Crafting A Wedding Rug: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding rug is a great way to add a unique element to your special day. Whether you're going for a boho, country, or city-chic theme, a wedding rug can be the perfect accent to tie everything together. Here are some tips on how to make a wedding rug:

1. Choose the Right Rug

When selecting a rug for your wedding, consider the style and theme of your wedding. If you're going for a boho look, mix and match different rugs to create an eclectic aisle. For a city-chic wedding, use a rug with bold and warm colors to create an interesting dynamic. If you're having an outdoor wedding, a rug can also help to protect your shoes from gravel or rocks.

2. Create a Runway

You can use a long aisle runner rug to create a stunning entrance for the bride. Layer different rugs at the altar to distinguish the ceremony location from the rest of the space. Stay within the same color palette to create a cohesive look.

3. Opt for White

If you're going for a minimalist wedding, consider using an array of white rugs in different styles and shapes. Fringed rugs add texture and can be rented if you don't want to purchase them.

4. Illusion of Space

Using a large rug can make a small wedding space feel more spacious. Remember, the larger the rug, the larger the space will feel.

5. Country Chic

For a country-chic wedding, use vintage cowhide rugs at the altar and aisle areas. Add wicker baskets and hanging lanterns to complete the look.

6. Seating Areas

Rugs can also be used to create intimate seating areas for guests at an outdoor reception. Place rugs under trees and add seating on top for a cozy conversation spot.

7. After the Wedding

Your wedding rug can also be used in your home after the big day. It will be a beautiful reminder of your special day and can add a cozy and intimate feel to your space.

Choosing the right rug for your wedding theme

Consider the Venue and Theme:

• Think about the venue and theme of your wedding. Rugs can add warmth and colour to a large, open space or an industrial setting. They can also provide a foundation for a woodland or rustic wedding.
• If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider using rugs to define the ceremony and reception areas, or to create a cosy lounge area for your guests.
• For an indoor wedding, rugs can add a pop of colour or texture to a sleek, industrial space.

Choose the Right Style and Colour:

• Opt for rugs that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. For a boho-inspired wedding, choose colourful or eclectic rugs that mix and match well.
• If you want a more subtle look, go for natural tones like sisal area rugs, which come in beautiful earth tones.
• Patterned rugs are a great way to make a statement and add personality to your wedding.

Select the Right Material and Size:

• Consider the practicality of the rug. Polypropylene rugs are a good choice for outdoor weddings as they are weather-resistant and easy to clean.
• Custom-cut rugs can be tailored to fit your specific needs, whether it's for the aisle or a unique corner of the venue.
• Ensure the rug is large enough to define the space and accommodate your wedding party and guests.

Think About Rental vs. Purchase:

• Renting a rug can be a hassle and may come with additional costs if it gets damaged.
• Buying a rug means you can choose one that perfectly suits your style and keep it as a memento of your special day.

By considering these factors, you can choose a wedding rug that enhances your theme and creates a memorable atmosphere for your big day.

How to use rugs to create a boho-themed wedding

Boho-themed weddings are all about creating a relaxed, yet romantic setting. Rugs are a great way to achieve this and can be used in a variety of ways to create a boho-themed wedding. Here are some ideas on how to use rugs to style a boho-themed wedding:

Walk Down a Rug Aisle

If your wedding is taking place in an open space rather than a church, you can use a long runner rug to create a clear walk space for the bride. This is a practical choice, as it will also keep heels from sinking into the grass. For a true boho feel, walk down the aisle barefoot! You can also create a similar effect by layering multiple smaller rugs to form the aisle, which will set a relaxed yet romantic scene for the day ahead.

Create Seating Zones

Rugs can be used to create relaxed and casual seating areas for your guests, especially if your wedding is outdoors. Layer vintage rugs outside and place simple seating on top to give your guests a place to chill and create a great photography spot. Rugs will help to mark out the area as a 'seating zone', especially if you want to create different areas without walls or marquees.

The Ultimate Keepsake

A Persian rug is a wonderful way to make your wedding day extra special and create a lasting keepsake. In Persian culture, it is a tradition for couples to stand on a Persian rug during their wedding ceremony and then keep it as a reminder of their special day. You can choose a new rug or use a rug that has been passed down through the generations, connecting your union to your family's history.

Layer Rugs for a Dance Floor

Layer rugs to create a dance floor and bring people together into a smaller, more intimate space. This is a fun way to create a super boho dance floor, although you might want to avoid using your most precious rugs in case of spills!

Add Colour and Warmth to Your Wedding Design

Rugs bring warmth and colour to a large, open space and can be used to liven up any wedding venue, whether it's indoors or outdoors. They are a great way to add texture and create a foundation for your wedding design, especially in industrial spaces or woodland settings. For a boho-themed wedding, choose rugs that are colourful and eclectic, or mix and match colours to create a walking path or aisle. Muted florals in orange, tan, ivory, blush, peach, and rust with a touch of teal or blue will create a beautiful, boho-inspired colour palette.

Using rugs to transform an intimate ceremony

Rugs are a great way to transform an intimate ceremony. They can be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in outdoor or industrial spaces. Here are some tips and ideas for using rugs to enhance your wedding ceremony:

• Boho Wedding: Create a boho-inspired wedding by mixing and matching colourful rugs to form a walking path down the aisle. This adds a touch of whimsy and can also protect your guests' shoes from gravel or rocks. Look for eclectic rugs in muted colours like orange, tan, ivory, blush, peach, and rust, with a touch of teal or blue.
• City/Industrial Wedding: In a plain industrial space, a rug can add colour and warmth. Opt for bold, warm colours to create a focal point that draws attention to the wedding party. Simple decor elements like pillar candles or brass candleholders can complement the rug and create an intimate, elegant atmosphere.
• Backyard Wedding: Layer rugs in your backyard to create a cosy lounge area or designate a ceremony site. This is a perfect way to add a thoughtful touch to your celebration.
• Wedding in the Pines: For an intimate wedding in a pine forest, use a colourful rug to bring warmth and colour to the outdoor setting.
• Elegant Barn Wedding: Add a touch of softness and colour to a barn wedding by using rug runners down the aisle and an oval rug at the ceremony site. Soft pastels or neutral colours like beige and grey can create a romantic atmosphere.
• Rustic Barn Wedding: Create a beautiful lounge seating area with a view by placing rugs and seating overlooking the lawn and reception space. This provides a cosy spot for family photos and quiet moments.
• Outdoor Mansion Wedding: Use a rug as a foundation piece for your sweetheart table, adding colour and warmth to your seating area.
• Intimate Outdoor Mansion Elopement: For a small outdoor wedding with a gorgeous backdrop, a rug can be a perfect addition to your ceremony area, especially if you're going for a boho-inspired look.
• Indoor Lounge Seating: Add a rug to a lounge area near the dance floor or bar to make it more inviting. Choose colours and styles that match the rest of your decor to create a cohesive look.
• Optical Illusion: Use a large rug to make a small space feel bigger. This is an optical illusion that works in any setting.
• Country Chic Wedding: For a country-themed wedding, use vintage cowhide rugs at the altar and aisle. Add wicker baskets and hanging lanterns to complete the rustic ambiance.
• Seating Areas: Place rugs in different parts of an outdoor reception area to create intimate conversation spots for guests. This is especially romantic for a wedding surrounded by nature, like under trees.

Creating a runway with a long aisle runner

A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground that starts at the entrance or threshold of the wedding ceremony venue and ends at the altar. Aisle runners are a favoured wedding tradition used by couples from different cultural backgrounds and faiths. They come in numerous different forms and can work for any wedding theme, venue or season.

Choosing the Right Aisle Runner

The first thing to consider when choosing an aisle runner is the material. Most aisle runners are made with polyester, burlap, or turf. Polyester aisle runners are typically more long-lasting and non-slip, reducing the risk of the wedding party slipping or falling. Burlap is classic and often used due to its durability. Turf is UV-protected, weather and fade-resistant, durable, and lightweight.

The size of the aisle runner should match the width of the aisle and be appropriate for the space it will be used in. The width is usually around three to four feet, but there should be some space left between the runner and the ceremony seating.

The colour and design of the aisle runner should reflect the personality and style of the couple while also complementing or contrasting the colours of the outdoor wedding venue.

Setting Up the Aisle Runner

When installing a lightweight aisle runner, you can secure it using stakes, pins, tape, weights, or flower pots. For indoor weddings, use strong double-sided tape along the sides of the runner so it doesn't shift. For outdoor weddings, use pins or nails to secure the runner to the ground and level the surface underneath as best as possible.

It's a good idea to install the aisle runner long before the ceremony to avoid delays and ensure it is properly installed. After installation, make sure it is smooth and straight with no wrinkles or folds.

Tips for Using the Aisle Runner

Let the bridal party walk on the aisle runner ahead of the ceremony to get a feel for the material and learn how to walk on it without an issue. Take slow, confident steps, one step at a time.

When the ceremony is over, clean and roll up the wedding runner, carefully removing any flower petals that may have been used. This helps to protect it and prevent permanent stains. High-quality aisle runners can be used for future events when kept in good condition.

Using rugs to make a small space feel larger

Rugs are a great way to make a small space feel larger. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

• Choose a light-coloured rug: Light, cool tones will trick the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is.
• Create an illusion with lines and stripes: Opt for a striped rug with stripes that are perpendicular to the long walls of the room, visually widening the space.
• Opt for a rug that adds texture without overwhelming the room: Light shag rugs can make a room look bigger and instantly add depth and sophistication.
• Go for a rug with an all-over pattern: A very large-scaled, neutral pattern will add texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
• Choose a solid or monochromatic rug: Keeping a small room clutter-free is key, so opt for solid or monochromatic rugs, preferably in a light, neutral hue.
• Don't break up the flooring: Using multiple small rugs can emphasise the size of a small space. Instead, opt for one large rug that covers most of the floor.

In addition to the above, you can also make a small space feel larger by:

• Choosing multifunctional furniture: Pick furniture that does double duty and fills the area completely.
• Keeping the clutter away: The more clutter, the smaller the space appears.
• Thinking about scale: Avoid furniture that is too big and gets too close to the wall, but also avoid furniture that is too small and seems to float randomly in the middle of the room.
• Reflecting the space: Add a good-sized mirror to reflect the room back, making it feel larger.
• Adding height: Hang drapes higher than the window so that when you walk in, your eyes follow the drapes to the ceiling instead of getting stuck at the top of the window.

Frequently asked questions