When people think of weddings, they often think of a formal event with a grand venue and elaborate decorations. However, for couples that prefer a more relaxed and personal feel, a rustic wedding can be the perfect option. Rustic weddings concentrate on themes of nature and nostalgia, with decorations to match, and can offer the perfect backdrop for a wedding day that is both intimate and unique. To ensure your big day is everything you always wanted it to be, check out these simple tips for planning the perfect rustic wedding.
Tip #1: Find the Perfect Wedding Venue
The first step in planning your rustic wedding is choosing the right setting. Couples should consider a setting that is naturally beautiful and tranquil, such as a farm, park, barn, or lodge. These locations as well as historic estates and quaint wedding venues in rural areas offer privacy and a rustic charm that an urban wedding would be hard-pressed to imitate.
When choosing your rustic wedding venue, make sure to find out what (if anything) is included, what the rules are around catering, serving alcohol, and parking, and whether or not there are places nearby where your guests can hang their hat for the night. Although some rustic wedding venues and outdoor locations may have the “feel” you’re going for, make sure they can accommodate the other things on your wedding “must-have” list.
Tip #2: Decorations are Key
Some of the key ingredients for any rustic wedding are the decorations – vintage and earthy decorations to be exact. So, what is the best way to accomplish the rustic vibe you’re going for? First, choose a color palette. Whether you’re going for nature-inspired, vintage, country, or boho, the best colors to choose will be those that come from nature. Some ideas include cream, brown, blue-gray, and deep sage, just to name a few. When it comes to putting together a well-composed theme for your decorations, all you have to do is stick to your color palette and then include elements like pinecones, hay bales, and dried or fresh flowers.
Looking for more inspiration for your rustic wedding? Here are a few more decorating ideas.
Hang Mason Jars
Mason jars are a simple and cost-effective way to create beautiful table décor and lighting. One idea is to hang several Mason jars from a wall, rafters, or large, sturdy branch to make a stunning focal point. You can also fill the jars with various brightly colored flowers to add a unique touch to your reception table.
Incorporate String Lights
String lights are a staple at rustic weddings. They create a romantic, inviting atmosphere and make for great photos. You can wrap them around trees, hang them from the ceiling to create a canopy, or even place them in lanterns to make the walk to the reception area more visible.
Use Wooden Crates
Wooden crates are a great way to add both function and style to your rustic wedding and they won’t break the budget. You can stack them to create a unique cake stand or fill them with drinks and snacks to act as an alternative to a traditional buffet. They can even be used to create instant shelving to display decorations or your favorite photographs.
#3. When it Comes to the Food, Keep it Simple
No rustic wedding would be complete without something delicious to eat and drink. Traditional dishes served in a family-style setting provide for a comforting and warming food experience. A BBQ buffet is also a great way to bring the outdoors in and allow everyone to have their dinner in an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking for something a little more elegant, however, you can opt for simple hors d’oeuvres and drinks or a farm-to-table menu featuring your favorite dishes made with items sourced locally.
Whether your dinner has your guests chewing on pork ribs or enjoying elegant appetizers, when it comes to dessert, why not think outside of the box? Although cake is traditional, making your special day memorable is really what it’s all about. So, why not offer your guests something special, like a sundae bar, cupcake tower, or individual smore kits to satisfy their sweet tooth? You can still offer the standard piece of cake, but chances are it’s the unique sweet treats they’ll appreciate most.
#4. Opt For Comfort Over Formality
Rustic weddings are all about comfort. Instead of fancy, formal tables and chairs, use long farm tables and rustic benches or even hay bales for your guests to sit on. To give your wedding a country feel, use checkered tablecloths or burlap runners as your table linens. For a more polished look, you can choose matching cream-colored tablecloths and linen napkins accented by elaborate centerpieces made of fresh flowers and greenery. Whatever you choose, the key is to be true to yourself and create a magical, relaxed atmosphere that you’ll remember for years to come.
Tip #5: Incorporate Personal Touches
Personal touches like photos and homemade décor can be a great way to make your rustic wedding uniquely your own. Some ideas include having your guests sign rustic wood boards, making your own woodland-inspired flower arrangements, setting up a creative display of family photos, or hanging homemade signs to show your guests their way around.
Speaking of personal touches, what’s more personal than creating your own unique soundtrack? All you have to do is create a playlist of all of your favorite songs. Traditional country music is a popular choice for rustic weddings, but it’s important to remember that there are plenty of other options that would fit in with the theme just as well. If you prefer, consider adding a bit of indie, folk, or bluegrass for a dynamic playlist.
Alternatively, a traditional live band can be a great addition to a rural wedding, and having either a solo musician or band playing during the ceremony can be a great way to add authenticity to the atmosphere.
Looking for a Rustic Wedding Venue in Colorado?
Whether you have your heart set on getting married in a field, barn, or at a rustic wedding venue that is the perfect blend of casual, outdoorsy, and comfortable, if you’re having your wedding in Colorado, there’s no better place than Platte River Fort! Our wedding venue offers several beautiful ceremony sites including a modern
farmhouse-themed barn, an upper patio with views of the Rocky Mountains, or a lush southern tree grove. After your ceremony, your guests can dance the night away in our farmhouse-style barn or the spacious Platte River Fort courtyard.
Interested in learning more? Give us a call to schedule a private tour or to inquire about reserving a date.
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