Hey lovebirds - are you thinking a relaxed, nature-loving vibe is perfect for your nuptials? Enter the rustic wedding - a timeless trend, which is also really versatile! You can adapt it to an array of colour schemes, including soft pastels, natural earth tones, and vibrant autumn palettes.
This blog will explore the latest trends in rustic wedding venues, attire, decor, food, and entertainment, to help you nail the style this year. I've also included loads of photos from real weddings to give you inspo as to what yours might look like!
Ideal rustic venue choices
Barns and farms offer a quintessentially rustic setting with their natural wood structures and rural surroundings. Throw in some fairy lights, lanterns, and drapery to decorate your venue, and you've got a rustic fairytale in the making.
Barn venues are very popular at the moment, and more awesome ones are popping up all the time. If you'd like to discover some that I know and love, check out my blog about it!
If you're thinking of something more outdoorsy, why not consider getting married in a forest, a meadow, or even on a clifftop with amazing views stretching out behind you! These natural settings provide a serene and picturesque backdrop for your rustic wedding. You can add simple decorations like wooden benches or hay bales for seating to maintain the rustic theme.
Rustic wedding décor
A rustic wedding gives you a great opportunity to use lots of natural materials, as well as be eco-friendly! Incorporate materials such as wood, stone, and burlap into your decor. You could use (and maybe even make!) handmade wooden signs for directions, table numbers, or sweet messages. Use fabric like burlap for table runners or chair ties, and accent with twine for a cohesive look.
Choose locally sourced flowers and greenery, as well as seasonal blooms, to reduce your carbon footprint. You could even consider incorporating potted plants and herbs as eco-friendly wedding favours, allowing guests to take home a little piece of your celebration. Quite a few of my couples have also given out little packets of seeds as favours, which is so cute.
You can also opt for greener lighting choices, by illuminating your rustic setting with candles and solar-powered fairy lights for a magical ambiance that's kinder to the planet.
A rustic wedding gives you the opportunity to really embrace DIY decorations, focusing on upcycled and recycled materials. By incorporating simple, handcrafted, or repurposed items, you not only add a personal touch to your wedding but also contribute to a more sustainable celebration. You could even go one step further and make your own wedding cake - or get your guests to bring a selection and have a Bake Off-style cake competition!
Best glad-rags for your rustic wedding
Ethically sourced materials and sustainable practices in bridal fashion are trending. Dresses with natural fabrics, floral lace, and comfortable designs are perfect for a rustic theme, as well as being nice and breathable if you're getting married in the hot summer months!
Tweed and linen suits in earthy tones are ideal for grooms, or if you're a bride who doesn't fancy wearing a dress. Consider accessories like leather suspenders and handmade boutonnieres for a personal touch and a splash of style!
Embrace a more natural look with minimal makeup and relaxed hairstyles, complemented by accessories like flower crowns, simple hairpins, or nature-inspired embroidered veils.
Homestyle catering and entertainment
Prioritise farm-to-table dining by featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients. You can also create a communal and relaxed atmosphere with a buffet-style setup featuring a BBQ, hog roast, or an assortment of awesome food trucks.
Elevate the ambiance of your wedding with live acoustic music. Hire bands or musicians to infuse your celebration with a warm and authentic feel, or ask family or friends to pitch in for a song or two!
Choose interactive activities to add a sense of relaxation and fun to your celebrations. From outdoor games to a DIY photo booth with props, or even concluding the evening with a cosy bonfire and marshmallow roasting, these interactive elements ensure a memorable and lively experience for your guests - as well as great wedding photo opportunities!
Rustic wedding stationery trends
If you want to keep things sustainable, why not opt for invitations, place cards, and menus crafted from recycled or plantable seed paper, ensuring a unique touch that aligns with eco-friendly values. They also look really beautiful!
Or as a modern alternative, why not go digital and send out electronic save-the-dates or invitations, minimising paper consumption!
Add a touch of modern sophistication to your rustic wedding stationery with laser-cut designs. Intricate patterns on invitations or menu cards can bring a contemporary edge while maintaining the rustic aesthetic.
You could also incorporate watercolour elements into your stationery for a blend of modern artistry and rustic charm. Subtle, pastel hues can elevate the overall visual appeal while being bang on trend for 2024.
I hope this blog has been helpful and given you some ideas for planning your own rustic wedding. I love this theme, and it gives you great opportunities to really personalise things, embrace the beauty of the surroundings around you, and be more sustainable.
A candid and natural style of wedding photography complements a rustic wedding well; with the documentary aspect great for capturing everyone just having a great time in the fun, relaxed vibe you've created. If you like the photos on this page, or just the sound of someone chilled-out, friendly, and unobtrusive capturing your wedding photos, hit the button below to contact me!