For couples dreaming of a wedding filled with vintage elegance and rustic charm, Old Forest School offers the perfect canvas. Nestled in the scenic Bay of Plenty, NZ, our venue is a treasure trove of vintage finds, heritage furniture, and old-world charm, making it an unforgettable setting for a beautifully styled wedding. From carefully restored silverware to delicate crystal and New Zealand-made furniture, every piece at Old Forest School brings a sense of timelessness to your celebration. Here’s how to bring it all together for an elegant, heritage-inspired rustic wedding that’s full of charm and personal touches.
Vintage Crystal, Old Silverware, and Heritage Elegance
At Old Forest School, we believe that the details make all the difference. Our collection of vintage crystal glassware and old silverware is carefully curated to bring elegance and refinement to your wedding day. These timeworn pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting you and your guests to an era where quality and craftsmanship were everything. Imagine your tables adorned with sparkling crystal glasses that catch the light and glint against polished silverware—a sophisticated touch that gives your wedding a heritage feel. Add simple floral arrangements, and let the beauty of these vintage details do the talking.
Linen Tablecloths and Rustic NZ-Made Furniture
Nothing says rustic elegance quite like the feel of linen, and our floor-length linen tablecloths add a soft, refined touch to our heritage tables. The gently crumpled texture of linen speaks to an understated elegance that is both relaxed and beautifully timeless. Paired with our genuine New Zealand-made wooden trestle tables and mismatched vintage chairs, the effect is effortlessly chic. Old Forest School’s rustic wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ, are perfect for couples who want to embrace a heritage style while keeping things down-to-earth and inviting.
The Old Ice Cream Bike: A Nostalgic Treat
A whimsical favourite at Old Forest School, our vintage ice cream bike is a crowd-pleaser that brings a delightful, nostalgic element to your wedding day. Styled with vintage signage, this bike adds a playful touch to your celebration and serves as a fun photo opportunity for guests. It’s a little taste of the past that blends seamlessly with the rustic and vintage wedding vibe, making your special day even more memorable. For couples seeking that extra something to make their wedding stand out, the ice cream bike brings just the right mix of charm and nostalgia.
Grazing Tables on a Heritage Workbench
Our rustic woodwork table is perfect for creating an inviting grazing table that looks as good as it tastes. This vintage workbench, worn by years of honest craftsmanship, brings a sense of authenticity to your wedding spread. Layered with a bountiful display of fruits, cheeses, fresh bread, and artisanal treats, it becomes a focal point that encourages guests to mingle and savour. Surrounding the grazing table with New Zealand’s lush greenery and wildflowers creates a feast for the eyes that’s as rustic and heritage-filled as it gets.
Vintage NZ-Made Outdoor Furniture for a Cozy Atmosphere
For outdoor celebrations, we have a selection of genuine New Zealand-made outdoor furniture that perfectly complements our heritage wedding venue in Bay of Plenty. From classic wooden chairs to sturdy benches with vintage flair, these pieces allow guests to sit, relax, and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. Scatter a few cozy throw blankets on cooler days, and you’ll create a welcoming environment that feels both luxurious and laid-back.
Adding Your Own Touches: Floral Arrangements, Signage, and More
While Old Forest School is filled with beautiful vintage and heritage elements, we encourage couples to bring their own personal touches to enhance the space. For example, a few carefully chosen floral arrangements can add colour and fragrance, bringing nature’s beauty into every corner of your celebration. Wildflowers in shades that complement your wedding colours look stunning in mismatched vases, while greenery garlands draped across tables add a lush, natural feel.
Consider adding hand-painted or vintage-inspired signage to guide guests to different areas, like “Ceremony,” “Bar,” or “Dance Floor.” With Old Forest School’s authentic charm, even the simplest signage looks right at home. While candles are banned to protect the venue, you can use lanterns, fairy lights, or glass globes with LED lights to create a soft, romantic glow that’s safe and stylish.
A Venue Full of Hidden Treasures
One of the unique joys of choosing Old Forest School is discovering the hidden treasures tucked into every corner. Our rustic wedding venue is designed to feel like a walk through history, with carefully restored and curated pieces that each tell their own story. This makes Old Forest School one of the most distinctive heritage wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ, and a perfect choice for couples looking to add layers of meaning and beauty to their day.
Bringing Heritage and Rustic Style Together at Old Forest School
By choosing Old Forest School, you’re embracing a wedding venue that is deeply connected to New Zealand’s heritage and rustic charm. Our historic setting, combined with elegant vintage details and timeless New Zealand-made furniture, creates an atmosphere that is as enchanting as it is inviting. For couples who want to host a wedding that feels both personal and steeped in history, Old Forest School offers a canvas where you can add your own touches, knowing that every detail will shine against a backdrop of heritage style.
If you’re looking for a rustic wedding venue that celebrates New Zealand’s past while creating a beautiful experience for today, Old Forest School is the perfect place to say “I do.” With its effortless blend of heritage and elegance, Old Forest School brings an authenticity to your wedding that’s hard to find anywhere else—making your celebration one that is as meaningful as it is magical.