We know that choosing just one wedding theme can be hard – especially with the wealth of inspiration that’s already out there!
But we’ve got to admit, we don’t think you can go far wrong with a rustic theme wedding. Not only is it pretty and easy to style, it also works with any season, from cozy winter nights right through to bright summer days.
At Country House Wedding Venues, rustic style weddings are their speciality – so we thought we’d ask them to share their expertise! Here are their top tips on how to create your perfect Pinterest-worthy rustic wedding theme…
Choose a barn venue
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important parts of the wedding planning process – and picking one to complement your wedding day theme can make all the difference. Barns lend themselves well to the rustic theme with their neutral colour palettes, beautiful settings and natural feel.
Bassmead Manor Barns, near Cambridgeshire, is just one of our favourite venues for a rustic themed wedding. The old timber Rickety Barn provides the perfect backdrop for your nuptials and is full of romantic ambience. We love the features such as the antique love seat – perfect for your first shot as newlyweds! Country houses, marquees and farms – such as the beautiful South Farm, in Cambridgeshire – are also options to consider for your rustic wedding venue.
Style with some pretty props
Hay bales, jam jars, burlap bunting, apple crates, barrels, tree logs and candles are just some the props you can use to style your rustic wedding. We can just imagine a tiered wedding cake stacked on apple crates in the beautiful Mill Barn, in Gaynes Park, Essex.
The great thing about all of these props is that they don’t have to be expensive. Flea markets and charity shops are your best options for buying these decor pieces at a reasonable price. If you’d prefer to hire, florists and wedding hire companies also stock many of these items and will be more than happy to hire them out and help you with the styling process.
Serve up something a little less formal
There’s something about a rustic wedding that feels that little more relaxed, laid back and fun. So ditch the traditional three-course meal and opt for a hog roast or barbeque instead. For dessert, why not offer up a selection of home-baked classic cakes for your guests, so they can indulge in a slice…or three? Classic comfort food is sure to win your guests’ hearts no matter the season!
Add a touch of twinkle
If you’re looking to add some subtle, romantic lighting to complement your rustic wedding, you can’t beat fairy lights. Whether they’re hung as a backdrop or from the ceiling, they’re a great way to add some real magic to your big day. We love the addition of twinkle lights wrapped around the tall beams in the old Rickety Barn at Bassmead Manor Barns, or adorning the ceiling beams at Combe Manor in Berkshire.
Keep the furnishings natural
The overall finish of a rustic wedding is natural and neutral in colour – think browns, creams and greens. You don’t need to worry about chair covers or even tablecloths to finish off your wedding décor. The natural look of fine wooden chairs works so much better with the rustic wedding style. You could even consider trestle tables with burlap or lace runners rather than the traditional round table if you wish.
Venues such as Rivervale Barn in Hampshire and Gatestreet Barn in Surrey have gorgeous wooden furniture to match their barns perfectly – but are also happy for you to add chair covers or sashes to your taste.
Bring your theme to each and every one of your elements
When choosing all your elements, keep your rustic wedding theme in mind. Opt for wild flowers, simple floral centrepieces, a naked wedding cake or lace style cake. Don’t forget you can also add a rustic touch with your wedding attire too. Perhaps choose a simpler dress style, or a lace design, whilst your husband-to-be could opt for a less formal suit, adding a touch of tweed or perhaps some braces.
Treat guests to homemade favours
Rustic weddings are about all things natural and homemade, so why not bring this touch to your wedding favours too? Jam jars filled with homemade jam, honey or sweets is a popular option. We also love the idea of serving up cake or cheesecake in a jar too, or a hot chocolate and marshmallow jam jar kit for a winter wedding.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate your nuptials, give Country House Wedding Venues a call, and together we’ll help you find your dream venue. Our friendly team know the ins out outs of all our wedding venues so will be able to suggest the perfect venue for your wedding theme – whether it be rustic, or contemporary chic!
