October 6th

Photo credit: 

Minted.com

Tip of the Day: One of the main draws of the internet and social media for brides-to-be is the mind-boggling number of creative ideas it puts at their fingertips. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, wedding planner Shawn Rabideau suggests approaching sites like Pinterest and Instagram in a methodical way.

First, ask yourself, What do I like about this particular image? The answer will help you pinpoint your likes and dislikes, so that you can better articulate your wishes to, say, the caterer or invitation designer. As you gather more images, look for common threads — color, texture, mood — to help you stay on stylistic track. Next, categorize. Set up separate boards, albums, and inspiration folders for things like your tabletop decorations, wedding-party attire or day-of makeup looks. Finally, be selective about whom you share these ideas with or invite to follow your boards. "Decide early on whose opinion matters to you," says Rabideau.

Plus, check out our Wedding Inspiration Gallery.

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50 Rustic Wedding Decorations

If you have a soft spot for a natural look with earthy undertones, then a rustic wedding just may be your style. The best part about this wedding theme is its surprising versatility — from the countryside charm of farmhouses and bucolic delights of a barn to the chic feel of a vineyard and wilds of the woods, rustic can embody different vibes while still maintaining its overarching rural allure. These décor ideas will help you nail the look.

By: Hillary Hoffower

Enter Slideshow
  • Barrels

    Barrels

    You can never go wrong with the classic rustic element that is an old wine barrel — they’re a perfect accent piece in any spot of the wedding. Top them off with a bounty of bright blooms and succulents for a dash of color.

    Photo Credit: Gavin Farrington

  • Bar

    Bar

    A worn hutch makes for a beautiful bar, mirroring the ruggedness of the hills behind. An arch of eucalyptus and basket of baguettes round out the Italian countryside vibes.

    Photo Credit: Megan Welker

  • Aisle Markers

    Aisle Markers

    Mercury jars sprouting fresh ferns and flowers in shades of marsala add a rustic glam touch.

    Photo Credit: Clean Plate Pictures

  • Cocktail Tables

    Cocktail Tables

    Oversized wine spools for cocktail hour are an easy way to carry out your wedding’s theme. Even better — they don’t require the cost of tablecloths. Leave them bare to emphasize the style, topping them with a lantern for a simple centerpiece.

    Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography

  • Cocktail Table Centerpiece

    Cocktail Table Centerpiece

    Skip the vases and bring out the wooden planters for natural vibes — they make vivid blooms and succulents pop even more than they already do.

    Photo Credit: Heather Scharf Photography

  • Chandelier

    Chandelier

    “Floating” candles adorn an oversized wreath of brambles and twigs, juxtaposing magical elegance with nature.

    Photo Credit: Sarah Kate

  • Ceremony Setting

    Ceremony Setting

    Makeshift pews out of wooden planks and tree stumps mimic the towering tree that serves as an altar, bringing this earthy ceremony setting full circle.

    Photo Credit: Marina Koslow

  • Ceremony Seating

    Ceremony Seating

    Alternating ceremony seats of wooden pews and cross-backed wooden chairs pairs a rustic look with industrial vibes.

    Photo Credit: Sposto Photography

  • Ceremony Backdrop

    Ceremony Backdrop

    Tarnished mismatching doors and gilded lanterns meet organic details of wild branches and abundant burgundy blooms, embodying a romantic rustic ideal.

    Photo Credit: Art De Vie

  • Ceremony Arch

    Ceremony Arch

    A powerful arch of vivid wildflowers mirrors the wilderness of the outdoors, making a statement against a beautifully barren backdrop. 

    Photo Credit: Melissa Oholendt / Florist: Munster Rose

  • Ceremony Aisle

    Ceremony Aisle

    A distressed, rusted milk churn topped with bountiful blooms brings bucolic vibes to the ceremony aisle.

    Photo Credit: Genesa Richards Photography

  • Centerpiece

    Centerpiece

    Baby’s breath has a gentle country charm. Place them in mason jars wrapped in ribbon and burlap for full effect.

    Photo Credit: Next to Me Studios

  • Ceiling Décor

    Ceiling Décor

    Suspended grapevine balls enwrapped in fairy lights bring a magical effect to high ceilings.

    Photo Credit: Brinton Studios

  • Candles

    Candles

    Miniature candles on tiers of birch stumps add a soft, romantic glow to any corner.

    Photo Credit: Marcos Sanchez Photography

  • Cake Table

    Cake Table

    This cake display is barrels of fun. Buckets and spools intermix with cake pedestals to round out the barnyard feel.

    Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography

  • Blanket Station

    Blanket Station

    Hay bales, logs, and patchwork quilts — what more could guests want in a rustic fall wedding? If the air is crisp, keep blankets out for them to stay comfortable, and accent the “snuggle station” with a distressed wooden initial and iron birdcage for a unique touch.

    Photo Credit: Ryan & Rach

  • Beer Tap

    Beer Tap

    This beer tap is rife with natural elements, from various grains of lumber to abundant greenery. Deer antlers complete the simplistically stunning look.

    Photo Credit: c.m.elle studios

  • Beer Bottles

    Beer Bottles

    Personalize your wedding sign — in lieu of a wood, beer bottles with painted letters lend a bit of old-fashioned charm.

    Photo Credit: The Kama Photography

  • Overhang

    Overhang

    Earthy mason jars held by twine hang from a suspended platform in a unique overhang that casts a soft, amber glow over reception tables.

    Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography

  • Newlywed Chairs

    Newlywed Chairs

    Brass initials are a sweet addition to his and hers chairs.

    Photo Credit: Wee Three Sparrows Photography

  • Name Setings

    Name Setings

    A raw and earthy branch is the ideal outdoorsy element to show off your new name.

    Photo Credit: Charli Photography

  • Menu

    Menu

    A windswept window offers a glimpse of the night’s delectables.

    Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography

  • Lounge Area

    Lounge Area

    Hay bale couches, wine barrel table ends, plaid accents, and antler and ladder décor make this industrial barn lounge area a rustic dream.

    Photo Credit: John Barwood Photography

  • Interiors

    Interiors

    From shutters and rafters to diverse chairs and minimal tables, bare wooden elements mix and match for a farmhouse feel.

    Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography

  • Head Table

    Head Table

    This reception style is the definition of rustic chic. Wood interiors and a stone hearth play home to an enchanting chandelier, gauzy white curtains, and an elegantly exposed head table showcasing a stunning swath of foliage.

    Photo Credit: Lane Dittoe

  • Guest Book

    Guest Book

    A shabby desk hosts a rustic guest book display complete with vase of sunflowers and stones, wood stump, and lantern. Our favorite part — the couple captured kissing on a hay bale in the frame.

    Photo Credit: Lisa Price Photography

  • Favors Station

    Favors Station

    Turn your favors into décor piece that will make your guests pause on their way out. From a battered jade desk to the gift of nuts, this station is head-to-toe rustic.

    Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography

  • Escort Cards

    Escort Cards

    Bring the garden inside. Sprigs of wildflowers for escort cards add a fresh and lush touch. Place them in a planter box for full effect.

    Photo Credit: James Moes

  • Entrance

    Entrance

    White curtains frame romantic views when pulled back against a barn doorway, especially when illuminated by the light inside.

    Photo Credit: Britt Rene Photo

  • Drink Station

    Drink Station

    As if your guests will need another reason to drink, this warm and sunny set-up will entice all to take a jar off its honey-hued shelves and have a good time.

    Photo Credit: Lisa Price Photography

  • Door Trim

    Door Trim

    A garland of foliage and orange blossoms adds a natural touch to the doorway of the ceremony venue.

    Photo Credit: Artemis Photography

  • Dessert Display

    Dessert Display

    An old-fashioned wooden bar card lends a sophisticated rustic air to this display of sweets and botany.

    Photo Credit: Michelle Chiu

  • Staircase Accents

    Staircase Accents

    Old crates overspilling with heaps of lavish flora and fauna liven up any set up steps.

    Photo Credit: Robin O’Neill Photography

  • Sign Post

    Sign Post

    Directional signs adorned with cascading greenery pair with a vintage bike for a rustic look that borders on whimsy.

    Photo Credit: Jonathon Ong

  • Seating Chart

    Seating Chart

    Weathered birch branches are fashioned into an abstract shape for a creative seating chart that looks like it’s part of the garden it’s standing in.

    Photo Credit: Hetler Photography

  • Runner

    Runner

    A runner of brambles, moss, and florals have a natural, wild look that strikingly juxtaposes with an elegant ice blue place setting.

    Photo Credit: Art De Vie

  • Reception Venue

    Reception Venue

    An old spun wheel turned chandelier, twinkle lights, and beige linens with accents of greenery turn on the refined rural charm in this barnyard reception.

    Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography

  • Reception Tables

    Reception Tables

    This Tuscan-inspired table is all rustic elegance. A centerpiece on ash wood of peach blossoms, navy tapered candles, and scattered fruits set against pale brick walls and a distressed door call to mind a pastel harvest.

    Photo Credit: Emma Pilkington

  • Reception Chairs

    Reception Chairs

    Give your reception chairs a bit of flair by tying a burlap bow around the back, topped with a sunflower for a pop of color.

    Photo Credit: The Cole Portfolio Photography

  • Programs

    Programs

    Rolled up parchment programs tied with twine and a delicate sprig of buds emit a thoroughly organic feel.

    Photo Credit: Mirrorbox Photography

  • Program Sign

    Program Sign

    Or, nix the traditional programs and make a serious décor statement with a large sign of the ceremony proceedings. A piece of wood framed in antique gold tacked against a thick trunk brings elegance and rural together.

    Photo Credit: Jen Rodriguez

  • Popcorn Bar

    Popcorn Bar

    Let your wedding theme guide your snack stations. Popped kernels of corn are an ideal complement to a rustic wedding, especially when served in wooden stand with a linen canopy.

    Photo Credit: Noi Tran Photography

  • Place Settings

    Place Settings

    Wooden slabs substitute plates to bring a bit of Mother Nature to the table.

    Photo Credit: Jenna McElroy

  • Place Cards

    Place Cards

    Cowboy boot card holders add a dash of Southwest country charm.

    Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography

  • Photo Wall

    Photo Wall

    Wooden pallets play backdrop to the history of this couple’s life and love.

    Photo Credit: This Modern Love Photography

  • Tree Stumps

    Tree Stumps

    Who needs chairs when you have tree stumps? Place them at the reception table for a unique touch to your backyard affair.

    Photo Credit: Artemis Photography

  • Tabletop

    Tabletop

    Minimalism knows how to work a rustic tabletop look. Forgo a tablecloth and opt only for a runner, simple plates, and eye-catching, yet subtle, florals in shades of pink and burgundy to let wooden tables really steal the moment.

    Photo Credit: Ken Kienow

  • Table Number

    Table Number

    Raw wood makes a natural — and affordable — backdrop for a table number. A tablescape in lush greenery, deep jewel tones, and mercury accents complements the richness of the lumber.

    Photo Credit: Studio 623 Photography

  • Table Décor

    Table Décor

    An antique letterbox, mercury vase, and books wrapped in twine, all accented with leafs of green, merge vintage and rustic.

    Photo Credit: Clean Plate Pictures

  • Sweetheart Table

    Sweetheart Table

    The battered surface of this sweetheart table does all the talking — no extravagant table setting necessary. In a gorgeous fashion of botany, a mountain of foliage graces the front. 

    Photo Credit: Casey Rose Photography

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50 Rustic Wedding Decorations

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October 5th

Photo by: Steve Steinhardt on Inspired By This via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Autumn has arrived! If you're throwing a fall wedding, consider serving heartier menu items like lobster or corn bisque, mini pot pies or small cups of tasty beef stew and braised short ribs at your cocktail hour. Dinner menus might include popular entrée options like rack of lamb or Cornish hen. Selecting seasonal fare is not only appealing to guests, but may also help you save on your budget as well.

Plus, check out 100 Ideas for Fall Weddings. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more tips and advice.

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