So, you’ve decided you want a rustic themed wedding. What a beautiful choice! Rustic weddings are unique, elegant, and super relaxed. They lean heavily into the outdoorsy, DIY, perfectly undone style of the countryside, making them great for couples who love nature, cherish simplicity, and want a laid-back atmosphere.
From the moment you start planning, you’ll find that rustic weddings are all about embracing natural beauty, adding heartfelt touches, and doing all the things that feel uniquely you. Read on to learn how to plan your very own rustic wedding, including how to budget, how to gather inspo, and how to nail your planning.
A rustic themed wedding is a wedding that embraces the natural charm of the countryside. It’s all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere with elements that feel organic and effortlessly elegant. Think burlap fabric, barrels for tables, a sage green colour scheme, and lots of flowers.
Rustic weddings are perfect for anyone looking for a whimsical, low-key, and authentic wedding ceremony. Plus, from the decor to the cake to the wedding invites, almost every aspect of a rustic wedding is easy to DIY (so long as you have the skills!).
Rustic themed weddings are the most popular wedding theme of all! According to our 2024 UK Engagement Report, based on feedback from over 3,500 engaged couples, rustic vibes are the most popular wedding theme of 2024, with trending natural greens and burnt orange leading the way for wedding decor colours. Specifically, 38% of Millennials and 40% of Gen Z are currently planning a rustic style wedding. Couples are clearly being drawn to the authenticity and intimacy that rustic aesthetics provide, and want to create a wedding atmosphere that feels both timeless and personally meaningful.
First things first — start your planning journey with Bridebook.
Bridebook is your free, all-in-one wedding planning tool that you can access from a smartphone or laptop. Bridebook has everything you need to plan the wedding of your dreams, including a budget tracker, a guest list planner, a scrapbook for collating fun inspo pics or vendors’ names, plus lists of all your favourite venues, vendors and wedding services. With Bridebook, you can stay organised and stress-free throughout your entire planning journey.
Alright, let’s get the not-so-fun stuff out of the way first: the budget.
Your wedding budget touches every part of your big day, so you need to know what you’re working with. Sit down with your partner, your parents, and anyone else who’s making a significant financial contribution to your wedding. Decide what you believe a reasonable budget to be, and then add a slight buffer to account for any extra spending. We suggest a buffer of 10% to ensure you can have the day of your dreams. So, say your budget is £20,000, consider putting an extra £2,000 aside just in case.
We recommend setting your budget before you start planning your big day. This way, you won’t fall in love with a concept, venue, or dress before knowing its price point and accidentally break your heart. Trust us — set the budget first.
The next step is to set a date. Setting a date for your wedding gives you something to work towards and makes the whole process feel real. It can also help you when planning the finances as venues, caterers, entertainment and other suppliers are all typically more expensive on weekends or in ‘high season’ (May through to October). You can save a few pennies by getting married in the shoulder seasons (such as January, February, March and November) or on weekdays. Bear this in mind when planning your dates.
Once the admin is out of the way you can start the fun stuff — the planning!
Before you start booking anything or start viewing venues, we recommend that you start a wedding Pinterest board or use the ‘scrapbook’ section of the Bridebook app to keep track of any inspirational photos, colour schemes, or vendors you like the look of.
Saving all your inspiration pictures in one place will help you get a feel for your rustic wedding theme. Are you going for more of a whimsical rustic feel, an elegant marquee wedding, or a proper countryside knees up? Whatever you choose, having a clear vision will guide your decisions throughout the planning process.
There’s lots to consider when it comes to planning your rustic wedding. We recommend starting with the ‘big ticket’ items and moving on to the smaller items as you work through the planning process. Your big ticket items include the venue, the catering, and the entertainment. These three aspects will set the tone for your entire wedding and will likely take up a significant portion of your budget.
It’s important to start with the venue first, as this will be the backdrop to your big day. There are four main options when it comes to rustic wedding venues. Think barn or farmhouse, a beautiful vineyard for an elegant destination wedding, or a marquee in an outdoor setting for a more relaxed vibe.
Rustic wedding venues weren’t traditionally designed to be wedding venues. That means they may be lacking in facilities and amenities. Be sure to check with your venue what amenities they offer before booking. No questions are silly questions! Imagine assuming a rustic barn has toilet facilities and then on their big day they’re nowhere to be found! Check everything, and ensure that the extra cost of hiring necessary facilities fits your vision and budget.
Visit a few venues and picture your big day there. Trust your gut and choose the one that feels just right. If you need a helping hand in your search, check out the top rustic wedding venues in your area here on Bridebook. These venues all specialise in weddings, and make for the perfect rustic wedding setting.
Rustic wedding themes
The beauty of a rustic wedding is its versatility. You can make the most simple themes and decor look beautiful in a rustic setting, and it allows you to infuse your personal style and creativity into every detail.
Here are a few ideas to get you started. There are plenty to choose from:
Rustic wedding catering
When it comes to rustic themed wedding catering, the focus should be on comfort, warmth, and an inviting sense of community. Rustic weddings often celebrate farm-to-table freshness, hearty meals, and a communal dining experience that brings everyone together. Here are some super cute rustic catering ideas to make your wedding feast extra special:
Rustic wedding drinks
Complement your rustic menu with beverage choices that reflect the theme. Offer a selection of locally brewed beers, artisanal ciders, or a signature cocktail inspired by seasonal ingredients. Mason jars filled with lemonade or a rustic punch can add to the charm. For wine lovers, feature a variety of wines from local vineyards. Providing a range of drink options ensures that there’s something to satisfy every guest’s palate.
Rustic wedding presentation
The way your food is presented and served can greatly enhance the rustic atmosphere. Consider using wooden platters, vintage crockery, or enamelware to serve your dishes. Simple yet elegant table settings with burlap runners and wildflower centrepieces can further enhance the rustic feel. Encourage your caterer to incorporate these elements into their service style to create a cohesive and charming dining experience.
Wedding entertainment is usually provided in the early afternoon or during cocktail hour. It keeps conversation flowing and helps guests get through that interim period without becoming too bored!
For a rustic wedding, consider charming activities that fit the relaxed, natural vibe. Here are just a handful of cute rustic themed ideas:
Once you’ve ticked these big ticket items off your list, you can start pulling together everything else. This includes the cake, wedding invitations, the decor, and, of course, what you’re going to wear!
The type of wedding cake you choose will depend on your tastes and budget. The beauty of a rustic wedding is that lots of different styles can fit the theme of this wedding, so you’re free to choose whatever cake you and your partner like best.
You could consider:
Rustic wedding themed invites are the first impression guests will have of your big day, so it’s important you set the scene right from the beginning. Your wedding invitations should reflect your chosen colour scheme, include all the key information about your big day, and a hint at the rustic charm that awaits.
You can either make your wedding invitations yourself or have an expert stationer craft them for you. Either way, you’ll need to have an idea of the kind of style you’d like. You could use any combination of the following elements to create a beautiful, rustic themed wedding invitation.
The beauty of a rustic wedding is that just about anything can become rustic wedding decor. Whether you love a mason jar, can’t get enough burlap, or love the look of hay bale sofas, you can have it all with a rustic wedding reception.
Here are just a few ideas to help get you started:
Rustic wedding dresses are usually lacy, floaty, and effortlessly elegant. Don’t shy away from ivory or even slightly pinker tones for a beautiful and ethereal look. Picture yourself in a gown that moves gracefully with the breeze, speckled with delicate lace or perhaps even some whimsical floral embroidery.
For attire other than wedding dresses, think about relaxed, yet stylish attire. In particular, tweed suits, suspenders, or vests paired with a crisp white shirt can create a charming and cohesive look. Warm earthy tones such as brown, green, orange or navy can complement the rustic theme perfectly.
Looking for an extra something special? Sew a small, meaningful patch inside your dress or suit jacket. This could be a piece of fabric from a loved one’s clothing, a tiny embroidered message, or a little blue bow. It’s sweet, sentimental, and can make your wedding attire even more special.
Once you’ve considered the major and minor elements of your big day, be sure to book your photographer, videographer, and any content creators you’d like to capture your special moments as soon as you can. The type of photography and videography you choose can make a significant impact on how you and your guests remember your wedding. But, the type you choose will depend largely on the type of vibe you’re trying to create, as well as your overall budget.
If you want a classic and professional look, a photographer is the obvious choice. If you want to re-live every moment, opt for a videographer in addition. If you want something low-key and relaxed, a content creator who captures snaps and videos for your social media could be the choice for you.
If you’re on the hunt for wedding photographers and videographers, be sure to check out their profiles here on Bridebook, which provide a high-quality, accessible, and up-to-date showcase of their work. You can filter by any style that fits your vision, from modern and natural to artistic and alternative.
When exploring options, look for styles that resonate with you and match your wedding theme. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Once this final box is ticked, it’s time to sit back and relax. Revel in this interim period, knowing the happiest day of your life is just a stone’s throw away. Take some time to enjoy being engaged, maybe plan a few date nights, and keep reminding yourselves why you’re doing this in the first place.
Rustic weddings are a beautiful, low-key way to celebrate your love. They offer a charming blend of natural beauty, personal touches, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. They’re beautifully customisable, easy to DIY, and are perfect for couples who want to reflect their love of the countryside.
So, set your budget, gather your inspo pictures, and start your planning. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up to Bridebook — it really is a lifesaver!