Rustic weddings are typically held in venues that reflect a rural or countryside vibe, like barns, farms, vineyards, gardens, orchards, ranches, or outdoor settings like fields or forests. When it comes to decorating a barn or farmhouse venue, it might be tricky to start brainstorming how to transform the existing structures into a wedding worthy environment. These types of venues are naturally rustic and beautiful, and may not actually need a lot of decorations, but we’ve laid out some ideas to help you plan your aesthetics.
What is a Rustic Wedding Theme?
A rustic wedding embraces a natural, charming, and often nostalgic aesthetic inspired by the countryside or rural settings. This theme refers to anything that’s a bit rough around the edges, and is characterized by its simplicity, organic elements, and a focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rustic weddings often incorporate natural textures, earthy tones, and vintage or do-it-yourself details that evoke a sense of coziness and authenticity. Many rustic inspired weddings take advantage of outdoor spaces, incorporating natural backdrops and allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Rustic weddings have gained popularity for their charm, simplicity, and emphasis on creating an environment that celebrates love, nature, and the beauty of the outdoors. Whether held in a barn, garden, or open field, a rustic wedding is all about embracing the natural beauty around us and creating a warm, inviting, and memorable celebration. Barns in particular are bursting with rustic charm, whether they’re weathered and historic or updated with modern amenities, and many are set within a quiet countryside or nestled in a ranch or farm setting.
The color palette for rustic weddings is usually inspired by nature, featuring earthy tones like browns, greens, soft yellows, blush pinks, and rustic oranges. Decorations are often kept simple and include elements from nature, such as wood, burlap, hay, twine, and wildflowers to create an organic and inviting ambiance. Candles, lanterns, string lights, and other forms of soft, warm lighting are often used to create a cozy and romantic ambiance, especially in the evening, and food choices may include locally sourced, seasonal, and farm-fresh ingredients.
Decorating a Barn for Your Wedding Venue
Rustic weddings often have a laid-back, informal vibe, so in addition to your desired rustic aesthetic, aim to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your guests. Rustic is an umbrella theme that encompasses a number of different styles, so it may help to hone in on a more specific style as you start planning your decor.
- Classic rustic weddings often include burlap and canning jar accents, as well as rough wood details in contrast with a soft color palette. Highlight the natural structure of the venue, including exposed wood and beams, high ceilings, and the countryside location.
- An elegant barn wedding might include twinkle lights, chandeliers and a palette of deep hues, luxurious fabrics, and accents of lace and vintage inspired flatware.
- Shabby chic weddings combine homemade elements, vintage-inspired touches, various textures, chalkboard-style or whitewashed accents, and a combination of florals and lace.
- A country styled wedding might include a wedding party decked out in cowboy boots, decor with accents of metal, copper, and leather, and a color palette that features dusty blue or blush rose.
Draping light-colored fabrics is great for barns, as it softens the overall look of the barn itself, contrasting with the wood walls and beams. Use fabric chair covers, curtains, ceiling swags or create custom archways or aisles. Barns can be dark, so lighting is important and can include ceiling hung fixtures as well as table options. Lanterns, candles, chandeliers, twinkle or string lights or a combination will create a beautiful ambiance, especially in the evening.
Mix and match wooden chairs or opt for long tables and benches for a family-style feel, and decorate your tables with rustic-style linens, wildflowers, greenery and vintage tableware. Wooden decorations are likely to fit well with a barn wedding venue, from tree slices for table centers to wooden signs to direct your guests, to a wooden dance floor with string lights to create an enchanting ambiance.
At Historic Acres of Hershey, our property sits along several acres of rolling hills in the countryside, and features one of the finest barns in Pennsylvania. With multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, and customizable bars, farm tables, bistro lights, and faux greenery onsite, it just might be the perfect location for your rustic wedding. Contact our team to learn about our venue.