A rustic theme is becoming one of the fastest-growing wedding
trends. It's easy to see why. They're simple and can be fairly
inexpensive compared to that of a traditional formal setting.
They're
also beautiful in their simplicity. Mother Nature provides some of the
best tools and settings you need to incorporate into your wedding day.
Rustic weddings offer charm and character. Guests enjoy the casual
atmosphere and can sometimes be more relaxed.
Most rustic weddings
are held outdoors. If you're choosing an indoor venue due to weather or
season, consider a simple historic chapel or barn. Bails of hay make
terrific seating arrangements for your guests. Or for the very
easy-breezy outdoor rustic wedding, simply spread checkered clothes on
the ground picnic style!
Tell your guests to come dressed
casually. Rustic weddings are best enjoyed comfortably. Even the wedding
party can make the best of this! The bridal party can sport anything
from flip-flops to cowboy boots under their dresses. Or they can not
wear any shoes at all! On a warm summer day fresh grass feels great on
the bare tootsies! Make sure to get that pedicure first, though!
Wild
flowers are a natural choice for your floral arrangements, both in
bouquets and centerpieces. Simply arrange some in a watering can or
clear glass jar for a table centerpiece. Or include some pine cones and
branches for extra added rustic charm.
Earth tone neutral colors
tend to be the easiest to incorporate with rustic themes, but throwing
in a few bright colors can really jazz up your overall look! Imagine a
pair of hot pink cowboy boots popping out under your wedding dress while
you dance. How about an electric blue here or there? Maybe you'd like
to match nature's own bright colors and go with cheery citrus tones? You
can match the lemonade!
For the reception you can hand out picnic
baskets if you went with blanket seating which is also great if you
went with the hay bails. Or you can treat your guests to a barbeque! Add
some corn on the cob, baked beans and cornbread to the menu.
Picnic
tables are perfect for the rustic wedding. Simply add a checked cloth
or wildflower-printed table covers to add wedding day charm. Throw in a
chalkboard sign here or there to let guests know where to sign the guest
book or what's on the menu.
Whatever you serve, buffet-style or
family-style arrangements are the most casual and cozy. Fill tin buckets
or barrels with ice and bottles drinks. Place pitchers on lemonade on
the tables with frosted drinking jars for an extra cute touch.
For
the cake, try another fabulous new trend in weddings-the "naked" cake.
This natural-looking alternative to the traditional heavily iced and
decoratively covered with fondant cake you're used to seeing. What's
different is you can see the outer edge of the cake itself. The benefit
to that is that you can see the layers in between! The naked cake has a
naturally simple look to it.
Cupcakes also make an easy
alternative to the traditional wedding cake and are perfect for the
rustic theme. Don't be afraid to use plenty of chocolate frosting! The
earthy brown tones go perfect with the theme, so no need to use all
white icing for the rustic wedding!
A candy buffet filled with
old-fashioned style candies is simply darling for the rustic wedding.
Don't forget the s'mores! What better way to top off the festivities of a
rustic country wedding than with a bonfire? You can't have a bonfire
without s'mores!
But before the sun goes down, let your guests
enjoy a few rounds of corn hole toss or horseshoe! When the night
dancing begins, lanterns and simple white lights are the perfect
setting.
Don't forget the wedding favors! Make sure to send your
guests home with some darling rustic themed wedding favors such as photo
frames, luminary lantern tea light holders, or chalkboard shot glasses.
Maybe
your photographer can put a few photos of your special day in black and
white. This really can enhance the simplicity and elegance of the day.
Your
rustic wedding can be as much of a family reunion or barbecue as it is
the day you say "I do". What a fun way to celebrate and begin your life
together! Everyone is sure to have a ball. Your friends and family will
be talking about what a great time they had at your rustic wedding for
years to come.