And they're off! Plan your perfect equestrian wedding with the help of Berkshire's Newbury Racecourse

A horse theme at a wedding might have its hurdles, but it's a sure-fire way to make your wedding stand out. It's also extremely versatile – opt for a race-day dress code, bring a fairy tale to life, honour the tradition of the Baraat, or take your lead from the royal family with a horse drawn carriage. Horse venues, such as racecourses, ranches and barns, are full of personality and can often cater to larger wedding parties. Here are some top tips from Newbury Racecourse to ensure a perfect horse-themed event...

1. Make a grand entrance
Arriving (or leaving) on horseback or in a carriage is a great way to give your big day that fairy tale touch and it's a time-honoured tradition across the world. Baraat is a groom's procession tradition in North India, West India and Pakistan. The groom rides a mare to the ceremony venue, then he and the horse are decorated in finery by the entire family. It's a big celebration with different variations that can play an important role in Hindu, Sikh and Muslim weddings.

Horses add to the grandeur and spectacle of every royal wedding. The royals opt for vintage carriages (the Ascot Landau if it's sunny and the Scottish State Carriage if it's raining) drawn by Windsor Grey horses – and it's been that way since Queen Victoria wedded Prince Albert.

2. Stage the perfect photo opportunity
Taking your wedding photos outdoors next to, or on top of, a horse means that you can take advantage of flattering natural daylight and posing with a horse for bridal shots invokes romantic scenes from art and literature.

Horses can facilitate striking wedding shots that are sophisticated, artistic and allow personality to shine through – check out the Instagram accounts of supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid for luxe equestrian inspiration.

3. Have a day at the races – without the crowds!
Choosing a racecourse as a venue means that your entertainment can fit in with the theme and make the day even more memorable.

If it's not race-day, a fun option is to have virtual racing on screens with optional betting or prizes for your guests. Having horse racing as entertainment can really unite the room and get the in-laws talking. Before everyone takes to the dancefloor, but after they've filled up on the wedding breakfast, is the perfect time for the excitement of racing.

If you're opting for a race-day theme, how about a dress code? Weddings are the perfect excuse to see your loved ones dressed up however you see fit – opt for fascinators and top hats or invent your own rules!

4. Take your pick of themes…
There are many different twists on the equestrian theme. A royal theme can be tailored depending on the seasons – tartans for the winter months, or if marrying in summer, opt for the flamboyant florals and bright hues often seen at the races.

A cowboy theme is perfect for larger groups and brides can save their feet by swapping the typical bridal pumps for a pair of cowboy boots - break the ice on the dancefloor with some easy line dancing moves!

Newbury Racecourse opened in 1905 and was a popular destination throughout the roaring twenties. It's the perfect setting for a wedding that combines an equestrian theme with the glamour of the 1920s – think beautiful flapper-inspired dresses, delicious cocktails and the thrill of a day at the races!

5. Use symbolism to add personal touches
Giving horseshoes to the couple as a sign of good luck is an old Scottish tradition that was popular throughout the Victorian period and is currently enjoying a revival. Horseshoes can be used as decoration, wedding favours and mementos. There's a lot of choice, too. They can be real, rustic shoes or they can be cute, decorative ones.

An adorable tradition is for the couple to be given a lucky horseshoe by a child just after they have been presented as Mr and Mrs. Carrying the horseshoe down the aisle is a great photo opportunity and means that the equestrian theme is included in the ceremony. Just make sure to carry the shoe upturned, in a 'U' shape, to collect the luck.

Planning a wedding can be hard work but picking a friendly venue will help to ensure a wonderful equestrian wedding. For more information on Newbury Racecourse, please visit www.newburyracecourse.co.uk, and for the best real wedding features, equestrian and otherwise, check out the latest issue of Your Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding – on sale now.