Elements of a Rustic Wedding
Whatever decorations you go with, it’s important to keep in mind the materials and elements that come together to create a rustic, cozy feel.
Wood
When picturing a rustic wedding, one of the first things to come to mind is wood decorations — using wooden tables, chairs, and signage are all ways to incorporate this texture into your wedding. There are many other ways you can utilize wood in your wedding. Use old vintage wooden crates, tree stumps, twigs, and branches in your decor!
Flowers and Foliage
Another crucial aspect of rustic styling is using flowers, greenery, and even hay or wheat in your decor. For floral arrangements in a barn wedding, use flowers that are brightly colored and airy to contrast the barn interior. Or, you could decorate with planters full of flowers or potted plants. Wildflowers are a popular choice and fit right in with a rustic aesthetic.
You can use flowers or greenery in your ceremony backdrop, to decorate a cake, or as a breath-taking centerpiece. Wheat bundles can also be used as decoration—throw them in a mason jar or include them in flower arrangements. Drape walls, doorways, and other places with hanging vines or leaves. Pressed or dried flowers are also a pretty addition to reception tables or signage.
Natural fabrics
You can also incorporate natural fabrics into your wedding decor. One of the most cost-effective and beautiful ways to use cloth in your wedding is with drapery. Linen, chiffon, organza, lace, tulle, and silk are common choices.
Regardless of the fabric you go with, you’ll want something airy that will allow light to pass through it. Outside of drapery, we recommend utilizing rustic or vintage fabrics like burlap, rattan, or a touch of lace. Plaid patterns are also a great pick for tablecloth spreads!
Rustic Wedding Decorations
Make sure you include these rustic wedding staples in your ceremony and reception. We’ve compiled three crucial decorations you should pay special attention to choosing and making your own.
Ceremony Arch
The wedding arch is extremely important — it’s a symbol of the future between you and your partner, and it’s where you’ll recite your vows to one another. Take your time deciding on a wedding backdrop that really speaks to you. Wooden arches are often a popular pick for rustic weddings. Consider whether you want the arch to be birch wood, raw wood, or smooth planks. You could even let nature be your backdrop and use the natural arch of low-hanging tree branches.
Rustic Lighting
The right lighting will bring your wedding venue to life and create a warm, romantic atmosphere. If you choose to hold your wedding in a barn, hanging lights can really brighten out the unique roof shape. You can also add chandeliers, lamps, or electric candles. For a personal touch, consider adding luminaries, an American southwest tradition. Print the names or faces of those who weren’t able to attend your wedding onto paper bags and set a light inside. You can arrange these beautiful lanterns along a path to the barn or ceremony.
Table and Seating Decor
During the reception, your guests will be spending a lot of time at their tables as they eat and celebrate. With that in mind, you want to have the perfect table spreads, centerpieces, and comfortable chairs. Mason jars and bouquets make great table decorations, and to add some flair to chairs, attach wreaths or burlap ribbons to the back.
Complete the Rustic Look with Esperanza Ranch
The key to hosting the perfect rustic wedding is selecting the right venue. Make Esperanza Ranch’s gorgeous your wedding destination. Our ranch includes a 2800 square ft. 18th-century barn and 50 acres of rolling hills. Secluded and far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s the perfect place for a romantic wedding against a sunset or starry sky. After you browse through our gallery of photos, you can book a tour with us to see how Esperanza Ranch can bring your dream wedding to life!
