So – you’ve chosen Soulton Hall, a place deeply connected to Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedy, As You Like It.
Now, how might you infuse that rich literary magic and the idyllic spirit of the Forest of Arden into every detail of your wedding décor?
It’s easier—and more enchanting—than you think!
Here are some whimsical and heartfelt ideas to make your Soulton Hall celebration truly “as you like it”:
Poetry on the Trees: Take inspiration directly from Orlando, who famously hangs love poems on trees for Rosalind. Imagine your own vows, favourite love poems, or even lines from the play delicately calligraphed and hung from the ancient branches of Soulton’s trees, creating a romantic, walk-through gallery for your guests.
Rustic & Wild Botanicals: Embrace the natural beauty of Arden with organic, flowing floral arrangements. Think wild greenery, ferns, delicate wildflowers, and trailing ivy. Incorporate elements like moss, fallen branches, and even small, naturalistic “nests” into your centrepieces and archways to evoke the untouched forest.
Literary Touches on Tables: Name your tables after characters from As You Like It (Rosalind, Orlando, Celia, Touchstone, Jaques) or locations within the play (The Duke’s Oak, Ganymede’s Cottage, Duke Seniors Cave). Use antique-style books as props, or even bind your menu in a simple, storybook style.
Whimsical Lighting: Create a magical forest glow with strings of warm fairy lights draped through trees, rustic lanterns guiding pathways, and candles casting a soft flicker inside the Hall. This evokes the enchantment and transformation that happens within Arden.
Soulton Court at night
These ideas, combined with the inherent beauty and history of Soulton Hall, will ensure your wedding is not just a beautiful event, but a truly immersive journey into a timeless love story.
