Everything Covered: An Interview with Unity Event Design
Interviews 13.02.2023
Camping and glamping have become hugely popular at Ash Barton over the last few years and wedding guests love our designated glamping area and camper pamper room. Often the bell tents are supplied by Unity Event Design run by Leilah and Nick, who actually got married at Ash Barton five years ago. But that’s not all they do. We caught up with Leilah to talk about co-ordinating and styling an Ash Barton wedding, as well as how to organise traditional Indian drummers in the rain!
So how long has Unity Event Design been in operation?
"We started Unity Event Design officially after our own wedding at Ash Barton in June 2018. Prior to that we have collectively had over 20 years’ experience in weddings, festivals, corporate, experiential and music events."
And what service do you offer couples?
"We offer full wedding planning from start to finish, on-the-day co-ordination, decor and styling, custom decor packages, and glamping/bell tent accommodation for guests. And we also regularly organise hen parties!"
And you do rentals too, don’t you?
"Yes, we have a HUGE rentals division!. So as well as renting bell tents we rent out lighting PA/sound system/DJ set, wedding arches, bar, garden games, signage, DIY photobooth, glitter station and wedding arches.
"Plus we have a whole load of décor items including: lanterns, tea light holders, candle holders, candelabras, vases, glass hurricane vases, hessian table cloths, table number/name holders, place name holders, centrepieces, wooden logs, wooden log slices, fir cones, confetti baskets, glass hanging tealight baubles, fairy lights, festoon lights, bunting, rugs, blankets, fake fur sheepskins, vintage suitcases, wooden display ladder and more!"
Tell us a bit more about the bell tents. What sizes are available?
"We have 4m and 5m tents which include: double or single beds, matting, door mat, table, lantern with power bank for phone/device charging, fairy lights, bunting, chalkboard sign with your name on it, blanket, bottom sheet. You can also add on a full bedding package and heating for the cooler months.
"We also have a large 6m x 4m beautiful Emperor bell tent. It’s a really versatile space and can be booked for a number of different uses. It sleeps 8 but can be used as a bar, chillout area, creche, dressing room, or for hen parties, whatever you may want it for! It can come fully furnished in a variety of different styles to suit."
Why is wedding camping/glamping so popular right now?
"Who wouldn’t want their guests to spend three or four nights in such an awesome venue with them? Glamping is the best way to get everyone to stay together and really spend time hanging out. Nobody wants the hassle of taxis either!"
What’s been the most unusual/memorable wedding you’ve worked on?
"We provided décor, on the day co-ordination and day after clear up for Mel and Oli’s wedding, which was a full blown theatrical spectacle. Coming from a theatre background and with all their friends and family in the theatre business, the whole weekend was packed with music, surprise performances and so much laughter. I felt as though I had spent the weekend in the West End!"
What’s a typical Ash Barton wedding in terms of timings?
"If it’s a weekend wedding, and we’re providing a full package (tents, décor/other rentals, co-ordination), we’ll set up the bell tents on the Thursday. Friday we’ll do styling/PA/Lighting etc. And on the Friday we’ll also do a final run through of the timeline we’ve created and make any last minute changes. Also, a ceremony run through. Saturday is a full day of wedding co-ordination, last minute décor adjustments, and welcoming suppliers etc. Sunday will be packing down décor in the big party barn. Then on Monday the bell tents are packed down."
Any funny stories or mishaps you’d like to share?
"For Luke and Kavina’s wedding we did the full party package (including tents, PA/lighting, co-ordination). On the day the weather was extremely unpredictable with full sunshine, showers and then back to sun. They had an Indian fusion wedding and had planned a procession with Indian drummers through the meadow to the ceremony.
"We set up two ceremony spaces so we could make a decision at the very last second. We decided to go with the wildflower meadow just as the procession was due to start, as it was what they had their heart set on. However, as soon as the procession started the heavens opened (again!) and the whole wedding party danced up through the meadow in the rain to the ceremony. It was madness but just perfect and everyone dried out with all the dancing."
What do you most love about a wedding held at Ash Barton?
"The variety. Every single wedding is completely different and it provides so many opportunities for personal touches. And the fact we got married there ourselves and get to revisit and relive all our own memories, as well as see new ones created!"
Why should Ash Barton couples use Unity Event Design?
"Whether you're planning a DIY wedding or looking for a full planning service, we can help as much or as little as you need. As well as working with a great network of trusted suppliers, we supply a broad range of services in-house, saving you time, hassle and money. We'll be sure to bring the party!"