Rustic is a very up and coming theme, but you wouldn't be surprised to know you are not the only person who, at the end of the day, has no actual idea of what that means.
Rustic (adj.): relating to the countryside, rural, and made in plain or simple fashion
Now in wedding terms, this means you are pulling on very natural elements and inspiration for the big day. There are a lot of natural elements, but the same time very few of them placed throughout the ceremony and reception.
We have decided to take a few minutes to discuss the different ways you could make your wedding uniquely rustic. Please jump on the rustic wooden train with us!
Highlight Reel of the Rustic Items in the Image
1. Wooden tables 4. Minimal decorations
2. Simple to no linens 5. The barn and outdoor location
3. String lights 6. Casual but clean feel
Let's Break Those Six Characteristics Down!
1. Wooden Accents
Rustic themes are all about repurposing and incorporating natural elements. What a better way to do this than just using natural wood tables or wooden crates to hold up your decorations.
These accents also fit well with the color pallets typically used in this theme. Like the flowers warm colors are used that are typically seen as single note but soft additions. Patels or deep colors like navy are best seen at these events.
2. Use of Linens
Many rustic themed tables do not have linens on them, but if you are wanting to use some or do not have access to tables that are able to be bare, stay tuned! JuneBugWeddings.com has given some beautiful inspiration for a naked table look with just a simple floral vine centerpiece.
You also have the ability to tie in some soft linens that stay in line with the natural theme. Burlap is the most popular in the category but so is simple and white table linens. As you can see the napkin color of choice in the image is a simple white. If you do go with a linen, you could even layer the white and burlap and then use a soft pastel or solid warm color for the napkins.
3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
There is nothing more nature oriented than sitting out and looking up at the stars. If you don't want to or can't do the full strings of shiny lights there are many wonderful and suitable options.
Lights can be strategically placed throughout your reception to bring in small glows and a sense of the stars. You can use bottles, mason jars, or just lay them across tables to add to the centerpieces.
4. Simple Decorations
One of the best things about a rustic theme is the decorations can be all repurposed things or completely DIY.
Typical rustic additions to the space involve the following materials: glass, twine, burlap, wood, or hay. Additionally, the florals stay within baby's breath, sunflowers, daisies, and poppy's.
None of the items above need to be perfectly arranged in their place or positioned. Let them be where they may, just like how these light bulbs hung with twine dangle where gravity is going to take them. For low budgets, this is a great theme to have creativity but no stress in the numbers at the end of the day.
5. Venue and Location
One of the best ways to stay true to the rustic theme is to have your event partially or completely in the outdoors. Due to this portion of the theme, rustic weddings typically are help in the summer and fall months. But please, have a rustic winter wedding! You just might not get the barn.
As long as you feel like you can bring the outdoors in, then you will be right on point. When using a barn or completely outdoor location make sure you are prepared for all weather options!
6. Keeping it Simple
Again, looking to the budget of weddings - a rustic theme can give you an out on certain things. There is no need to fully set the table for everyone, we are all family here!
Small details like placing utensils in a jar gives you more freedom in the set up. There is also no need to serve multiple course meals. You can stick to finger food and dessert options like a s'more's bar instead of slicing and serving cake.