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Rustic Country Backyard Wedding Ideas
Regardless of the season, a rustic outdoor wedding is always dreamy and memorable. What makes rustic style so popular among newlyweds is its charmingly romantic appeal. What’s even better is the fact that this type of wedding allows you to express your own creativity through numerous DIY opportunities. Whether you opt for a lush summer bash or a celebration with a touch of winter magic, a rustic wedding will be the one you’ve always dreamt of.
It all starts with a venue
The very idea of a country backyard wedding narrows down your choices when it comes to your venue. If you have a family house in the country, you won’t have to look for a different location. However, if you still need to choose a venue, you can opt for a place by a charming lake or a magical forest for a truly authentic, nature-inspired atmosphere. Barns are also a popular choice for rustic weddings due to their enticing appeal. You can even go with your own lush garden if it meets your needs.
Nonetheless, the venue should be big enough for your entire wedding party, seating arrangements and the ceremony spot. When choosing a venue, you should also consider its surroundings and see how the environment may affect your photographic opportunities. Finally, make sure that the venue you choose has enough restroom facilities, electrical plug points, etc.
Colour it romantically
The colour scheme for your rustic backyard wedding should be in tune with your venue and the season. A summer wedding can be embellished with lively hues while an autumn one can feature a more understated palette of earthy tones. You shouldn’t go with more than three hues – you can choose a dominant colour and one or two accent shades. Since you want a rustic wedding, wood will be the most dominant material, bringing its warm tones. Beige and white are a subtle combination for a rustic outdoor wedding, along with soft, muted tones. Pastel champagne hues, wheat-inspired yellows and minty greens are also beautiful choices that can accentuate nature’s palette.
Create a comfortable alfresco experience
Backyard weddings are quite relaxed and easy-going, exuding peacefulness and tranquillity. However, you need to provide your guests with maximum comfort, so that both you and they can truly enjoy yourselves. And since you’re hosting your wedding ceremony and reception outside, you should make sure that your venue is appropriately equipped for different weather conditions. Thus, you need to provide enough shade against the sun or possibly rain. You can go with a large tent, but if you want to try something more authentic, you can install modern and functional rotating cantilever umbrella for a cosier vibe. This will enable you to arrange tables and chairs in circles, which will create a more intimate atmosphere at your wedding. Each table can have its own umbrella that can be easily adjusted and re-positioned depending on the sun.
Set up the tables
When it comes to the table and seating design, there are plenty of inspiring ideas that will help you capture the rustic spirit. Wooden tables and chairs are the most appropriate option while hay bales can be used to create cosy lounge areas for relaxation. You can go with a vintage design that will truly bring authenticity to your wedding. Antique wooden chairs can be paired with a simple, yet elegant white tablecloth embellished with rustic details. You can introduce centrepieces and decorations appropriate for the specific season and theme. From lush, soft flowers and flickering candles to wheat-inspired decorations, branches and garlands, you can truly bring life to your tables. Leaving your tables bare without any cloth will allow their rustic wood finish to come into focus. Embroidered napkins, wheat-inspired table numbers, antique details and dinnerware with vintage motifs will be in tune with your rustic backyard wedding.
Use lighting for a dreamy effect
After the fiery colours of sunset have passed, you’ll need to turn the lights on. With appropriate lighting, you’ll be able to create a cosy, romantic atmosphere. However, lighting will also provide you with an opportunity to be creative and authentic. You can place candles in mason jars on the tables, use magical string lights in trees or even create chandeliers using wheat or mason jars. Another great idea that will create a whimsical effect is placing fairy lights under a table dressed in a lacy cloth. This is a stunning idea for the bride’s and groom’s table that will stand out as a focal point. Paper lanterns featuring your chosen colours can also illuminate your wedding magically while elegantly floating in the air.
Design an inspiring wedding backdrop
Your wedding ceremony will be the highlight of your wedding and the beginning of your new life. Therefore, it should definitely be magical, memorable and inspiring. You should make sure to design the perfect spot where you and your loved one will say your vows. You can design a rustic ceremony arch using wooden arbour. Embellishing it with simple, yet charming linen, string lights and flowers can give it a rustic vibe. You can also create your own wedding backdrop using a flower-adorned piece of linen. You can simply attach lovely flowers using T-pins or embellish it with other inspiring decorations. Garlands of wheat can also be used to create an ethereal effect while old wooden doors can be used as a backdrop for your ceremony.
Don’t forget all things tasty
Bringing the rustic theme to your wedding treats, cake and drinks is surprisingly easy. You should keep in mind that you’ll be spending the entire day outside, so you should opt for alfresco-friendly food and a seasonal menu. If you’re having a summer wedding, you should serve refreshments regularly – cold juice, champagne and iced cocktails are a perfect choice. Winter, on the other hand, requires you to keep your guests warm and cosy using hot chocolate, cocoa, coffee, warm apple cider, etc. As for your wedding cake, you can place it on a piece of wood, use simple glazing and surround it with natural accessories. Cupcakes, finger foods with tasty dips and other treats can be displayed and served on wooden cut-outs and shelving.
Designing a rustic outdoor wedding in a magical country backyard will provide you and your guests with a truly memorable experience. Most importantly, this style will enable you to express your own creativity and taste through amazing DIY projects.
About the Author dereklotts
Derek Lotts is a Sydney based writer and researcher, a regular contributor at Smooth Decorator blog. He writes about décor, gardening, recycling, ecology and business. He thinks all of these topics fall under the self-improvement category. He believes in the power of sharing ideas and communicating via the internet to achieve betterment.
