C&A got married on a gorgeous June day. Their ceremony began with the sweetest tiny flower girl and the piano version of "I'm Yours," and afterwards guests enjoyed mojitos and sangria in a vineyard cocktail hour. Instead of a traditional guestbook, friends and family signed a special jersey sporting A's new last name,  signifying her addition to the family.
 
After a wonderful dinner and party with a packed dance floor, the couple provided guests with scented goat soap as favors, tying back to the farm.
 
C&A, we loved hosting this group! Come back and see us!

Vendor team:
Photography: Ebacher Photography
Catering: Woodland Catering
Bar items: Kappy's On Call
Floral: Beach Plum Flower Shop
Event management: CAtCH Events
Desserts: Konditor Meister
Transportation: Salter
Entertainment: DJ Reck
Hair: Hair We Go Weddings
Makeup: Alexa Rae Makeup

Planning a wedding involves hundreds of decisions, and one of the most important is understanding who will guide you through the process. Many couples searching for a New England barn wedding venue ask us:

“What’s the difference between a venue event manager and a wedding planner?”

At The Barn at Bradstreet Farm - a historic Massachusetts farm wedding venue -we believe clarity helps you feel confident, supported, and relaxed throughout your planning journey. While both professionals are essential in creating a seamless celebration, they serve different roles.

Here’s what you need to know when choosing planning support for your rustic barn wedding or farm-to-table wedding celebration.

What Does a Venue Event Manager Do?

A venue event manager works on behalf of your wedding venue to ensure your day runs smoothly on-site. At Bradstreet Farm, our experienced in-house event management team understands the rhythm, flow and logistics unique to our property.

Venue Coordination & Communication
Your event manager is your primary contact for anything related to the venue. They help guide:

• Ceremony and reception layout
• Venue logistics and timeline flow
• Vendor arrival and access
• Guest movement and comfort

They know the venue inside and out - and make sure every detail aligns with the space.

Ceremony & Reception Setup
For Bradstreet Farm weddings, our team ensures:

• Farm tables and wooden cross-back chairs are arranged perfectly
• In-house décor and lanterns are placed as requested
• Outdoor ceremony and cocktail spaces are staged
• Fire pits, lawn games, and outdoor seating are ready for guests

We handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Day-Of Support
On your wedding day, your event manager:

• Coordinates ceremony processional timing
• Ensures smooth transitions between events
• Oversees catering and bar service (through Vinwood Caterers)
• Troubleshoots venue-related needs

Think of your venue event manager as the expert steward of your setting - keeping the property running perfectly and supporting you all day long.

What Does a Wedding Planner Do?

A wedding planner works for you and supports the entire planning process - not only what happens at the venue.

Vendor Sourcing & Budget Support
Planners help secure and manage:

• Floral design and rentals
• Entertainment and photography
• Beauty services and transportation
• Specialty décor and custom installations

They often serve as the single communication hub for all vendors.

Design & Styling
Wedding planners frequently develop:

• Venue design concepts
• Color palettes and style boards
• Floral vision and rental selections
• Custom décor and signage

This is especially helpful if you have a highly styled vision for your rustic-elegant barn wedding.

Full-Day Coordination
On wedding day, planners oversee:

• All vendor arrivals and setup
• Décor execution beyond what the venue provides
• Timeline management across all services
• End-of-night packing of personal items

Your planner supports every detail - not just the venue-specific ones.

Do You Need Both?

Not always — but some couples choose both for maximum support.

You may only need our Bradstreet Farm event management team if:

• You prefer to handle vendor selections yourself
• You want expert venue-specific guidance
• You like our inclusive décor and setup services

You may want to add a wedding planner if:

• You're planning a complex or multi-day celebration
• You have extensive custom décor or rental needs
• You prefer hands-on design guidance
• You have an off-site ceremony (for instance, at a church)
• You have complex family dynamics

We welcome outside wedding planners here, and can happily recommend trusted planners who have worked at Bradstreet Farm.

Your Dream Wedding Team Awaits

Whether you choose to bring a planner or rely on our seasoned venue team, The Barn at Bradstreet Farm ensures your New England barn wedding is seamless, warm and unforgettable. We are honored to support couples as they create a celebration that's personal, joyful and stress-free.

Ready to start planning your barn wedding in Massachusetts?
Request more information on weddings at the Barn at Bradstreet Farm.