Rustic weddings are all about embracing the simplicity and natural beauty of the outdoors. They evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and intimacy. It's no wonder many couples are drawn to rustic style when planning their big day.
In 2024, we expect to see rustic details incorporated in creative ways. Couples will use natural elements with a refined, elegant touch. This could take the form of an outdoor ceremony adorned with greenery and cafe lights. A cocktail hour in an outdoor setting surrounded by wildflowers. An intimate wedding reception filled with homemade touches.
Rustic weddings allow you to make your wedding venue your own. You can infuse it with personal details that reflect you as a couple.
Here are some of the top rustic decor trends we expect to see this year along with rustic wedding day ideas that you can make your own.
Natural Touches
Ceremony backdrops will be inspired by natural surroundings this year.
Arbors and altars will be decorated with greenery, wildflowers, and organic textures. If this appeals to you, try incorporating macrame, leafy garlands, and overflowing flower arrangements into your ceremony decor.
An outdoor ceremony can incorporate native grasses, branches, stone, and wood textures. Aisle runners can be jute, lace, or raw-edged linen.
Rustic Wedding Color Palettes
Earthy neutrals like beige, brown, and sage green are staples for a rustic wedding.
In 2024, we'll see these basics punched up with more vibrant accent colors including deep reds, coral, plum, and metallics like rose gold and copper.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your color pairings. Navy blue works beautifully with neutrals. Blush pink can add femininity. Turquoise and citrine yellow bring brightness.
Al Fresco Dining Stations
Rustic wedding receptions are all about a relaxed, informal vibe.
Couples are swapping plated dinners for bountiful buffets and food stations. Grazing tables, BBQ dinners, family-style platters...we'll be seeing lots of delicious variety this year.
A tip to consider: Decorate each station based on cuisine. You can adorn a taco bar with bright pinatas and cacti. Offer Italian-themed antipasti with checkered tablecloths.
Creative Seating Arrangements
An outdoor wedding reception opens so many seating possibilities. Create lounge areas with pillows and poufs. Use wooden benches and picnic tables. Arrange bistro tables with wildflower centerpieces.
You also can enhance your rustic wedding style by mixing seating types, heights, and arrangements. Scatter tables throughout your venue, under trees or by ponds.
Add unique lighting like string lights and lanterns. The options are endless.
Rustic Wedding Tablescapes
Rustic table decor is all about natural materials and textures. Wood slabs make fabulous rustic tabletops. For centerpieces, cluster items like lanterns, antlers, books, and greenery.
Additional ideas include floral runner wreaths, potted herbs or succulents, or loose wildflower arrangements.
Scatter gold votive candles for warmth. Use elements like lace, burlap, stone, and distressed wood to add texture.
Rustic Wedding Cakes
Buttercream-frosted wedding cakes are being replaced by unfrosted naked cakes, wheels of cheese, stacks of pies, towers of donuts, and even edible wood slices.
For small cutting cakes, shades of nude, blush pink, or lavender suit a rustic palette.
Or you can brighten up your wedding cake with watercolor details.
These cakes pair beautifully with natural wedding decor including floral wreaths, berries, greenery, and votive candles.
Bar Stations With Personality
Infuse your bar area with wedding decorations that represent you.
Display your favorite brews on vintage crates. Serve mason jar cocktails. Add twinkle lights, pub signs or a handwritten drink menu on a chalkboard.
Other bar ideas include floral tap handles, herb-planted Moscow mule mugs, or dessert-flavored martinis.
Surround seating areas with rug patterns, colorful pillows, and patio umbrellas.
Mixing Metals and Textures in Lighting
When designing the lighting you want to display at your wedding venue, think beyond votives and string lights.
Incorporate varied metallic textures like brass, copper, gold, and rose gold.
Try utilizing modern filament bulbs along with vintage pieces. Suspend single bulbs at different heights.
Work in natural elements like wood, stone, grass, vines, water, and fresh flowers.
Creative lighting takes rustic wedding decor up a notch.
Photo Booth Props That Pop
Photo booths are a wedding reception staple and a perfect choice for a rustic wedding.
Elevate yours with playful props related to your rustic wedding theme. Create a bandana-print backdrop. You also can provide cowboy hats, boots, denim jackets, bandanas, and toy guns.
For a farm-inspired version, use mini bales of hay, milk cans, sheer floral overlays, and gardening tools.
Don't forget cheeky signage like "Y'all lookin' good!"
Infusing Rustic Style With Elegance
The key to a successful rustic wedding style at your wedding reception is balancing rustic decorative elements with refined details so your decor doesn't become too kitschy or theme-y. Luxe metallics, glassware, linens, and florals provide elevated style.
If you use wooden farm tables, for example, add crystal chandeliers overhead.
Incorporate burlap and lace. Display lush greenery in gorgeous hammered metal vessels. The combination of natural and sophisticated creates a beautifully curated rustic chic aesthetic.
More Rustic Wedding Ideas: Working In Personal Touches
One of the best parts of a rustic-themed wedding is the opportunity to your personality in the look and feel of the day.
Try displaying photos from your relationship or childhood. You can also create a DIY photo booth with quirky country-themed props. Have guests sign a custom cornhole set.
Other ways to add personal flair include: custom drink cozies, s'mores favor bags, lawn games, musical instruments as decor, or incorporating your pets somehow.
The best rustic wedding ideas will stem from elements of your unique love story.
The Bell Tower on 34th is a Houston wedding venue committed to delivering excellent events that no one will ever forget.
The myriad decisions and details that arise during wedding planning can seem overwhelming. Our team works closely with recently engaged couples to help them realize their unique wedding vision.
Learn more about holding a wedding here.
The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 868-2355