How Do I Plan a Rustic Wedding?

What Does It Mean to Have a "Rustic" Wedding?

In recent years, the idea of having a wedding with a rustic theme has been increasingly popular. However, the fact is that this kind of ceremony has a long history.

Lots of natural textures, including bark and various organic materials and fibres, are commonly used in rustic weddings, which have a heavy country, garden, or farm-like influence.

Barns, farms, mountain resorts, and ranches are common locations for rustic weddings, which tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere.

A place can benefit from a rustic theme if it has elements that reflect the outdoors or the countryside.

Wood, burlap, wildflowers, fruits, and other such items are prominent in the decor.

Rustic weddings are known for their casual air and the use of a wide variety of mismatched accessories.

Any combination of them is sufficient for a rustic wedding; for instance, you might have your ceremony in a hotel ballroom and decorate it with rustic furniture and wildflowers.

It's the atmosphere that counts, not the specifics. Casual, sweet, and organic are all ideal for a wedding with a rustic theme.

You don't have to be hip to have a rustic wedding (though they can be pretty clever).

Mason jars, mismatched vases, glasses, and plateware are some of the most frequent elements of a rustic wedding, but the options are truly unlimited.

How Can One Distinguish Between a Vintage Wedding and a Rustic One?

Many people conflate rustic weddings with vintage weddings, but the two are very distinct.

A vintage wedding, in contrast to a wedding with a rustic theme, takes its cues from bygone eras rather than the natural world and the great outdoors. Therefore, the ambience at many vintage weddings is reminiscent of the Victorian era.

A vintage wedding is more likely to contain antique vases, ceramics, and lace tablecloths than a rustic wedding, which typically features mason jars filled with wildflowers and burlap table runners.

Both stories have a focus on the importance of a person's basic values and the beauty of the natural world. Packed of personality!

Techniques for Arranging a Country-Style Wedding

You can't follow a certain set of rules in order to have the ultimate rustic wedding, but these suggestions can help you get started in the right direction.

Location Location Location

The easiest approach to have a great start to your rustic wedding is to select a great location.

The fact is, with the help of a skilled wedding stylist, you can make just about any location look like a charming barn. A real barn, loft, or garden, as opposed to one made to resemble rustic, will provide a more genuine outdoor experience.

Venues for weddings may be found in abundance in Australia, and some of the more popular options include barns, farmhouses, breweries, gardens, and even mountain or lakeside settings.

If you're having trouble finding a location like that for your wedding, you may always hire a conventional hotel ballroom and make it feel more rustic with props and decorations.

Choosing a venue that is not a full-service wedding location is one fantastic approach to save money on the overall cost of the wedding.

Outdoor wedding venues including parks, campers, and gardens can often be booked for around $300, with the average being closer to $150.

Amazing couples have even chosen public parks for their weddings, and the results appear just as classy as those at more conventional venues.

Having the wedding in the garden is a great idea because it's cost effective and easy to make gorgeous.

Guests List

Saving money on a wedding's costs can be accomplished in a number of ways, but cutting the guest list is the most effective.

Wedding costs can be kept to a minimum by reducing the guest list in areas like as invites, food, and venue. Check out our exclusive list of Wedding Invitation Ideas to help you choose the perfect invitation for your guests.

Simply said, the more individuals you have, the higher the expense will be. You can save a lot of money by limiting the number of guests you invite.

Diy, but Only a Little

Do-it-yourself touches are perfect for a rustic wedding. If you're good with your hands and want to tinker and create, now is the time to get your needle and thread out.

It will let you put a personal stamp on your special day, but don't overextend yourself.

If you would like to DIY but don't have the time or the craftiness to do it yourself, there is a variety of professional and wedding decoration stylists who really can help you out. If you'd like to DIY but don't have the time to do it yourself, you can contact one of these professionals.

Attempting to prepare the day's meals on your own will not save you money because you would likely overfeed or underfeed your guests, and you will not have access to the volume savings available to many catering firms.

Consider tackling just the centrepieces, ceremony décor, or flowers if you want to save money by doing some of the labour yourself, but hire professionals for the rest.

Timing Is Everything

Weddings that take place in the afternoon or evening are unquestionably the most costly, so if you're looking for a fantastic way to cut costs and celebrate your big day, having a wedding in the morning or at brunch could be an excellent choice.

Not only will many locations offer you a better price for a wedding at these times, but since it is not at night, you might be able to get away with a dance-free wedding which can help you save on entertainment.

Can I Borrow That?

To avoid spending a lot of money on things you won't be able to use again, borrowing or renting what you need for the big day is a terrific idea.

Everything you might possibly need for a wedding may be rented, from bridesmaid outfits to vintage dishes to linens.

Dresses, shoes, decorations, and more can all be borrowed from loved ones, making this a foolproof plan.

It can be expensive to rent a large number of chairs for a wedding ceremony, thus it may be more cost-effective to borrow chairs from friends and family.

Shop Around

Even if you absolutely fell in love with a florist's ideas during your initial consultation, that doesn't mean you have to hire them.

We promise that any florist you take these ideas to will be able to replicate the appearance you're striving for.

It is important to do research on florists before hiring them for your wedding because not all florists have customer-friendly retail locations.

Use Suitable Decor

The beauty of a rustic wedding is that it lends itself to a wide variety of decorative styles.

You should use natural materials for your decorations, such as wood, burlap, twine, moss, and seasonal fruits and wildflowers.

You may also make use of quaint and shabby accessories like as lace, mason jars, gingham fabrics, and hay bales.

These accessories are versatile and may be used in a variety of ways to make your setting come to life.

Serve up a Little Home-Style Cooking

You need appropriately rustic fare if you're throwing a wedding in the great outdoors.

Even if you can afford a fancy three-course supper, consider putting together some comfort food in the traditional method.

Get in touch with caterers who can provide delicious, traditional, and yet simple dishes that fit perfectly with your rustic concept.

The vast majority of caterers will enthusiastically and willingly undertake the task.

You can serve a variety of freshly made bread alongside classic dishes like roast chicken, mac and cheese, and pasta salads.

You can serve lemonade, moonshine, and strawberry wine to comply with the theme if you choose.

Go for a Relaxed Dress Code

Dress more casually and comfortably than you would for a more formal event; this is in keeping with the rustic vibe of the wedding.

Tweed suits look wonderful on grooms, and they can ditch the jacket in favour of a waistcoat and suspenders if they so choose.

Meanwhile, brides can choose to wear a flowy, romantic dress with a rustic bouquet of in-season wildflowers.

Cowboy boots and hats, for example, are a fun and unexpected addition that some couples opt to wear.

The Off-Season

Winter weddings can save you a tonne of money compared to those staged in the spring and summer.

To attract more wedding business during the winter, many locations provide special packages or discounts for couples getting married on their premises.

Consider having your wedding in the very early spring if you're not keen on getting married in the dead of winter; venues may be willing to negotiate a lower price since they haven't yet booked up for the early spring weekend.

Where Can I Find the Perfect Barn or Barnlike Hall for My Wedding?

Let's say you're set on having a wedding in the great outdoors, and specifically a rustic wedding. After all, "pastoral" refers to a country or rural event.

Select a location with lush landscaping, including grassy areas, trees, and plants.

An outdoor wedding is best held in the late spring, summer, or early fall. If you're having an indoor ceremony, bad weather won't be a problem, but if you're planning a country-style affair, it will definitely make a difference!

Barn Wedding Venues

All around Australia, couples can choose from one of the many barns that have been renovated into wedding halls. You can typically find them in more rural settings, surrounded by plenty of farms or fields.

Barns are ideal for rustic weddings because of their classic beams, stone or wood walls, and neutral decor.

Buntings, fairy lights, and floral garlands look great strung up from the high ceilings of barns.

The majority of barns suitable for weddings may also host the reception and the wedding brunch.

Dancing and taking stunning photographs of nature are only two uses for the open area outside the barn.

Cottages and Farmhouses

An charming home or farmhouse might serve as a lovely alternative to a barn for a rustic wedding.

They are typically found in scenic natural settings brimming with colourful flowers.

Cottages and farm houses, despite their outward simplicity, can be furnished and embellished in whatever way the homeowner pleases.

Forest and Woodland Weddings

Forego the "venue" altogether and have an outdoor ceremony if you don't need it (like in the middle of summer)!

Weddings can legally take place in many forests and woodlands in the United States. Being sheltered from the sun and rain by the trees, and enveloped in lush vegetation, is heaven on earth for ecotourists.

Inspiration for a Rustic Wedding

The hallmark of a rustic wedding is its setting. You shouldn't go all out with the decorations for a rustic wedding.

Stick to basic, natural decorations instead of flashy ones. The overall effect should be rustic and country.

Floral Decorations

The centrepiece of any rustic-style wedding should be beautiful floral arrangements. A flower arch, garlands, flower crowns for the bridesmaids, and cascading bouquets are sure to leave your guests in awe.

Flower buttonholes are a great way to get the guys in on the country theme as well.

Add some greenery to your flower arrangements as a way to feel closer to nature. Perfect examples include ivy, leaves, and ferns. Hay bales are a must-have for any outdoor ceremony.

Petals, both fresh and dried, can be used to create confetti. If you're having a rustic wedding, you should probably skip the traditional paper or glitter confetti.

Fairy Lights

We believe that fairy lights are a must have for any outdoor or rustic wedding.

They may be purchased in a wide variety of colour schemes and bulb styles, allowing you to customise the look of your space.

You can make even the most unremarkable barn, pavillion, or gazebo look like something out of a fairy tale.

If you plan on holding your ceremony outside under a gazebo or tipi, you'll need to choose lights that can withstand the elements.

Even though no one anticipates rain on their wedding day, it's best to be ready for it.

Diy Rustic Decorations

You may easily DIY your wedding decorations if you go for a rustic theme.

DIY rustic wedding decorations made from hessian, burlap, twine, cork, and brown paper are fantastic.

Keep in mind that "rustic" connotes simplicity, so you won't need any special skills to complete the project.

Mason jars filled with dried flowers, for instance, are perfect for use as rustic table place markers. Wrap each place setting in brown paper and label it with the corresponding table number.

Cut your own or purchase pre-cut log slices for use as place cards at your wedding.

Exactly What Should You Wear to a Farm Wedding?

You have finally settled on a location and vision for your wedding ceremony and reception.

Second only to the location, the wedding outfit is crucial for a country affair. Black-tie is optional but black jeans and a button-down shirt are welcome.

Rustic Wedding Dress Ideas

Dresses with rhinestone-encrusted waistbands, tulle, and a strapless sweetheart neckline aren't suitable for a country wedding.

Instead, opt for a low-key, unforced style.

Weddings with a rustic feel might benefit from the addition of floral accents and lace. Dresses with a sleek form, long sleeves, and lengthy trains are currently popular as well.

If you're going for a rustic look, don't go with a bright white.

Dress your bridesmaids in earthy tones like sage green, dusty pink, or gold.

Pillar-box red and other bright colours clash with the country decor. Alternatively, chiffon and lace are great, whereas satin may be overly formal.

Rustic Groom Attire

If you're having a country wedding, skip the silk suits, tails, and bow ties.

Tweed outfits are ideal for the groom and his attendants. It complements floral and hessian accents beautifully and is generally less expensive.

Colors like olive green, brown, grey, and navy are great choices.

For weddings held outside, you might dispense with the jacket in favour of a tweed waistcoat worn over a colourful shirt. The floral buttonholes must not be forgotten.

Rustic Wedding Hair, Makeup & Accessories

Don't go crazy with your hairstyle. You should avoid an overdone, staged appearance in favour of one that emphasises your inherent attractiveness.

It's best to wear your hair in loose curls or braids for a rustic wedding, and if the wind starts to pick up, you can always spritz some hairspray to keep your look in place. Having something to fasten your veil to makes a flower crown the ideal country-chic hair accessory.

When applying makeup, muted tones are preferable than bold ones.

Strive for a "no-makeup-makeup" appearance. You can achieve the perfect natural wedding makeup with only a touch of peachy blush, some translucent lip gloss, and a light coat of mascara.

Country-Themed Wedding Invitations & Paper Goods

Your guests need to know up front that your wedding is rustic. This will allow them to coordinate their wedding attire and presents.

The wedding, the save-the-date cards, and the invites should all have a rustic theme.

Everything else you need for your wedding stationery can be easily coordinated to match your chosen theme.

Country Reception Menu and Entertainment

Avoid elaborate, catered three-course meals when organising the fare for a rustic wedding.

You aren't going for an opulent feel. Consider instead the uncomplicated, healthy food that you would find in a country inn. Case in point:

• Provisions for a picnic, including baked goods, sandwiches, sausage rolls, and fruit.
• For a traditional American "potluck" style spread, have each guest bring a dish to share; stews, casseroles, pies, and cakes are crowd pleasers.
• The food trucks are selling the typical fair fare, such as cotton candy, hot dogs, and toffee apples. Planning ice cream at your wedding is a requirement if you're having a summer wedding outside.
• Pig roast with a selection of cold and hot salads and vegetables, including corn on the cob, for guests to feed themselves.

A buffet-style meal is ideal for a rural wedding because guests can serve themselves.

This encourages a warm and welcoming atmosphere, as opposed to the more formal atmosphere that might be created by catered dinners at a rustic wedding.

A lightly frosted "naked cake," embellished with flowers and leaves, is the ideal rustic choice for the wedding cake.

A barn dance in the open air is a fantastic idea for wedding entertainment in a more rural setting.

Pick a live musician or band that specialises in acoustic and country music, and you'll be good to go. Looking for the Top Wedding Planner in Melbourne? Look no further and check out our ultimate list of Wedding Planners here. 

And if you really want to go all out, ending the night with a fireworks show is the icing on the cake.

Conclusion

One beautiful approach to get back to nature is to have a wedding in a more traditional setting. Rustic weddings are frequently held at venues such as barns, farms, mountain resorts, and ranches. Elements of nature, such as wood, burlap, wildflowers, fruits, and the like, are prevalent in the design. Many rustic weddings feature mason jars and other non-matching containers and tableware as decorative accents. An experienced wedding stylist can transform practically any space into a rustic barn for the big day.

One way to save wedding expenses is to invite fewer people to the celebration. Rustic weddings benefit greatly from DIY elements, but make sure you don't stress yourself out. A ceremony held during the day is a classic choice, but a ceremony held during the morning or at brunch can be equally lovely. In order to help you realise your vision for your rustic wedding, we've compiled some suggestions for you. Find a spot that's surrounded by lots of grass, trees, and plants.

When planning an outdoor wedding, late spring, summer, or early fall are the most pleasant times of year. If you don't want to get married in the thick of winter, you might want to think about having your wedding in the very early spring. Stunning floral arrangements should serve as the showpiece of any wedding with a rustic theme. Outdoor events cannot be complete without hay bale seating. The DIY rustic wedding decorations you make from hessian, burlap, twine, cork, and brown paper are amazing.

Do not forget to dress your bridesmaids in earthy tones like sage green, dusty pink, or gold. The groom and his attendants should dress in tweed. A tweed waistcoat is a great alternative to a jacket for outdoor weddings. You can't have a country wedding without country-themed invitations and programmes. Food served at a buffet style is convenient for a wedding in the country.

Content Summary

• Having a rustic wedding is a great way to reconnect with nature.
• The time of year doesn't matter for rustic weddings.
• In recent years, the idea of having a wedding with a rustic theme has been increasingly popular.
• Therefore, the ambience at many vintage weddings is reminiscent of the Victorian era.
• The easiest approach to have a great start to your rustic wedding is to select a great location.
• Choosing a venue that is not a full-service wedding location is one fantastic approach to save money on the overall cost of the wedding.
• Saving money on a wedding's costs can be accomplished in a number of ways, but cutting the guest list is the most effective.
• Wedding costs can be kept to a minimum by reducing the guest list in areas like as invites, food, and venue.
• You can save a lot of money by limiting the number of guests you invite.
• It can be expensive to rent a large number of chairs for a wedding ceremony, thus it may be more cost-effective to borrow chairs from friends and family.
• Even if you absolutely fell in love with a florist's ideas during your initial consultation, that doesn't mean you have to hire them.
• Dress more casually and comfortably than you would for a more formal event; this is in keeping with the rustic vibe of the wedding.
• Let's say you're set on having a wedding in the great outdoors, and specifically a rustic wedding.
• A charming home or farmhouse might serve as a lovely alternative to a barn for a rustic wedding.
• Forego the "venue" altogether and have an outdoor ceremony if you don't need it like in the middle of summer.
• Weddings can legally take place in many forests and woodlands in the United States.
• The centrepiece of any rustic-style wedding should be beautiful floral arrangements.
• Add some greenery to your flower arrangements as a way to feel closer to nature.
• We believe that fairy lights are a must have for any outdoor or rustic wedding.
• You may easily DIY your wedding decorations if you go for a rustic theme.
• If you're going for a rustic look, don't go with a bright white.
• Dress your bridesmaids in earthy tones like sage green, dusty pink, or gold.
• Tweed outfits are ideal for the groom and his attendants.
• Don't go crazy with your hairstyle.
• Strive for a "no-makeup-makeup" appearance.
• The wedding, the save-the-date cards, and the invites should all have a rustic theme.
• Everything else you need for your wedding stationery can be easily coordinated to match your chosen theme.
• Consider instead the uncomplicated, healthy food that you would find in a country inn.
• A lightly frosted "naked cake," embellished with flowers and leaves, is the ideal rustic choice for the wedding cake.
• A barn dance in the open air is a fantastic idea for wedding entertainment in a more rural setting.