Planning Your Dream Country Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning the perfect country wedding is an exciting task, with endless possibilities to make the day your own. From the venue to the decor, there are many ways to create a rustic, country-inspired celebration. A country wedding is often associated with outdoor spaces, barns, rolling hills, and florals, but you can add your own unique touches, whether that's a bonfire, a band, or a glamorous picnic. The key to a perfect country wedding is to embrace the natural setting and add elegant, refined touches to create a memorable event.

Choosing a venue: barns, ranches, and outdoor spaces are popular

When it comes to choosing a venue for a country wedding, there are several options to consider, including barns, ranches, and outdoor spaces. Each option offers a unique setting and ambiance that can enhance the overall theme and experience of the wedding.

Barns are a popular choice for country weddings, offering a blend of rustic charm and elegance. Many barns have been restored and transformed into beautiful wedding venues, featuring exposed wooden beams, rustic lighting, and spacious interiors. Some barns may also have adjacent outdoor areas, such as lush lawns or gardens, that can be utilised for ceremonies or cocktail hours. The Ashes Barn in South Carolina and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in Maryland are examples of barn venues that have hosted picturesque country weddings.

Ranches provide a vast expanse of land and a backdrop of rolling hills or mountains, creating a breathtaking setting for a country wedding. They often offer a sense of seclusion and privacy, allowing the wedding party and guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Ranches may also have unique features, such as lakes, streams, or even historic covered bridges, that can serve as picturesque backdrops for wedding ceremonies and photographs.

Outdoor spaces, such as country gardens, lakes, beaches, or mountains, are also popular choices for country weddings. These venues allow couples to fully embrace the beauty of nature and create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere. When selecting an outdoor venue, it is important to consider the surrounding scenery and incorporate it seamlessly into the wedding design. For example, Neillie Butler, Owner of Mariée Ami, suggests tailoring the aisle to flow with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious and elegant setting.

In addition to the venue itself, it is essential to consider the overall guest experience. This includes providing comfortable transportation, refreshing drinks, and ample seating for guests, especially if the wedding is held outdoors. Prioritising guest satisfaction is key to achieving a luxury feeling in a rustic setting, ensuring that the day is enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.

Whether you choose a barn, a ranch, or an outdoor space, there are endless ways to transform these venues into the perfect country wedding setting. From decor to lighting to floral arrangements, each element can be carefully curated to capture the essence of the countryside and create an elegant and refined country wedding.

Decorations: rustic, natural, and floral themes are common

When it comes to decorating your country wedding, rustic, natural, and floral themes are common. If you're working with a beautiful natural backdrop, you don't need much more than some simple floral arrangements to add a pop of colour. If you're after a more rustic, refined look, consider a classic green and white colour palette, or a mix of cream, white, green, and small pops of colour from seasonal flowers like garden roses and peonies.

For a true rustic aesthetic, think about using natural elements like rugged foliage, blooming trees, and softly coloured floral arrangements. Fairy lights entwined with flowers and foliage can add a touch of sparkle and highlight the natural beauty of these decorations. If you're in a barn or indoor venue, bring the outdoors in with wooden accents, such as log slices for placemats and centrepieces, and pine cones dotted around the tables. You could also use foliage garlands as table runners, with flowers and vines around your tableware. For a playful touch, use glass jars, wine bottles, and vintage pots for vases, paired with candles and floral arrangements.

For a whimsical touch, set up a petal station with a vintage dresser and fill cones with rose petals for your exit. For a rustic, romantic atmosphere, drape fabric from the ceiling and walls, softening the room and creating a snug, intimate feel. If you're feeling fancy, add some crystal chandeliers to the surrounding trees for a touch of opulence. For a fun, country-style exit, decorate your truck with a 'Just Married' sign and drape it with lights for some great photo opportunities.

Food and drink: picnic-style, BBQ, and seasonal produce

When it comes to food and drink, a country wedding offers plenty of options to delight your guests. If you're going for a rustic, outdoor vibe, a picnic-style banquet is a great choice. Set up big tables outside, adorned with natural table runners, lace, linen placemats, and delicate napkins. Offer an array of fresh produce, including fruits, cheeses, chilli cornbread, tacos, and potato salad. You could even have a DIY ice cream bar with seasonal flavours and toppings inspired by the local area.

For a more interactive dining experience, a barbecue is a perfect fit for a country wedding. Whether it's a casual get-together the day after the ceremony or the main event, a barbecue is a fun and tasty way to bring everyone together. Serve up some classic country dishes like burgers, ribs, and grilled vegetables.

Speaking of seasonal produce, incorporating it into your menu is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your country wedding. Opt for ingredients that are in season and reflect the flavours of the countryside. For example, a winter wedding could feature a menu of root vegetables, hearty stews, and rich, indulgent desserts. A summer celebration could showcase fresh berries, light salads, and grilled dishes.

Don't forget to keep your guests refreshed with a variety of drinks. Offer a selection of beverages, from ice-cold beers to signature cocktails, and perhaps even some hot chocolate or mulled wine if it's a chilly day.

Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative and incorporate some country-style elements into your food and drink presentation. For example, decorate your cake with a rope or bright southwestern colours, or set up a s'mores station by the bonfire for a fun, interactive treat.

Dress code: cowboy hats, boots, and country tweeds

When it comes to dress codes, cowboy hats, boots, and country tweeds are a perfect fit for a country wedding. This theme is all about embracing the rustic charm and elegance of the countryside.

For the happy couple, cowboy hats are a fun and unique touch. Traditionally, the groom and groomsmen don these hats, but all guests can join in on the fun and bring their cowboy hats to the celebration. As for footwear, cowboy boots are a comfortable and stylish choice for dancing the night away. They are a perfect fit for country line dances like the electric slide, the double D, and the Cowboy Cha-Cha.

The bridal party can also join in on the country tweed trend. Page boys dressed in country tweeds will look absolutely adorable and chic. For the bridesmaids, a mix of coloured skirts and plain tops, or sequinned outfits for a touch of sparkle, will complement the country vibe. Bridal jumpsuits and trouser suits are also a fun, modern twist on the traditional dress. For an extra special touch, a designer dress that the bride has always dreamed of can be a magical choice.

Don't forget about the little ones! Flower girls can also join in on the country theme with adorable separates, and for the cooler months, winter flowers like anemones, roses, and hydrangeas will add a romantic touch to the overall aesthetic.

The country wedding dress code is a wonderful blend of rustic charm and comfort, with a touch of elegance. It's a fun and unique way to celebrate the happy couple's love story.

Entertainment: country music, campfires, and stargazing

Country music, campfires, and stargazing are all wonderful ways to entertain your guests and create a memorable wedding celebration.

Country Music

Create a playlist of country songs that you and your partner love and that reflect your journey together. You can play these songs throughout the event, from the entrance and bouquet toss to the dance party. If you want to stick to tradition, reserve specific songs for the father-daughter dance and your first dance as a married couple. You can also opt to have a string quartet perform beautiful interpretations of your favorite country songs during the ceremony.

Campfires

Campfires are a great way to bring people together and create a cozy atmosphere. Encourage guests to bring their musical instruments for a campfire sing-along or hire a musician to perform live country music around the fire. Provide s'mores kits and other campfire treats for a fun and interactive experience.

Stargazing

If your wedding venue allows for a clear view of the night sky, stargazing can be a magical experience for your guests. Consider providing star maps customized with a map of the stars above your wedding venue or on a significant date for you and your partner. You can also incorporate celestial-themed decor, such as gold details on white cardstock for invitations and place settings, crescent-shaped place cards, and menu cards embossed with a star map of your wedding night.

For an outdoor wedding, especially in a rural setting, consider the following entertainment ideas:

Frequently asked questions