If you are here, it is likely that you are considering a plan a rustic wedding and you may have a tight budget. But you may also want answers to questions like, Are rustic weddings still in style? Are rustic weddings expensive?
But before we get into that, let us first understand what a rustic wedding is. Rustic is a term used to describe rural or countryside, or something plain and simple.
Rustic weddings are casual and have a very country feel to them. A rustic wedding is simple and uses natural and understated textures and decors such as wildflowers, burlap, fruits, and wood.
But are rustic weddings still in style?
Yes, rustic weddings are still in style and will continue to be. According to this Wedding Forward article, the main reason for the continued popularity is simple. The term rustic wedding nowadays encompasses other descriptions such as woodland wedding, lakeside wedding, timeless and historical wedding, that all use the same rustic wedding decor.
Are rustic weddings expensive?
A rustic wedding is one of the easiest wedding themes to pull off, especially if you are on a tight budget.
The simple nature of these weddings makes them easy on the pocket because they rely on natural elements and decorations.
But how cheap your wedding is will depend on things such as decor, catering, season, guest list, etc. Minimize your expenditure by using a venue you do not have to pay for, like your backyard, doing your own decor and make-up, and taking advantage of the fruits and flowers in season.
So the answer to this question is no. Rustic weddings are not expensive.
Planning your rustic wedding ceremony
As any bride will tell you, planning a wedding is not a simple task, especially with a tight budget. But just because you are on a budget does not mean you have to compromise on style. In this article, we will show you how to go about planning a stylish rustic without denting your pockets.
How do I plan a cheap rustic wedding?
1. Choose your style
Style is the dress code you would like to have at your wedding. Most rustic weddings have a less formal style, but you can still go formal. However, keep in mind that a formal style means a more expensive wedding. If you are on a budget, best stick to a casual or semi-formal style.
2. Choose a theme
The rustic theme is wide with many options, so you need to narrow it down to something more specific. A rustic theme can be based on a season, a look, or even an object you like. You can even choose one based on your venue.
Examples of rustic themes include seasonal, vintage, beach, romantic, birch trees, eco-friendly, wildflowers, and barbecue themes.
The theme you choose should reflect who you are as a couple. If you want inspiration, Pinterest is a good place to start. You can also go through wedding magazines or old photos of yourself or your partner for more inspiration.
3. Choose a venue
A venue sets the tone for your wedding, and therefore choosing one is just as important as choosing a wedding theme. Find a venue that accommodates the aesthetic you have in mind.
So how do you go about choosing your ideal rustic wedding venue? For starters, you and your partner need to settle on a location.
Then look for the local venues to find one that can accommodate what you have in mind. For example, if you want an indoor rustic wedding, consider venues such as barns, wineries, lodgings, backyards, cabins, or even greenhouses. If you want an outdoor wedding, look at ranches, campsites, parks, lakeside, gazebo, mountain, etc.
You also have to consider what the venues offer. Are they all-inclusive, offering both ceremony and reception areas? Do they provide catering or you’ll have to look for your own? Do they offer discounts? When you are on a tight budget it is important to save by choosing all in one place.
Finally, consider the weather and the effect it will have on your theme and venue. If your wedding is outdoors, have a backup plan in case it rains or something.
4. Decide on a menu
Catering your wedding reception can be expensive. But with a rustic wedding, you do not have to go overboard. As rustic weddings use local ingredients and cuisines, you don’t have to spend a lot of money shipping food from somewhere else.
As a rustic wedding is less formal, you can opt for affordable ways to serve up your meals, such as buffet or family-style.
What food should you serve at a rustic wedding reception?
A fresh vegetable table is a must for rustic weddings. The table can include roasted vegetable salad, potato salad, etc.
Non-veggie options are roast beef and pasta, chicken, or an even more casual and affordable style, a food truck.
You can also choose your menu based on your venue. For instance, if it’s a ranch wedding, a barbecue meal is a superb choice.
Rustic wedding decor
Mason jars, wildflowers, burlap table runners, lace, to name a few, characterize rustic wedding decor. These decorations can be challenging and expensive to set up.
One way to minimize your decor expenditure is by DIY. You can make your centerpieces using mason jars filled with flowers, make your bouquet, etc.
You can also find cheap decor items such as fabric and glassware in craft stores and thrift stores that you can use as part of your decor.
That said, examples of amazing rustic decor are a rustic drink cart, DIY ceremonial backdrop, wedding menu on a rustic slice of wood, hanging lanterns, just married balloons, and blackboard place cards.
So there you have it, a detailed explanation of a rustic wedding, and how to go about planning it, from choosing a venue to working on your decor, without breaking the bank. Bottom line? Be authentic to yourself and your partner by avoiding external influence on your choices.
Leave a Reply