More and more brides are choosing to celebrate their nuptials with a rustic theme wedding. Textured greenery garlands, wildflower bouquets, wooden accents (the list goes on!). This modern style is defined by undone details, exposed natural features, and vintage elements. The trendy and laid-back vibe is definitely the opposite of the traditionally formal white wedding. But its popularity is undeniable! When it comes to deciding on a theme, couples are opting to make sure that their wedding is an expression of their personality and an event that all of their family and friends can enjoy.
Discover ideas for this gorgeous wedding trend that connects to nature with an effortlessly chic style. Keep reading to find stunning inspiration for a rusting theme wedding.
1. Backyard Style Wedding
For a rustic theme wedding that is intimate, budget-friendly and homely, transform your venue into your own backyard. You’ll have complete freedom and flexibility to take control of your space and make it as formal or informal as you like. But most importantly, make it uniquely yours.
2. Ranch Inspired Wedding
An authentic ranch wedding could be the perfect fit for your rustic-inspired wedding. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views, unmatched tranquillity and the beauty of nature that will set the tone for your special day. It can make you feel like you’re at a destination wedding without being far from home. The space also means that the guest list can be as long as you like!
3. Barn Wedding
Similarly, another idea for a rustic setting is going for a barn wedding. There’s little you have to do to create that effortless chic aesthetic in an idyllic indoor-outdoor space that has a lot of character. The blank canvas also lends itself well to a formal or informal wedding of any size.
4. Transport with a Rustic Touch
There’s no rule on how to get to your ceremony or venue so why not incorporate your transport into your rustic theme? Vintage cars work perfectly for a classic feel with a rustic touch. Or you could really have fun and think outside the box with a farm wagon, trolley or pick up truck to match your country setting,
5. Ethereal Bouquet
Create an ethereal vibe with an overflowing and wild bouquet. It’s the perfect fit for a rustic theme wedding. Use soft pastel hues, fresh florals, dried flowers, and cheerful blooms. You could even add in berries for pops of color.
6. Wildflower Details
A whimsical wildflower is a must-have detail for this wedding theme. They’re charming, classic and minimal to match your fresh, organic and carefree aesthetic. You can add just a few to traditional blooms for a subtle touch or go all out wild. They’re also ideal if you want to stray away from earth tones and play with colour. Some of our favourite wildflowers include sweetpeas, mountain daisies, lavender, cornflower, foxgloves and sunflowers.
7. Pampas Aisle Runners
Pampas grass has been trending for a while now, and the moment is definitely not ending anytime soon! Its soft and unique nature suits a rustic vibe flawlessly. You can make subtly tie pampas into a minimal decor style, with small details around your ceremony and reception, or go all out with an epic backdrop or tablescape.
8. Succulents
Succulents are a fresh way to incorporate plants rather than flowers into your wedding. It’s a classic element for a rustic aesthetic and comes in various sizes to fit into different decor aspects. You could use large assorted pots as centerpieces, add them to your bouquet or use small pots for escort cards. They also make charming ideas for wedding favors. As the succulents grow your guests will be reminded of your stunning wedding!
9. Wild Floral Arrangements
There’s something magical about a natural and undone flower arrangement that makes it a staple for a rustic theme wedding. The unruly nature means that each arrangement is uniquely yours. These can be added across your ceremony and venue to keep in line with your theme. There’s such a variety to choose from, you can even add in sunflowers, orchids, hydrangeas, roses, and dahlias for a perfect combination.
10. Greenery
There is a multitude of possibilities to incorporate greenery into your wedding for an effortless and natural vibe. The splashes of green against neutral tones can really highlight your decor. You can go simple by replacing traditional fabric table runners with greenery, to complement the exposed wood. Or be creative with your styling by weaving in pops of flowers, color and candles for depth.
11. Rustic Style Centerpieces
One of the best ways to complement your rustic theme wedding is with your centerpieces. You don’t have to be limited to one look or design, and there are so many different ways to show off your effortlessly chic style. Some of our favorite elements to play around with to achieve this are mismatched jars, floating candles, sweet peas, peonies, fresh lavender, farm-style baskets, and dried flowers.
12. Rustic Theme Place Settings
Another decor aspect that you can use to create a casual and undone vibe is your place settings. There’s no need to go overboard for a country chic feel. Quality elements rather than quantity are best for a rustic aesthetic. Keep things clean and natural with simple fabrics, linen, fresh herbs, exposed wood, pine cones, candles and mismatched or minimalist glassware.
13. Mismatched Chairs
Mismatched chairs are a cute way to embrace this wedding theme. They add to the laidback, imperfect and vintage feel. The best part is that they’re easy and cheap to source. It’s a great way to have fun and let your personality shine through.
14. Nature Inspired Wedding Cake
Naked and semi-naked cakes have grown in popularity over the past few years, and they work so well for a rustic theme wedding. It shows off the natural beauty of your cake with subtle elegance. Use buttercream frosting for a relaxed look, flowers for a fresh element, and a faux tree stump or slice of log as a cake stand to embrace nature.
15. Home Style Food
Food is a great way to add a personal touch to your day. Simple and traditional comfort food will align excellently with a rustic vibe. Choose popular home cooked dishes such as pasta salads, roast chicken, pies, as well as freshly baked bread, and charcuterie. Picnic style food and buffets are ideal for creating a casual vibe, as guests can pick and choose what to eat. Food trucks are also super popular to create a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Your guests are bound to love a late-night pizza slice or taco after dancing their shoes off!
16. Alternative Dessert Options
When it comes to desserts, you don’t have to go with a traditional cake. For a rustic theme wedding find alternative options and have fun with your dessert selection. Continuing with the comfort food dishes, you can go for homemade tarts, cupcakes, brownies, childhood treats and fresh fruit for an ultimate countryside vibe. Be creative with your presentation such as a donut wall, mini desserts, and freshly baked cookies with mini milkshakes.
17. Alfresco Wedding Bar
Create a beautifully informal rustic aesthetic at your reception with an outdoor bar. Make your guests feel like they’re at a southern European terrace with an alfresco vibe. You could include a spritz bar, personalised co*cktails with cute names relating to you, rustic wooden barrels, or a drinks dispenser for guests to serve themselves.
18. DIY Photo Booth
Create a shabby chic photo booth with a rustic vibe. Have a designated area with a backdrop and props for your guests to enjoy taking photos of themselves and capturing moments of your special day. A DIY photo booth is perfect to complement the undone aesthetic with a personal and unique touch. A great idea is to have guests take polaroids and stick them into your guest book, or pin them on a board with a heartfelt note for you to look through later.
19. Outdoor Games
Lean into the casual and laid-back vibe of your wedding theme with entertaining outdoor games and chill areas around your reception. Lawn games are a hit at any type of event, especially at weddings where everyone is there to celebrate and relax with friends and family. They’re also perfect as ice-breakers for guests who might not know each. For a really rustic feel, try out some nostalgic old school party games, such as giant Jenga, connect four, croquet, bocce ball or bowling pins.
20. Live Wedding Band
There’s nothing quite like dancing to live music, so a live band is the ultimate choice for a rustic theme wedding. This personal and unique touch can bring nostalgia to all of your guests by letting them listen to covers of their favorite classics. A folk, country or soul music band is especially ideal to fit this bucolic and homey vibe.
21. Late Night Bonfire
Add some rustic charm with a late-night bonfire. As the sun sets, get some sparklers, a s’mores station and hot cocoa ready for everyone to enjoy. It’s a cute way for guests to cosy up and end the day in a special and memorable way. It also makes for stunning photo opportunities!
22. Vintage Style Wedding Dress
Rustic wedding dresses are brimming with simplicity, softness and naturalness. There are so many different design details that evoke this effortlessly chic and romantic style. These include layers of soft tulle, open back gowns, dramatic beading, slim silhouettes, vintage fabrics, and off-the-shoulder necklines.
23. Nature Inspired Bridesmaids Dresses
Incorporate your theme into your bridesmaid dresses by using mismatched colours or styles to complement different personalities and shapes. Select long dresses for an airy and whimsical look, lace dresses for a country and feminine aesthetic, or neutral dresses for a natural yet elegant vibe.
24. Effortlessly Chic Hair Style
Another perfect way to let your rustic theme shine through is with how you style your hair. Enhance your wedding look, accentuate a minimal dress and match your theme with a sprig of flowers such as baby’s breath. Go for loose braids or loose curls that frame your face for an undone style. Try soft buns for an elegant yet laid-back aesthetic. Different styles of braids, such as fishtail, french or oversized are also beautiful for an effortlessly chic look.
25. Warm Colors
For a rustic theme wedding that exudes an ethereal, cosy and demure feel, go for warm colors that tap into nature. These tones, such as copper, gold, amber, and burnt orange, work especially well for an autumn or winter wedding. They give off a spiced, romantic and woodsy ambience.
26. Hand Written Calligraphy
Beautiful calligraphy across your stationery and signs adds a warm and imperfect sophistication to your day. Handwritten script is a charming nod to old-fashioned love letters before the days of modern technology. It’s a delicate and intimate sentiment towards your guests. For an extra rustic touch use special paper such as parchment, linen cardstock or cotton cardstock, with twine or greenery.
27. Minimal Style Wedding Invitations
Rustic invitations give a truly special feel to your wedding stationery. Use recycled paper with natural edges alongside nature-inspired tones and woodland details. Invitations that are understated and minimal set the perfect tone for this theme.
28. Wooden Arches & Backdrops
Wooden Arches and backdrops are great ways to bring out your rustic theme. These staple decor pieces set the tone for your wedding ceremony or reception. So, create a gorgeous focal point with an effortlessly chic aesthetic, using floral details, wooden features, foliage, soft drapery or a personalized quote. Make it as minimal or elaborate as you like to suit your charming yet laid-back style.
29. Lanterns & Candles
Lanterns and candles are stunning decor elements for a rustic wedding. You can use them anywhere around your ceremony or reception such as the aisle, tables, entrances. They make gorgeous and romantic accent pieces for a relaxed ambience and warm glow.
30. Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are a perfect addition to this casual theme with an undone charm. They’re of course practical but they also create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Not to mention that fairy lights make photos look stunning!
31. Hanging Light Installations
There’s something about hanging decorations that leans in so well to this theme. The aesthetic resembles nature beautifully. It’s also versatile enough that it can either be intimate and cozy, or glamorous and add dimension. For example, consider ways to incorporate hanging lights, flowers, greenery, signs and fabrics into your wedding reception decor.
32. Earthy Tones
An earthy and neutral-toned color palette is another option that complements a rustic theme wedding. These soft hues are versatile, timeless and channel natural elements. Choose beige, blush, cream, light grey, white, greenery, light browns ideal for an unfussy and undone style that embraces the beauty of the outdoors.
33. Wooden Accents
Adding organic wooden elements is a great way to elevate your wedding decoration. They highlight the outdoor vibe of a rustic theme and give an alfresco feel. There are so many different ideas to incorporate wooden details including naturally crafted tables and chairs, signs, escort cards, barrels, benches and swings.
34. Blankets
What better way to incorporate a cozy and comfortable feel to your wedding than with blankets? Use gorgeous soft fabrics to make guests feel at home and create a casual atmosphere. You can go with any style and color to enhance your rustic aesthetic. Either roll them up to make a cute display, or place them on chairs or benches around your venue.
Now it’s time to choose which of these gorgeous ideas you’re going to choose for your rustic theme wedding. You can also read through more of our favorite elements to include into your special day with these Beautiful Rustic Wedding Ideas. Or if you’re looking for other decor inspo for your wedding, head over to WedBoard. You’ll find 10 Stunning Garden Style Wedding Ideas, Romantic Blush Wedding Ideas and the Prettiest Fall Wedding Décor Ideas, just to name a few!
Featured image: Claudio Fasci Photography
