The Rustic Wedding Part II: The Venue

I had intended to bring you ALL the details of putting together the Rustic Wedding today, but there is just simply too many gorgeous inspiration shots. I kind of got lost amongst tablescapes and lace gowns and suddenly four hours had passed... so I suppose that is the theme this week. Today we will focus on the Venue. Here is the best of what I found for Venue setups and decor.

The reality of finding a barn with such intensely gorgeous light as the one above and a wall of windows is pretty slim maybe (you could ask how they feel about some renovations LOL), however there are other elements here that are worth noting. Most impressively, the swaths of fabric (I am imagining silk because I am always imagining silk) is a fabulous way to add elegance to a barn on a budget. Fabric softens the lines and structure and is extremely simple to set up (get somebody else to climb the ladder though). This is also a great way to bring your colours into play, but it would look just as lovely in neutrals. Notice that the tables use a rustic look but are elegantly draped.

This barn wedding (the Jonas Wedding on Green Wedding Shoes, above) is kind of the epitome of a grand rustic affair with chandeliers and the table laid with crystal and silver. It is a simple enough setup, provided you can find the chandeliers to rent or a venue that is already set up (and there are a surprising number of these now, google "rustic wedding barn venue". There is always the option of finding them and fixing them up (which is always my favourite way) and ebay and thrift shops can be excellent sources. Craigslist is also a great source. I will show you some of the other gorgeous bits from this wedding in a following "Details" post, but notice  how formally this table is laid out. If you opt for a barn wedding, there is no reason not to make it a luxe affair, just keep the decor natural looking and utilize the ruggedness of the space. Think five o'clock shadow meets tuxedo.

This layout from Style Me Pretty, while similar, is middle of the road formality. It utilizes the elements of the table runner, the symmetry and candlelight, but the candles are in mason jars, the settings are not formally laid, the runner is burlap or linen and the flowers are more posies than bouquets. This is a more lighthearted take with the same pretty meets rustic vibe. Also, the personal touches of the bits along the side wall bring in a fun touch. My favourite part of this version is how the blue of the glass jars and the blush pinks in the bouquet play against the neutral scheme. Such a tiny but pretty dose of colour.

Simple bottles and jars of hydrangeas sit alongside simple white china and dark napkins (bringing out the chocolate in the flowers) in this outdoor wedding. The favours of preserves fit the bill. Rustic by no means has to be confined to a barn if what you would prefer is an outdoor wedding. If you are confident of the weather you don't even need a tent. The sunshine always makes for a happy affair.

This gorgeous setup from Elizabeth Messina Photography was shown on Style Me Pretty and made the rounds because it is just too gorgeous! The crystal drenched chandeliers and formal setup are just so fabulous when in the context of a garden soiree outdoors.

This farm table automatically says rustic. It is set up to pull the greenery in and even the bistro chairs add an air of simplicity to the scene. The runner is short, and the table is set up directly on the ground, giving this a casual sense while the table is laid fairly formally so as to remind the guests that they are still at a wedding and must use their table manners :)

via Tickled Pink

A much more laid back scheme is part garden party and part wedding reception. The wood chairs and earthy tones say rustic, but this time the ferns and dahlias, the simple place settings and the lanterns give the feel of a woodland inspired event.

Via Modern Girl

The ultimate in rustic is to simply find the most beautiful outdoor space you can and set up shop there. Sometimes mother nature provides the best decor. Whichever you choose, let the natural elements dictate the decor and add as much or as little formality as you wish for the venue. The real fun is in the details. Once you have the venue sorted, it is the personal touches that will make your day stand out and really shine! Tomorrow we will look at some of the things you can use to inspire your own rustic affair!