Planning A Rustic Country Wedding: A Guide To Getting Started

Planning a rustic country wedding can be an enjoyable experience, allowing you to embrace the natural beauty and timeless charm of the countryside. To bring your vision to life, it's important to get organised and start planning well in advance. Consider the ambience, colour scheme and overall atmosphere you want to create, incorporating elements of nature, vintage touches and rustic charm. Establishing a clear budget from the outset will help you make informed choices and avoid overspending. Prioritise the elements that are most important to you, such as the venue, photography/videography and catering, and then set a budget accordingly.

Choosing a venue that aligns with your vision

When it comes to choosing a venue for your rustic country wedding, it's important to select a location that aligns with your vision and comfortably accommodates all your guests. Consider the ambience, colour scheme, and overall atmosphere you want to create. Think about the elements of nature, vintage touches, and rustic charm that resonate with you and your partner. This will serve as the foundation for all your planning decisions.

For instance, if you're dreaming of a rustic-style wedding in the winter months, look for a venue with old touches like fireplaces, hearths, high ceilings, wood, and stone. Decorate the dark background with all-season white roses and place blankets and lounge areas around the venue. Prepare lots of warm drinks and incorporate Christmas decor, such as Christmas trees, cones, and pine branches in the bride's bouquet.

If you're planning a rustic country wedding in the warmer months, choose a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. This way, you can make the most of the beautiful countryside surroundings and ensure that your day goes according to plan, regardless of the weather.

When it comes to attire, you can embrace the rustic theme by having your bridesmaids wear their own cowgirl boots under their dresses or opting for patterned, short dresses. The groomsmen can join in on the theme with khakis and white button-downs, complete with cowboy hats.

Remember, by taking a thoughtful and organised approach, you can bring your vision to life and create a memorable rustic country wedding that embraces the natural beauty and charm of the countryside.

Budgeting

Planning a rustic country wedding can be an enjoyable experience, but it's important to establish a clear budget from the outset to avoid overspending.

First, you should prioritise the elements that are most important to you and your partner. These might include the venue, photography/videography, and catering. Consider the ambience, colour scheme, and overall atmosphere you want to create, and think about the elements of nature, vintage touches, and rustic charm that resonate with you. This will help you set a budget that aligns with your vision.

When it comes to the venue, choose a location that not only fits your theme but also comfortably accommodates all your guests. Consider a place with old touches like fireplaces, hearths, high ceilings, wood, and stone. If you're planning a winter wedding, look for a venue with indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure your day goes according to plan, regardless of the weather.

Photography and videography can be a significant expense, so it's essential to shop around and compare prices. Ask for recommendations from friends or family, and don't be afraid to negotiate on pricing.

Catering can also be a large part of the budget, so consider your options carefully. You might opt for a formal sit-down meal or a more relaxed buffet-style service. If you're looking to save money, you could even opt for a potluck-style meal, where guests bring a dish to share.

Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of attire, decorations, and any other extras you may want, such as entertainment or wedding favours. By creating a detailed budget and sticking to it, you can have the rustic country wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Colour scheme and atmosphere

When planning a rustic country wedding, it's important to consider the colour scheme and atmosphere you want to create. Think about the elements of nature, vintage touches and rustic charm that resonate with you and your partner. This will serve as the foundation for all your planning decisions.

For a rustic country wedding, you might want to consider a colour scheme that reflects the natural beauty of the countryside. Soft, neutral colours like beige, taupe and sage green can create a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. You could also incorporate rustic elements like burlap, lace and twine into your colour scheme. For example, using burlap table runners or lace chair sashes can add a touch of rustic charm to your wedding decor.

If you're planning a rustic country wedding in the autumn, consider incorporating autumn colours like burgundy, orange and gold into your colour scheme. Autumn leaves and berries can also be used as decorations, adding a touch of seasonal charm to your wedding. For a winter rustic country wedding, you could decorate the venue with Christmas trees, pine branches and cones. Using all-season white roses can also add a touch of elegance to your winter wedding.

When it comes to the atmosphere of your rustic country wedding, think about the overall vibe you want to create. Do you want a relaxed and laid-back feel or a more formal and elegant atmosphere? Allowing your day to be imperfect and not forcing perfection will leave you, your bridal party and your guests less stressed.

Wedding attire

Planning a rustic country wedding is an enjoyable experience that will allow you to embrace the natural beauty and timeless charm of the countryside. It's important to consider the ambience, colour scheme and overall atmosphere you want to create. Think about the elements of nature, vintage touches and rustic charm that resonate with you and your partner. This will serve as the foundation for all your planning decisions, including your wedding attire.

For a rustic country wedding, your bouquet should look like it was plucked right from the garden. Wildflowers can add to that rustic feel, and keeping the stems uncut adds a more relaxed vibe. When it comes to attire, bridesmaids can wear their own cowgirl boots under their dresses or even go for patterned, short dresses. Groomsmen can be dressed in khakis and white button-downs complete with a cowboy hat. Accessories like suspenders, wildflower boutonnieres, cowboy boots, and wood cufflinks can also be incorporated.

If you're looking for something more formal, rustic wedding suits and tuxedos are also an option. These can be classic or luxury, and come in a variety of colours and sizes. You can even add unique embroidered paisley patterns or floral designs to your rustic wedding attire.

Remember, allowing your day to be imperfect and not forcing perfection will leave you, your bridal party and your guests less stressed. So, feel free to get creative and have fun with your wedding attire choices!

Choosing a photographer

Planning a rustic country wedding is an enjoyable experience that will allow you to embrace the natural beauty and timeless charm of the countryside. When it comes to choosing a photographer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to start planning well in advance. Envision your ideal rustic wedding and consider the ambience, colour scheme and overall atmosphere you want to create. Think about the elements of nature, vintage touches and rustic charm that resonate with you and your partner. This will help you choose a photographer who can capture the unique details of your wedding.

When selecting a photographer, it is essential to view their portfolio and ensure their style aligns with your vision. Look for a photographer who has experience capturing country weddings and can showcase their ability to highlight the natural beauty of the setting. Consider the lighting and backdrops that will be present at your venue and choose a photographer who can work with these elements to create stunning images.

It is also beneficial to meet with your photographer beforehand and discuss your expectations. Communicate your desired shot list, including specific moments or details you want to be captured. Ask about their approach to capturing the day, their equipment, and their backup plan in case of any unforeseen circumstances. It is important to feel comfortable and confident in your photographer's abilities, as they will be capturing the memories of your special day.

Additionally, consider the overall package and services offered by the photographer. Decide if you prefer a photographer who will be present for the entire day or just a few key moments. Discuss the delivery timeline for the final images and any additional services, such as albums or prints, that may be included. Price is also an important factor, so be sure to set a budget for photography and find a photographer who fits within your range.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or referrals from family and friends, or even wedding venues like Crockwell Farm. By taking the time to carefully select your photographer, you can ensure that your rustic country wedding will be captured beautifully and memorably.

Frequently asked questions