Planning a wedding can feel like trying to catch a lot of butterflies with one net. Adding the unique charm of a rustic venue might make it feel like you're juggling those butterflies too. Don't stress! If you plan ahead, you can have a beautiful, stress-free rustic wedding that looks and sounds as good as it sounds.
Many rustic places are pretty just the way they are. An old barn a vineyard or a lodge in the country are all examples of places that have a unique and grounded feel to them. Accept this style and let it help you plan. That's the first step to a stress free setup.
Nature is your best friend when you plan a rustic wedding. Don't try to force a theme that doesn't fit just build on what's already there. Using the space around the venue wisely can help your event blend in with its surroundings and save money on decorations. You might want to use things like wildflowers wood accents and fabrics made from plants. You could use them as centerpieces or in your photo displays.
Lighting is also very important. Use natural light during the day and warm welcoming light at night. You can add a magical touch to the place with string lights lanterns and candles without taking away from its rustic charm.
Making the guest list is often one of the most stressful things about planning a wedding. It's best to keep the number of people to a minimum if your event is in a rural or more private area. It's not enough to just have enough space you also need to keep the mood relaxed and personal.
First think about the people who matter most to you. A smaller guest list doesn't mean you have to leave out important people. It just means you can talk to everyone who is there. People can connect in more meaningful ways at smaller weddings which can make the event feel more real.
Make two lists an A list and a B list. There are people on the A list who have to be there like close family and best friends. People on the B list are less important and could be invited if there is room and money. This method can help you not get stressed out at the last minute.
The food you serve at a rustic wedding can help set the mood for the whole event. Making it easier for your guests to choose their food can also lower stress and make the event more enjoyable for them.
Consider using ingredients that are in season and grown close to home. This helps farmers in the area and makes sure that the food tastes and looks its best. Farm to table ideas work well in rustic settings because they give the food a freshness that is hard to beat.
Instead of having formal plated dinners you could serve meals in a family style. Passing around big trays at a table can help people feel like they are part of a group and make it easier to talk. It's not about the fuss it's about how it feels.
Rural areas can be just as lovely as they are unpredictable. That's why they are so appealing. But it does mean that you need to be able to change plans to make sure your big day goes well.
First make sure you have a good plan for what to do if it rains. If the event is outside you might want to rent a tent or have an indoor space ready just in case. Even when the weather is nice Mother Nature can be unpredictable. The Knot says that you should always have a backup plan in case the weather gets bad.
Next think about how things will work. Rustic venues may not have all the amenities of a traditional banquet hall. Think about where guests will park where the bathrooms are and how easy it will be for people with mobility issues to get around. To avoid problems on the day of the event talk to the venue coordinator or manager about these things well in advance.
When planning a wedding the most important thing to remember is that it's about love. There are so many options invitations and budgets to think about that it's easy to forget why your guests are coming together in the first place.
Pay attention to the little things that are important to you and your partner to stay grounded. Write personal vows include sentimental songs or use family heirlooms to make the event a reflection of your story together. Your guests will feel much more connected to these things than to any fancy setup.
During the day take breaks to look around and see what's going on. Take a deep breath with your new spouse and enjoy watching your guests have fun. Keep in mind why you're there. These memories will be better than any little problems or mistakes.
A rustic wedding venue gives you the chance to make your celebration feel real grounded and warm in a way that other venues don't. If you focus on what's really important and let go of the little things that aren't you're more likely to enjoy the day and all of its lovely flaws.
In conclusion if you appreciate the venue's natural beauty keep your guest list small customize the menu to fit the setting be ready for the unexpected and most importantly focus on the love you are celebrating hosting a wedding at a rustic venue can be stress free. Each of these things makes your wedding day both relaxed and memorable giving you the time to enjoy every moment.