Wedding Ideas: The Rustic and Vintage Wedding

 by Alexandra C.

According to TheWeddingReport.com, 'Rustic Weddings' are the new trending wedding theme! It seems that brides-to-be are in love with the charm, vintage feel and simple elegance of barn yard venues and wildflower bouquets that embody this theme. Think natural elements mixed with a western vibe and bring that all together with fun DIY crafting sessions. And in true country style- bring in the entire fam to help you out!

It might sound like a lot of work but we've made it easy for you with these eight suggestions you can try for your own rustic-themed wedding!


1. Décor
Mason Jars evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. They are quaint and charming but dressed up the right way become chic and stylish. Call it… ‘down home country glamour’! Not only are mason jars dirt cheap and available everywhere but they are versatile. Try them as centrepieces, candle holders or even photo frames.


2. Dress and Accessories
Try scouring Etsy- the online shop for all things cute and homemade, for unique accessories. These two headpieces (left) were found on Etsy- how sweet are they? A floral crown is a throwback to the 60’s and a great alternative to the typical ‘princess-type crown’. The flower piece for your hair is bang on trend, and you can ‘countrify’ it further with local wildflowers. Brides craving that ‘one of a kind’ look should try shopping for a vintage wedding dress. A vintage dress will not only add to the rustic and nostalgic theme but will allow the bride to stand out!


3. Signage
Cute signs around the wedding venue add intimacy to a large event and of course, can be super helpful for directionally challenged folk.  For a rustic wedding, chalkboard signs are inexpensive and fun. Guests can take pictures with the chalkboard signs as well, sending well wishes and love to the couple! A sign post from Etsy, in or around the venue has small town charm but will also point the wayward guests to the bathroom! A DIY sign, hand painted and constructed can be more challenging but done on the cheap.
(other images via www.mysweetandsaucy.com and rusticweddingchic.com) 


4. Table Settings
Use textured natural accents like wood or try using edible objects for inexpensive but adorable place settings- colourful fruits and farm fresh vegetables add a pop of colour to a neutral palette. As for your table cloths, why not purchase muslin or burlap fabrics? Burlaps and muslin can always be used as accent pieces- tied around your centre piece or with your place setting. Paper lunch bagsnot only hold little gifts for guests but make a great place to print your programs or even printed as place settings.


5. Flowers

Go against the grain for your wedding; try using wildflowers instead of roses or orchids. Use the flowers that are in season as well, to keep costs low. Add in rustic elements to floral arrangements with straw, bamboo or hand picked flowers. Use gourds or pumpkins as part of centerpiece arrangements on tables for a harvest time wedding.
(images via mysweetandsaucy.com, pinterest.com) 


6. Venue

Cara Davis, author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and of cheapwaysto.com suggests dressing up the barn with sweeping curtains and hanging lights. Venues on fields or farms are the perfect location for a rustic wedding.
(images via rusticweddingchic.com) 


7. Invitations 

Invitations are the perfect opportunity for any DIY goddess to get her crafting on. In addition to having your invitation prices kept low, they will set the mood for your rustic wedding and get your guests excited!


8. Food

A rustic, homey setting calls for comfort food. Include fresh vegetables and fruit in your meal and think out of the box with dessert- wedding pie anyone?  As favours, this bride gave away mini pieson a stick- how cute is that?! If you want to stick with tradition, try dressing up your rustic cake with natural elements like wood, flowers or straw.

We asked bride-to-be Michelle what she thought of the rustic wedding trend and here is what she had to say:

"These Rustic-themed wedding ideas are fantastic! As I begin to plan my big day I’m not going for a Rustic-DIY theme, but I am and will remain very budget-conscious. I am looking to save money wherever I can to ensure the breadth of our budget is focused on what’s really important to us; the Ceremony setting, Reception Dinner, and of course the Honeymoon! I love the idea of mason jars for tealight lighting and centerpieces and I will consider Etsy for one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts for my wedding party. Chalkboard signs for outside venue and reception tables would be a cute rustic addition too as well as wrapping fabric and ribbon around the mason jars to dress them up and last but not least DIY Invitations!"

What DIY projects did you do or would you do for your wedding day?