How to pull off the rustic wedding theme

A favourite among Aussie couples year after year, the much-loved rustic wedding theme goes hand in hand with our beautiful landscapes and stunning outdoor venues. If you’re planning a relaxed, rustic-inspired wedding celebration, read on as we share ways to pull off the perfect rustic soiree.

While the rustic wedding theme can take on many forms, the overall vibe should be centred around creating a laidback, welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Think native florals, warm colour palettes, shared feasts, comfortable furniture, live music, and natural decor elements.

What is a rustic wedding?

Though the idea of a rustic wedding has been of particular interest over the past few years, it’s a timeless wedding theme that has been around for, well, ages. Rustic weddings have a strong country, garden or farm-like influence, and they tend to feature lots of natural, mismatched elements and warm tones.

Rustic weddings are pretty laidback, often taking place in regional venues such as barns, farms, private properties, mountain lodges or ranches. Anywhere that incorporates the outdoors or rustic elements like exposed bricks or beams is a perfect fit for this wedding theme.

How to plan a rustic wedding

There are no set rules around pulling off the perfect rustic wedding, but the ideas below will definitely help get you on your way:

Tip #1: Choose a great venue

When it comes to picking a location for your rustic wedding, you’ll want to shortlist venues that are brimming with effortless country charm and natural features like exposed beams, corrugated iron or brickwork. Rustic wedding venues are typically inclusive of outdoor elements, so a rural farm, cosy barn or private property would be ideal for hosting a laidback occasion.

Some of our favourite rustic wedding venues include Marnong Estate VIC, The Woodhouse Wollombi NSW, Mitchelton Wines VIC, The Bower Estate QLD, Warrawong Estate VIC, Aberfeldy Farm QLD, and Woodlands of Marburg QLD.

Tip #2: Incorporate natural decor elements

The great thing about a rustic wedding is that you can be pretty eclectic when it comes to decor, allowing you to adapt the theme to suit your budget. Get crafty and DIY gorgeous rustic decorations, or enlist the help of a talented wedding stylist to curate a perfectly planned rustic-luxe theme.

Incorporate natural decor elements like lush greenery, dried florals, barrels, twine, pampas, wood, and even hay bales to create a cosy, rustic setting for your wedding celebrations.

Tip #3: Serve up a little home-style cooking

If you’re planning a rustic wedding, then you’ll want to serve tasty, fuss-free fare that matches the overall vibe — laidback and comforting. Ditch the classic alternate drop menu and opt for shared feasting style dining, food trucks or bountiful grazing tables. Casual dining can be kinder to your budget and also fosters a more social atmosphere as guests chat while swapping plates of food.

Tip #4: Opt for a relaxed dress code

Rustic weddings are relaxed affairs, and your attire should reflect the overall theme.  Be sure to let your guests know about the casual dress code (you could even provide a lookbook filled with warm, neutral tones and natural fabrics). And for the happy couple, think romantic lace gowns, messy up-dos, boho floral elements, and linen or tweed suits. We love accessorising with statement hats, cowboy boots, and rustic bouquets for country-style weddings.

Tip #5: Hire live musicians to bring the good vibes

After finding the right wedding venue and styling it with plenty of rustic touches, throwing live musicians into the mix will create the perfect laidback ambience for your celebrations. Imagine your guests mingling during cocktail hour while admiring the picturesque rural surroundings and listening to talented musicians playing soothing acoustic tunes — how magical!

Feeling inspired by these amazing tips and ready to get started with wedding planning? Download our FREE PDF Planning Guide & chat with one of our amazing wedding supplier specialists to get the ball rolling on your dream rustic-inspired wedding day.