Deborah Chan
Hay bales have become a staple in rustic weddings, often used as a cheaper alternative to chairs for seating arrangements. They can be dressed up or kept simple, with sheets, quilts, or lace fabric draped over them to make them more comfortable and stylish. Hay bales can be used to create couches, tables, and chairs, adding a unique and rustic touch to the wedding decor. They are also versatile and can be used as backdrops, centrepieces, or even to display the seating chart.
What You'll Learn
Hay bale seating
Hay bales are a fun, inexpensive, and unique way to decorate your wedding and can be used in many ways, from seating to photo backdrops. Here are some tips and ideas for using hay bales as seating at your wedding:
Planning Hay Bale Seating
Hay bales are best suited for outdoor weddings or events as they can be messy and have a smell. They are a great option for rustic or country-themed weddings, and you can dress them up or keep them simple. If you're using hay bales on grass, ensure the sprinklers are off to avoid soggy seating. You can rent or buy hay bales from a local feed store or farmer.
Making Hay Bales Comfortable
Hay bales can be itchy and uncomfortable to sit on, so it's a good idea to cover them with fabric. You can use simple white sheets, mismatched quilts for a country feel, or bolts of fabric in your wedding color scheme for a chic look. If you want a boho vibe, try draping lace fabric and blush, cream, or earthy tones like sage, rust, and mustard. You can also use two hay bales with a skinny board in between to create a bench.
Hay bales can be used as ceremony seating, either in a circle under a large oak tree or in stadium-style rows. For a more casual wedding, you can mix in some standard chairs for guests who prefer not to sit on hay bales. Hay bales can also be used to create a large couch for guests, adorned with overstuffed pillows and quilts. If you're having a barn wedding, you can bring the couch inside in case of rain.
Hay bales can also be used as aisle decorations, with lanterns placed on top, or as dinner seating, covered with bedsheets or quilts. For a fun touch, use hay bales for seating on hayrides to escort guests around your farm wedding.
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Covering hay bales
Hay bales are a fun, rustic, and cost-effective way to decorate your wedding. They can be used for seating, as a photo backdrop, or as a decorative feature. If you're planning on using them as seats, it's important to cover them with a thick material to ensure your guests are comfortable and safe from any hay pokes! Here are some ideas for covering hay bales for your wedding:
Mismatched Quilts
Quilts are a great option for covering hay bales as they are thick, soft, and can add a touch of colour to your wedding decor. You can use vintage or mismatched quilts for a casual, rustic chic look. They are often inexpensive and can be found at flea markets, second-hand stores, or estate sales. If you can borrow some from friends and family, even better!
Canvas
Canvas is a durable and thick material that will ensure no hay pokes through. It can be more expensive, but you can find cheaper options online or in hardware stores, where they are sold as paint drop cloths.
Sheets
If you're looking for a cheaper option, bedsheets can also be used to cover hay bales. This is a good idea if you want a more uniform look, especially if you're using them for dinner seating.
Lace
For a feminine and elegant touch, consider using lace to cover your hay bales. This can be a great way to add a rustic chic element to your wedding decor.
Other Options
Other materials you could use include burlap, though it may be scratchy, or egg crates covered with a thinner, more attractive fabric. If you're using a lighter fabric, be sure to cover the sides of the hay bales as well to prevent pokes.
Remember to also consider the length of your guests' clothing, as you don't want dresses or pantyhose getting snagged on the hay!
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Hay bale tables
Hay bales are a fun, cheap, and rustic way to decorate your wedding. They are a great alternative to chairs and can be used to create a unique and beautiful atmosphere for your special day. Here are some ideas for using hay bales as tables for your wedding:
Sheet-Covered Hay Bales for Dinner Seating
Cover hay bales with bedsheets and secure them with ties or rope. This idea is perfect for rustic farm wedding dinners and can be made more comfortable with pillows and quilts.
Hay Bales with a Low Table
For a child's party, hay bales can be used as benches with a low table. This idea works well with a boho theme and can be dressed up with lace fabric and draping in boho colours like cream, blush, sage, rust, and mustard.
Hay Bales for a Wedding Bar
Create a unique wedding bar by using hay bales as a stand and wooden boards as a table. Mason jars can be used as glasses for a rustic touch.
Hay Bales for a Lemonade Stand
Similarly, hay bales can be used to create a cute lemonade stand with a rustic country feel.
Hay Bales for a Buffet Table
Hay bales can be used to create a buffet table or appetizer display. This idea can be dressed up with lace and wildflowers for a rustic outdoor wedding.
Hay bales are a versatile and inexpensive way to add a rustic touch to your wedding. With a bit of creativity, they can be used to create beautiful tables, seating, and displays that will wow your guests.
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Hay bale couches
Hay bales are a popular feature of rustic weddings, often used to create a natural, country feel. They are a versatile, cheap, and eco-friendly option for wedding decor and can be used in many ways, from seating to tables and photo props.
To make a hay bale couch, you can try the following:
- Stack three hay bales into a couch-like formation with two bales on the ground side by side and the third on top of them at one end.
- Use sturdy string to loop through the existing hay ties to keep the structure together.
- Cover the structure with blankets, quilts, or sheets to make it more comfortable for your guests and to add a touch of elegance or colour. You may want to use a liner underneath to prevent any stray pieces of hay from poking through.
- If you are concerned about the structure moving, you can try pounding rebar through the bales into the ground to anchor it.
- If there is a chance of rain, bring the couch indoors or cover it with tarps to keep the bales dry.
- Finally, decorate the couch with flowers, bright fabric, or ribbon to match your wedding theme.
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Hay bale photo backdrop
Hay bales are a fun, inexpensive, and rustic way to decorate your wedding. They can be used in many ways, from seating to photo backdrops, and can be dressed up or kept simple. Here are some tips and ideas for creating a hay bale photo backdrop:
Location
Hay bales are best used for outdoor events as they can be messy and have a smell. If you are having an outdoor wedding, a hay bale photo backdrop is a great way to incorporate the natural environment into your photos. Find a scenic spot with a beautiful background, such as a large oak tree or a field of wildflowers, to enhance your photos.
Sourcing Hay Bales
Hay bales are widely available at most rustic venues, or you can call your local farmer to loan or rent some for your big day. Another option is to rent them from a local feed store, which is usually inexpensive. If you are crafty, you can even try making your own hay bales!
Setup and Decoration
For a simple and rustic look, you can leave the hay bales as they are. However, if you want to dress them up, consider covering them with fabric, sheets, or quilts. This will also make them more comfortable for guests to lean or sit on while taking photos. You can use white sheets for a simple and elegant look, or mix and match quilts for a more country feel. If you want a chic vibe, opt for solid colours or fabric in your wedding colour scheme. Flowers, bright ribbons, and lace fabric can also be used to decorate the hay bales and add a touch of elegance.
Pair with Other Props
To enhance your photo backdrop, pair the hay bales with other props such as wooden boards, lanterns, or a couch. You can also use hay bales to create a seating chart display or a table for announcements. Get creative and think about unique ways to use the hay bales to elevate your wedding decor.
After the Wedding
Once the wedding is over, you can take the hay bales outside for reuse in your garden or on your lawn. Alternatively, you can try reselling them or returning them to the farmer or feed store.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either buy or rent hay bales from a local feed store or farmer.
You can cover hay bales with fabric, such as bedsheets, quilts, or lace, to make them more comfortable to sit on and add a touch of elegance or rustic charm. Flowers, bright ribbons, and mismatched quilts can also be used to decorate and create a more country-style feel.
Hay bales can be used for seating, tables, couches, and chairs. They can also be used as a backdrop for photos, centrepieces, or to display your seating chart.
Hay bales are best used for outdoor events as they can be messy and have a smell. If setting up on grass, ensure the sprinklers are off to avoid soggy hay bales. Also, consider that some guests may be uncomfortable sitting on hay bales, so it's a good idea to have some standard chairs available.
