The Perfect Timeline & Flow for a Forest Wedding in the Twin Cities

Dreaming of a wedding day that unfolds effortlessly where every moment flows seamlessly into the next? At Maidenwood Weddings & Events, we've crafted an experience that allows you to savor every second, from the heartfelt ceremony to the joyous last dance. Nestled in the breathtaking bluffs of Stockholm, Wisconsin, our 40-acre private nature reserve provides the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable celebration. Let us walk you through the timeline & flow of a perfect forest wedding in the Twin Cities:

430pm Ceremony in The Pines: 

Your guests will arrive at our convenient, flat grass parking area with lighted fencing, setting a welcoming tone from the start. From there, they'll embark on a short, scenic walk (or enjoy a ride in our courtesy six-seat golf cart) to our secluded ceremony site aptly named "The Pines." Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the serene beauty of towering trees, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere for your "I Do's." It is a best practice to advise your guests to arrive roughly 15 minutes early so they will have ample time to get to The Pines ceremony location. Trustworthy Music will start "guests seating" music about 30 minutes before the ceremony so that guests arrive to nice background music. 

5pm Cocktail Hour: A Nature-Inspired Transition:

Following the ceremony, your guests will be invited to stroll back to the heart of Maidenwood, our stunning "White Barn." Here our glass-enclosed pavilion awaits, a unique space enclosed with glass walls, that can be open or closed, and offers panoramic views of our 40-acre nature reserve. This is where the celebration truly begins! Guests can mingle and enjoy delicious appetizers and refreshing drinks while taking in the picturesque views of the Mississippi River bluff country. We encourage you to personalize this time with outdoor yard games, allowing your guests to relax and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. The photo opportunities are endless, with countless spots throughout the property begging to be captured.

615pm Dinner:

As cocktail hour comes to a close, your guests will be seamlessly guided through large, glass garage doors into the main reception space within The White Barn. Beautiful handmade wood tables, lush greenery, and cozy rustic vibes create a truly magical setting for dinner and dancing. Some couples will start their dinner off with a Grand March feature either the whole wedding party or only the newlyweds. It's common for toast to follow roughly 10-15 minutes after all guests have been served food. Then after toast, don't forget about desserts! You can choose traditional tiered cake, sheet cake, cupcakes, or something completely different (ice cream trucks are my personal favorite).  

730pm Dancing in The White Barn:

As the evening progresses, the energy will shift seamlessly into dancing and celebration. While the ceremony is probably my favorite part of a wedding, the dance is my second favorite. I'm biased as I have been DJing weddings for more than 15 years. Our built-in lighting and sound equipment ensures we can transition to your dance seamlessly while also preserving the beauty of our space without ugly speakers and lighting being in your photos since they are installed in the ceiling above our draping. We also provide a great dance experience on the dance floor while still keeping parts of the venue quieter to allow non-dancing guests to have conversations with ease. 

Golden Hour Magic and Evening Delights: (This time changes throughout the year based on the sunset)

As the sun begins to set, sneaking away for golden hour photos in our wildflower field overlooking Lake Pepin is a must! These breathtaking moments will be cherished forever. Meanwhile, your guests will continue to enjoy the festivities. Whether they're glued to the dance floor, socializing around a crackling fire, exploring our scenic trails, or capturing memories at our countless photo spots, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Late night snacks or pizza are always a crowd favorite. 

10pm From Celebration to Sweet Dreams: 

As the night comes to an end, your guests will leave with hearts full of happiness, making their way along the lighted pathway back to their cars, carrying with them memories of a truly perfect Maidenwood wedding. A popular choice with our couples is to have an after party at a Red Wing, MN bar or a local AirBNB. 

At Maidenwood Weddings & Events, we believe in creating an experience, not just an event. From the moment your guests arrive until the last dance, we strive to make every moment magical and seamless. Contact us today to begin planning your dream forest wedding in the Twin Cities area!

 

 

TLDR recap:

430 - Ceremony

500 - Social Hour

615 - Dinner

730 - Dance

1000 - Lights on - Head to the after party

 

Photo Credits: Tessa June Photography / Amber Jean Photo / Devyn Lempke Photography / Kiley Marissa / Mind of Mo Photography / Bethany Jackson Photography / Micheal Jay Photography