, we know the importance of choosing a wedding caterer for your wedding day. That is why we offer a list of preferred caterers, who we trust and recommend. While you are not obligated to use these vendors, our preferred caterers are easy to work with and provide the following advantages
Pro #1: It will save you hours of researching
The team at Rustic Manor 1848 can provide you a great overview of each caterer related to their food and service. Plus, you will have fewer questions and coordination between the caterer and Rustic Manor 1848 because they have already worked the venue.
Pro #2: Great service, because they know the venue
Our preferred caterer listing includes caterers who provide high-quality service. We have worked in tandem on countless events with these caterers and know how they work and they know how we work at Rustic Manor 1848. They are well organized and have proven event after event that they can handle their role in your big day.
Pro #3: One vendor for both food and linens
In addition to helping you figure out the menu, our preferred caterers offer linen packages ensuring you will have what you need for your reception.
#4: No need for prior approval to book your caterer
All preferred caterers are approved to operate at Rustic Manor 1848, so go ahead and book.
Pro #5: No additional fees with Rustic Manor 1848
When booking with a caterer contracted outside of Rustic Manor 1848’s preferred list, there is a $350 Service Fee. All outside caterers must have full service teams, sorry no “Drop and Go” food service permitted. Reminder, all caterers not on our preferred listing must be approved in advance. For additional information on catering policies and Rustic Manor 1848’s non-preferred catering waiver form: http://www.rusticmanor1848.com/nonpreferred-caterer-waiver
Our intention is for every couple to have a stress free time planning their wedding. We work with some of the best catering companies around and would love to help you in your wedding planning. So eat, drink, and be married!
The B&B Suite
Welcome to the Rustic Manor 1848 wedding suite. Available to couples to enjoy the night of their wedding.
The Bed & Breakfast Suite
Including a stay right here on-site the night of your wedding is just one of the unique offerings here at Rustic Manor 1848. From day one, we’ve be blessed to welcome couples into our home (literally!) and share with them the same wedding joys we had on our wedding day.
The decision to build a brand new suite and move the B&B from the original 1848 Farmhouse came when Eric and I learned we were expecting our first child. Until then, we had been offering the second floor bedchamber to couples the night of their wedding, with breakfast served right to their door. But we quickly realized that a relaxing stay might not be achievable with a screaming infant one floor below. We had officially outgrown the farmhouse!
Luckily, we were prepared as we knew this day would someday come. We’d been fine tuning blueprints for the past 5 years for this addition which allowed us to jump into construction almost immediately. Eric was SO excited since we’ve never had a garage for our own personal use, this build would allow us to finally have an attached personal garage as the second level would house the B&B suite and photography studio.
The construction moved quick; from February - July 2020. It was both a blessing and a curse to have started a major build 1 month before the COVID crazy-ness hit but despite the ups, downs, worries and excitement…we made it through! And the results are (we think) beautiful!
We hope you’re just as excited to stay with us as we are to host you!
Getting Married During COVID-19
For better or for worse has a whole new meaning today as couples scramble to make alternative wedding plans amid all the mandated lock-downs. But don't worry, we've got you covered so you can keep on planning with your forever partner.
Many spring wedding plans have been thwarted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with summer brides feeling their nervousness creep in as well. While there is always the option to cancel or postpone, many couples are deciding to get creative and still get hitched, despite the situation at hand.
A couple in Madison decided to move up their May 2nd wedding date, wanting to ride out this chaos as a married couple. They were able to have a ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, adhering to the 10 person limit for gatherings, with about 100 friends and family members watching via Zoom. They exited to a surprising and thoughtful gesture, a mobile receiving line, 18 cars honking and waving to wish them well.
Another couple in Green Bay decided to press on with their March 21st wedding date, but with a drastically different plan. What was originally going to be a 150 person wedding in Texas, was now only a gathering of immediate family (and hundreds of friends and family members tuning in on Facebook Live), with chairs spaced 6 feet apart, in Green Bay.
So What’s Plan B?
Those couples were both able to secure a marriage license in time, before circuit courts began limiting hours and access to certain departments. If you already have a marriage license, it's easy enough to pull your big day off, just in a very different way than Plan A. Companies like Married Livestream and My Streaming Wedding do the connecting for you and allow you to broadcast your nuptials with your friends and family watching from the safety of their own home.
There’s also always the option to do an intimate outdoor ceremony somewhere meaningful to the both of you, with proper social distancing measures being followed. As long as you have your marriage license in hand, an officiant is easy enough to track down, even in these times, or ask a friend or family member to get ordained online. With an intimate gathering, they will probably be more likely to say “yes” than if they were marring you in front of 200 people!
No marriage license? With new information on COVID-19 coming in daily, and new and/or loosening restrictions to boot, court websites are changing hours and available services everyday. Most Wisconsin courts are still issuing marriage licenses but it varies by county, so check the court website of the county you reside in for modified procedures and hours. Milwaukee County, for example, has created an online option to both apply and receive your marriage license. If your county courthouse is still processing licenses, a one stop shop like WebWed may be the way to go for you to limit an already stressful undertaking. You can go through them to obtain your license through your county of residence courthouse (again, as long as they are open and processing marriage licenses), perform your virtual ceremony, and stream it live for your “guests”.
Keep in mind rules for gatherings when planning your new guest list. If your state’s current mandate only allows for no more than 10 persons in a room at once, that doesn’t mean you get to invite 10 guests. That means that you and your fiance count as 2 people, your officiant is your third person and a witness is a 4th person. That leaves you with 6 spaces left and assuming you’ll still want a photographer to capture your special moment, you can invite 5 others to witness your “I Do’s” in person. Still using your venue as your ceremony location? Count in at least 1 person from the venue since they’ll need to be there to open the doors, turn the lights on and help make the magic happen!
Don’t forget to include a few fun extras to keep your day special. Place an order for take out of your very favorite food. Many restaurants are offering drinks, wine or growlers to go too! Couples forging on and insisting on tying the knot, despite the chaos, is quintessential romance. Adapting to a truly unpredictable and unprecedented situation like this, puts things in perspective and makes couples and guests remember what weddings should really be about. You know, that “ In sickness and in health, for better or for worse”-stuff.
Celebrating 5 Years at Rustic Manor 1848
It’s been one heck of journey so as we look back on the last 5 years of operation, we thought we’d share our story with all of you. We’re so excited to see what our future holds here at Rustic Manor 1848!
And just like that we’ve been hosting weddings at Rustic Manor 1848 for 5 whole years. WOW! It seems like just yesterday we looked at one another and said, “Hey, I think we can do this”. Little did we know what kind of crazy amazing roller coaster adventure we were about to embark on…
Call me biased but our story is one of my favorites. Eric and I met in Culinary School. It was springtime and we both pretty shy towards the idea of dating since at the time, we were both getting over terrible long-term relationships. Low and behold, it only took a handful of intense blushing moments on my part for Eric to work up the courage to finally ask me out. One date was all it took; we were inseparable from the beginning *insert puking face emoji here*.
Coming from a background of hospitality, we knew this was the life for us. We’d been living, breathing, loving everything events for years already. We tossed around the idea of a small restaurant and a food truck but these ideas never felt just right. Then, one Christmas day, Eric found himself down on one knee proposing and suddenly wedding bells began ringing in everyone’s ear.
Pretty immediately into wedding talks we knew a barn wedding was the right fit for us but when we began our search for venues, we kept falling short. We wanted something safe for all ages attending, something with heating and cooling because, well, Wisconsin is crazy, and it needed indoor plumbing because as country as this bride-to-be was, a porta-potty wasn’t exactly something I envisioned in my wedding dreams. There was nothing. We felt pretty defeated.
We both came from hard working families who’s parents drilled into us at an early age that your level of reward comes only from the level of effort you put into something. We blame them everyday for planting that tiny entrepreneur seed in us because upon graduation, we both knew one thing: we wanted to be our own bosses. You know those a-ha moments that seem to only happen a few times throughout your life? This was one of them. I remember sitting on the kitchen counter in our apartment eating ice cream straight from the container and thinking, "We could totally do this”. Surprisingly enough, I wasn’t the only one with this crazy mindset! Eric had been secretly thinking the same thing and when we pitched the idea to our parents, you can imagine the shock on our faces when they too had been talking about this idea!! And that my friends was it…there was no looking back.
We searched high and low across 5 counties in southern Wisconsin for over a year for the right property. It wasn’t easy and I’m sure our realtor (bless her patient heart) was seriously regretting taking us as clients because I swear we toured over 80 places. If we were going to do this, we were going to do it right. Then, when all hope seemed lost, we decided to “dream big” and upped our search budget “just to see” what was out there. The very first listing to pop up, only a few dollars over our search parameter was this one. The butterflies took over as my mother-in-law and I stared at the computer screen in awe of how amazing this property looked. We toured it that week. I left the tour and drove straight to City Hall in hopes of catching the City Planner to see how our idea might be received. That was it…the ball was rolling.
Both of our families at one of our many round table discussions about how to bring this dream to life
Closing day! Eric was still working as a local chef and I was busy operating a local ski resort
Time to get the word our about RM! We did 2 news segments on the amazing events we host here
Granted, the ball was large, and heavy, and by no means round so “rolling” isn’t exactly the best way to describe it. More like crashing and bashing downhill through endless amounts of red tape at both local and state levels, all amidst a DOT thunderstorm that caused a construction delay mudslide which landed us in a pile of postponing our opening by 1 year kind of situation. But all these stories I’ll leave for another time.
Two and a half years later we found ourselves preparing for our grand opening. But you’re probably wondering, “Whitney, what about your wedding?!” Eric and I finally celebrated “I Do” right here on the RM grounds in June 2014. It was a celebration unlike any other! We had blueprints for the construction project we were about to embark on next to our guest book for everyone to see. It was a celebration of us, of our business dream and of the friends and family that had been giving us endless love and support as we perused this adventure together. We broke ground to bring you what RM is today just 2 weeks after our wedding which, believe it or not, had large fans running to keep guests cool (no AC) and a fancy porta-potty trailer for yours truly. We had a true barn wedding!
Flash forward 5 years later and as I look back on how we’ve grown, I still can’t believe it. Our office started inside the farmhouse, which yes, is mine and Eric’s home. We got used to waking up and shuffling into the kitchen only to find our bookkeeper had made a pot of coffee and left checks on the counter for us to sign. It brought a whole new meaning to “open door policy” and how we operated day to day with our team. We couldn’t afford to do everything on our list at first so each year we saved up and picked away bit by bit. Year 1 we were able to pave the parking lot and entryway. Boy were we happy to get rid of all that gravel! Year 2 we expanded the catering room and added an office in the barn, moving our team from the farmhouse to their proper home. Year 3 we decided it was time for more elbow room and expanded the barn again over 2,000 square feet! Year 4 well…we took a break from construction because if I’m being honest, we were kinda sick of always being under construction. Here we are in year 5 and we find ourselves knee deep in yet another construction project. This time, we’re building a brand new B&B suite for couples to enjoy along with a photography studio for our amazing Manor Studios 1848 team to call home.
We’ve added some really great services after listening to what our couples want from us most. Pair that with the ability to follow our passions and we’re honestly able to say, we have the best job in the world. So from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank the over 400 couples who’ve shared their “I Do” in our home. To those eagerly awaiting your “I Do” moment with us, we are so humbled in your excitement for us to help you plan your special day.
Cheers to many more amazing years!