Are you dreaming of a rural wedding that celebrates the beauty of nature, simplicity, and the timeless charm of the countryside? A rural wedding, often referred to as a rustic wedding, offers just that!
Rural weddings are becoming more popular as couples seek to create a unique and memorable experience for themselves and their guests. And with the right planning and a touch of creativity, you can have a wedding that captures the essence of rural life.
In this article, I will help you navigate aspects of planning a perfect rural wedding that suits your vision and budget. So keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Rural Wedding?
Rural weddings take place in a countryside or rustic setting like a barn, farm, or outdoor location. They can offer many benefits, such as:
– A beautiful and natural backdrop for your ceremony and reception
– A relaxed and intimate atmosphere for you and your guests
– A chance to showcase your creativity and DIY skills
– An opportunity to incorporate local culture and traditions
– A lower cost than a typical urban or destination wedding
Setting The Stage For Your Rural Wedding
One of the most important decisions you will make when planning a rural wedding is choosing your venue. The choice of location plays a crucial role in creating the rustic ambiance, and sets the tone and theme for your entire wedding.
You may choose your ideal rural wedding venue from various locations, for example:
– Barn Weddings
Barns offer a quintessential rustic backdrop with their weathered wood and spacious interiors. They can be decorated with lights, flowers, and fabrics to create a romantic, cozy, and intimate atmosphere. Barns can also accommodate large or small weddings, depending on their size and layout.
– Farm Weddings
Hosting your wedding on a working farm can be truly a unique experience. You’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature and perhaps even some friendly farm animals. Farms can offer a variety of settings, such as fields, orchards, or gardens. They can also provide fresh and local produce for your catering.
– Outdoor Settings
If you’re drawn to the great outdoors, consider a ceremony in a picturesque field or a reception under the open sky. Nature becomes your décor. You can choose from locations such as forests, lakes, or mountains.
– Vineyards And Wineries
For a touch of elegance in a rustic setting, vineyards and wineries provide a charming backdrop, with rows of grapevines and scenic landscapes.
Each venue has its own charm, so choose one that resonates with your vision. Be sure to visit and explore the venues in advance to get a feel for their unique characteristics and any potential challenges.
Selecting The Perfect Date And Season
Another key decision you will make when planning a rural wedding is selecting the date and season. The date and season will affect many aspects of your wedding, such as:
– The availability and price of your venue
– The weather and temperature of your location
– The color palette and theme of your wedding
– The attire and accessories for you and your guests
– The flowers and foliage available for your decor
The season you choose can significantly influence the ambiance of your rural wedding.
Here’s how to make the most of each season:
– Spring
Spring is a lovely time for rural weddings, as it offers mild weather, blooming flowers, and fresh greenery. However, spring can also be unpredictable and bring rain or allergies.
– Summer
As the long days and warm weather provide ample opportunities for outdoor celebrations, summer is a popular time for rural weddings. However, this time of the year can also be hot, humid, crowded, or expensive.
– Fall
Fall is a beautiful time for rural weddings, as it offers cool weather, changing leaves, and cozy vibes. Fall weddings bring a rustic charm with their warm earthy tones. However, fall can also be chilly, windy, or rainy.
– Winter
Winter is a unique time for rural weddings, as it offers snowy landscapes, festive decorations, and warm fireplaces. Winter weddings can be cozy and enchanting. However, winter can also be too cold and dark.
When choosing a date and season for your rural wedding, you’ll need to consider different factors like venue availability and your backup plan in case of bad weather. You should also be checking the weather forecast regularly before the wedding day.
Rustic Decor And Styling Ideas
One of the fun parts of planning a rural wedding is choosing the decor and styling for your ceremony and reception. You should aim to create a decor that complements the natural beauty and charm of your rural setting, while also reflecting your style and taste.
There are many decor and styling ideas that can bring that rustic charm to life:
Wooden Accents
Incorporate wooden elements such as wooden signs, tree stump cake stands, crates, barrels, or pallets for decorations. Wood can add authenticity and a warm and natural touch to your decor.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are popular, versatile and inexpensive items that can be used for various purposes. They can be used to hold flowers, candles, or favors, or even serve as drinking glasses.
Burlap And Lace
Combine the rustic appeal of burlap with the delicate beauty of lace to create a romantic feel for your rural wedding. You can use these fabrics for your table runners, napkins, banners, bows, chair decor, or as part of your bouquet.
Flowers And Greenery
They are essential for any rural wedding as they can add color and freshness to your decor. You can use flowers and greenery for your bouquets, wreaths, garlands, or boutonnieres.
Antiques And Vintage Items
These items can add a nostalgic and whimsical touch to your rural wedding. You can use antiques and vintage items for your cake stands, frames, books, or suitcases.
Color Palette
Earthy tones like browns, greens, and rustic reds work beautifully for a rural wedding. Think of the colors you’d find in the natural landscape.
Additionally, make your wedding uniquely yours by adding personal touches. Include family heirlooms, homemade decor, or items that hold sentimental value. Don’t be afraid to get creative and infuse your personality into every aspect of your decor.
What Should You Wear To Your Rural Wedding?
Another important part of planning a rural wedding is choosing the attire and accessories for you and your partner. They will not only need to suit the rural setting, but also make you feel comfortable and confident.
Here’s how to achieve that rustic yet elegant look:
For the bride:
– a lace or chiffon dress with flowing fabrics or a bohemian feel
– a pair of boots or flats that are comfortable and practical
– a bouquet of wildflowers or succulents that match the color palette
– flowing hair, a flower crown, or a simple veil can complete the rustic look
For the groom:
– an earth-toned, tweed, or linen suit with a casual or vintage style
– a bow tie, vest, or suspenders with a rustic touch
– a pair of boots or loafers that are comfortable and practical
– a boutonniere of wildflowers or succulents that can add a touch of nature
Guest Experience And Comfort
One of the crucial parts of planning any wedding is to make sure that your guests enjoy your wedding as much as you do, and also to take care of their needs and expectations.
There are some ways to enhance the guest experience and comfort at a rural wedding:
Accommodation: If your rural wedding venue is located in a remote location, provide information on nearby hotels, inns, or vacation rentals. Alternatively, arrange for camping or glamping on site.
Transportation: Arrange transportation options, especially if your rural location is hard to reach. Shuttle buses, ridesharing, or even carpooling can be practical.
Guest Amenities: If your venue is outdoor, you can either rent portable toilets or showers, or provide thoughtful amenities such as sunscreen, bug spray, umbrellas, and blankets for chilly evenings. A hospitality table with refreshments can be a welcoming touch.
Your guests will surely appreciate the effort you put into making their experience enjoyable and convenient!
Entertainment And Activities
One of the enjoyable parts of planning a rural wedding is choosing the entertainment and activities that can create a fun and relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests. You should choose activities that will not only keep everyone entertained but also showcase the rural setting.
You can choose from a variety of entertainment options, such as:
Live Music
Consider live acoustic music, a folk band, a DJ, karaoke, a silent disco, or even a local bluegrass group to set the mood.
Games And Activities
Set up lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, a ring toss, or croquet, to keep your guests entertained during the cocktail hour or reception. They’ll add a fun and interactive element to your celebration.
Local Traditions
Another idea is to incorporate some rural activities, local traditions or customs into your wedding. For example, you could have a hayride, a bonfire, a barn dance, or a lantern release. Such activities can add some flair and uniqueness to your rural wedding and make it more memorable for your guests.
Catering And Menu Choices
Food is one of the most important aspects of any wedding, and a rural wedding is no exception. When planning the menu, consider the following:
Rural And Local Ingredients
You can opt for rustic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients that match the rural theme and showcase the flavors of the region. For example, picnic, potluck, or farm-to-table menus are a perfect fit for rural weddings.
Comfort Food
Rustic weddings often feature comfort food. Think of dishes like barbecue, pies, or hearty stews. You could also have local specialties served, such as jams, cheeses, or wines.
Work with your caterer to create a menu that reflects your expectations, preferences, and the rural theme of your wedding. However, you will also need to consider the availability and reliability of catering services in rural areas, as well as the facilities and equipment required for outdoor or rural venues.
Capturing The Moments
Photos and videos are one of the best aspects as they can capture the natural beauty and scenery of your venue as well as your rural wedding memories.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
Choose the Right Photographer: Select a photographer and videographer with experience in rural weddings. They should understand how to capture the emotion, and showcase the natural surroundings and the charm of your venue.
Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot: Consider a pre-wedding photo shoot at your rural venue. It’s an opportunity to get comfortable with the photographer and explore the venue’s scenic spots.
Capture Candid Moments: Rural weddings often offer picturesque backdrops for candid photos. Encourage your photographer to capture unscripted moments.
You can also set up a photo booth or a selfie station with props and accessories that match the rural theme. These photos will serve as cherished mementos of your special day.
Practical Considerations And Logistics
Planning a rural wedding might also involve some practical and logistical considerations that you need to take care of well in advance.
For example, you should check if you need any permits, licenses, or insurance for your rural wedding venue.
You also need to have a backup plan in case of adverse weather conditions like rain, wind, or excessive heat. In case of emergency, you should have a tent or an indoor option ready.
Moreover, you need to work with vendors who are familiar with rural weddings and can deliver their services efficiently and effectively.
You should also provide clear directions and transportation options for your guests who may not be familiar with the area.
Budgeting And Cost Considerations
Depending on your choices and preferences, a rural wedding can be either more affordable or more expensive than a traditional wedding. Some factors that can affect the cost are the venue rental fee, the catering service fee, the transportation fee, the decoration fee, and the vendor fee.
However, planning a rural wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budgeting tips:
Prioritize Expenses: Identify your top priorities, set a realistic budget, and stick to it as much as possible. Focus on what matters most to you.
Vendor Negotiations: You also should do some research and compare different options before making any decisions. When working with vendors, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices and explore cost-saving options.
DIY Decor: Get creative with do-it-yourself decor projects. Handmade items can add a personal and cost-effective touch to your wedding.
With smart budgeting, you can have the rural wedding of your dreams without overspending.
To Conclude,
Your rural wedding is an opportunity to get married in a setting that reflects your style and values. From choosing the perfect venue to taking advantage of rustic decor, attire, and personalization, there are countless ways to make your rural wedding a memorable and magical experience.
Yet, a rural wedding may also require some extra planning and preparation to ensure that everything goes smoothly. I hope that this post has given you some inspiration and guidance, and that you will follow these essential steps to make your upcoming rural wedding a success.
