Items found in a rustic barn can inspire your wedding decor.
Rustic decor incorporates worn, weathered design concepts and pieces. It is the opposite of refined and modern decor. Warm, rustic decor is popular for weddings because it gives the wedding a timeless look and is a laid-back alternative to a formal wedding. Whether held indoors or outdoors, a rustic wedding features natural and organic elements.
Rustic Centerpieces
Create a classic rustic centerpiece by gathering some rustic buckets (old, used metal buckets, usually 1- or 2-gallon sizes), sunflowers, lady's mantle, yellow spray roses and oranges. Arrange all of the items in the bucket to create the centerpiece. The arrangement is up to you, though generally the sunflowers should be in the middle, shorter flowers on the outside, and oranges or other small items next to the buckets.
Other centerpiece arrangements that complement a rustic wedding include dahlias, roses, wildflowers, orange poppies and gardenias. Incorporate twigs, berries and even pine cones into the decor, as well as other elements such as jars, fruits, vegetables, candles and wood. Again, the arrangement is informal. You can design a unique centerpiece using different elements for every table, or design identical pieces for each table. The key is to keep it simple; a few flowers, twigs in a bucket with pine cones scattered around the center of the table is plenty for each centerpiece.
Rustic Lifestyle Inspirations
Pull out the cowboy boots and the metal buckets filled with jugs of milk, because it's not truly a rustic wedding without a little twist of country and farm life. Even if your wedding will not be taking place in a barn, look to the elements found in a barn for inspiration. Barrels and metals found in rustic farm tools create the perfect ambiance for a rustic wedding and reception; scatter these elements throughout the room or wedding venue. For example, use an old barrel as your guest book table. Hang several different-sized lanterns or incorporate them into a centerpiece. Watering cans also make for great vases; the older the can, the better.
Rustic Colors
To obtain a rustic color scheme, pair together a soft gray or blue with greens and creams and add a touch of chocolate. Fall colors, like oranges, yellows and deep reds, are also appropriate. If you want to incorporate rustic elements instead of having full-blown rustic decor, use birch vases and other birch or wood accents throughout the venue (on the tables, the bar or hanging on the walls). Also, use rustic colors on your wedding invitations and bridesmaid dresses to complement the rustic reception decor. Give each groomsman a rustic-colored boutonniere that matches your color scheme.
Rustic Cuisine
At the reception, serve a rustic meal that includes barbecued beef, pork or chicken. Fall vegetables like squash, zucchini and broccoli are great side dishes for a rustic meal, as is corn on the cob and potatoes. Macaroni and cheese is also an appropriate side dish or entree. After dinner, give guests a rustic, budget-friendly dessert treat: a build-your-own s'mores bar. Fill and label small metal buckets with all the essentials needed for a s'more: chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers and any other fun ingredient to add spice or other flavors to the traditional dessert. Guests will enjoy the rustic treat and the fun that comes with building it themselves.
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