Lyla Dejesus
Planning a rural wedding can be a complex task, but with enough time and organisation, it can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the couple and their guests. From finding the right venue to creating a consistent vision, there are many aspects to consider when planning a rural wedding. While some couples opt for a subtle, natural design scheme, others prefer to add personal touches and design ideas to make their wedding unique. In addition to the aesthetic details, there are also practical considerations such as catering, seating, and accommodation. With the rising popularity of rural weddings, especially among millennials, it's important to explore what makes these weddings so appealing and how they can be successfully executed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Discuss the vision for the event with your partner and write it down. Use Google Docs to stay organized and keep track of your guest list, mailing addresses, budget, and items you need to borrow, rent, or buy. |
| Time | Give yourself plenty of time to plan and save for the wedding. Consider having a weekend of celebration, with activities for guests in the days leading up to the wedding. |
| Venue | Popular rural wedding venues include farms, ranches, and estates with scenic views, gardens, and outdoor spaces like orchards and fields. Some venues offer indoor facilities such as barns or pavilions in case of bad weather. |
| Logistics | Create a timeline for the wedding day, including time for decorations, setup, the ceremony, reception, and cleanup. Ensure the venue is accessible and has ample parking. Consider the services you will need, such as bartending, catering, photography, and music. |
| Budget | Rural weddings can be expensive, costing $50-$100 per person or more. Consider the rental cost of the venue and any additional services or packages you may want, such as decoration packages, hired staff, or extended hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning a rustic wedding
Next, you should consider the location and venue. The venue you choose should encapsulate, or be easily adapted to suit, your rustic wedding theme. For example, a barn wedding can be a great choice for a rustic celebration, but not all barns are created equal. Some offer a more modern feel, while others are located on working farms with animals and equipment around. Some barns have heating and air conditioning, while others do not. These details could make a huge difference, depending on the time of year and the activities you want to include. It's also important to consider whether the venue has a backup plan for bad weather, or whether you'll need to rent a tent or another alternative.
Once you've chosen your venue, it's a good idea to start thinking about decorations and styling. Bringing in natural elements and colours will help create a harmonious boho-style celebration. Consider enlisting the help of a wedding stylist or planner who can help pare back your colour theme and create a professional yet rustic look.
Food is another important aspect of your rustic wedding. Rustic wedding food should be fuss-free, with simple, delicious dishes that guests can either eat on-the-go or from serving stations, waiters, or food trucks. Pizza is a classic choice for a rustic celebration, and you can easily dress up the oven with fairy lights or greenery to create a cosy atmosphere.
Finally, give yourself plenty of time to plan. Having a longer engagement will give you more time to save and prepare, and staying organized is key. Keep a list of guests and their addresses in a shared document, and consider creating a budget tab to estimate expenses and track what items you'll need to borrow, rent, or buy.
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Choosing a rural venue
Location and Scenery:
- Consider the overall aesthetic and scenery you desire for your wedding. Do you prefer rolling hills, vineyards, mountains, or a lakeside setting? Choose a venue that offers the natural backdrop you envision for your special day.
- Research venues in your desired region, taking into account the travel distance for you and your guests. You may opt for a rural venue close to a metropolitan area, such as the Dallas Metro Area, or venture further out to more remote locations.
Venue Options:
- Barn Venues: Barns are a popular choice for rustic weddings, offering a blend of rustic charm and elegance. Look for well-appointed barns that have been transformed into stunning event spaces, like Chandelier Farms in Terrell, Texas, or The Madelyn Venue & Guesthouse, which incorporates wood from a historic family farm.
- Outdoor Terraces and Meadows: If you prefer an outdoor ceremony, venues with wildflower meadows, scenic landscapes, or elegant terraces can provide a breathtaking setting. The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe offers the Monte Vista Terrace, framing views of the New Mexico wilderness for rustic weddings.
- Ranches and Farms: Venues like The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana or the Diamond A Ranch outside of Granbury and Weatherford, Texas, offer a blend of rustic elegance and countryside charm. Some farms may also provide intimate garden settings, such as the Everhart Gathering Place in rural Northwest Ohio.
- Unique Venues: For a truly unique experience, consider venues like Cloud Camp in Colorado, perched at a high altitude on Cheyenne Mountain. Or, if you're looking for a smaller, intimate setting, The Rural Society in Warwick Farm offers small weddings in their stunning Glasshouse.
Accommodations and Logistics:
- Consider the accommodation options available for you and your guests. Some rural venues, like The Gardenia Venue in Valley View, Texas, or The French Farmhouse in North Texas, may have guesthouses or inns located on-site or nearby.
- Think about the duration of your celebration. If you wish to have a wedding weekend, look for venues that offer packages with multiple-day access, such as Rural Hill Farm, which provides weekend and weekday wedding packages.
- Discuss with your partner the overall vision and atmosphere you want to create. Consider the amenities and facilities you may need, such as catering options, decoration allowances, and accommodation for specific cultural or religious traditions.
Timing and Planning:
- Give yourself ample time to plan and prepare for your rural wedding. Sophia and Joel, a real-life couple, shared that they decided to host their wedding 16 months after their engagement, allowing them time to save and organize all the details.
- Consider the time of year and season for your wedding. Research the weather patterns of your chosen location to ensure your date aligns with the most favourable conditions. For example, if you're planning an outdoor wedding in a region with harsh winters, consider scheduling your wedding during late spring or early autumn.
Remember, when choosing a rural venue, it's essential to visit the location beforehand to ensure it aligns with your vision and expectations. Take the time to discuss your priorities and budget, as this will help guide your decision-making process.
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Catering and other services
Catering Options:
When selecting a caterer, it is important to choose one that aligns with your wedding theme and can work with your chosen venue. Some venues may have preferred or exclusive caterers, so be sure to clarify this before booking. Consider offering a variety of menu options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences. If you wish to provide alcohol, ensure your caterer or bartender has the appropriate licenses and insurance.
Venue and Accommodation:
The venue you select for your rural wedding should complement your theme and cater to your desired atmosphere. Options include scenic outdoor locations, rustic barns, farms, or even luxurious resorts in rural settings. Consider the number of guests you plan to invite and choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate everyone. If possible, select a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing flexibility in case of unexpected weather changes.
Additional Services:
To enhance your rural wedding experience, consider incorporating additional services such as wedding planners, photographers, florists, and entertainment. Wedding planners, in particular, can be invaluable, offering expertise in organising rural weddings and ensuring that your special day runs smoothly. They can also assist with finding local vendors and negotiating contracts.
Timing and Logistics:
Rural weddings often extend beyond the traditional single-day celebration. Consider offering a weekend-long experience for your guests, including activities and events leading up to and following the wedding. This may include a welcome dinner, group outings, and a farewell brunch. Ensure you have a clear timeline for the wedding day itself, allowing ample time for setup, decorations, and any cultural or personal rituals you wish to incorporate.
Budgeting:
Rural weddings can vary significantly in cost, so it is essential to establish a clear budget and prioritise your spending. Create a detailed spreadsheet to track expenses, including venue rental, catering, decorations, and any additional services. Research local vendors and compare prices to find the best fit for your budget. Some venues may offer packages that include certain services, which can help streamline your planning and budgeting process.
By carefully considering these aspects of catering and other services, you can create a memorable rural wedding experience that reflects your unique style and leaves a lasting impression on you and your guests.
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Photography and music
Photography
Capturing the beauty of the rural setting is an important aspect of the day. From the rolling hills and fields to the rustic decor, there are many opportunities for stunning photographs. Consider a fine art approach, with shots of the bride's dress against a beautiful natural backdrop, or a silhouette of the newlyweds at sunset. A good photographer will be able to utilise the natural light and scenery to create magical images.
Music
Music is a key part of any wedding, and a rural setting provides a great opportunity to embrace a rustic theme. From Mumford-style bands to acoustic guitarists, there are many options to suit the theme. For a more relaxed vibe, a singer/guitarist performing acoustic covers of popular songs can be a great choice. For those wanting a more upbeat atmosphere, a festival-style band or a Ceilidh can get everyone on the dance floor. For a unique and memorable touch, a wandering acoustic group can provide entertainment with a difference.
For couples with a love of country music, there are plenty of options to choose from. From romantic love ballads by Faith Hill to pop-country mixes from early-day Taylor Swift, there are songs to suit every part of the day. For a fun twist, a pop band with a bluegrass twist can put a unique spin on popular songs, from Mumford & Sons to Beyoncé.
When planning a rural wedding, it is important to consider the practicalities of the music. If the wedding is outdoors, ensure there is a power source for any bands or DJs. It is also worth considering an indoor space in case of bad weather, which can also be a great location for any indoor entertainment.
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Timing and duration
The timing and duration of a rural wedding can vary depending on several factors, including the preferences of the couple, the availability of the venue, and the time of year. Here is some information to consider when planning the timing and duration of a rural wedding:
Planning and Preparation
It is essential to allow ample time for planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding day. Some couples may choose to have a longer engagement period, such as 16 months, to save money and make detailed plans. This extended period can be used to create a guest list, decide on a budget, and source vendors for catering, photography, and other services.
Wedding Weekend
Many rural venues offer wedding packages that span an entire weekend, providing a more extended celebration for the couple and their guests. This option typically includes access to the venue from noon until 10 pm on the day before the wedding for decorating, rehearsal, and a rehearsal dinner. The wedding day itself usually starts early, around 8 am, for final decorations and setup, with the ceremony and reception lasting until 11 pm. The day after the wedding is then dedicated to cleanup and breakdown, usually from 7 am to 11 am.
Season and Time of Day
The time of year can influence the timing of a rural wedding. While spring and summer are the most popular seasons for weddings, winter weddings in rural settings can also be magical, with cozy log fires and snowy backdrops. The time of day for the ceremony will depend on the couple's preferences and the desired atmosphere. Outdoor ceremonies can take advantage of the natural light and scenery, while indoor ceremonies in barns or pavilions may be more flexible with timing.
Ceremony and Reception
The duration of the wedding ceremony itself can vary but typically lasts around 30 minutes to an hour. This is followed by the reception, which can last several hours, including activities such as taking group photos, having the first dance, cutting the cake, and enjoying food and drinks. It is essential to consider the flow of events during the reception and allocate sufficient time for each activity.
Vendors and Cleanup
When planning the timing of a rural wedding, it is crucial to consider the setup and cleanup times required by vendors and the venue. This includes the time needed for decorating, catering, and removing decorations and final cleanup. Some venues may offer early arrival or late departure outside the contracted time for an additional fee.
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Frequently asked questions
Rural weddings can take place at any time of year, but some venues offer packages that are more suitable for certain seasons. For example, one venue offers the chance to smell the Grosso lavender field in full bloom from mid-June to July.
This is up to you. Some venues offer 8- or 12-hour rentals, while others offer weekend wedding packages, allowing you to use the venue from noon on Thursday until 11 am on Monday.
If you're planning on having amplified music, make sure your venue is OK with this, as many venues require all amplified sound to be turned off at 11 pm.
This depends on the venue and the package you choose. Basic packages can be low-cost, while more luxurious venues can be very expensive. Prices for one venue start at $2,940.
Make sure the venue is up to code and has liability insurance. Check what is included in the price, and whether you will need to source your own vendors. It's also a good idea to look at what other rural wedding venues are offering, and at what price point, so that you can stay competitive.
