Deborah Chan
Pole barns are a great option for those seeking a unique, rustic, and elegant setting for their wedding reception. With their high ceilings, exposed beams, and ample space, pole barns can be transformed into charming venues that create lasting memories. Whether you're aiming for a formal and romantic atmosphere or a fun and whimsical vibe, careful planning and creative decorations can turn your pole barn into the perfect backdrop for your special day. From hanging fabrics and lighting to incorporating natural elements and colourful accents, the possibilities for customisation are endless.
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What You'll Learn
Use tulle, cheesecloth or other fabrics to drape off sections for eating and dancing
If you're looking to create a romantic and elegant setting for your wedding reception in a pole barn, consider using fabrics such as tulle, cheesecloth, or other materials to drape off sections for eating and dancing. This can be a beautiful and creative way to transform the space and make it feel more intimate and inviting. Here are some ideas and considerations to keep in mind:
When choosing a fabric, consider the height and size of the barn. For a 20-foot-high barn, you will need a significant amount of fabric to create a draped effect. Calculate the length of the walls or areas you want to drape and consider using a wider fabric to reduce the amount of fabric needed. Keep in mind that fabrics like tulle can be more affordable but may require a larger quantity to achieve the desired look. Other fabrics like chiffon or organza can be more expensive per yard, but their draping qualities may mean you need less overall.
To create a luxurious and intimate atmosphere, consider using sheer, gauzy fabrics in your chosen colour palette. These can be draped from the ceiling, along the walls, or used to create floor-to-ceiling panels that section off different areas for eating and dancing. If you're looking to hide less aesthetically pleasing areas of the barn, draping can be a great solution while also softening the edges of the venue.
To enhance the draped fabric, consider incorporating lighting. String lights or fairy lights can create a magical atmosphere, especially when paired with sheer fabrics. For a whimsical touch, add greenery garlands or fresh florals to the fabric for a romantic, natural feel.
Don't be afraid to think outside the box with your fabric choices. While cheesecloth or burlap in white or neutral tones can be effective, you can also consider coloured fabrics to create a vibrant and unique setting. Just be mindful of the overall effect you want to achieve and the potential cost implications of using large quantities of fabric.
Lastly, consider any restrictions the venue may have regarding decorations. Some venues may have rules about what can be attached to walls or other structures, so it's important to check before finalising your plans.
By using fabric draping, you can transform the pole barn into a beautiful and memorable setting for your wedding reception, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere for your guests.
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Decorate with coloured cloth, bridesmaid dresses, and suits
When it comes to decorating a pole barn for a wedding reception, you may want to consider using coloured cloth, bridesmaid dresses, and suits as part of your colour palette.
Coloured Cloth
Use coloured cloth to decorate the barn, chairs, and tables. Drape the entrances in fabric, and if you have a sweetheart table, frame the background with some fabric. You can also use fabric to decorate a wedding arch, which will provide the perfect backdrop for the ceremony and look great in photos. Circular arches are easy to decorate with fabric and will add depth to your photos.
Bridesmaid Dresses and Suits
Choose a vibrant colour for the bridesmaid dresses and groom's suit to add a pop of colour to your wedding venue. From champagne to burnt orange, there are a variety of colours to choose from to match your wedding theme. Consider the season and location of your wedding—deep berry tones work well for a fall barn event, while vibrant colours are ideal for an outdoor wedding. Don't be afraid to pair bold colours together, such as emerald, coral, and lemon yellow.
By incorporating these colours into your wedding attire and décor, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing event that reflects your personal style.
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Add bright details like place cards, menus, and favours
When planning a wedding reception in a pole barn, it's important to consider ways to add personal touches and make the space your own. One way to achieve this is by incorporating bright and colourful details, especially in elements like place cards, menus, and favours.
For place cards, consider using colourful or vibrant designs that reflect the overall aesthetic of your wedding. You could opt for a rustic look with kraft paper and twine details, or go for a more elegant approach with calligraphy and watercolour illustrations. Place cards can be further enhanced by adding small decorations like dried flowers, greenery, or even mini lanterns—these will surely delight your guests and make each setting feel special.
Menus can also be designed to complement the theme of your wedding. If you're going for a rustic vibe, consider using wooden boards or slabs as menus, with colourful calligraphy or illustrations to add a bright detail. Alternatively, you could use colourful paper or card stock for your menus, perhaps incorporating illustrations or patterns that tie into your wedding colours or theme. Adding a colourful ribbon or twine to the menus can also make them stand out.
Favours are another opportunity to add bright details to your reception. Edible favours are always a hit, so consider colourful candies, personalised chocolates, or even small jars of honey or jam. If you prefer non-edible favours, options like colourful succulents, mini potted plants, or even seed packets with a colourful illustration and a personalised message will add a unique touch.
By incorporating bright details into these elements, you can create a cohesive and personalised atmosphere for your wedding reception, making it a memorable event for you and your guests.
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Use natural decorations like plants, flowers, and trees
If you're looking for a natural, rustic feel for your wedding reception, a pole barn venue is a great choice. The high ceilings and exposed beams of a pole barn can be adorned with natural decorations like plants, flowers, and trees to create a whimsical, rustic setting.
One way to incorporate nature into your wedding decor is by hanging potted plants or flower arrangements from the rafters. You can also line the aisle with potted flower arrangements or create a natural arbor or canopy using trees or branches. Barn beams can be decorated with flowers and greenery, creating a dreamy garden vibe. For a spring or summer wedding, consider decorating with butterflies and wildflowers, and for a Christmas wedding, incorporate holly, mistletoe, and acorns.
If you want to add a pop of colour, choose vibrant bridesmaid dresses and groom's suits, and decorate chairs and tables with coloured cloth. You can also add brightly coloured details like place cards, menus, and favours. Barn weddings offer a natural setting that can be enhanced with the right food choices, such as serving warm dishes in cooler months and refreshing dishes in the summer.
Small accents can also make a big impact. Miniature lanterns and candles along the aisle will create a warm glow, and extra-tall taper candles can be used to fill up tall ceilings. You can also use fragrant herbs in terracotta pots or colourful potted flowers, which can be taken home by guests after the wedding. For a rustic touch, consider adding moss, twigs, and stones to your decor.
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Hang paper lanterns or string lights
Paper lanterns and string lights can be a great way to decorate a pole barn for a wedding reception. They can add a touch of elegance and charm to the venue and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Here are some tips and ideas to help you hang paper lanterns and string lights in your pole barn wedding reception:
When hanging paper lanterns, it is important to consider the height of the ceiling. If the ceiling is very tall, you may need to use a ladder or scaffolding to reach the desired height. You can hang paper lanterns individually or in clusters, depending on the look you want to achieve. Lanterns can be hung using ribbon, string, fishing line, or wire. Fishing line can be used to create the illusion of floating lanterns, while ribbon or string provides a more visible and decorative touch. Consider mixing sizes, colours, and textures of your lanterns for a unique and personalised look.
To hang paper lanterns from a tent pole or beam, you can use fishing line or twine. Create a loop and knot it around the pole, and consider using a slip knot or rubber shim to prevent the line from sliding down. You can also use zip ties or tape to secure the line, especially if you're concerned about it being noticeable. Lanterns can also be hung from diagonal lines of fishing line strung between tent poles to avoid clustering them around a single pole.
String lights can be hung in a variety of ways to create a cosy and enchanting atmosphere. Consider wrapping them around beams or rafters, hanging them in strands, or draping them across the ceiling. Bistro lights, fairy lights, and Edison bulbs are all popular choices for string lights at wedding receptions. You can also mix and match different types of string lights to create a unique and whimsical display.
Don't forget to plan your power source when hanging string lights and paper lanterns. Depending on the number of lights and lanterns, you may need a generator or ensure the barn has sufficient power outlets. It is also important to consider any restrictions the venue may have regarding decorations. Some venues may have rules about what can be attached to walls or ceilings, so be sure to check before finalising your plans.
By following these tips and ideas, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding reception in a pole barn. With careful planning and creativity, you can transform the space into a warm and inviting atmosphere that your guests will adore.
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Frequently asked questions
Pole barns are a great blank canvas for a wedding reception as they offer a lot of space and can be decorated in a variety of ways. Whether you want a rustic or formal look, here are some ideas to get you started:
A lot of fabric may be required to decorate a pole barn, especially if you want to drape it from the ceiling or walls. To calculate the amount of fabric you need, consider the height and room size of the barn. For example, to drape a 20-foot-tall, 56-foot-by-36-foot room with fabric, you would need a minimum of 245 yards of 60-inch material. This increases to 370 yards if you want a draped effect with folds.
Pole barns can be decorated with natural elements like greenery, plants, flowers, and trees to create a rustic setting. Hang potted plants or flower arrangements from the rafters, adorn the barn doors with wreaths, or create a natural arbor or canopy over the aisle with trees or branches. Scatter dried leaves or branches throughout the space, and incorporate coloured cloths, place cards, menus, and favours for a beautiful and unique rustic event.
To make a pole barn feel more formal, consider using fabric and lighting strategically. Drape the entrances and backdrop of a sweetheart table with fabric, and enhance it with lighting. Tulle is another option for creating a formal and romantic atmosphere, but it can be pricey and may not suit everyone's taste.
