If you're dreaming of a rustic and romantic wedding, a country wedding is the perfect choice. With its rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming old barns, a country setting provides the ideal backdrop for a celebration that's both elegant and down-to-earth.
From the moment your guests arrive, they'll be transported to a world of rustic charm. The ceremony can be held in a picturesque outdoor setting, surrounded by towering trees and blooming flowers. The reception can take place in a cozy barn or a spacious tent, adorned with twinkling lights and vintage decorations.
To help you plan your perfect country wedding, here are a few tips:
A Very Country Wedding
If you're dreaming of a rustic and romantic wedding, a country setting is the perfect choice. Here are 10 important points to consider when planning your very country wedding:
- Choose a picturesque outdoor setting
- Decorate with twinkling lights and vintage details
- Serve a delicious country-style menu
- Provide plenty of entertainment for your guests
- Create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
- Send out invitations with a rustic flair
- Choose a dress that's both elegant and comfortable
- Hire a photographer who can capture the beauty of your surroundings
- Plan a menu that features seasonal and local ingredients
- Consider hiring a live band or DJ to provide entertainment
With a little planning, you can create a country wedding that's both beautiful and memorable. So start planning today and get ready to celebrate your special day in style!
Choose a picturesque outdoor setting
One of the best things about a country wedding is the opportunity to hold your ceremony and reception outdoors. There's nothing more romantic than exchanging vows surrounded by nature's beauty.
- Stunning views: Choose a setting with breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, or sparkling lakes. Your guests will be wowed by the scenery and you'll have a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photos.
- Natural ambiance: An outdoor setting provides a natural ambiance that's perfect for a country wedding. The fresh air, the sounds of birds singing, and the rustling of leaves will create a magical atmosphere for your special day.
- Plenty of space: Outdoor settings typically offer more space than indoor venues, so you can have a larger guest list and plenty of room for dancing, mingling, and games.
- Unique photo opportunities: An outdoor setting provides endless opportunities for unique and beautiful wedding photos. You can take pictures in front of a rustic barn, in a field of wildflowers, or by a sparkling lake.
When choosing an outdoor setting for your country wedding, be sure to consider the weather and have a backup plan in case of rain. You'll also want to make sure the setting is accessible for all of your guests, especially those with mobility issues.
Decorate with twinkling lights and vintage details
One of the best ways to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere for your country wedding is to decorate with twinkling lights and vintage details. Here are a few ideas:
Twinkling lights: String twinkling lights around the perimeter of your reception area, hang them from trees, or drape them over the dance floor. The soft glow of the lights will create a magical ambiance and make your guests feel relaxed and happy.
Vintage details: Incorporate vintage details into your wedding décor to add a touch of rustic charm. You could use vintage lace tablecloths, mismatched china plates, or antique furniture. You could also display old photos of your family and friends.
Mason jars: Mason jars are a versatile and affordable way to add a country touch to your wedding décor. You can use them to hold flowers, candles, or even serve drinks. You can also decorate them with twine, lace, or burlap.
Burlap: Burlap is another great way to add a country touch to your wedding décor. You can use it to create table runners, chair covers, or even a backdrop for your ceremony or reception. Burlap is also a great material for DIY projects, such as making bunting or wrapping favors.
By incorporating twinkling lights and vintage details into your wedding décor, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that your guests will love.
Serve a delicious country-style menu
No country wedding is complete without a delicious country-style menu. Here are a few ideas:
Appetizers: Start your meal off with some hearty country-style dishes, such as fried chicken, deviled eggs, or potato salad. You could also serve a selection of cheeses and crackers, or a fresh fruit and vegetable platter.
Main course: For the main course, you could choose a classic country dish, such as fried chicken, roast beef, or pulled pork. You could also serve a vegetarian option, such as a tofu stir-fry or a vegetable pasta dish.
Sides: No country-style meal is complete without some delicious sides. Some popular options include mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. You could also serve a variety of salads, such as potato salad, coleslaw, or green salad.
Desserts: For dessert, you could serve a classic country dessert, such as apple pie, peach cobbler, or chocolate cake. You could also serve a selection of cookies, brownies, or cupcakes.
By serving a delicious and authentic country-style menu, you can give your guests a taste of true country living.
Provide plenty of entertainment for your guests
No country wedding is complete without plenty of entertainment for your guests. Here are a few ideas:
- Live music: A live band or DJ is a great way to get your guests dancing and having fun. Be sure to choose a band or DJ that plays a variety of music, so that there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Lawn games: Set up some lawn games for your guests to enjoy, such as cornhole, horseshoes, or croquet. This is a great way for guests to mingle and have some fun.
- Bonfire: If your wedding is taking place in the evening, you could set up a bonfire for your guests to enjoy. This is a great way to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
- Photo booth: Set up a photo booth with props for your guests to use. This is a fun way for guests to capture memories of your special day.
By providing plenty of entertainment for your guests, you can ensure that everyone has a fun and memorable time at your country wedding.
Create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
One of the best things about a country wedding is the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few tips for creating a warm and inviting environment for your guests:
- Choose a comfortable setting: Choose a wedding venue that is comfortable and inviting for your guests. This could be a rustic barn, a charming outdoor space, or a cozy indoor setting.
- Provide plenty of seating: Make sure to provide plenty of seating for your guests, both indoors and outdoors. You could set up chairs, benches, and hay bales for guests to relax on.
- Create a welcoming ambiance: Create a welcoming ambiance with warm lighting, soft music, and comfortable seating. You could also set up a few fire pits or heaters to keep guests warm on a chilly evening.
- Encourage guests to mingle: Encourage guests to mingle and get to know each other by setting up a few games or activities. You could also have a welcome drink or cocktail hour before the reception.
By creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, you can ensure that your guests feel comfortable and at home at your country wedding.
Send out invitations with a rustic flair
Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will get of your wedding day, so it's important to make a good impression. For a country wedding, you'll want to choose invitations with a rustic flair.
Here are a few tips for sending out invitations with a rustic flair:
Choose a rustic design: There are many different rustic invitation designs to choose from. You could choose a design with a woodsy theme, a floral theme, or a vintage theme. You could also choose a design that incorporates elements of nature, such as burlap, lace, or twine.
Use natural materials: Natural materials, such as wood, paper, and burlap, can add a rustic touch to your invitations. You could use wood for the invitation backing, paper for the invitation itself, and burlap for the envelope liner.
Add personal touches: Personal touches can make your invitations even more special. You could add a photo of you and your partner, a handwritten note, or a special embellishment, such as a dried flower or a piece of lace.
By sending out invitations with a rustic flair, you can set the tone for a warm and inviting country wedding.
Choose a dress that's both elegant and comfortable
For a country wedding, you'll want to choose a dress that is both elegant and comfortable. Here are a few tips:
- Consider the setting: When choosing your dress, keep in mind the setting of your wedding. If you're getting married outdoors, you'll want to choose a dress that is comfortable to wear in the heat and the cold. You'll also want to choose a dress that is not too long, so that you can easily walk around on uneven terrain.
- Choose a comfortable fabric: The fabric of your dress should be comfortable to wear all day long. Avoid fabrics that are too stiff or too delicate. You'll also want to choose a fabric that is breathable, so that you don't get too hot or too cold.
- Get the right fit: Your dress should fit you perfectly. It should not be too tight or too loose. You should be able to move around comfortably and easily in your dress.
- Add personal touches: Don't be afraid to add personal touches to your dress. You could add a lace overlay, a beaded belt, or a veil. You could also add a touch of color with a sash or a pair of shoes.
By following these tips, you can choose a dress that is both elegant and comfortable for your country wedding.
Hire a photographer who can capture the beauty of your surroundings
One of the best ways to preserve the memories of your country wedding is to hire a photographer who can capture the beauty of your surroundings. Here are a few tips for hiring a photographer:
- Look for a photographer who has experience shooting country weddings: A photographer who has experience shooting country weddings will be familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities of this type of setting. They will know how to capture the beauty of the natural surroundings and the rustic details of your wedding.
- View the photographer's portfolio: Before hiring a photographer, be sure to view their portfolio. This will give you a good idea of their style and their ability to capture the beauty of your surroundings.
- Meet with the photographer in person: Once you've found a few photographers that you like, meet with them in person to discuss your vision for your wedding photography. This will give you a chance to get to know the photographer and their personality, and to make sure that they are a good fit for your wedding.
- Book your photographer early: Wedding photographers book up quickly, so it's important to book your photographer as early as possible. This will ensure that you have the photographer you want on your wedding day.
By hiring a photographer who can capture the beauty of your surroundings, you can create a lasting record of your special day.
Plan a menu that features seasonal and local ingredients
One of the best ways to create a truly memorable country wedding is to plan a menu that features seasonal and local ingredients. This will ensure that your food is fresh, flavorful, and reflective of the region where you're getting married.
Here are a few tips for planning a menu that features seasonal and local ingredients:
Talk to your caterer: Your caterer can help you create a menu that features seasonal and local ingredients. They will be familiar with the best purveyors in your area and will be able to source the freshest and most flavorful ingredients for your wedding.
Visit local farmers markets: Visiting local farmers markets is a great way to find fresh, seasonal produce. You can also talk to the farmers about their growing practices and learn more about the food you're eating.
Incorporate local flavors: If you're getting married in a region with a strong culinary tradition, incorporate local flavors into your menu. This could mean using local spices, herbs, or cheeses in your dishes.
Consider a farm-to-table menu: A farm-to-table menu is a great way to showcase the freshest and most local ingredients. This type of menu typically features dishes that are made with ingredients that are sourced from local farms.
By planning a menu that features seasonal and local ingredients, you can create a truly memorable country wedding that your guests will love.
Consider hiring a live band or DJ to provide entertainment
No country wedding is complete without music and dancing. Here are a few things to consider when hiring a live band or DJ:
- Live band vs. DJ: The first decision you'll need to make is whether to hire a live band or a DJ. Live bands typically provide a more lively and interactive experience, while DJs can offer a wider variety of music and can be more affordable.
- Musical style: Choose a band or DJ that plays the type of music you and your guests enjoy. If you're not sure what type of music you want, ask your friends and family for recommendations.
- Budget: Live bands typically cost more than DJs, so be sure to factor this into your budget. Be sure to get quotes from several different bands or DJs before making a decision.
- Experience: Make sure to hire a band or DJ with experience playing at weddings. This will ensure that they are familiar with the flow of a wedding reception and can keep your guests entertained all night long.
By hiring a live band or DJ to provide entertainment, you can create a truly memorable country wedding that your guests will love.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about planning a country wedding:
Question 1: What are some tips for choosing a country wedding venue?
Answer 1: When choosing a country wedding venue, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of your guest list and choose a venue that can accommodate everyone comfortably. Second, think about the style of wedding you want and choose a venue that matches your vision. Finally, be sure to visit the venue in person before booking it to make sure it's the right fit for you.
Question 2: What are some popular country wedding themes?
Answer 2: Some popular country wedding themes include rustic, vintage, and bohemian. Rustic weddings typically feature natural elements such as wood, burlap, and lace. Vintage weddings often incorporate elements from the past, such as antique furniture and clothing. Bohemian weddings are typically eclectic and free-spirited, with a focus on comfort and style.
Question 3: What are some tips for planning a country wedding menu?
Answer 3: When planning a country wedding menu, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the season and choose dishes that are in season. Second, think about the type of food you want to serve and choose dishes that reflect your personal style. Finally, be sure to work with a caterer who can help you create a menu that is both delicious and affordable.
Question 4: What are some tips for choosing a country wedding dress?
Answer 4: When choosing a country wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the setting of your wedding and choose a dress that is appropriate for the location. Second, think about the style of wedding you want and choose a dress that matches your vision. Finally, be sure to try on several dresses before making a decision to find the one that makes you feel the most beautiful.
Question 5: What are some tips for planning a country wedding on a budget?
Answer 5: There are several ways to plan a country wedding on a budget. First, consider having your wedding during the off-season or on a weekday. Second, choose a venue that is affordable and offers discounts for weddings. Finally, be creative with your decorations and favors to save money.
Question 6: What are some tips for creating a country wedding atmosphere?
Answer 6: There are several ways to create a country wedding atmosphere. First, decorate with rustic elements such as wood, burlap, and lace. Second, play country music and encourage your guests to dress in country attire. Finally, provide plenty of food and drinks and create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
These are just a few of the many questions you may have about planning a country wedding. Be sure to do your research and talk to other couples who have planned country weddings to get more tips and advice.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect when planning a country wedding, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect country wedding:
Tip 1: Choose the right venue. The venue is one of the most important aspects of your wedding, so it's important to choose wisely. Consider the size of your guest list, the style of wedding you want, and your budget when choosing a venue.
Tip 2: Set a budget and stick to it. Weddings can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and getting into debt.
Tip 3: Hire the right vendors. The vendors you hire will play a big role in the success of your wedding, so it's important to hire the right ones. Do your research and read reviews before hiring any vendors.
Tip 4: Relax and enjoy your day. Your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life, so relax and enjoy it. Don't stress about the small stuff and just focus on celebrating with your loved ones.
By following these tips, you can plan the perfect country wedding that you and your guests will love.
Planning a country wedding can be a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. By following these tips, you can create a wedding that is both beautiful and memorable.
Conclusion
A country wedding is a beautiful and unique way to celebrate your love. By following the tips in this article, you can plan a wedding that is both stylish and affordable.
Here are a few of the key points to remember when planning a country wedding:
- Choose a venue that reflects the rustic and charming atmosphere of a country wedding.
- Decorate with natural elements such as wood, burlap, and lace.
- Serve a delicious country-style menu featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
- Provide plenty of entertainment for your guests, such as live music, lawn games, and a bonfire.
- Create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where your guests can feel comfortable and have fun.
By following these tips, you can create a country wedding that is both beautiful and memorable.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream country wedding today!