Today eco-style is very popular, including in organizing wedding celebrations. A rustic wedding is a mix of cheerful sincerity, the beauty of nature, ancient traditions and a simple but original style.
Such a celebration is not too difficult to organize, and therefore can be a good option if you want to move away from the banal, but the budget does not allow for a large scale. In addition, a country wedding is successfully combined with other options: denim, country, etc., and therefore there are all the conditions to make your wedding day exclusive and original.
Peculiarities
What do you think of when you hear the word “village”? Small wooden log houses, fields with ears of rye, a hearty lunch in the fresh air, vegetable gardens and orchards, interesting items of rustic interior design? Many of these natural, family details create a cozy, rustic wedding. It is worth using your own associations when organizing a thematic celebration.
It is optimal to hold a village wedding in the warm season in order to accurately recreate the necessary atmosphere and not worry that the weather will let you down.
Important! When decorating the wedding venue, creating the image of the bride and groom, and accessories, it is important to keep in mind the key idea: the simpler, the closer to the given theme.
Wedding table
Traditional hot dishes and cold appetizers are perfect for a stylized village wedding.
Fresh vegetables and dishes: fish, sausages and cheeses, both industrial and home-made, ham, boiled pork, smoked lard and meat, cabbage rolls, cutlets, roasts, pickles and marinades - this is not a complete list of dishes that will decorate the table and will certainly please guests.
As for drinks, it is better to give preference to vodka, wines (including homemade), cognac, kvass, compotes; tea is served with sweets. Don’t forget about the tradition of giving guests “shishki” - specially shaped buns, as well as the loaf, pieces of which are usually bought back.
The cake can be single-tiered or have several “floors” - it depends on the number of guests and the size of the product. The most popular cakes are sponge cake, honey cake, less often “Napoleon” and variations on the theme. Cream, filling, nuts, fruits are chosen solely based on personal taste, as well as design and decorations.
This could be mastic, figurines of the bride and groom, berries, etc.
Place
A country summer wedding, of course, is held outdoors, ideally in the countryside. In rare cases, when it is not possible to organize an event outside the city, you can try to adapt a garden in a country house or a spacious green lawn at a rustic-style mansion rented for a wedding. As an option, a city park or square is being considered, but, most likely, difficulties will arise in coordinating organizational issues with the administration.
If the wedding is planned for the winter months, look for themed restaurants and cafes with decorations in Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian and other folk styles. The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to rack your brains over the menu: such establishments offer an extensive list of national dishes.
Those who are limited in finances and live in a village/town can sign at the village House of Culture. Believe me, this original option will amaze guests who have become tired in recent years of watching the pretentious marriage registration in the same type of registry office interiors.
Interesting competitions
It is impossible to imagine that a cheerful village wedding, the jokes of which are known to everyone, takes place without fun. Here are some of the favorite folk games:
"Rope." The matchmaker brings a rope tied in one knot into the hall, the guests take it in their hands and surround the woman. It all starts with a round dance around her. At this time, the matchmaker says either a nice word, a saying, or a song to everyone who is holding on to the rope. Everyone should respond with a smile to her words, even if they are a little offensive. Those who are distracted from the game, looking around, the matchmaker hits them on the hands and brings them to the center of the circle - now the game is continued by the offender.
"Turnip". The game's theme is inspired by a Russian fairy tale. The participants grab each other by the waist and begin to pull. The point is to tear the first player away from his support. For interest, it is important that there are as many people as possible. The process is accompanied by caustic jokes, songs and ditties directed at the participant who holds the entire crowd.
"Cherry." This fun is intended for free guys and girls. They become pairs, stretching their arms forward and tightly connecting them into a “lock”. After this, the “cherry” - the main character - has a good run and jumps into his hands. Then it is passed from hand to hand until it reaches the girl who needs to be kissed. After the guy's stormy flight, the kiss turns out to be very beautiful and sensual. The main thing here is not to fly further, otherwise you will have to kiss the wrong beauty.
“Recognize the bride by her little finger.” The groom was blindfolded with thick fabric, and all the women present at the celebration sat in a circle and stuck out their little fingers. There was complete silence in the hall. The groom had to find his betrothed's little finger by touch. If he succeeded, the fun continued; if not, similar competitions continued until the groom found his bride.
Bride's image from photo
When preparing a holiday, it is first of all important to resolve the issue of choosing a suitable outfit for the bride.
At a village wedding, a dress with a full skirt covered in rhinestones would be inappropriate. The image should be light, airy and simple. Pay attention to simple light sundresses. Complement such clothes with accessories correctly, and you will get a modest and stylish wedding look at the same time. Accentuate your chosen style with a beautiful wreath woven from wildflowers.
If the bride wants a wedding dress that is close to the classics, a model with frills at the hem and ruffles falling from the shoulders looks romantic and airy. To convey a rustic style, the skirt should be decorated with a floral print or ethnic embroidery.
The bride is a little limited in her choice of shoes in a rustic style: open sandals and high heels are inappropriate in nature. Comfortable ballet flats look much more appropriate with a sundress. For those who love originality, worn cowboy boots will suit you, as they will create an interesting contrast with a light outfit.
There should be a place in the bride's bouquet for simple wildflowers, which can be complemented with ears of rye. Tie the bouquet with ordinary twine. If this option seems too simple to the bride, it is worth diluting the composition with fresh peonies or fragrant lilacs.
The bride's makeup and manicure at a village wedding should be as natural as possible. You can allow a slight carelessness in your hairstyle or turn to the tradition according to which the bride’s friends braid her hair.
Simple and gentle image of the bride
The chosen theme also affects the appearance of the newlywed. She will have to give up a complex, frilly hairstyle, a dress with a skirt on a frame, and other already outdated trends. The emphasis in this image is on lightness, grace and even deliberate negligence.
Wedding Dress
The dress can be either long or short, but its silhouette should be soft and flowing. White is the preferred color, but an outfit in a powdery, champagne, or ivory color also looks gentle and innocent.
If you want to add originality, then additional elements will come to the rescue: a belt, a leather, denim or leather jacket, rough boots, national or simply bright accessories.
Hairstyle
You can leave your hair down or style it in a not-too-sleek style like a Greek braid, a Greek headband, or a braid.
There is a wreath on the head instead of a veil. It can be made from real flowers or artificial ones. Such an accessory made from daisies looks very gentle and at the same time solemn; it would also look good from tea roses, wildflowers, asters, etc.
It is advisable to insert the same flowers into the newlywed’s bouquet.
Bouquet
The bride's bouquet is one of the key elements of her image, and for a rustic wedding it would be appropriate to stick to its classic bun shape. A composition of wildflowers and herbs looks original, romantic and fresh.
If the presence of classic wedding flowers, say, roses, is a fundamental position, then they can be supplemented with delphinium, gerberas, celosia, daisies or ears of rye or wheat.
Accessories
Speaking of jewelry, it is better to give primacy to discreet but elegant products, and even then to a minimum.
A thin chain with an elegant pendant and earrings of a laconic classic shape will be quite enough.
Another option would be to use handmade ethnic style jewelry made from leather, natural stones, beads, pearls, and silver.
Groom image
After the newlyweds decide on the bride's dress, the groom's suit is selected. Naturally, you should abandon the formal tuxedo, and classic shoes should be replaced with light moccasins. Loose, light trousers or regular jeans paired with a shirt decorated with embroidery look great.
Idea! To complete the look, you can wear a stylish vest and lightly tousle your hair.
A touch of negligence will add a zest to the look. So, you can tie a tie in an unusual way, use a bright bow tie instead, or unbutton the top button on your shirt.
Creating the image of the groom
The groom's look is created after the bride's look is completed. Naturally, in a rural setting, a formal tuxedo and patent leather shoes will look out of place. When it comes to footwear, a man should give preference to light moccasins. The uniform should be loose and please the groom. Usually they choose loose jeans and a shirt in a national costume made of natural fabric. A well-chosen national vest and slightly tousled hair will help complete the look.
Guest outfits
Those invited to nature on a hot summer day can be advised to wear straw hats - this little thing will add a thematic touch and will not burden the guests too much.
You shouldn’t demand excessive originality: kokoshniks from girls and shirts from guys, but it is necessary to specify in the invitations that the dress code is observed. Embroidered belts, traditional beads and bouquets of spikelets will perfectly complement the images of guests in a rustic style.
You can weave matching flower wreaths for your bridesmaids in advance. In addition, it is better to leave a few wreaths in reserve for those who decide to ignore the prescribed dress code.
If you're worried that guests won't take the dress code seriously enough, come up with a good motivation for them. For example, organize a competition for the best wedding suit, the prize of which will be a professional photo shoot.
Wedding venue - village
It is better to hold such a wedding in the summer. Because you feel more comfortable in nature in such weather. And festive tables can be set in the yard, and not in the house. If you don’t have a house in the village, then don’t despair. Since you can easily use the services of country farmsteads. Recently, such places have become very popular.
Registration can be done at home, or you can do it outside or just sign at the registry office. In any case, it's up to you to decide. Look at the photo.
Wedding procession
The choice of transport for a rustic wedding is much wider than it seems at first glance. It could be:
- a village cart or cart for traveling a short distance;
- a tractor for more comfortable movement of newlyweds who want to “make noise” about their happiness to the entire neighborhood;
- a retro car, like in Soviet films, for the bride and groom and their parents, who will be pleased to immerse themselves in nostalgia.
The most convenient way is to rent a motorcade only for a photo shoot , and organize the wedding in such a way that off-site registration takes place in the same place where the banquet will take place.
In this case, the newlyweds and guests will be able to move on their own, and with the money saved they will be able to hire street musicians to make walking more fun.
Decor for a rustic wedding
You can decorate the registration area, photo corner and banquet hall using:
- wicker baskets with fruits;
- greenery;
- wood products - figurines, doors, carts, frames;
- fabrics - burlap, linen, wool, cotton;
- twine;
- wildflowers - daisies, cornflower, cornflower, dandelions, bluebells;
- hanging swing;
- haystacks;
- stairs;
- bicycle wheels;
- pottery;
- moss;
- glass jars that can serve instead of vases;
- barrel
Table with treats
Expensive carpet runners, which are better replaced with towels, are definitely not suitable for a village wedding. The same applies to crystal, porcelain, silver and gold; dishes should be exclusively wooden or clay.
A wedding arch can be made from a stepladder, on the steps of which glass jars with wildflowers should be placed. The table for the presenter can be represented by a wooden barrel; it should be covered with burlap. It is worth attaching kerosene lamps and hanging swings to the trees. Paper garlands in the shape of red hearts will also be relevant.
Guests can be seated not on chairs, but on haystacks covered with some natural fabric - linen, wool or cotton. It is necessary to place “grandmother’s” chests with beads and other “treasures” around the entire perimeter. Dried herbs (dill, parsley, basil) should be placed in tall vases. You can additionally hang strings with bagels on the trees.
Invitation design
Today, designers offer stunning options for invitations made from natural materials : tree bark, flax, dry grass and flowers. They are perfect for notifying guests of your upcoming rustic wedding.
Considering the popularity of such a trend as scrapbooking, you can make invitations with your own hands. A slight carelessness in the design will not scare anyone away, as it will look like an unusual stylistic feature.
Handwrite the invitation text and decorate the paper base with feathers, ribbons, plant seeds, straw or spikelets.
Idea! To securely fix small details and add shine to the finished invitation, spray hairspray on the composition.
Invitations to guests
Invitations for guests should be made in the style of the holiday. To do this, you should preferably use elements of natural materials. The postcard itself can be made of decorative cardboard, which resembles the texture of tree bark. The decor in the form of a bright bow made of satin ribbon will perfectly complement the theme of the upcoming holiday.
The text of the postcard must contain the place and time of the celebration. Be sure to indicate your wedding style and appropriate dress code.
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See photo.
Place decoration
If you choose a rustic wedding in the middle of nature, simply arrange tables and chairs under the canopy of trees, decorated with homemade fabric flags. On the flags you can write the names of the newlyweds, the wedding date, or phrases like Just married.
The original option is to sit in a field among haystacks. Then they will come in handy for a photo shoot. You can install a wicker fence and comfortable bean bags filled with grain.
In reality, few people risk choosing such a natural setting due to certain risks, for example, associated with the vagaries of the weather. In this case, the rented premises require additional registration . A wedding in a rustic style implies deliberately simple decor, but behind this simplicity lies the comfort and warmth of a real holiday, where everything is at home.
On the tables you can place charming candles in jars or old kerosene lamps, or lay out hand-knitted napkins. Traditional vases should be replaced with beautiful bottles, wicker baskets with flowers, fruits and vegetables, and ears of corn. You can place unusual flowering plants in pots of soil, for example, sweet peas.
Textiles also play an important role. It is better to choose a tablecloth made from natural materials: cotton, linen, chintz. The same fabrics are used to decorate the chairs and wedding arch.
Decorating a banquet hall for a wedding in the village
After the marriage registration takes place, you will go to the banquet hall for the main celebration. The decoration of the hall should be in the style of rustic simplicity. The area of the newlyweds can be decorated with an arch, which will be made of natural materials, such as tree branches, meadow flowers, burlap.
Editor's choice: Toasts of the witness and the witness at the wedding, original ideas
Design ideas can be drawn from various design magazines.
Instead of chairs, you can use cubes of compressed hay. You can come up with original capes made of linen fabric for them. Place small vases with meadow flowers on the tables. These can be daisies, peonies, dahlias, and field daisies. Glass jars will also work instead of vases. The restaurant premises can be decorated with beautiful ribbons.
You can make a separate number for each table. It can be made from a wooden block, and a number can be burned on it that will correspond to a specific table.
To create a rustic flavor, you can use a wooden cart, wooden wheels, and window frames.
Accessories
Thematic installations at the venue of the celebration will become interesting accessories that set the mood. They can be used later for a rustic-style photo shoot. Such accents in the decor will be carts, wooden wheels, and window frames.
A tall wooden doorway is often used as a wedding arch. Although a spreading tree would be perfect, under whose branches you can say to each other: “Yes!”
A thematically designed book is placed on a separate stump table , in which guests will write congratulations and wishes. It is kept for many years as a family heirloom and warm words are reread every anniversary.
Idea! Install beautiful buckets and decorated watering cans that will act as vases for the bouquets presented by guests.
Rustic wedding decoration
Perhaps there is nothing easier to decorate a wedding in a country style, because almost all the details, elements and attributes for creating a rustic style can be easily found anywhere.
Even at home, everyone has some item that can fit into the country style. And if you go to visit your grandmother, you will certainly find many details of the future country style.
Here are some attributes that will help recreate the rustic style:
- Wood products of various treatments. Wooden products of both rough processing and cute little things will fit perfectly into the style.
- Vases and flowerpots of various sizes with wildflowers and green herbs, as well as ikebana and compositions made of straw and hay, as well as various dried grass and thin tree twigs.
- Wicker baskets of different sizes are an indispensable attribute of rustic style.
- For fabric draperies, it is better to use the most natural fabrics possible, simple and rough, first of all. Linen, burlap, cotton and wool will perfectly support the style.
- Twine for decorating individual elements . For example, for tying curtains.
- Hanging swings, an old bicycle, wooden wheels from an old cart, all kinds of clay pots and decanters, barrels, glass jars, ladders, etc. All this will help recreate the rustic style.
- A towel, napkins, curtains and tablecloths with embroidery are best suited for decorating a festive table.
- Kerosene lamps are best suited for lighting a festive place.
All elements hinting at luxury are definitely inappropriate for this style.
For example, expensive fabrics such as velvet and silk, crystal tableware, porcelain and items made of precious metals. Here are some ideas for individual rustic country interior design elements:
- A wooden high stepladder, old or artificially aged, painted white, blue, dark blue or light green. On the steps of the stepladder you need to secure wooden pots in which green plants and decorative flowers will be planted.
- Glass jars can be filled with hay or straw
- The arch for the wedding ceremony can be decorated with twigs, dry branches, and woven wildflowers. In addition, you can use natural “scenery” as an arch, for example the crown of a large beautiful tree, under which you can plan the registration directly. A large wooden barrel can be used as a leader stand.
- Large thematic compositions will help create the appropriate mood. An old cart is perfect for this. Paint it brown, gray or any other natural color. Fill it with hay and add two or three clay jugs and a pitchfork to the composition. The composition is ready.
- An old bicycle that can be equipped with pots with flowering plants will also perfectly support the style and fit into the rustic theme.
Country style invitations
Country style invitations are simple cards or cards on thick paper. They can be placed in envelopes made of burlap and tied with thin woolen thread. Be sure to include the dress code on your invitation cards.
Rustic style groom's look
For a country-style groom's look, you shouldn't choose strict classic suits, tailcoats or tuxedos. A suit does not have to include a jacket. For a country-style groom's look, a vest is enough.
Or you can even do without it by wearing trousers with suspenders. The groom's wedding suit should also be made from simple natural fabrics in natural tones.
There is no need to use flashy and unnatural shades, such as red, metallic gray with tints and others like that.
Although the color red is found in nature, it is not in abundance, so the accessories of the costume can be red, and not its main details. The look can be complemented with a butterfly in a contrasting color.
For example, you can add a yellow bow tie to brown trousers.
A hat will be an excellent accessory in country style. Shoes should be loose style. It's not a good idea to choose classic black shoes. Wear moccasins, they will optimally support the rustic style of the suit.
Country style bride image
A bride in a rustic style is the embodiment of natural beauty and youthful freshness. The image of a village bride should be light and airy. Chic and shine are inappropriate here.
Fluffy skirts, lace, precious jewelry and bright makeup - all this is not from this song.
A neat, pretty, white long, but not fluffy dress, of a simple cut made from simple natural fabrics, will fit perfectly into the given wedding theme.
A dress based on the sundress principle, for example, crocheted, is an excellent option. A long veil will also be superfluous. The best choice is a medium-length two-layer veil.
Since the rustic style involves holding a wedding mainly in nature, it is better to choose ballet flats or comfortable shoes with small stable heels as wedding shoes than classic stilettos.
Bride's bouquet in country style
The bride's country bouquet, like her dress, and indeed everything around her, should support the natural style of the wedding. For such a bouquet, wildflowers collected from the garden and beautifully arranged in a bouquet are best suited.
The boutonniere should be made in the same style. Flowers such as roses, gladioli, chrysanthemums and other pretentious varieties are unlikely to support the theme of a village wedding. But peonies, lilacs, lilies of the valley are an excellent choice.
Guest outfits in rustic style
The easiest way for guests to maintain a rustic dress code. After all, almost every guest has a nice summer dress or sundress of a simple cut in light colors.
And invited men can wear simple linen trousers and a shirt, add a wildflower boutonniere to the look and they’re done.
For bridesmaids and groomsmen, you should think about suits in advance and have them sewn in the studio. Use simple fabrics such as linen, cotton.
The color of the fabrics should be natural. For example, brown shades, light greens and blues. Bridesmaid dresses can be made in the form of sundresses of medium length and medium fluffy skirts.
The groom's friends can be dressed in trousers with suspenders and shirts. Accessorize your look to perfection.
Souvenirs for guests
Those invited to the wedding will be pleased to take with them a small gift with a piece of home comfort : cookies in a beautiful box, a small jar of jam. Men can be given miniature bottles of vodka with a jar of pickles.
Gifts can be presented to all guests or as prizes for participation in competitions. Souvenirs should be wrapped in decorative burlap and tied with ribbon. Edible gifts for guests will remind you of the hospitality and cordiality of the heroes of the occasion.
Dress code for guests
Invited friends and relatives should be asked to come in clothes of soft colors, close to natural ones. It can be green, blue, beige, yellow. Alternatively, outfits of other colors are allowed, but then you should make sure that the accessories are green. You can choose a scarf, tie, belt, bracelets, earrings.
Men can wear cotton trousers, linen shirts and sneakers, but you can do without a jacket. Girls should dress up in light sundresses, which should be made from natural fabrics. Jewelry and hand-made jewelry are welcome.
Menu
The traditional home table is simply bound to be bursting with an abundance of tasty, fatty, filling treats. There are no restrictions on the menu: everything you like is prepared and put on the table, with preference given to simple food (foie gras and other delicacies do not fit into the rustic style).
Any homemade treats are suitable as a dessert for a wedding buffet : pies, cookies, seasonal berries and fruits in the summer or jars of jam in the winter. You can organize a separate sweet zone with apples baked in caramel or boiled corn.
Among alcoholic drinks, the choice should be vodka, homemade wine or tincture, moonshine.
A wedding cake
The main sweet treat of the holiday must be decorated in a rustic style using dried flowers, mint leaves, and cranberries. Multi-tiered compositions will not fit into the style, but stylization like a loaf, as one of the options, will do.
Taking out the wedding cake can be turned into a spectacular show with the participation of an accordion player and girls in kokoshniks.
Entertainment
If weddings in other styles are complete without a toastmaster, then in a village wedding you can’t do without one! A colorful older woman who knows a lot of ditties and jokes and sings funny songs is best suited. She will direct the holiday in the right direction, cheer up the quiet guests and organize the event in the best possible way, knowing when competitions are appropriate, when it’s time for wishes from guests, and when it’s time for drinks and snacks. Plus, the toastmaster knows many interesting customs and traditions and will be happy to share them.
If for some reason you don’t want to invite a toastmaster, here are some interesting ideas on how to entertain your guests:
- jumping over the fire for the bravest and dancing around it for the rest;
- round dances with songs;
- performance of a folk ensemble with an accordion player;
- shows of buffoons, gypsies with bears or grandmothers-comedians.
Advice! Be sure to think through the competition program and prepare the props. Whatever you plan for your guests: eating pies at speed or “fun starts”, determine exactly at what time active entertainment will be most appropriate.
Classic accessories
If you are planning a wedding in the style of a Russian village, offer the groom a traditional kosovorotka and cap, and the bride a classic sundress and kokoshnik. Today, many young couples, in search of something unusual, willingly agree to such experiments. At a Russian wedding, witnesses on both sides may also be dressed accordingly. If the holiday is decorated in Provence or country styles, do not forget about the bright vests of the groomsmen and the same dresses for the bridesmaids.
Kokoshnik for the bride
Photo shoot in summer and winter
If possible, it is better to leave the photo walk for a separate day and go far outside the city to enjoy the endless open spaces with fields, rivers, and forests. One option is to go to the nearest village and borrow a horse and cart to take original village shots.
Any attributes that highlight the atmosphere of a rustic wedding look great at a couples photo shoot. For example, wooden signs with signs on which you can write “groom” and “bride” or cute nicknames of the newlyweds. Or a homemade swing made from a pair of ropes and a wooden block mounted on a tall tree, on which you can take romantic shots.
In Russian villages, weddings traditionally took place in the fall or winter after Epiphany. It was winter marriages that were considered the happiest. If you have chosen a difficult option - a winter wedding in a rustic style, you will get beautiful shots in a snow-covered forest.
Time of year - summer or winter
Spring and autumn are perfect for such a themed holiday. In spring the gardens bloom very beautifully, the sun is not yet as hot as in summer, the greenery is lush and bright. The advantage of autumn is that you can make beautiful decorations from the harvest or yellow leaves. But if you are planning to celebrate in a restaurant, any time of year will do.
If the wedding is in a rustic style in winter, then be sure to arrange a photo shoot against the backdrop of white snow. You can also take a photo walk into the forest. Just take care of a warm cape in advance.
A rustic wedding in the summer provides the opportunity to take a walk in a field and take beautiful photos in bright sunflowers or golden wheat. Another advantage of summer is that you can choose light, airy dresses, while in winter such an outfit will not work.
The rustic summer wedding in the photo is simply gorgeous. The photographer did his best!
In addition to the time of year, consider weather conditions. If you're having a rustic wedding in the summer, decorations aren't the only thing worth considering. If you are celebrating outdoors, take care of a hut in case of rain.
