Nothing says Oklahoma like a classic barn wedding. Getting married in a barn (or in any historical space) invokes history, romance, and warmth. Plus, the casual atmosphere puts the guests at ease and prepares everyone for a good time. How can you cultivate the perfect rural atmosphere while still enjoying the amenities of modern life? Here are just a few tips for decorating for your romantic, rustic barn wedding. Of course, the list is based on the old saying of the four things you need for the perfect wedding. “Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.”
Something old
Pair your clothes with your setting
When you choose to get married in a rustic setting, it is nice to invoke some of that old-fashioned romance with your clothing choices. Suspenders or bowler hats are a great vintage look, as well as, lace over sweetheart necklines, long-sleeved wedding dresses, and pearls are great choices.
After the ceremony, many couples choose to change their clothes for the reception. This is where some nice vintage wear could come in handy. If you are getting married on a ranch, some cowboy boots might be a nice touch, while a nice pair of lace-up Redwings or Bean boots are more appropriate for a garden party setting.
Plan your photoshoot around vintage farm equipment
Many farms that rent space for weddings have vintage tractors and other vintage farm equipment decorating the property. These can be great set pieces for photoshoots, both for romantic shots of the bride and groom and for fun, shots of the guests.
Consider thrifting or upcycling
Thrifted furniture can be great for a barn wedding. Find a few nice lamps and a vintage desk for your guest book, and consider setting up some of your photographs on a wooden vintage stepladder. Another great thing you can get from the thrift store is a decorative frame that you can use to frame a photo or a chalkboard with a message from the happy couple.
Something new
Fresh, white textiles
The key to decorating the perfect barn wedding is contrast. Balance the old with the new, draping weathered wood with white linen drapes. If you really want to lean into the barn setting, bring in some straw bales for seating and drape them with new canvas. Bringing brightness into a barn setting is crucial, and white textiles can be a great way to do it.
Raw wood
When you are thinking about trendy decorations for a barn wedding, remember that raw wood is a great medium for signs, place settings, and other decorations. Cursive woodburning into raw wood is a great way to create memorable, vintage decorations.
Contrasting flowers
When you are working with a space that is very natural and brown, use bright, airy flowers to create a whimsical atmosphere. Many couples choose to forgo traditional flower arrangements at tables in favor of small, live potted plants. This creates a wonderful natural display, and the happy couple can take the flowers home and plant them when the wedding is over.
Local food
Pick a caterer who specializes in local food, and take the rustic atmosphere one step further. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but the food will probably be delicious. Consider finding a business that does some of the cooking on-site so that the smell of the food permeates the wedding.
Something borrowed
Highlight your family story
At your wedding, you are joining two families together. Consider bringing in mementos to your wedding day that highlight your favorite parts of your family story. For example, you could display photos or possessions of relatives who you wish could be with you at your wedding. Sentimentality and personalization are key to a great wedding, so bring the things that make you happy to your happiest day.
Find the perfect getaway vehicle
A perfect wedding is completed with the perfect getaway car. Consider finding a vintage car to match the vintage atmosphere of your barn wedding. If you want to lean even further into the farm theme, a vintage truck or tractor can be a great (albeit not necessarily road-worthy) ride.
Something blue
Highlight the great outdoors
Barn weddings marry (pun intended) the benefits of an indoor wedding with the beauty of an outdoor wedding. Especially when the barn has big doors that you can swing open to invite a gentle breeze into your reception. Consider hosting part of the wedding outdoors so that you can enjoy the beautiful architecture of the barn from the outside too.
When you have a rustic barn wedding, you can have it all. Barn weddings have the allure of both an indoor wedding and an outdoor wedding. They are both vintage and fresh. When you and your intended decide to get married in a rustic barn wedding, you are invoking both history and the bright future ahead of you.
