Rustic Church Wedding: Simple Tips For A Charming Ceremony

A rustic church wedding is a trendy choice, especially for country or small-town nuptials. It is also possible to incorporate boho-themed ideas into a rustic wedding. Decorations can range from sunflowers to mason jars with candles, and DIY elements can help to keep costs down.

To create a rustic vibe, consider using delicate wildflowers, lanterns, and ribbons. For a budget-friendly option, opt for seasonal and local flowers. You can also repurpose items and use natural elements like burlap, lace, and twine.

When decorating a church for a wedding, it is important to consider the existing architecture and style of the building. Simple accents that complement the design of the chapel can be very effective. It is also crucial to speak to the church beforehand to understand any restrictions and confirm which decorations are allowed.

Rustic Entranceway: Frame the doorway with curved tree branches and flowers

A rustic entranceway is a beautiful way to welcome guests to your wedding and set the tone for the rest of the ceremony. This idea is perfect for framing a chapel's doorway and creating a lovely photo opportunity. Here are some tips and ideas to create a rustic entranceway using curved tree branches and flowers:

Choose the Right Tree Branches

Select curved tree branches that are flexible and easy to weave. You can use branches from trees such as willow, birch, or eucalyptus. These trees typically have long, graceful branches that can be bent and shaped as needed. If possible, choose branches with leaves or foliage still attached, as this will add to the rustic and natural look.

Weave in Your Wedding Flowers

Incorporate your wedding flowers into the tree branches to add colour and elegance to the entranceway. You can use flowers that match your bouquet or choose a complementary colour scheme. Consider using flowers such as roses, peonies, hydrangeas, or wildflowers. Attach the flowers to the tree branches securely, perhaps with twine or floral wire, so they don't fall off.

Install the Frame

To create the frame, securely attach the curved tree branches to the sides of the doorway. You may need to measure the width of the doorway in advance to ensure the branches are cut to the correct length. The branches should curve gently to form an archway that guests can walk through. If possible, attach the branches in a way that doesn't damage the doorway, such as with removable hooks or command strips.

Add Extra Greenery

To enhance the rustic look, consider adding extra greenery, such as ivy, garlands, or trailing vines. This will create a lush and natural appearance. You can also incorporate other natural elements, such as dried flowers, grasses, or branches, to add texture and interest.

Include Lighting

If your wedding is in the evening or you want to create a romantic ambiance, consider adding lighting to your rustic entranceway. You can weave fairy lights or string lights through the tree branches or place lanterns or candles on either side of the doorway. Just ensure any open flames are a safe distance from the flowers and greenery.

Don't Forget the Details

Finally, pay attention to the small details to make your rustic entranceway truly special. You can add bows, ribbons, or tulle that match your wedding colour scheme. Perhaps include a welcome sign or a simple ceremony sign near the entranceway to guide your guests. These extra touches will tie your decor together and create a cohesive look.

Rustic Aisle: Line the aisle with vines, flowers, bows and candles

A rustic wedding aisle lined with vines, flowers, bows, and candles is a beautiful way to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere for your big day. Here are some ideas to achieve this look:

Vines

The use of vines can add a rustic and whimsical touch to your wedding aisle. Consider draping vines of greenery along the aisle, wrapping them around the chairs or pews, and even incorporating them into your floral arrangements. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own flower cones by cutting medium-weight construction paper into 7-inch squares, scalloping the edges with decorative scissors, and securing them with craft glue or invisible tape. Fill these cones with flowers and attach them to the chairs for a unique and elegant look.

Flowers

Flowers are a must-have for any wedding aisle, and they can be used in a variety of ways to create a rustic feel. Line the aisle with flower petals, creating a pattern or a blanket of petals for a dramatic effect. You can also use potted plants or fresh-cut flowers to decorate the aisle, choosing blooms that complement your colour palette and theme. For a rustic touch, consider using wildflowers, baby's breath, roses, or lavender tied with twine or raffia.

Bows

Bows can add a charming and elegant touch to your wedding aisle. You can tie bows made of ribbon or fabric to the ends of the chairs or pews, or use them to suspend flower cones or lanterns. For a rustic look, opt for natural-coloured ribbons or twine, and consider incorporating dried grass, wheat, or fall berries into your bows.

Candles

Candles are a perfect way to create a romantic and magical ambiance for your wedding aisle. Use candles of varying heights and types, such as pillar candles, votive candles, and floating candles, to add interest and dimension. For a rustic touch, consider using antique candlesticks or lanterns, and incorporate natural elements such as fall leaves, flower heads, or feathers into your display. Candles can also be used to line a winding staircase or add a soft glow to your altar, creating a dreamy and elegant atmosphere.

Rustic Altar: Combine a beautiful backdrop with candles and flowers

A rustic altar is a beautiful way to tie your wedding ceremony together. Here are some ideas for creating a stunning rustic backdrop for your big day:

Firstly, consider the overall design of your wedding and the natural elements of your venue. If you're getting married in a church, think about the existing architecture and how your altar can complement it. Perhaps there's a beautiful doorway or window that can be accentuated with a floral arch or draped greenery. If you're marrying outdoors, incorporate the natural scenery into your altar design, like a waterfall or a tree.

For a rustic altar, a simple yet effective idea is to combine a beautiful backdrop with candles and flowers. You can achieve this by using an antique folding screen dressed with white blooms, creating a romantic and elegant vibe. Another option is to build a wooden structure adorned with macramé, greenery, and rugs. If you're looking for something more unique, a laser-cut backdrop with personalised details can be a perfect fit.

Flowers and greenery are essential elements for a rustic altar. You can use potted plants, hanging installations, or flower petals to create a whimsical and natural look. Consider using local flowers or dried flowers to add a touch of charm. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, eucalyptus is a great choice and pairs well with rustic themes.

Candles are another way to add a rustic and romantic touch to your altar. Combine candles of different sizes and colours with your floral arrangements to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also incorporate antique candlesticks or modern candle holders to enhance the overall design.

Don't forget to personalise your altar to make it unique to you and your partner. Whether it's incorporating your favourite flowers, adding meaningful dream catchers, or displaying a special sign, make sure your altar reflects your style and theme.

By combining a beautiful backdrop, candles, and flowers, you can create a rustic altar that will be a memorable part of your wedding day.

Rustic Pews: Adorn pews with plush cushions, flowers and personalised touches

To achieve the sought-after rustic look for your church wedding, consider adorning the pews with plush cushions, flowers, and personalised touches. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Plush Cushions

For a comfortable and elegant seating experience, reversible pew cushions made from durable and stain-resistant fabric are a perfect choice. These cushions are designed to match the quality of solid wood church pews and can be customised to fit both straight and curved pews. With a 2-inch thickness, your guests will surely appreciate the added comfort during the ceremony.

Flowers

Flowers are a classic way to decorate pews and add a rustic charm to your wedding. Consider using artificial flowers, such as baby's breath, calla lilies, roses, and lilacs, which can be found on Etsy. For a more natural look, opt for silk wedding flowers or fresh flowers in rustic colours like orange, yellow, and pink. Hang floral arrangements from the pews or place them at the end of each pew.

Personalised Touches

Customise your pew decorations to make them even more unique. Etsy offers a wide range of personalised pew decorations, including bows, ribbons, and signs. You can also add personalised aisle runners or hang reserved signs on the pews for a special touch. Incorporate your wedding colours or themes into the decorations to create a cohesive and stylish look.

Combination Ideas

Combine plush cushions with flowers and personalised touches for an even more stunning effect. Place flower arrangements in vases or pots at the end of each pew, accented with a personalised ribbon or sign. Add cushions to provide a comfortable seating experience for your guests. You can also hang flower holders or aisle hangers from the pews, creating a beautiful floral display.

Remember to keep the existing architecture of the church in mind and choose decorations that complement the rustic theme. With these ideas, you can create a charming and memorable rustic church wedding.

Rustic Lighting: Use fairy lights, lanterns and candles to illuminate the church

Rustic lighting is a great way to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere for your church wedding. Fairy lights, lanterns, and candles are key elements to achieving this rustic look and can be incorporated in various ways to illuminate the church.

Fairy lights, also known as string lights, are a versatile option that can be hung from ceilings, wrapped around pillars or railings, or even placed inside lanterns for a magical effect. They provide a soft glow that adds elegance to the venue. If your church has stunning window views, consider hanging fairy lights to frame and enhance the scenery.

Lanterns are another essential component of rustic lighting. They can be used to line the aisle, creating a unique and charming pathway for the wedding party. Gold or rose gold lanterns with vintage or modern designs will add a touch of elegance, while rustic lanterns made from materials like burlap or twine will complement a country or small-town church setting. Place candles or fairy lights inside the lanterns to enhance their illuminating effect.

Speaking of candles, they are a must-have for creating a romantic and serene atmosphere. Candles in various sizes and styles, such as pillar candles or elegant candelabras, can be placed on windowsills, altar steps, or along the pews. If open flames are not permitted, LED candles are a safe and attractive alternative that still provides a warm and inviting glow.

When incorporating rustic lighting into your church wedding, it's important to consider safety and fire hazards. Ensure that any real candles are placed securely and away from flammable materials. LED fairy lights and lanterns with flameless candles are excellent options for creating a romantic ambiance while complying with fire safety guidelines.

By combining fairy lights, lanterns, and candles in your church wedding decor, you will achieve a rustic and enchanting atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

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