Country weddings have been trending over the last few years as a theme that combines outdoorsy spirit and old-fashioned appeal for a celebration that’s as charming as one comes. Whether you’re a born-and-bred country girl flaunting her roots or a city dweller hoping for a change of scenery on your special day, we’ve gathered some of our best ideas on how to countrify your wedding.
“Country” holds very different meanings depending on where you’re from — a southern country wedding is going to look very different from a mountain country wedding, for starters — so let your own expectations for your ceremony shade your interpretation of a country wedding. Enforce a dress code of guests’ Sunday finest, or meet your spouse down the aisle in jeans and flannel for an equally meaningful event. Scroll down for some inspiration on how to best capture some country spirit in your nuptials.
Spin your wedding rehearsal or bridal shower into a classic southern tea party. This idea works especially well if you’re working with limited space, as a tea party is meant to be cozy. Fill the table with iced tea, biscuits with jam, sandwiches, and layer cake for a crowd pleasing spread.
Assuming you’re going whole hog, set your wedding photos in a grassy field or nearby lake to complete your wedding theme with snaps that pay homage to your outdoorsy upbringing. Bonus points if a cowboy hat is worn!
There’s hardly anything more country than marrying in a barn or small chapel. These type of venues tend to accommodate smaller crowds, so consider pitching an outdoor canopy so your guests can mingle and let loose after the ceremony.
Clear summer nights and lots of string lights make for a romantic (and highly photogenic) reception!
Prefer a cool-weather wedding? Hunting lodges and mountain resorts often come already furnished with rich wood paneling, charming fireplaces, and even a dramatic antler plaque or two.
“Country” is a way of life, so it only makes sense to incorporate you and your spouse’s favorite pastimes into the ceremony decor — this couple, for example, made sure to include hunting art in their venue.
Include your youngest family members in the ceremony with hand-written signs that give off a charming old-fashioned vibe.
We adore this gingham and lace card box! Handcrafting little elements of your wedding such as the guestbook, reception menu, or favors adds a homey touch to your big day.
Look every bit the part with plaid and gingham shirts, suspenders, and bowties for the groom and groomsmen! For a more casual, country take on men’s wedding attire, pair white dress shirts with jeans and work boots.
This paper and twine flower is a fun twist on the traditional boutonniere. For a rustic interpretation, pair neutral colored flowers with hardier materials like wood, twine, and burlap.
Rocking your cowboy boots is a bold way to add some country flair to your wedding day look.
To make your cowboy boots really shine, pair the shoes with pretty calf-high socks and a shorter or asymmetrical length wedding dress.
Serve up some standard country fare for some happy, well-fed guests: pork chops, mac n’ cheese, barbeque or seafood boils are guaranteed crowd pleasers. Just don’t forget cobbler, pie, and the cake for dessert!
Enlist some fiddlers or bluegrass musicians to accompany your reception with live music.
Repurpose barn elements like barrels, haystacks, or worn wood panels to add an charmingly rustic style to your venue.
For an outdoor reception, pull farmhouse tables out onto the lawn for an open air meal between family and friends.
Love spending time outdoors? Make your wedding a fun one by roping guests into joining your favorite activities, be it fishing, horseshoes, or ball games.
Let other couples rent limos — you and your spouse can get away in your best pick-up truck for a perfect closing to your country wedding.
Hopefully we’ve provided you some fresh inspiration for your country themed wedding! To help put your ideas into motion, check out our wedding planning articles to learn how to avoid common planning mistakes and stick to your budget. We’ve also created a comprehensive wedding planning checklist with a timeline for you to make sure all your preparations are on track for a smooth, stress-free celebration.
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