Rustic country weddings have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their exquisite charm and timeless appeal. Embracing the natural beauty of the countryside, they exude a warm, down-to-earth atmosphere that captivates couples and guests alike. It is no wonder that so many people are enchanted by this type of wedding theme. If you are set to tie the knot in the near future, this guide to planning a wedding in the countryside should prove extremely useful.
How to Plan a Rustic Country Wedding
As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Indeed, careful planning is essential if you want to have a wedding day you will remember for the rest of your lives. It doesn’t matter what type of theme you choose, if you want your dream rustic wedding to become a reality, you need to get organised and start planning well in advance.
1. Define your vision
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, you should take the time to fully envisage your ideal rustic wedding. Consider the ambience, colour scheme and overall atmosphere you want to create. Think about the elements of nature, vintage touches and rustic charm that resonate with you and your partner. This will serve as the foundation for all your planning decisions.
2. Set your budget
Weddings can quickly become expensive, regardless of the theme. Establishing a clear budget from the outset will help you make informed choices and avoid overspending. Prioritise the elements that are most important to you, such as the venue, photography/videography and catering, and then set a budget accordingly.
3. Choose the perfect venue
The venue will set the stage for your rustic country wedding. This is why it makes sense to choose a location that will align with your vision and comfortably accommodate all your guests. Barns, farms and outdoor settings – which are all available here at Crockwell Farm – are popular choices for rustic weddings. Also, be sure to consider the venue’s facilities and accessibility to ensure your guests will be able to enjoy the day in comfort.
Of course, as the English weather can be so unpredictable, it is usually a good idea to choose a wedding venue that is ready for any eventualities. At Crockwell Farm, our team always has a Plan B in mind should the weather turn sour, thereby ensuring that your special day will go without a hitch come rain or shine.
4. Consider the décor and styling
Rustic décor will be at the heart of your country wedding. For example, you will be able to incorporate natural elements such as wooden accents, burlap, lace, mason jars and wildflowers. Not only that, candles, string lights and fairy lights (all readily available at Crockwell Farm) are a staple of rustic venues as they add an air of romance and warmth to the occasion. You may also be able to decorate the space with personal touches that reflect your love story.
5. Design the invitations and stationery
The design style of your invitations and stationery is extremely important as this is the first glimpse that your guests will get of your rustic wedding theme. It is generally a good idea to incorporate natural elements, such as wood textures, floral prints or watercolour designs. If you want to impress your guests even more, you could add a personal touch by writing the invitations yourself. Remember, for the purposes of consistency, you will need to continue this theme with your save-the-dates, ceremony pamphlets, menu cards and thank-you notes.
6. Create a rustic menu
Any guide to planning a wedding will tell you that food is a central part of the celebrations and you should view your reception as an opportunity to offer farm-fresh and seasonal cuisine. By working closely with your caterer, you can create a menu that will showcase locally sourced ingredients and regional flavours. You may also consider family-style or buffet options to foster a sense of togetherness among your guests.
At Crockwell Farm, we have teamed up with award-winning wedding caterers Ross & Ross Events. They are renowned for their sumptuous wedding fare that highlights seasonal local ingredients. Working with a reputable caterer such as Ross & Ross Events will help guarantee a delightful wedding feast that will indulge everyone’s senses.
7. Dress the part
It almost goes without saying that you will need to dress the part to ensure everything blends in well on your big day. For example, the bride may wish to consider incorporating various rustic elements into her wedding dress. Think about lace, soft and flowing fabrics, bohemian styles or even a vintage-inspired gown. For a natural touch, she could add floral or green accents to her hair or veil. For the groom and the rest of the wedding party, it is a good idea to opt for earthy tones, and perhaps suspenders and bow ties to complement the rustic theme.
8. Plan the entertainment and activities
You can enhance the guest experience by booking entertainment that will complement the relaxed atmosphere of your country wedding. For example, to create a laidback and joyful atmosphere, why not hire a live band that plays country or acoustic music? Meanwhile, if your wedding venue has lots of space (as is the case with Crockwell Farm), lawn and outdoor games are a must. Outdoor activities, such as horseshoes and Giant Jenga, can keep everyone entertained throughout the day, regardless of their age.
9. Capture the moments
It is absolutely imperative that you hire a skilled photographer to capture the essence of your country wedding. Ideally, they should have experience of working in outdoor and natural settings. If possible, take a look at their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Once you have chosen a photographer, don’t be afraid to tell them exactly what you want. For instance, you can ask them to prioritise candid moments and the picturesque scenery to create timeless and cherished memories. Our well-maintained grounds and gardens are perfect settings for your wedding photos, no matter what the season.
If you need any help finding a photographer with experience of capturing country weddings, our team at Crockwell will be able to put you in touch with some of the best in the region.
Transform Your Dream Rustic Country Wedding into a Reality
Planning a rustic country wedding is an enjoyable experience that will allow you to embrace the natural beauty and timeless charm of the countryside. By adopting a thoughtful and organised approach, you can bring your vision to life. Hopefully, this guide has given you some practical ideas and advice so that your dream wedding will soon become a reality.
With its picturesque surroundings and highly experienced and ever-prepared staff, Crockwell Farm is the perfect spot for a rustic country wedding, no matter what the season. If you would like to book a tour of our venue, please get in touch with our team. We would love to hear about your exciting wedding plans!
