Rustic Wedding Planning & Inspiration Guide

Planning a rustic wedding?, we have some of the best rustic wedding ideas for you, and we’re sure you’ll find something that suits your style.

But first some golden planning tips, then the inspiration.

Planning tips

Get your guest list ready

The first step in planning any wedding is to create a guest list. This will help you determine how many people you need to accommodate and what type of venue you’ll need. Rustic or not, you need to know numbers.

Decide on a budget

Before you start planning any details of your wedding, it’s important to sit down and decide on a budget. This will help you determine what you can afford and where you need to cut back. Once you have an idea of how much money you have to work with, you can start planning the details of your big day.

Find a location

Once you have your guest list ready, it’s time to start thinking about venues. The great thing about rustic weddings is that they can be held just about anywhere, so get creative. If you’re lucky enough to have a family member or friend with a large property, that would be the perfect place to hold your reception (ceremony needs to be in a licenced location). But if not, there are plenty of other options available. Some popular choices include barns, gardens, farmhouses and woodlands.

Check the fine print

When you’ve finally found the perfect location for your rustic wedding, be sure to read the fine print. Some locations may have restrictions on what you can and cannot do. For example, some venues may not allow outside vendors, or they may charge a fee for using their facilities. Some venues may have strict rules and regulations around outside vendors, generators, access to grounds, etc. Others may even have a curfew, so ask about all of this before you book anything.

Choose your décor

Now that you’ve got the perfect location for your rustic wedding, it’s time to start thinking about décor. There are endless possibilities for rustic wedding theme, so take your time and browse through various ideas before deciding. From mason jars and burlap to lanterns and twinkle lights, there’s sure to be something that fits your style.

Finalise the details

Now that you’ve got all the big decisions out of the way, it’s time to finalise the details. This is where things like invitations, catering, music and transportation come into play. Rustic weddings are all about the finishing touches, so make sure you don’t overlook anything. Every detail should reflect your rustic theme, from the invitations and save-the-dates to the thank-you cards and favours.

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Décor inspiration

Some rustic wedding ideas to get you started:

Burlap and lace

Burlap and lace are two of the most popular choices for rustic wedding décor. They can be used in various ways, from table runners and napkins to ceremony aisle décor. You can use them to make chair sashes, bouquets, and boutonnieres.

Mason jars

Mason jars are another popular choice for rustic weddings. They can be used as vases, drinking glasses, or even candle holders. Get creative and see what you can come up with using mason jars. Your florist may also be able to incorporate within the centrepieces.

Wooden accents

Wooden accents are a great way to add some warmth to your décor. Think about using wooden signs, centrepieces, cake stands and rustic furniture. You can also use wooden crates to display favours, flowers, or even food.

Twinkle lights

Twinkle lights are a great way to add some magic to your décor. They can be used in various ways, from stringing them around the perimeter of your reception space to hanging them from tree branches.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a classic choice for rustic weddings. They are a great way to add some light and romance and can be used as centrepieces, hung from trees or ceilings, or even placed along the aisle. Use them indoors (battery) or out, depending on your preference. They can be used as decoration or lighting, or both. Get creative and see what you can come up with using lanterns.

Chalkboards

Chalkboards are a great way to add some rustic flair to your décor. They can be used as menu boards, seating charts, or for love quotes or poems.

Bunting

Bunting is a fun and festive way to decorate for your rustic wedding. It can be hung from ceilings, used as table runners, or even strung along the aisle. Get creative and see what you can come up with using bunting.

Hay bales

Hay bales are a great way to add rustic charm to your décor. They can be used for seating, decoration, or both.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers go well with a rustic wedding theme. They are a great way to add colour and texture to your décor. They can be used in centrepieces, bouquets, and button holes.

Candles

Candles are a must for any romantic rustic wedding. Use them to create a warm and inviting ambience. You can use them as centrepieces, hung from chandeliers or lanterns, or even placed along the aisle.

The colours

The colours you choose for your wedding should reflect the overall theme of your wedding. Some popular rustic wedding colours are white, ivory, lavender, peach, champagne, navy, burgundy, lilac, mint, blush pink, and brown. Choosing the right colour scheme is important because it sets the tone and atmosphere for your big day. You want your guests to feel the love and warmth you have for each other. The best way to do this is by choosing colours that reflect those emotions.

Rustic wedding food and entertainment

Your food and entertainment choices should also reflect the overall theme of your wedding. For food, you may want to consider having a buffet-style meal with various dishes. You probably want to steer clear of the set menu because the vibe you are going for is simple and wholesome.

You can go with picnic food, a pot-luck themed buffet, or even have food vans serving your guests traditional country fair food. If your wedding is outdoors during summer, ice cream is a must-have. For the cake, you can go for a naked cake, which is a rustic take on the traditional wedding cake. It can be decorated with leaves and flowers for the perfect finish.

For entertainment, you can have a live band playing country music or even a DJ playing a mix of old and new music. You want your guests to be up and dancing all night long, so make sure the music is upbeat and lively. You can also have some fun by having yard games or setting up a photo booth.

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What to wear to a rustic wedding

The best thing about rustic weddings is that they are very relaxed, and the dress code is usually pretty casual. Avoid formal attire, and instead, opt for something more relaxed.

Wedding dresses

A white, ivory or eggshell dress is always a good choice for the bride. The modern gowns with bedazzled belts, princess skirts and strapless sweetheart necklines are not the best choice. You are trying to achieve a simple natural look, so go for a flowing gown or even a short and sassy dress. Ensure to add in lace and floral details to complete the rustic look but remember that the important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful on your big day.

You can go for mismatched dresses in different shades of the same colour for the bridesmaids. This is a great way to add personality and style to your bridal party. It also ensures that each bridesmaid feels comfortable in a dress that suits her style. However, stick to natural and floral colours such as gold, sage green, and dusty pink. Bright colours like pillar-box red may not be the best choice.

Groom attire

As for the groom and his groomsmen, they can go for a more traditional look with a suit and tie. However, you want to ensure that the suit is not too formal, even open neck. Khaki, beige, navy, grey or cream-coloured suits are great choices. The goal is to look dapper without being too formal. You can also add details such as suspenders, a tweed vest, a pocket watch, or even a cowboy hat (it is rustic).

The guests

Women can wear a sundress, maxi dress, or even jeans and a cute top. If they want to get a little dressed up, they can wear a flowy dress or skirt with cowboy boots. For men, khakis or dark wash jeans with a button-down shirt or polo shirt will do the trick. They can also wear cowboy boots or boat shoes. The key is to keep it simple and comfortable and not look overdressed.

Planning a rustic wedding can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. With some inspiration and some creative ideas, you can create the perfect rustic wedding. Your wedding should reflect you and your partner’s personality, so make sure to personalise it as much as possible. The sky is the limit when it comes to rustic weddings, so get creative and have fun with it.