Today I’ve invited guest blogger, Alex from Photobooths Melbourne, to share some cool ways to create a rustic-look for your wedding. He and I have seen a few awesome ideas over the years so we thought we’d collaborate and share some some tips and tricks with you that hopefully might provide some inspo but not necessarily break the bank!
A hearth decorated with stunning flowers by She’s a Wildflower and candles at One Day Estate for Emma and Ben
So, first things first, what is a Rustic Wedding?
If you are checking out themes you can use for your wedding, you may have come across the word ‘rustic’ and, it’s no wonder , as a ‘rustic wedding’ is one of the most popular choices for wedding themes today. But what is it really?
Technically, rustic is a word used to describe anything related to the countryside. And, in terms of weddings, it pays homage to the great outdoors and the old-world. However, since rustic weddings have evolved through the years, there’s really no specific definition anymore, no right or wrong. You can customize this theme specially for your event and according to your needs so, basically, anything goes!
But, to give you an idea, a rustic wedding usually has all the following factors:
Incorporating nature
A casual or comfortable vibe, and
Simple decor.
Certainly, a rustic wedding is a cool and do-able theme that looks great physically but even more so in pictures. And if you are planning on using this theme for your big day, here are a few prop ideas that you can use to have the best-looking reception and photos.
Ivy Brook Farm in South Australia doing string lights right!
1. String Lights
This seems pretty basic but string lights create a cozy ambience that’s perfect for a rustic wedding. It’s affordable and easy to install, and it works for both indoor and outdoor spaces. This also creates a dramatic and stylish effect when photographed.
2. Hanging Lanterns
Take it up a notch and add a set of hanging lanterns that you can place just above your reception tables. Then, pair it with some greenery, flowers and or candles, and you’ll instantly notice a cool and warm vibe that translates into great photos. Your photographer, as well as your guests, will love it.
3. Classic and Vintage Bike
A classic and vintage bike makes a great and fun wedding day prop that you can set at one corner of your reception or ceremony. My images taken at One Day Estate.
4. Wooden Arch
Complete your wooden arbour with a few flowers or drape it with linen, and it’s the perfect spot to say your ‘I do’s’. It’s also a great backdrop to exchange vows, exchange rings and have your first kiss as a married couple. A simple yet elegant wooden arch provides a fantastic focus for your guests and frames you and your wedding party perfectly. Plus, it looks fantastic in photos. Check out Sue’s rustic wooden arch, which is available to her couples, decorated with flowers from Pollen and Petal for Gemma and Nathan at their Jack Rabbit wedding. Images by All My Wednesdays.
5. Hay Bales
Hay bales are part of the classic country scenery. So, why not add it to your wedding to make it more authentic and unique? I love the patchwork fabrics for that quirky look. All images via Pinterest.
6. Old-Looking Mirrors
Mirrors don’t just let you see your reflection, they are actually great pieces of decors too. They are head-turners and when taken right, they give a certain old and cool vibe on photos. Laura and Simon used theirs as a welcome sign.
Image provided by Euro Photography.
7. Mason Jars and Milk Bottles
Rustic weddings are all about simple decor and what’s simpler than good old mason jars and milk bottles as centrepieces. You just have to add water and a small plant or flower. They are not complicated, instead very easy to do, and they look pretty in pictures. Tied with string adds to the rustic feel. Left image by Up Weddings and others via Pinterest.
8. Wooden Theme
A wooden swing is always a nice addition to a wedding. Just add a little bit of greenery and it’s the ideal spot for taking hundreds of photos. If it’s too difficult to build your own vintage-styled swing, you could make a small one for your desserts. What a great background / photo opportunity to cut your cake. Images via Etsy and the central one is credited to Alice Alinari.
And continuing along the wooden theme, what about some welcome signage, like Bernie and Beaks created for their big day at Harvester Moon. Images provided by Up Weddings.
Or, check out Annie and Tom’s idea of some wooden crates filled with their favourite bits n pieces.
Image provided by Gabby Hine Photography.
9. Barrels
Barrels are a great option and they’re very versatile. They are often used as a signing-table during the ceremony, as part of the aisle, but, our favorite is using it for your bar. Have them as a base, throw in a wooden slab top, and arrange the drinks and alcohol above. This will attract everyone at your wedding (if you know what we mean). Images provided L-R by All My Wednesdays, Ebony Tannouri Photography and Pinterest.
10. Frames
Frames are inexpensive and you can find them everywhere, from craft shops to thrift stores. And, not only are they great as decorations but they are perfect for props in taking photos as well.
11. Chalkboard
A chalkboard turns any empty space into lively and attractive. You can have someone with pretty penmanship write your names or your seating information. Or, frames and the chalkboard below, show a way to honour those who cannot attend. It’s a great display no matter what.
12. Truck
If you own one or know someone who has, an old truck is a perfect prop for your photos. You can dress it up or dress it down to match it with your theme.
Image by Jacquelynn
13. Log
You can use logs for many, many things. You can use it as a platform for your desserts or food, have it as a decorative piece with flowers, or use it as a cardholder. Using logs will take your nature-inspired wedding even further.
14. Seats with Floral and Greenery
For that perfect “walking down the aisle photo”, consider decorating wooden seats with floral and greenery. This will allow you to add natural elements that every rustic wedding should have. Images L-R provided by All My Wednesdays and Happy Pixel Weddings.
Choosing the Right Props for Your Wedding
Planning a wedding can be a little overwhelming requiring you to make lots of decisions like choosing the perfect venue, dress, HMUA, florist, photo booth company, wedding photographer, videographer, and other suppliers. And, given the celebrant is a must, you need to get in early if you want someone who can really set the vibe for the rest of your day. Sue is based on The Bellarine but travels extensively to cater for her couples so check out her reviews here.
On top of that, there’s choosing the right props to complete your decor and theme. With the right props at your wedding - and a great wedding photographer - you can ensure unique photos that are bound to get you more likes and hearts than you can ever wish for. But, more importantly, you will have beautiful photos that can either make you smile or cry when looked back on. These will be photos that show what your wedding was about and how truly special it was.
A wooden arbour, mason jars with flowers and quirky chairs add that ‘rustic’ feel at Bernie and Beak’s wedding at Harvester Moon. Image provided by Up Weddings.
Just remember, however, that your wedding props should be there to only enhance your wedding photos. You wouldn’t want your props taking center stage and making you and your guests the background, right? So, don’t overdo it. Just start by figuring out what you both like and what is truly important to you.
We hope we’ve been able to give you some inspiration and, given our years of experience, we have a heap more ideas so please contact us and we’ll be more than happy to chat weddings!
Conversely, if you’ve created some awesome ideas, please share in the comments below.
Written by Alex from Photobooths Melbourne and Sue at Bellarine Celebrant.