To help you plan, we’ve rounded up our favorite rustic wedding ideas. Below, you’ll find the inspiration you need to make your rustic wedding dreams a reality—from on-theme invitations and DIY wedding ideas to design tips for stunning decor. Read on for ideas about whimsical accents, delicious desserts, suggestions for dressing the bride and groom on the big day, and more.
1. It’s All About The Dress
Arguably one of the most anticipated elements on the big day, in a rustic wedding the bride’s dress should be beautiful and flattering while fitting seamlessly into the theme. Ditch the frilly ball gown in favor of delicate lace in creamy off-white shades, lightweight layers and comfortable, feminine styling. Paired with simple jewelry, cute cowboy boots, or a loosely arranged wildflower bouquet, the lovely bride will take center stage in this laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.
2. Mason Jar Centerpieces
Mason jars are a quintessential element in any rustic, country or vintage-styled wedding and the perfect foundation for reception decor. For small centerpieces, a single mason jar that’s overflowing with freshly cut wildflowers and wrapped with a natural raffia bow is simple and sweet. For larger tables, cluster several jars of varying sizes together on a rough-hewn tree slice and fill with floral stems, tea lights, and greenery, then tie together with burlap ribbon or delicate lace.
3. Kraft And Lace Invitations
Your invitations will give guests their first glimpse into your wedding theme and, as such, should match the look and feel of the big event. If you’re planning an elegantly rustic wedding, script font printed on kraft paper gives the nod to the natural theme. To add a chic element, fold delicate paper lace around your invitations and wrap with a simple string of twine tied into a bow.
4. Rustic Color Schemes
While rustic weddings can be as unique as the couples that plan them, they do all share some common elements. In particular, rustic weddings always incorporate nature into their design and decor. Natural components create the foundation of a rustic color palette with shades of browns, creams, and greens. Rustic wedding decor also utilizes antique and vintage items, like galvanized buckets and reclaimed pieces that bring in shades of silver, gold, bronze, and rust. Beyond those basics, incorporate accent colors that can be found in nature, like lavender, sage, rose pink, sunflower yellow or sky blue.
5. Rustic Bride Hairstyle
The easy-going style of a rustic wedding calls for an equally laid-back hairstyle for the bride and her bridal party. No fancy up-dos necessary here! Instead, opt for half-down tousled curls or easy-breezy loose braids. Finish the look with a crown of wildflowers or a half halo of delicate roses and greenery.
6. Edison Bulb Garland
Add romantic ambiance to your rustic celebration with lighted Edison bulb garlands. Loosely strung from trees at an outdoor evening affair or draped from the rafters of an indoor soirée, Edison bulbs have vintage charm and emit a gorgeous warm glow that looks simply stunning in photographs.
7. The Rustic Groom
When it comes to dressing the groom for his rustic wedding, leave the tuxedo with the tailor. While rustic weddings are more casual than traditionally styled weddings, you still want the groom to look handsome and well-dressed on his big day. Popular trends in rustic groom attire include a rugged wool vest with a slick tie, a crisp collared shirt with suspenders and a bow tie, or a vintage-inspired plaid or pin-striped suit and brown leather boots.
8. Burlap Aisle Runner
A long roll of natural burlap is the perfect choice for your rustic wedding aisle runner. Stitch delicate lace along the edges to give a natural yet finished appearance. Line with mason jar lanterns or galvanized buckets filled with wildflowers to create an exquisite path for the bridal party to follow. Remember to secure the runner in place to avoid any mishaps and, if your wedding is held outdoors, install over a plywood base to prevent bunching or sinking into the soft ground below.
9. Hay Bale Seating
If your rustic aesthetic leans more toward a country wedding, rows of natural hay bales are an excellent alternative to chairs and are quite comfy. Drape with soft, plush blankets in your wedding accent colors or top with long wood planks to create bench-style seating for guests. Best suited for outdoor weddings or those held inside a barn, hay bale seating can even be dressed up with throw pillows.
10. The Watering Hole
A rustic theme offers plenty of opportunities to have fun with your decor. One smart idea that’s perfect for a laid-back, relaxed, and fun wedding reception is to create a “watering hole” drink station. Fill a large galvanized tub with ice, canned sodas, and bottled beverages for guests to grab and go. Label your drink station with a hand-painted reclaimed wood sign hung overhead.
11. Glass Jar Lanterns
Line aisles and tables and with DIY glass jar lanterns that will create an intimate soft glow for your evening or nighttime wedding. Fill varying shapes and sizes of glass jars with pillar and tealight candles and place them around your rustic wedding arch to create a warm ambiance. Or, if you’re holding the ceremony outdoors, hang glass mason jar lanterns from the branches of trees to create a dreamy backdrop.
12. Rustic Venues
A rustic-themed wedding is a sophisticated blend of country and vintage styles and is inspired by nature. Choosing the perfect venue will be an important step in making sure your theme shines through. When it comes to a rustic event, you can’t go wrong by holding the ceremony and reception at a beautiful antique farmhouse. But, you aren’t limited to getting married in a barn. Consider a garden, in the forest, on a mountainside or by a lake. A brewery or warehouse would also make an excellent rustic wedding venue and is sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding day photos.
13. Instant Memories
Place an instant film camera at each table and ask guests to make memories to last a lifetime. Or, set up a photo booth with an instant camera and ask your guests to take photos and place them in a photo album or hang them with clothespins from a chicken wire frame or twine clothesline. At the end of the day, you’ll have a unique set of photos documenting the event.
14. Tree Trunk Groom’s Cake
An old southern custom, groom’s cakes were traditionally made of dark chocolate, fruits or liqueur and were initially served only to groomsmen. These days, instead of the tiers, layers and fancy decorations of the wedding cake, a groom’s cake can be any shape or flavor, plus should be creatively designed as a nod to the groom’s tastes and interests. If you’re looking for a groom’s cake that sticks with the rustic theme, a chocolate cake that’s shaped and iced to look like a tree stump is a fun idea. To make it extra sweet, carve the couple’s initials into the “tree” and decorate with edible fallen fondant leaves.
15. Dog Of Honor
A rustic wedding is all about down-home charm and a laid-back vibe, the perfect atmosphere for your best friend. There are lots of adorable ways to include the family dog on your wedding day. If he’s a friendly fellow, Fido can be staged and ready to welcome guests on arrival, dressed in his best bandana, of course. Or, if you prefer your dog to be involved in the vows, let them walk down the aisle as your flower girl or ring bearer. Just make sure you assign someone to be in charge of your dog for the day as you’ll most certainly be preoccupied with the celebration.
16. Wildflower Bridal Bouquet
A bouquet of wildflowers, gathered in a bunch and tied with burlap ribbon make the perfect bridal bouquet for a rustic wedding with a laid-back, casual vibe. Choose flowers in shades that complement your color scheme and mix in fern stems, greenery and hanging vines to fill in the spaces. Adapt the design into smaller versions for bridesmaid’s bouquets and groomsmen’s boutonnieres. If you’re passionate about doing things yourself, pick the flowers with your mom or bridal party and construct the arrangements the day before the wedding.
17. Darling Donut Display
Although traditional cakes remain the dessert of choice for most wedding receptions, alternative desserts are quickly becoming popular. One such dessert that’s quickly taking center stage at the formerly fancy affairs—donuts! Create a darling donut display by stacking the sweet glazed rings in layers, piling them high on assorted cake stands or hanging them on a board of wooden dowel rods.
18. Galvanized Cutlery Cans
Instead of laying out fancy place settings, set a trio of pint-sized galvanized cans in the center of each table to hold forks, spoons, and knives for wedding guests. Use chalk to label each can and wrap with a simple strand of twine tied into a bow. Continue the look throughout your wedding decor using various sizes of galvanized buckets and cans for flower arrangements, to hold wedding favors or incorporate into centerpieces.
19. To Have And To Hold…Your Drink
If you’re looking for cute and clever wedding favors that won’t break the bank, custom-printed can koozies are a fun little gift for guests to use at the reception and then keep as a memento. Personalize the can coolers with the names of the bride and groom and the date of the big day. Then, pile into a galvanized tub or rustic wicker basket along with a sign that reads, “to have and to hold and to keep your drink cold.”
20. Ready For Any Weather
Because rustic weddings are so often held outdoors in every season, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever mother nature sends your way. Rain on the forecast? Have umbrellas available. If you’re expecting a chill as the night moves in, set out baskets of cozy woven blankets for guests to snuggle under. Or, for warm summer nights, paper fans personalized for the big event will keep guests cool and make inexpensive party favors, too.
21. Antique Mailbox Guest Book
Instead of a traditional guest book, ask friends and family to write loving messages, well-wishes, and advice for the newlyweds on the back of vintage postcards and slip them into an antique mailbox. After the wedding, the mailbox can be displayed in the couple’s home as a sentimental keepsake, and the postcards can be hung as wall art.
22. DIY Wood Burned Table Markers
It’s easy to save a few bucks and create amazing on-theme pieces for your rustic wedding with DIY projects like wood burned table markers. Using a wood-burning pen, carve each table number onto both sides of a three- to four-inch wood slice. Glue the bottom edge of the numbered wood slice onto a small dowel rod and insert into the centerpiece arrangement on each corresponding table. It will be easy for guests to find their table, and the handcrafted table marker will pair perfectly with your wedding theme.
23. Photo Booth
Encourage wedding guests to grab a prop, strike a pose, and make memories in your photo booth. Start with a rustic backdrop like old wooden doors, hay bales or antique suitcases. Add an array of fun on-theme props like vintage hats, wildflower bouquets, chalkboard signs, and decorative frames. Then, either arrange for an on-site photographer or allow guests to snap their shots selfie-style. Don’t forget to create a wedding hashtag for guests to use so you’ll be able to find all the photos as they’re posted to social media.
24. Watering Can Florals
If your wedding takes place outdoors near a garden, at an old farmhouse or in a barn, vintage galvanized watering cans overflowing with fresh-picked flowers and greenery are perfect rustic wedding decor. Dress them up with lace ribbon and natural raffia bows to create rustic-chic centerpieces or label them to use them as table numbers.
25. Let Love Grow
If you’re looking for fun rustic wedding favors to give to family and friends at a folksy affair, wildflower seed packets are perfectly on-theme and encourage guests to feel the love long after the celebration ends. Bundle seed packets with personalized plant markers and tie together with an adorable raffia bow, then display in a wicker basket or antique galvanized tub with a hand-painted sign that reads, “Watch our love grow!”
26. Signature Cocktails
Guests will say “cheers!” to this new trend at your modern-rustic wedding. Say goodbye to the boring old bar and offer party guests their choice of a few signature cocktails created especially for your big day. Dream up fresh new drinks that give the nod to the rustic aesthetic without being old fashioned, like Hard Strawberry Lemonade served in a mason jar with fresh strawberry slices or Spirited Sweet Tea, a southern favorite made with sweet tea vodka and fresh mint leaves. Serve from large pitchers for a splash of color and a casual self-serve bar.
27. For The Love Birds
By now we all know that throwing rice, while an ancient tradition associated with good luck and fertility, can be unsafe for birds and wildlife and is banned at many venues. For this reason, many wedding guests toss birdseed into the air and onto the happy couple after their ceremony. Fill mini burlap sacks or mesh bags with birdseed and attach a kraft hang tag that reads, “For the love birds.” Guests—and birds—will love this sweet, thoughtful touch.
28. Horseshoe Place Cards
Legend says that a horseshoe hung over a doorway brings good luck and fortune to all who pass under it. A symbol of good luck and perfectly on-theme at a rustic wedding, horseshoes can be repurposed as place cards and seating assignments for guests. On a table outside your reception space, lay out a horseshoe for every guest and add a tag with their name and table number. When the party’s over, guests can keep their horseshoe to bring luck at their own homes.
29. DIY Stationery
Incorporate a DIY theme into all aspects of your special day. Welcome, itinerary, menu, seating chart, and directional signs hand-painted onto reclaimed wood planks or hand-written on rustic tags are an excellent way to truly personalize your wedding.
30. Shepherd Hook Hangers
Wrought-iron Shepherd hooks, while rustic and straightforward, are super versatile and incredibly useful when decorating for your rustic wedding. Use them to hang lanterns and floral arrangements along an outdoor aisle or at the end of seating rows. Create a lighted pathway by hanging string lights and garland from shepherd hooks. Or, use them to hang decor around a dance floor, flanking a serving table and anywhere that needs that special rustic touch.
31. Wood Crate Card Box
A repurposed produce crate lined with burlap or a vintage wine crate lined with antique lace makes the perfect place for guests to drop greeting cards. To mark the space, either hand-paint directly onto the container, hang a reclaimed wood sign, or create a burlap banner. Display the card box on your gift table surrounded by wildflowers, sheet moss, and fern stems.
32. Recycle, Reclaim, Reuse
Head to your local flea market or architectural salvage store to source reclaimed, salvaged, vintage and antique materials to use in your rustic wedding decorations. Old wooden doors can be repurposed as tabletops, backdrops and signs. Glass pane windows pulled from an old farmhouse look amazing hung from trees or around the outside edges of a reception tent. Or, go simple with worn wooden crates as centerpieces.
33. Bonfire S’mores
An adorable on-theme idea especially for fall and winter weddings, plan an end-of-the-evening bonfire complete with s’mores! Set up a s’more station with galvanized buckets overflowing with marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Add a jar of long sticks for roasting marshmallows over the fire and create a cute sign to tie it all together. Don’t worry if you can’t have a bonfire at your venue—Sterno cans work great, too!
34. Whiskey Barrel Decor
No rustic wedding is complete without the use of rural whiskey or wine barrels in its design. The large wood and steel-strapped barrels work perfectly as a base for buffet tables or make an iconic cake display when capped with a round tabletop. Whiskey barrels can also be used to display large floral arrangements and lanterns, as drink tables during cocktail hour and to add rustic charm to your ceremonial arch or altar.
35. Love Grows Guest Book
Create a unique twist on the traditional guest book by having guests sign their names, messages, and words of encouragement to the bride and groom on cut out green paper leaves instead. After signing, they’ll clip, pin or hang their leaf to a tabletop tree made from dried branches or cut from wood. As the party progresses, the happy couple will love watching their tree grow, filled with love and well-wishes from friends and family.
36. Old School Spool Tables
Large wooden cable spools make excellent display and serving tables for a rustic, country or vintage-styled wedding. When used as tables, they’re equally charming kept natural and primitive or dressed up with an antique lace table cover and floral trim. Small spools stacked on a tabletop make the perfect nooks to display hors d’oeuvres or desserts.
37. A Grand Entrance
Every bride wants to make a grand entrance on her special day, but it can sometimes be a challenge when a wedding is outdoors. Create a stunning backdrop and a gorgeous aisle entryway while keeping with the rustic theme using reclaimed vintage doors. Build a simple frame for the functioning doors and don’t forget to decorate with rustic wreaths, an overhead floral swag or burlap bows.
38. Fairy Light Lanterns
Reminiscent of fireflies caught in a jar, you can easily create charming do-it-yourself lanterns using twinkling lights and glass jars. Fill mason jars of varying sizes with battery-powered fairy lights, tape the small battery pack to the inside of the jar’s lid, and screw shut. You can also keep it simple by just arranging them casually on your tables.
39. Vintage Suitcases
Add a touch of whimsy to your rustic wedding with vintage elements and accent pieces. Use vintage suitcases on your dessert table to display decadent treats at varying heights. Open an antique suitcase atop your gift table to collect cards. Or, use one as a collection box for your honeymoon fund.
40. How Sweet It Is
No party is complete without desserts, and this rings especially true for a wedding reception. A dessert table is your excuse to go all out with tasty treats. In addition to the cake, fill your table with homemade cupcakes on vintage cake stands, chocolate-dunked cake pops, galvanized buckets overflowing with candy and metal serving scoops, heirloom recipe lattice-top pies, or a drool-worthy mound of grab-and-go glazed doughnuts.
41. DIY Hot Chocolate To Go
If you’re holding your wedding in the cool months of autumn or winter, nothing will warm your guests’ hearts more than a nice cup of hot chocolate. Start with small lidded mason jars and layer them with homemade hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Decorate the jars with burlap ribbon and a kraft paper hang tag with the wedding name and date—you’ve got adorably delicious favors your guests will be happy to take home.
42. Crumb Coat Wedding Cake
Nearly naked, very lightly iced “crumb coat” cakes that let layers of moist sponge and creamy frosting show through are a popular trend in rustic weddings. Minimalist and chic, these cakes look charming topped with fresh flowers and downright decadent when decorated with ripe berries or flowers. Display on a shabby-chic vintage cake stand or primitive sawn tree stump and scrap the traditional bride-and-groom cake topper in favor of something simple and sweet.
43. Reclaimed Wood Plank Arch
The wedding arch serves as the gorgeous backdrop for when you say “I do.” Build a simple, chic, and rustic arch using reclaimed wood planks, railroad ties or elegant birch tree branches. Then, drape your arch with simple sheer fabrics, hang mason jars with candles from it, or adorn it with a loose spray of flowers and greenery. Tree stumps and repurposed wooden crates at the base of your arch can hold more flowers and candles to add twinkling ambiance.
44. Carved Wood Cake Toppers
Forego the traditional cake topper in favor of something that fits seamlessly with your theme. A rough slice from a tree branch engraved with your names and the date speaks directly to your rustic vibe. Or, go for something a bit more elegant with a wooden topper carved into script letters that spell “Mr. and Mrs.,” “Happy Ever After” or your monogram.
45. Adorn With Antlers
Antlers are a totally unexpected element that will work seamlessly into your rustic wedding decor. Combine shed antlers with flowers and candles to create elegant centerpieces for the tables at your reception. Incorporate antlers into the floral arrangements decorating the aisles and the altar. You could even mix them with flowers into the bride’s bouquet.
46. Horse-Drawn Hay Ride
What’s more down-home than a hayride? If your reception is at a venue with little parking, guests may need to park offsite and be shuttled in. Lucky for you, this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate an on-theme horse-drawn hayride shuttle that’s sure to get everyone in the mood to have a good time. After the ceremony, the bride and groom can use the hayride to make their grand entrance into the reception.
47. Rustic Head Table Design
Put the happy couple front and center at their wedding dinner with a head table that stands out while still keeping with the casual country vibe of the event. Dress up the head table with a loosely draped sheer tablecloth, a garland of greenery and flowers across the front, or flanked with large whiskey barrel floral arrangements at both ends. Hang Edison bulbs and lanterns overhead or place lighted cutout initials of the bride and groom out front. Finally, plan for plenty of photo ops and finish the look with a lighted curtain backdrop.
48. Spread The Love
If tasty treats are your jam, then this is the perfect wedding favor to send your guests home with. Homemade jams, jellies, and fruit spreads all packaged up in mini kettle jars or fabric-topped mason jars and finished with a raffia or twine bow will remind your guests to “Spread the Love.” Choose any flavor you like, as long as the first ingredient is love.
49. Can’t Say “I Do” Without You
You’ve got a million things to do before the big day, but don’t forget to find bridesmaid’s gifts to show your closest friends and family that you appreciate their help and support. A simple piece of jewelry, personalized with each of their names, their birthstones or a thoughtful message of friendship is an incredible gift they will be happy to wear on your wedding day and every day after.
50. Sign Of The Times
Although a rustic wedding is generally pretty relaxed and laid-back, your guests will still want to know the order of events and what to expect throughout the day. Without a plan in place, you’ll quickly grow tired of answering “When’s dinner?” over and over again. In keeping with the rustic theme, hand paint your timeline on the slats of a reclaimed wood pallet, scrawl it onto the glass panes of a salvaged window or write it onto a chalkboard and lean it against a tree or near the entry for every guest to see.
51. Mason Jar Wedding Favors
Mason jars can be used in so many ways. Personalize them with your monogram and the wedding date and use them to create a variety of wedding favors for your guests to take home. Keep things sweet and fill them with cookie mix or candies or keep it country by sending your guests home with their own mason jar of moonshine.
52. Laid-Back Lawn Games
Lawn games are the perfect entertainment for your rustic wedding. What better way to bring family and friends together for a good time? Set up stations for cornhole or horseshoes, have giant versions of classic games like dominoes, Jenga and connect four, and challenge your guests to a game of croquet on the lawn. For those guests who would prefer to be spectators, set a row of simple wooden chairs or rustic benches on the sidelines.
53. Wildflower Petal Confetti
Don’t throw plastic or paper confetti that’s hard to clean up and bad for the environment. Instead, have your guests grab handfuls of eco-friendly wildflower petal confetti to toss at the end of the ceremony. Choose a mix of petals to match your color scheme and you can also sprinkle the colorful confetti on the tables for decoration. Flower petals are lightweight and slow to fall, so they look fabulous in photos.
54. Unplugged
Ask guests to unplug and unwind by leaving their cellphones, tablets, and other devices behind to enjoy being present during your big day. Without these digital distractions, your guests will be more likely to interact with other attendees and will be free to enjoy your wedding fully. Besides that, you’ll have a professional photographer to document the day. Announce your unplugged ceremony with an insert in your invitations and again with a rustic painted sign planted at the entrance.
55. Groomsmen Gifts
When it comes time to choose what gifts to give the men in your wedding, look for personalized groomsmen gifts that stick to your rustic theme. Let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life (and your wedding) by gifting rustic-style items like personalized flasks, pocket knives engraved with each of their names, whiskey barrel cufflinks, wooden cigar boxes engraved with their names or new leather wallets.
56. Wood Slice Table Decor
Create table settings that really stand out using rustic wood slices or stumps. Add cleverly crafted rustic elements—like a small stump vase that’s accented with moss balls and copper glasses. It will round out the natural elements of your wedding and be great for an eco-friendly cleanup.
57. Involve The Animals
If the bride and groom love all things furry or feathered, include friendly farm animals in your rustic wedding. Horses, goats, lambs, alpacas, and even chickens can be a fun addition to your day. Pose with them for pictures, walk down the aisle with them, and let guests interact with them for an event they’ll never forget.
58. Insta-Fun Photo Frame Prop
Encourage your party guests to snap share-worthy photos behind a personalized social media photo frame prop. Use an actual empty frame or make one look like an oversized Polaroid. Decorate it to match your wedding decor and don’t forget to add your wedding hashtag!
59. Beer Barrow
Don’t stray from the theme when it comes to beverage service at your wedding. This is one area where you can really get creative! For example, use an old wheelbarrow as a drink cooler. Fill it to the brim with ice and lots of bottles of your favorite brew.
60. Succulents And Sage
Soft green shades of succulents and fresh herbs pair perfectly with a rustic theme and are a unique twist to having more traditional florals. These carefree plants speak to the laid-back nature of your theme. Use them as decorative accents on the cake, work them into the bride’s bouquet or the groom’s boutonniere, and hang them from the wedding arch.
61. Happy Trails
A trail mix bar is a popular wedding trend that will fit seamlessly into your casual, rustic wedding. Forego the simple favors and candy and, instead, create a delicious trail mix bar using your favorite ingredients. Use galvanized buckets or large glass jars filled to the brim with nuts, candies, dried fruits, and chocolate chips. Provide paper bags, labels, twine, and rustic metal scoops for the guests to create their own special blend.
62. Bundled Wheat
Classically country and simply elegant, use wheat in an unexpected but beautiful way to add a rustic touch to your wedding. Line bundles of wheat tied with elegant satin across long tables or add wheat to your floral arrangements to add a touch of country to your tables. Line the wedding aisle with tin milk containers stuffed with sprigs of wheat. A small bundle also looks stunning as a simple boutonniere for the groomsmen.
63. Elegant Picnic Tables
Nothing says laid-back and casual more than a classic picnic table. That doesn’t mean they can’t be dressed up! Bring picnic table seating from gloomy to glam with clean white and burlap table cloths, sheet moss, delicate dinnerware, gold flatware, and gorgeous natural centerpieces.
64. Country Kids Table
Don’t forget about the kids! If you plan to have little ones at your wedding, set up a kids’ table to keep them entertained. In keeping with your rustic theme, decorate it with a chalkboard sign, put down a kraft paper table runner they can draw on and fill metal buckets, wicker baskets and mason jars with crayons, coloring books, markers, board games, and LEGOs.
65. We’re Tying The Knot
The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your save-the-date cards. To keep with your rustic theme, print your details on kraft cardstock along with the words “we’re tying the knot” and tie a string of twine around it, finished with a knot. Or, mail out small wooden refrigerator magnets, personalized with your save-the-date details.
66. Mix And Match
Gone are the days when everything at a wedding has to be perfect and identical. Mismatched vintage chairs are a popular design trend, especially for rustic weddings, and they’re anything but boring. Eclectic seating is just another way to let your unique style and personality shine through on your special day.
67. Bring The Inside Out
Planning an outdoor wedding but want to create a cozy, comfortable atmosphere? A fun trend in rustic design that’s perfect for your intimate, small wedding decor involves bringing the indoors outside. Set up spacious outside seating areas with overstuffed sofas and plush armchairs, use antique dressers and desks as serving tables and displays, and dress up a grassy field with layers of area rugs. Finally, bring light and whimsy to your outdoor space by hanging chandeliers from tree branches.
68. Burlap And Lace
Combine natural burlap and elegant lace to create rustic-chic accents at your wedding. Add flair to plain wood chairs with burlap and lace tied into a simple bow across the backs. Create stylish table runners with a roll of burlap and wide lace ribbon. Or, use the decorative trims around mason jar candle holders, dressing up the edges of your cake stand or as a wrap around the bridal bouquet.
69. Something Blue (Or Pink, Or Burgundy…)
Natural, neutral color palettes are standard for rustic weddings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with a pop of color. If you love the look and feel of a rustic wedding but have always wanted to use a deep purple, navy blue, burgundy, black or bright pink on your big day—go for it! Incorporate your accent color in a way that won’t be distracting to the overall theme by creatively mixing it in with the natural elements and neutral colors.
70. Wooden Coasters
Natural wood slice coasters will protect antique tabletops and add to your rustic design aesthetic. Personalized with the names or initials of the bride and groom, the date of the wedding or a thank you message to friends and family, they’ll also make great wedding favors for guests to take home and treasure.
71. Wooden Ring Pillow
Instead of a traditional satin ring pillow, have your ring bearer walk down the aisle with the wedding rings tied with twine to a burlap pillow or rustic wood slice, placed inside a hinged wooden box, or slipped onto the end of a shed antler. Combining unexpected touches with natural elements will create magical moments and unforgettable memories at your down-to-earth event.
72. Bridesmaid Dresses
A welcomed trend in wedding attire that’s perfectly suited to the laid-back vibe of a rustic affair lets bridesmaids pick their preferred style of dress. While each dress may be different, they’re all made using the same fabric and color selected by the bride. Choosing a lighter jersey fabric in a fun color keeps it casual but allows for that touch of glam. Coordinate with your florals for a cohesive look.
73. Florals And Fondant
If you love the relaxed, laid-back vibe of a rustic wedding but prefer a more traditional wedding cake, it is possible to combine the two to create a dessert to die for. Start with a traditional tiered layer cake and cover it with smooth white fondant. Then, instead of decorating with traditional fondant florals, lace and frilly bows, adorn your cake with delicate, dried pressed flowers. Rose, lavender, cornflower, chamomile, and pansy petals are all perfectly edible and make for a beautiful dessert decor. This is one time you can have your cake and eat it, too!
74. Rectangular Tables
Forget the fancy table linens and fussy decorations, leave the room full of round tables to more traditional wedding parties. Instead, seat guests at long, rectangular exposed wood tables draped with a narrow burlap runner, natural greenery and low centerpieces that encourage across-the-table conversations. Rectangular tables support the laid-back vibe of a rustic wedding and lend themselves to a more close-knit gathering of friends and family.
75. Wood Plank Guest Book
The easy-going, informal tone of a rustic wedding lends itself to creativity. One favorite way to break from tradition is to incorporate a unique option for guests to sign in and leave their mark. A large plank of reclaimed wood that’s been branded with the bride and groom’s initials makes a clever alternative to the basic guest book. Placed on a table alongside a jar of metallic paint markers, guests can leave well-wishes to the happy couple. After the wedding, the wood plank becomes a sentimental work of art to display in the couple’s home.
76. Hanging Lanterns
Glass lanterns look lovely during the day and add a warm glow as the sun goes down. Light your reception space with dozens of lanterns in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes and hang them from tree limbs or rafters at varying heights to create a magically romantic setting. For ease and safety, consider using flameless battery-powered candles instead of electric lights or hot wax candles.
77. Lovely Lavender
Add an amazing fragrance and a hint of color using dried lavender as an accent in your rustic wedding. From decorations to dresses, flowers, and favors, the versatile flower will work in all aspects of your rustic wedding design. Add sprigs of dried lavender to the bridal bouquet and dress bridesmaids in shades of lavender. Decorate a layered cake with dried lavender petals or set up a dessert table with lavender macarons and serve guests glasses of fresh lavender lemonade. The relaxing scent and soothing color make lavender one of the most versatile rustic wedding ideas.
78. Farm-To-Table Fare
When planning your wedding dinner, consider dishes made from fresh, local ingredients as much as possible. A true rustic meal will favor classic comfort foods and homestyle cooking over lavish dishes. Forget the fancy four-course meal and tuxedoed waitstaff and serve up feel-good foods family buffet style.
79. Go Acoustic
For this unplugged, laid-back and casual event, a DJ spinning tracks from a fancy sound system just won’t do. Live musicians playing acoustic instruments will give guests an authentic experience and encourage them to dance and sing along. To stick with the theme, look for local bands that play folk, bluegrass, country or classics that have experience performing for weddings and know how to entertain a crowd.
80. Antique Pick Up Truck
An antique pick up truck parked at your rustic nuptials is a fun conversation starter, makes a perfect backdrop and photo prop, and can even be used as a gift table or drink serving station at an outdoor reception. Family and friends will love reminiscing about the good ol’ days at your memorable event. Dress it up with a hand-painted “just married” sign, streamers and strands of tin cans and the happy couple will love waving goodbye to guests as they drive it away at the end of the night.
Whether you’re planning a country-chic event, a vintage-inspired affair or a free-spirited soirée under the stars, incorporate ideas that will create lifelong memories that you can enjoy for years to come in a photo album. Remember, when it comes to creating the perfect rustic wedding, it’s totally okay to break from tradition, be creative, and make it your own.
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80 Rustic Wedding Ideas For Your Big Day was first posted on September 26, 2019 at 1:15 pm.
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