Hope Photography
Throughout your wedding planning journey, defining your wedding style is one of the first big decisions you’ll make—and the most important one for giving your wedding day a fresh, cohesive look. Once you have a style picked out, it’s time to start seeking inspiration: we’re talking centerpieces, tablecloths, florals, attire, invitations, signage…the list runs through every element of your wedding decor and beyond. If you’re ready to start thinking about these aesthetic choices, and happen to fall into the rustic wedding camp, you’ve come to the right place. From decorations to attire and everything in between, we’ve got rustic wedding ideas in spades.
Let’s start simple: what is a rustic wedding? With recurring themes of reclaimed wood and glass, natural objects, and loosely arranged greenery, rustic weddings provide the perfect stage for a laid-back, folksy style. Think unfussy details with an air of reclaimed charm, usually in the form of weather worn farm tables, hints of lace, and gracefully undone bouquets of wildflowers. You’ve also got your hard hitters: Mason jars and burlap table runners are rustic wedding decorations embodiment—but be wary of these choices, which run the risk of feeling “overdone,” and are sometimes incorporated into wedding decor just for the sake of checking off the rustic wedding box. Luckily for you, we’ve got plenty of creative ideas for a more unique, contemporary take on rustic weddings that’ll make your affair stand out from the rest.
Let Your Venue Do The Work
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Not surprisingly, farms and barns were made to be rustic wedding venues. With one of these as your backdrop, you’re already halfway there when it comes to setting the tone of your wedding. Plus, the rustic wedding venue decorations you were planning on adding are most likely built into the structure itself: reclaimed wooden beams, rustic chic barn doors, and a striking pastoral view.
With the rising popularity of rustic weddings, fortunately there are a plethora of these converted barn venues to choose from across the country. If you need a head start on venue hunting, we’ve already done the work for you: check out these four rustic Lake Tahoe wedding venues, the top five rustic venues in Indianapolis, or these three rustic Jackson Hole locales. Or get a little closer to home and search for rustic wedding venues in any city on Borrowed & Blue.
Cory & Jackie Wedding Photographers
Think About First Impressions
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Wedding invitations are the first glimpse guests have into your wedding day, so take this as a chance to set expectations. Rustic wedding invitations should be casual in both typography and phraseology, while including a charming or handmade element. We’ve collected some of our favorite examples below: a simple hand-cut, hand-stamped invitation tied with lace, a thoroughly rustic printed invite with reclaimed wood background and painted Mason jar floral arrangement, and a lighter, more freeform calligraphed invitation with drawn natural details.
Set The Table
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Your wedding reception is really where you can get creative with rustic details—especially when planning out your tablescapes. It’s easiest to start centrally; rustic wedding centerpieces take many forms, but most classically a grouping of loose floral arrangements in Mason jars. For a refined rustic look, fill these jars with all white flowers (a perfect excuse to go heavy on the roses). Alternatively, take this trend to the next level and opt for mismatched colored glass vases filled with greenery and single stems. For a beefier centerpiece, consider wooden planter boxes filled with an array of flowers and greenery.
Once you’ve decided on a central focus for your table, build out from there. Layer fabrics for texture—burlap or lace runners and linen napkins—or stay mostly bare and stick to weathered farm tables. For all things eatery, thrifted or vintage plates, glasses, and flatware add some charm. To bring home the rustic look, incorporate those final touches in the form of a burlap “Mr. and Mrs.” sign draping across your sweetheart table or loosely-strung garland chair decor.
Dress To Impress
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Rustic wedding attire is equal parts charming and casual, with a dash of handmade detail and plenty of lace. For guys, plaid or gingham shirts are a-go, paired with light-colored jackets and a boutonniere of rustic flowers. Suspenders are an equally acceptable choice, and serious bonus points are awarded to the man who rocks a burlap and lace bowtie.
When it comes to rustic wedding dresses, lace is the name of the game. Stay away from over-the-top beading for a more organic look. If you’re hoping for a more refined bridal style, get a sheath or mermaid style wedding dress. Then, let your accessories finish the job: antique or vintage jewelry, a baby’s breath or pearl hair accessory, and some burlap-accented heels. And if all else fails, strap on your cowboy boots for a good ol’ rustic country wedding.
Read the rest at Barrowed and Blue.