Rustic weddings: We will solve all your doubts! (And we will give you a few ideas)

Here is everything you need to know about rustic weddings, all of your questions answered! And here you also can find more ideas for your wedding day!

If you’ve arrived here it’s surely because you have some questions in your head about rustic weddings. Well…you’re in luck! Because we will answer all of the unknowns in this post!

Do you know what a rustic wedding means and what are the colours that combine the best with this style? Do you know what the most appropriate decoration is? Do you know what to wear for this type of wedding? Have you mastered the difference between rustic and vintage? Below, you’ll find all of the answers to these questions and many more!

Weddings of this theme are so magical, warm and cozy, that they have become the most dreamed of wedding by today’s brides and grooms. And it’s not surprising!

Grab a pen and paper, let’s begin!

Wedding in Madrid - Perfect Venue
Photo by Rosa Garrido

1. What does a rustic wedding mean? 

The term rustic stands out for being linked to the countryside, the natural and rural, which is why a rustic wedding has a great influence of the countryside in the decoration, clothing, colours, etc.

A natural and outdoor environment is most suitable to carry out a wedding of this nature, since this is where there are large areas of gardens, farms, estates, country houses, barns, ranches and shelters, which are the most popular places to carry out a rustic wedding.

In rustic weddings there are usually different textures that come from nature, such as organic fibres, tree trunks and bark, leaves, wood, natural flowers, stones, sand, etc.

Rustic weddings have become increasingly important, and although they have existed for many years, this timeless wedding typology is booming, since with it you can have a spontaneous, simple and cheerful wedding, but without losing the elegance, style and taste that is sought for this great day.

A rustic wedding is still casual! In addition, they have a unique and incomparable style that make the rustic style one of the most magical for a wedding.

Wedding in Andalusia - Perfect Venue
Photo by Silvia Sánchez

2. What colours go with a rustic wedding?

When deciding on the colour theme of the wedding, the first thing you have to think of is its style, the chosen venue, the time of year, etc. since the colour range for an urban wedding is not the same as for a rustic wedding.

Therefore, to make your task easier for you, we will tell you some of the colours that combine best with this theme:

Sage green is a very rustic wedding colour that has become very fashionable. It’s a perfect shade for those who love tranquillity. Also, combined with white or something nude, it will give a most elegant and select result.

Yes, you read correctly, nude tones can’t be missing in your rustic wedding, since they are shades that are multipurpose and combine in perfect harmony with the natural elements.

Dusty colours have also found their place, especially in rustic themes, since they can be used in all of the seasons of the year and combine great both with the greenery outside and the elegance of the interior. Our favourite bets are dusty blue, as well as dusty pink.

We can’t forget to mention lavender, one of the most appropriate colours for rustic weddings since lavender itself is an element of nature and that, in addition, combines excellently with lilac flowers, white, beige, brown or nude shades.

Alternatively, you can always choose a combination of various shades for your rustic wedding!

La Farinera Sant Lluis
La Farinera Sant Lluis

3. How is a rustic wedding decorated? 

As we have previously mentioned, at a wedding the nods to nature cannot be missing. Therefore, what better than to have natural elements that give it that touch of rusticity?

For example: wood, stones, logs, wildflowers, branches, sticks…But where do we put them? Well, in the places that are reminiscent of the countryside! Like old carts, ladders, wine barrels, farm tools, aged windows and doors, among many other things. Unleash your imagination! 

Straw and hay bales can’t be missing at a rustic wedding, which are great to place as seats at the ceremony, at the reception, or even in a corner to create a chill out area. Don’t forget to add pallets, blankets, cushions and fabrics!

The centrepieces can also be full of different wild containers, such as glass jars and vases, small wooden boxes, vases tied with strings…and fill them with candles, lavender, wheat, eucalyptus, daisies, astilbes or gypsophilia. Is there anything more rustic? 

The key is to combine all of these decorative elements throughout the venue to create that rustic ambiance that you dream of. You will leave all of your guests speechless!

Photo via Weddings and Events by Natalia Ortiz

4. What should be worn to a rustic wedding?

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a rustic wedding? Surely a huge field or garden filled with wildflowers, all kinds of trees and plenty of casual and natural decorative items placed outside.

Well, this is the first thing to take into account, because both the bride and the guests have to be in tune with the venue, the wedding style and the temperature of the big day, which is usually warm due to being celebrated outdoors.

Therefore, free-flowing materials will be a great choice, simple and natural textiles, such as cotton, linen, sisal, coir, hemp, etc. As if it were an eco-wedding!

Floral motifs also combine really well with the rustic theme, giving that natural touch as well as refined. Another wise option is to have flowers in the form of accessories, such as crowns or brooches, and even a straw hat!

Regarding the colour tones, it is best to use those that will predominate in the colour scheme of the big day, although, if you are not the bride, and you want to play it safe, use pastel tones such as pink, blue or green. White is saved for the bride!

Remember that a rustic wedding is celebrated on somewhat stony and/or uneven ground, so if you give up those heart-attack heels you will not regret it! Opt for some wedges or sandals and you will be more comfortable!

For the men who attend the big day and for the groom, it is recommended to put aside the jackets and tuxedos and opt for looser, free-flowing and casual garments, such as a white shirt or a waistcoat without a tie nor bow tie.

And of course, flowers are also appropriate! What if you are a daring groom and wear a suit with this pattern? Perfect for camouflage in a rustic setting!

Photo via: Juanlu Rojano

5. What is the difference between a rustic wedding and a vintage wedding?

It’s normal to ask yourself this question, since these terms are often confused, even considered similar, but this is not at all true, since they are actually very different themes. 

While one wedding is filled primarily with old elements or from the past, the other is made up of elements that come from nature. Not at all similar, right?

The word vintage comes from the French vingt, twenty; and age, years, and is used to refer to elements from the 20s, although nowadays the concept has changed and it is now used to indicate pieces that are more than 20 years old.

In a vintage wedding we can see old vases, vintage tableware, lace tablecloths, accessories or ancestors’ clothes.

On the other hand, the term rustic is characterised by having elements typical of nature and the open air, such as wildflowers, wood, straw, wheat, etc. that make you immerse yourself in a completely natural, calm and pure environment.

In a rustic wedding you can also see sheets of logs as tablemats, candles on sand and an aisle to the altar marked by stones.

Both styles allow endless amounts of combinations that will make your wedding feel like being in a real dream. Choose which one suits you best!

Mas de Sant Lleí - Perfect Venue
Mas de Sant Lleí

6. What is rustic elegance (rustic chic)?

Rustic elegance is used to refer to weddings that, in addition to being rustic, are also elegant. Combining elements from nature with elegant elements, as well as transforming the venue (cabins, farms, patios, gardens, etc.) into a sophisticated and exquisite environment.

The rustic chic decoration is a style that is becoming increasingly popular among weddings, since with this rural and elegant combination it is possible to please all tastes.

Unlike the conventional rustic style, rustic elegance consists of making colours much clearer, both in the tableware and upholstery, avoiding prints and opting for more plain colours so that everything is not excessively overloaded.

And…how to we achieve this successful decoration? For example, mixing old wood, wildflowers, glass jars, bark and logs with elegant candles and refined vases.

The furniture used to achieve that rustic elegance is lighter and less robust and heavy, replacing furniture with others of more modern shapes and textures.

The key to achieving a rustic chic wedding is to break the norm without fear, daring to innovate and mix. Dare yourself with everything!

Polo Valley Marbella wedding venue
Polo Valley

7. What is the theme of a rustic wedding like?

The rustic theme is one that commemorates the country, all things rural and natural. Such as vegetation, fresh air, leaves, plants and flowers, herbs, wood and moss…

A wedding with this theme is very romantic and relaxed, and is usually celebrated in authentic rural venues, such as barns, cabins, farms, gardens, estates, country houses, near a lake, a mountain or even in the middle of the sand of a beach.

The venues are filled with natural elements, with different organic textures and materials to evoke good nature. 

The aim is for the environment to be as natural as possible, so during the day light is usually used to celebrate the ceremony, although if it takes place in the evening, there will be candles and lights that create a warm environment.

It is important that the entire wedding has the same theme, so all the details (invitations, clothing, decoration, venue…) must be in tune with each other.

With a rustic theme, get ready to see wooden signs, vases that are wooden boxes, log tablemats, jute burlap, tables made with pallets, barrels, flowerpots, vertical gardens….and everything that you can think of that reminds you of nature! 

Finca el Portazo

8. How can a rustic table be set up?

For the decoration of the tables, you can achieve a work of art combining the use of wood, such as log tablemats with modern cutlery in jute cloth bags.

You can also have a robust wooden table and put a long linen cloth on it that crosses the table from one end to the other, then put on top of it glass jars and boxes of wood full of flowers, leaves and natural plants, such as sprigs, gypsophila, daisies, lavender etc.

The small rounded shelves for desserts, combined with teapots and cups can also result in a very rustic decoration, perfect for placing on the dessert bar.

For this dessert corner or even for the drinks, you can use carts, wheelbarrows, barrels, etc. Success is guaranteed!

You can also always combine various materials, such as metal, glass, straw, jute or ironwork, it is a dream! Of course, try to be careful with certain objects as it can look like a vintage wedding.

Wedding in Tarragona - Perfect Venue
Photo by Juanlu Rojano

Have your questions been answered? Well, now to celebrate your rustic wedding you only need to start by going to Perfect Venue, we’re dying to plan your wedding!

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