Planning A Rustic Country Wedding: A Simple Guide

Planning a country wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be a breeze. From choosing the perfect location to adding the right touches of nature, there are many ways to make your country wedding simple yet elegant. Whether it's incorporating the great outdoors or adding a touch of opulence, a country wedding can be a beautiful and memorable affair. So, if you're looking to plan a country wedding, read on for some helpful advice and inspiration.

Choosing a location: a barn, ranch house, or outdoors

When it comes to choosing a location for a simple country wedding, there are a few options to consider. A barn or ranch house is a popular choice for this style of wedding, offering a beautiful and rustic setting. If you opt for a barn, you could decorate it with natural fabrics and textures like burlap, twine and linens in natural colours. You could also add a touch of opulence with crystal chandeliers in the surrounding trees.

Alternatively, you may want to consider an outdoor wedding. If you choose this option, you could set up a simple reception table underneath bistro lighting or decorate with loose, organic florals that complement the surrounding area. You could even include horses in your wedding, or serve a seasonal-inspired ice cream bar to your guests during the reception.

If you're looking for a more unique location, you could consider repurposing antique doors as a decor statement or using an old-fashioned wagon to add a touch of vintage country charm.

Decorations: natural textures, fabrics, and colours

When it comes to decorations, natural textures, fabrics, and colours are key to a simple country wedding. Take inspiration from the scenery around you and introduce fabrics and textures like burlap, twine, and linens in natural colours. You could even add a rustic plaid fabric in colours that match your theme. A rustic look for tablescapes and table settings always works well for a country wedding. Use a natural table runner as your basis and layer on lace, linen placemats, and delicate napkins. Introduce light and height with candles in varying sizes, elegant candle holders, and table lanterns with tealights.

If you're looking for something a little more extravagant, consider adding crystal chandeliers to the surrounding trees for lighting. This will add a touch of opulence while staying true to your overall country-inspired vision. You could also trim a semi-naked cake with greenery and wildflowers and serve it on a tree stump for a woodsy touch. For a minimalist touch, opt for an elegant runner of wildflowers on bare wooden tables.

Flowers: seasonal and timeless floral elements

When it comes to flowers, it's best to keep things seasonal and timeless. Embrace the colours and elements found in nature, and bring the outdoors inside. For a simple country wedding, you can't go wrong with a combination of blues, creamy whites, and greens, with pops of colour from garden roses and peonies.

If you're looking for a rustic, country-chic look, wildflowers are a perfect choice. Trim your wedding cake with greenery and wildflowers, or use them as a runner on bare wooden tables. You could also decorate your truck with wildflowers and greenery, or repurpose antique doors as a decor statement with a floral touch.

For a simple, elegant look, keep your floral arrangements loose and organic. Line the aisle with florals that complement the surrounding area, adding a pop of colour with something blue. If you're getting married in a barn or ranch house, consider adding crystal chandeliers to the surrounding trees for a touch of opulence.

Take inspiration from the scenery and introduce natural textures like burlap, twine, and linens in neutral colours. A rustic plaid fabric in colours that match your theme can add interest. Use candles in varying sizes and elegant candle holders to create a romantic, country-inspired atmosphere.

Food: a seasonal-inspired ice cream bar

When it comes to food, a seasonal-inspired ice cream bar is a fun way to treat your guests during the reception. This is especially fitting for a country wedding, where you can bring in a bit of the great outdoors.

You could set up a rustic ice cream bar with a variety of flavours inspired by the season. For example, in the summer, you might offer flavours like strawberry, peach, or lemon. In the winter, you could opt for flavours like peppermint, eggnog, or gingerbread.

To add a touch of country charm, consider serving the ice cream in mason jars or vintage bowls. You could also provide a variety of toppings, such as fresh berries, crushed cookies, or chocolate chips. For a fun twist, you might even offer a "make your own sundae" bar, where guests can create their own unique ice cream creations.

To keep things simple, you could opt for pre-made ice cream bars or sandwiches from a local bakery or ice cream shop. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you could make your own ice cream from scratch. There are plenty of recipes online, and you can even add your own unique twist, such as infusing the ice cream with fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Lighting: chandeliers in surrounding trees

When planning a simple country wedding, it's important to remember that the great outdoors is your friend. You can bring the bucolic beauty of the countryside to the fore with a few simple touches.

For a truly memorable lighting feature, consider hanging chandeliers from the surrounding trees. This will add a touch of opulence and glamour to your wedding, while still staying true to your country-inspired vision. The chandeliers will twinkle like stars among the trees, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your guests.

To achieve this look, you'll need to source some crystal chandeliers. You can either rent these or buy them if you're looking for a more permanent keepsake of your special day. Ensure you have the correct equipment and permissions to hang the chandeliers safely and securely from the trees. This may involve consulting with a professional to ensure the setup is safe and doesn't damage the trees.

When it comes to placement, consider the overall layout of your wedding and where the chandeliers will have the most impact. You may want to hang them above the dance floor to create a focal point for your guests or create a romantic atmosphere by hanging them above the tables during the wedding breakfast. If you have a particularly large tree, you could even hang a chandelier within its branches to create a unique photo opportunity.

By incorporating chandeliers into the surrounding trees, you'll be adding a touch of sparkle to your country wedding while also embracing the natural beauty of your chosen venue.

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