Rustic Weddings:
Everything You Need to Know
Rustic weddings are increasingly popular and offer an intriguing blend of elegance and casual charm. If you are planning a rustic wedding, you can find inspiration from many sources that may include friends and family, your wedding planner or the gallery of real-life weddings from our directory. By checking out our collection of weddings, or even looking at celebrity weddings that fit in the category, you can find the perfect rustic wedding ideas for your special day.
Rustic weddings are usually more relaxed than traditional or formal weddings. This is reflected in the rustic wedding venues, the decor, the attire, and the invitations that you choose for your wedding celebration. This guide will provide you with information and resources to help you plan your event with the rustic wedding theme in mind. From there, you can find the perfect rustic wedding venues, decor, dresses, and other elements of your upcoming wedding celebration. We will look at some of the most popular options and elements for a rustic wedding that you and your partner will love.
The examples and photo galleries available in our directory can help you find the most innovative and original ideas for your own rustic wedding. We make it even easier to plan the rustic wedding of your dreams. Here are some of the best ways to create a rustic look for your very special wedding day.
What is a rustic wedding?
Rustic weddings are typically more laidback and dedicated to appreciating and celebrating love in a natural setting. These weddings are often hosted at outdoor venues with rustic wedding decorations, which go hand-in-hand to create a romantic backdrop for your vows and the reception following your ceremony. Backyard weddings and other rustic outdoor wedding ideas are all part of the connotations most people have when asked, "What is a rustic wedding?" If you are planning a wedding ceremony and reception with bucolic charm and countryside style, or want to head out to the desert for a pampas grass-accented event, a rustic wedding theme could be the right option for you.
Some of the other key characteristics of rustic weddings include the following:
- Casual charm: Rather than thinking formal for your wedding venue, adding rustic wedding decor to more unconventional venues with rustic wedding decor can help you personalize the event and make it feel the most “you.” Rustic wedding table decorations might include elaborate carpets, wooden chairs, and other similar elements. And for even more consistency throughout your event, rustic wedding cakes can also create a cohesive, fun tie-in to the theme at your reception, which can make a positive impression on those you invite to share this day with you.
- Outdoor, rustic wedding venues: Forests, barns, backyards, and many other types of rustic wedding venues are available as settings for the big day. Some rustic wedding celebrations feature wedding venues that are specifically designed for these events. Plus, if you’re interested in venues that specialize in rustic weddings, these could potentially reduce the cost of rustic wedding decorations for you and your partner. In some cases, an elegant and rustic wedding arch covered with foliage or flowers can set the tone for your entire celebration.
- Bringing the outdoors in: Even indoor venues can be dressed up to look like the great outdoors with rustic wedding decor and your own hand-picked rustic wedding colors. Warm and muted colors that reflect the hues of nature are typically used to create the perfect mood for rustic weddings. It’s really all about finding every way to complement your rustic wedding theme. Greenery and flowers can also be used as rustic wedding table decorations for your reception to add a natural touch to this epic celebration.
- Taking a vintage approach: Rustic weddings can be combined with vintage dresses and decor to create a beautiful look and a cohesive rustic wedding theme. This can help you and your partner to bring your own unique ideas to life for your once-in-a-lifetime rustic wedding.
What are the characteristics of a rustic wedding?
Understanding the elements of rustic weddings can help you and your partner to create the perfect celebration of your love for each other. To specifically curate the best rustic wedding ceremony and reception for you, you need to consider what makes up a rustic wedding. We can help you to identify the characteristic look and feel of a rustic wedding and to incorporate your favorite elements of this theme into your event seamlessly.
For starters, it’s all about considering the key design elements. When planning your rustic wedding decor, natural and organic fabrics will certainly be a go-to. Plus, rustic wedding centerpieces made of a gold or wooden material can help bring some of the great outdoors into your ceremony and reception. Rustic wedding dresses typically feature flowing lines and elegant or whimsical designs that will complement the theme you have chosen for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day. Flowers should be left in a mostly natural state with more loose, asymmetrical arrangements. Adding plenty of foliage and sticking to earth tones and natural decor will also complement your rustic wedding theme to create a cohesive and beautiful look for your ceremony and reception.
Rustic Wedding Dresses
Rustic wedding dresses vary as much as the people who wear them. There are a few common characteristics, however, that are found in most rustic wedding dresses and that can complement this particular style:
- Rustic wedding colors typically echo the hues and tones found in nature. While many rustic wedding dresses are white or more of an ivory, you can pick up the colors chosen for your rustic wedding invitations and wedding website in your accessories and in the dresses chosen for your wedding party. Natural reds, browns, and greens are among the most popular rustic wedding colors. You can also add a splash of color with flowers or with brightly hued shoes that complement your rustic wedding decor.
- Flowing lines are a hallmark of rustic wedding dresses. These more relaxed, less structured gowns can reflect the overall theme of your wedding, and they can pick up the flowing lines used for rustic wedding cake designs or rustic wedding invites. Dresses for rustic weddings also offer greater freedom of movement, so you can sway and groove as much as you’d like during the reception.
- Lace and flowers are popular accents for rustic wedding dresses. Embroidered flowers for the veil or on the shoes can allow you to combine these two popular concepts while reinforcing the appeal of your rustic wedding colors and the decor. Dried flowers could even be a way to put a more unconventional twist on your decor.
- Sleeve lengths can vary depending on your preferences. Whether you prefer long sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless, or off-the-shoulder dresses, you can create the perfect rustic look for your wedding gown and the bridesmaids dresses that will complement your look.
- Accessories are a key element of rustic weddings. Some of the most popular rustic wedding ideas include the use of flowers or foliage to create a crown or large floral earrings that pick up the colors and floral arrangements used. By incorporating these rustic wedding ideas into your wedding dress ensemble, you can create an unforgettable look for your ceremony and reception and the perfect images for your wedding photos.
Wedding dresses for rustic weddings can also be colorful or relaxed to suit your theme. Incorporating your own rustic wedding ideas into your wardrobe and the styles worn by your partner and your wedding party can help you to create rustic weddings that are uniquely your own.
Rustic Wedding Cakes and Catering
Rustic wedding cakes are often decorated with flowers, greenery or leaves, berries, and other natural and organic enhancements. While tiered rustic wedding cakes are available, your rustic wedding cake can also be a simple and single-layer option that features plenty of natural decorations and an elegant profile. Consider leaving out the fondant and using a more basic icing with flowers or fresh berries to create the perfect look for this centerpiece of your rustic wedding decor. Another option is to go with the “naked cake” look, which gives off the casual elegance of rustic weddings.
Catering for rustic weddings can be as upscale as you like. If you are planning a simple and homemade rustic wedding cake, you can often serve up your catering in an elegant buffet filled with all your favorite foods. For more ornate rustic wedding cakes, however, a plated meal may be more appropriate for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding. And if you get married in a barn setting, there might be an opportunity to host a more lavish, farm-to-table dinner.
Finding the perfect rustic wedding cakes and caterers can be difficult. At Carats & Cake, we can provide the inspiration for your own rustic wedding ideas to help you create the wedding reception that truly reflects who you are as a couple. By checking out our photos of rustic wedding cakes and catering options, you can find the perfect rustic wedding cake and other food solutions for your big day.
Rustic Wedding Decor
Rustic wedding decorations are typically natural and feature real wood, neutral colors, and vintage-style lighting options that can enhance the beauty of your chosen venue. Some of the most important ways to incorporate rustic wedding decor into your wedding are listed below:
- Furnishings: Wood and wicker furnishings are popular choices for rustic wedding decor. Rustic weddings are typically characterized by these natural materials. By choosing chairs and tables designed for rustic weddings, you can create a cohesive look for your entire event and its corresponding theme.
- Rustic wedding centerpieces: Tabletop decor for rustic weddings can include flowers, foliage, and gold or earth tones to create the most elegant and beautiful look for your reception tables. Choosing the right rustic wedding table decorations can enhance the beauty of your entire reception too. Your rustic wedding centerpieces could also be handmade to create a truly personalized look for each table at your wedding reception.
- Lighting options: The right lighting is a major part of your rustic wedding decor. Think about candles and vintage lights to create an elegant and restrained look that can complement most rustic weddings. Picking a warmer, moodier light setting will also contribute to the romantic ambiance of your wedding.
- A rustic wedding arch: An archway made of wood or some sort of brass, gold, or copper metal, can be adorned with foliage or flowers to complement your other rustic wedding decorations. A trellis can also be transformed into a rustic wedding arch that will provide a dramatic central area for your ceremony. You can even use your rustic wedding arch to take stunning photos of you and your partner and your wedding party to preserve your memories and create the most beautiful keepsakes for this very special day.
- Hanging fairy lights: Strings of twinkling lights are outstanding rustic outdoor wedding ideas that will create an ethereal look for evening receptions and ceremonies. Your wedding planner can also provide you with added rustic wedding ideas that will make your reception and ceremony even more special for you, your partner, and your invited guests.
- Flowers and foliage: Pampas grass is a popular choice for décor at boho rustic weddings and can be combined with flowers in an array of natural hues, including whites, pinks, oranges, and reds. You can also incorporate your own rustic outdoor wedding ideas to create a color palette that is perfectly suited to your own taste and style.
- Personalized ceremonies and receptions: Even if you have decided on a wedding with a country flair, you can incorporate your own unique rustic wedding ideas to personalize and customize your celebration. Rustic outdoor wedding ideas may include temporary fences that can be dismantled after the ceremony and reception, terracotta-colored flowers and tableware, and western-style wedding decorations that reflect your own unique aesthetic.
- Other rustic wedding table decorations: Napkin rings, plates, and flowers should all follow your established theme. These rustic wedding decorations can provide an elegant and pulled-together look for the event as a whole.
- Original rustic wedding ideas: If you want to include your own items in your rustic wedding decorations, consider how they go with your chosen theme. Wooden bowls and keepsake items can often serve as excellent rustic wedding decorations, but more industrial items made of steel, for example, could clash with the look of the event. Making sure your rustic wedding ideas complement your theme will help you to make the best impression on guests at your wedding.
The emphasis on natural elements at rustic weddings ensures that you and your partner have a clear goal for all things related to the planning process. The venue is a major factor, and from there, your decor will further achieve your desired look. Incorporating your own personal touches at the ceremony and adding as many rustic wedding reception ideas you can think of will put your own twist on this theme and make you feel all the love on the big day.
Rustic Wedding Invitations
Your rustic wedding invitation can make a real impression on your guests and can create the right atmosphere for your upcoming event plans. Rustic wedding invites consist of a few basic elements and features that can be customized to suit your needs. Some of the most important points to keep in mind when creating rustic wedding invitations include the following:
- Typography encompasses the fonts chosen for the rustic wedding invitation. You can select from a variety of fonts and sizes, which can allow you to create the best look for you. When planning your rustic wedding invites, it is important to make sure that the font you choose can be easily read and understood. You can incorporate your own rustic wedding ideas into your font choices too. It is essential, however, to choose a font and size for your rustic wedding invites that is clear and easy to read for older guests and those with minor visual impairments. Plus, you’ll likely want to use that font for any other signage or stationery you have planned leading up to and on the day.
- The images you select for rustic wedding invitations should reinforce your theme and should evoke the atmosphere you want for your wedding. Green foliage, flowers, and bucolic scenes are common choices for rustic wedding invites. These background images can make your rustic wedding invitation even more striking and can create the perfect look for your upcoming wedding celebration.
- While it may seem counterintuitive, rustic wedding invites can be sent digitally to the people on your guest lists. Paperless rustic wedding invitations are generally less expensive than printed invitations. You can also send each guest a rustic wedding invitation with the necessary information, and then add any extra details to your wedding website.
- The paper you choose for your rustic wedding invitations will also make an impact on the way they appear. The vendor you choose for your wedding invitations can often provide you with samples of the various papers and finishing touches they offer to help you make the most informed decision possible. If you decide on digital wedding invitations, of course, you will have the ability to choose from different online layouts and styles.
- When selecting colors for your rustic wedding invitation, warm, earthy tones are always a popular choice. You can also opt for natural flower colors when designing your rustic wedding invitation, which can provide an elegant look for your printed or paperless invites. Pastels and neutral tones are obvious choices for rustic wedding invitations and can provide an elegant background for your images and text.
Your invitation should tell your guests when, where, and what is happening before, during, and sometimes after the wedding. It can also provide a blank canvas for your own rustic wedding ideas. By integrating your own personal style into your wedding invite, you can create your own unique work of art that will impress your guests and will convey a little of your own personality.
Finding Your Own Rustic Wedding Ideas
While these guidelines are designed to provide a framework for rustic weddings, you can also incorporate your own ideas to create a wedding that is truly one of a kind. You can find rustic wedding reception ideas by attending weddings or checking out photos online. Your wedding planner can also be a source of rustic wedding ideas and suggestions for your ceremony and reception.
You can take some cues for the existing wedding decor from your chosen venue too. For example, if you are planning a vineyard wedding, you can often incorporate rustic wedding reception ideas that use grapevines and trellises as the basis for your decorations. In a similar way, incorporating natural wood and hay bales are popular rustic wedding ideas for bucolic barn weddings.
Your friends and family can also be excellent sources for rustic wedding ideas. In some cases, your family may have vintage decor items or handmade decorations that can help you bring your own rustic wedding ideas to life, while also adding those special “something borrowed” elements.
Which key vendors do you need for a rustic wedding?
The wedding planning process for rustic wedding celebrations can sometimes be challenging. Working with trusted experts to bring your vision of a rustic wedding to life can allow you to elevate your decor. And for the post-ceremony party, you can come up with the rustic wedding reception ideas you need to make your celebration a special one for you, your partner, your wedding party, and your invited guests. Some of the most important vendors to include in your wedding planning process are:
- Wedding planners: Your wedding planner can provide you with a wealth of information and guidance on the best ways in which to integrate your rustic wedding ideas into your chosen venues. Wedding planners can also offer innovative and original rustic wedding ideas that can set your ceremony and reception apart from the ordinary. Your wedding planner should have the experience and knowledge of rustic weddings to help you create the perfect theme and decor for your once-in-a-lifetime event.
- Rental companies: If you need lighting solutions or rustic wedding decor for your chosen venues, local rental companies can often provide furnishings and lighting for your ceremony and reception. Your wedding planner may also be able to recommend a rental company with a proven reputation for quality that will help you to plan more effectively for your rustic wedding celebration. Before speaking with these experts, you can talk with your partner and planner about the rustic wedding decorations you would really love to see hanging from the ceilings of your reception or lining your ceremony aisle.
- Caterers: Whether you are planning a more casual backyard wedding reception or an elegant plated dinner for your guests, the right catering can make a big difference in the experience of your guests at your wedding. Since guests attend an average of two weddings per year, making sure that your catering options contribute to the happiness of your guests can make your wedding special for all who attend. After all, who wouldn’t want a delicious dinner before a night of dancing?
- Wedding dresses: Vendors who offer rustic wedding dresses and any necessary alterations can be difficult to find. With our directory, you can look through an extensive selection of dress sellers and other relevant experts who can help you find the perfect rustic wedding dresses and dresses for your wedding party to suit your rustic wedding theme.
- Flowers for rustic weddings: The perfect wedding flowers can dress up just about any rustic wedding venue. By choosing a local florist with experience with similar weddings, you can enhance your rustic wedding decor. From rustic wedding centerpieces to low-to-the-ground arrangements lining your aisle, it’s always a good idea to make it look like your flowers came from or near your nature-focused venue.
- Wedding cake: Choosing a beautiful rustic wedding cake is essential for the most memorable wedding reception ever. Whether you are planning a rustic barn wedding or a country-themed affair, your wedding cake will likely be a focal point for your entire wedding celebration. If you are looking for the perfect rustic wedding cakes, there are likely so many trusted bakers in your area.
- Photography: Your wedding photographer is responsible for capturing every moment of your celebration from ceremony to reception. Candid shots are more often used for rustic weddings to go with the theme and the venue you decide to use. Choosing a photographer who is experienced with rustic weddings can ensure that your wedding photos are beautiful and reflect your own unique rustic wedding theme perfectly.
The vendors you select for rustic wedding decor, rustic wedding cake, and other elements of your wedding can have a dramatic impact on your wedding ceremony and reception. Your vendors can help you come up with ideas for rustic weddings that will make your day even more special for you and your partner.
What are the best rustic wedding venues?
Many couples planning their weddings often ask the question, "Where can I find the perfect rustic wedding venues near me?" If you are looking for a rustic wedding venue that is close to home and that offers the amenities you want, it’s really only a click away. By looking at the rustic wedding venues on our site, you can easily see that these are hosted all over the country (and world). We aim to help you quickly answer the question, "Are there beautiful and rustic wedding venues near me?"
Some of the most popular venues for rustic weddings are found in the great outdoors. Others may be located in lodges, barns, or resort destinations. Finding the perfect rustic wedding venue for your upcoming nuptials can allow you to customize your celebration with your own unique rustic wedding ideas and decor.
- Barn wedding venues: By their very nature, barn wedding venues are rustic and bucolic. The right rustic wedding decorations, however, can dress up these spaces to create the perfect backdrop for exchanging your vows and sharing this special day with friends and family. These rustic wedding venues may also feature gardens or farmland, which can allow you to create a barn wedding you and your guests will love.
- Forest wedding venues: Choosing a rustic wedding venue in the forest can set the stage for romance and a fairy-tale wedding for you and your partner. Depending on the rustic wedding venue you select, you may be able to create a wedding with Tuscan-themed decor that your friends and family members will absolutely love. With these types of venues, it’s important to make sure that there is easy access by car to the area you choose. Rustic weddings held in more remote areas may provide some transportation concerns for guests, so plan accordingly and keep your loved ones informed.
- Country wedding venues: Planning a rustic wedding in the country is another popular option among couples. Rustic wedding venues located outside the city may not have the same amenities as dedicated wedding venues, so you’ll want to ensure that all of your bases are covered when it comes to certain infrastructure needs and amenities. You will also need to check with the venue coordinator or your planner to determine what rustic wedding decorations and amenities are available at your chosen location.
- Vineyard wedding venues: If you live in wine country, or want to host a destination wedding there, some of the most elegant and rustic wedding venues are associated with vineyards and wine-making operations. These rustic wedding venues, however, may be in high demand and may require you to book your ceremony and reception months or even years in advance. Finding the perfect vineyard venues for rustic weddings can help you to set the stage for your own unique and magical wedding day.
- Estate wedding venues: Garden estates and private residences that are used as venues for rustic weddings can provide the best of both worlds for you and your partner. Whether you intend to incorporate boho rustic wedding ideas into your ceremony and reception or are looking for a traditional wedding with a slightly less formal atmosphere, most estate venues for rustic weddings offer scenic outdoor locations and all the amenities you need (including kitchen access, bathrooms, and electricity) to light up your ceremony and reception.
- Backyard wedding venues: If cost is a concern for your wedding celebration, your own backyard or that of a friend or family member can be the perfect option for you. These rustic wedding venues are ideally suited for smaller weddings and you can always add beautiful decor that will make your celebration special and memorable for all who attend.
- Destination venues: While most rustic wedding venues are located off the beaten path, you may be able to find the perfect venues for rustic weddings in resort destinations around the world. So much of this theme really has to do with how you accessorize your looks and what kind of rustic wedding decor you add to the space.
Finding the perfect rustic wedding venues can be challenging. In most cases, however, selecting the venues for rustic weddings should be one of the first steps in your overall planning process.
Are rustic weddings expensive?
While prices for wedding essentials are on the rise because of supply chain issues, the cost of the average wedding was $33,931 in 2018 and continues to hover around that figure. The decisions made by you and your partner, however, can make a big difference in how much you will spend for your rustic wedding.
The cost of a wedding varies by location and number of guests. One way to reduce the cost of your wedding is to limit the number of guests you invite to share your ceremony and reception. Smaller weddings with fewer guests typically require a lower investment in catering and can sometimes allow you to select a more intimate venue for your wedding celebration.
The average cost of a wedding dress is about $2,500. Lace and embroidery are two of the more expensive options for rustic wedding gowns too. However, you can also choose a vintage look or a less structured look to potentially reduce the cost of alterations and the overall cost of your wedding dress. Vintage dresses may be available from friends, relatives, or secondhand shops. As with most decisions about your wedding, the amount you spend for your wedding dress is up to you.
The decor you choose for your wedding can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. Some rustic weddings feature flowers and a more understated archway, while others require extensive lighting and furnishings. Flowers can be a major part of your rustic wedding decor and can really elevate any space to create the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows and rings and sharing the moment with the ones closest to you. Garden roses, wildflowers, and foliage are great choices for rustic weddings and can take the place of much more costly items when planning your wedding decor.
Destination weddings typically cost more than rustic weddings held closer to home. For example, Tennessee couples will usually pay less for a rustic wedding in Nashville than for a comparable rustic wedding in Mexico. Travel costs, accommodations, and other key elements of your wedding will typically add a significant amount to the costs of destination weddings in another state or country. Consider how many guests you have, and your own willingness to travel, and then start searching for the appropriate venues that fit your budget and other criteria.
When planning your wedding, creating a comprehensive wedding budget breakdown can help you make the most of your available funds. The cost of your venue and your catering will generally account for a significant portion of your budget. By reducing the number of guests, opting for less expensive outdoor wedding venues, or cutting back on other costs, you can enjoy the dreamiest wedding possible, while also managing your and your partner’s desired budget.
How do you start planning rustic weddings?
The first steps in planning your rustic wedding is typically to work with a wedding planner or to create your own cohesive mood board, which should include the must-haves and nice-to-haves along with curated photos and images that capture the look and feel you want. This process begins with looking for examples of rustic weddings that are suited to your tastes and those of your partner.
- Save your favorite images: Rustic weddings are as inspirational as they are personal. You can look through our directory of rustic weddings, which can lead you to examples of how real couples designed their ceremony and reception. This can also inform any decisions about the best possible rustic wedding venues in your area and beyond. With that, you’ll be able to take note of the rustic wedding decor and anything else you’d like to see at your own celebration. And it’s not just about the ceremony setup: Rustic wedding reception ideas can also make your special day as beautiful and cohesive as you want. By saving images that you and your partner like best, you can create a rustic wedding theme (and we always recommend a mood board!) tailored specifically to your personal aesthetic tastes.
- Filter your results: If you are looking for rustic wedding venues or local vendors, our directory has filtering options to provide you with the most helpful information possible. By adding in your preferences, your dream venue or vendor list is just a click away.
Finding the perfect rustic wedding ideas can be challenging. At Carats & Cake, we offer an extensive directory of rustic wedding venue options and decor ideas to help you and your partner to make your dream wedding a beautiful reality. Whether you are planning a boho-inspired barn wedding or a Catskills resort wedding with a rustic theme, we have photos and information about the best rustic wedding ideas and examples to help you create a wedding you and your partner will love. By taking your favorite images and rustic wedding ideas and combining them in a new way, you can create the most authentic and most importantly, fun, experience for you, your partner, and your guests.
