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How to Pick the Perfect Bridal Bouquet

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 18:03:52 GMT

One of the most important elements in planning a wedding is choosing the perfect bridal bouquet to compliment your dress and style.

Your bridal bouquet should fit you in every way. The Victorians believed that flowers are the language of love, so your bouquet should be the ultimate statement of romance. Keep reading to learn how you can pick the perfect bridal bouquet.

Starting Your Bridal Bouquet

The time to start thinking about your bridal flowers is after you've decided on your gown and the setting of your ceremony. This will help you find flowers that match your wedding's mood and vibe.

While most brides might think of the colors of the flowers first, you will also want to consider the shape and size of the blooms, as well as what the accent ribbons will look like. You also need to think about the flowers for your wedding party.

Finding Inspiration

A good source of inspiration for your wedding flowers should be your wedding itself. Colors will play a big part in your bridal flowers. For example, if you love the shades of blue and brown, you might want your bouquets to either incorporate or complement those colors.

Other brides might use the wedding's location to inspire the bouquet. For example, if you have a seaside wedding, you might want to trim your bouquet's stems with tiny seashells. For a garden wedding, sprinkle larkspur and sweet peas in your blooms.

Formal Or Casual?

Your ceremony's tone and dress code should also help guide your bouquet. Traditional weddings will require sophisticated bouquets with classic blooms (like lilies of the valley), subdued colors, and structured forms. Casual weddings allow armloads of flowers in bold colors or rustic bouquets with elements that aren't traditional like fresh herbs and berries.

Bouquet Shapes

Bouquets can come arranged in various shapes, from petite and compact to a domed cascading bouquet where flowers spill from over the wrist down to the gown's skirt. Wired flowers allow for unusual shapes like a fanlike spray.

There are even elaborate bridal bouquets that work best with ornate wedding dresses with long trains and or full skirts, whereas simple bouquets tend to work best with sleek dresses. When it comes to bouquets, there are no strict rules to follow, but you'll want to make sure that you avoid extremes that look unbalanced.

You'll also want to make sure the bouquet complements the bride's proportions. If you are a petite bride, a heavy arrangement could overwhelm you, whereas a small bouquet might look diminutive if you are more of a statuesque bride.

Stems And Details

Stems are a great way to enhance a bouquet. If you're having a casual outdoor ceremony, the florist might think it's best to have long stems tied with a simple bow to evoke freshly picked flowers. If you want a more polished look, you might prefer trimmed stems wrapped in a thick ribbon.

You'll want the fabric or ribbon that the stems are wrapped in to match the colors in the flowers. But remember as the bouquet should accessorize the dress and not overpower it, the bouquet's ribbon should also accessorize and not compete with the flowers.

You may even want to embellish the actual flowers by ringing the bouquet with a tulle cuff or silk leaves. You could also dot the bouquet with tiny bedded accents or bows.

Keep in mind that a large bouquet won't necessarily be more expensive. The price of flowers will have more to do with what type of flowers are used. For example, an abundant rose bouquet will cost less than a smaller bouquet made entirely out of calla lilies.

Seasonality

While many florists will have most flowers available year long, flowers are the best looking and most affordable when they are in season. You can import flowers, but this will cost more.

So if you're planning a summer wedding that's outdoors, you might want to go with flowers that flourish in hot weather. Which means you'll want to avoid any blooms that are prone to wilt. Know how sturdy the flowers you want are, for example, gardenias bruise easily, while orchards are super sturdy.

Choose A Florist

Once you have some ideas of what kind of bouquet you want, it's time to find a florist . You'll want to start your florist search way before the wedding. It's best to sign a contract with a flower vendor six months before your wedding.

Don't Settle

You should ask recent brides for their recommendations. Don't settle on the first florist you meet with, you should plan to meet with several candidates. Be sure that you see examples of each florist's work and make sure their style compliments yours and your vision.

Keep in mind that a good florist will tell you if your choices are realistic. If your vision isn't tangible, your florist should be able to provide you with suitable alternatives.

Come Prepared

Once you pick your florist, you'll want to go over all the details. Make sure you have a picture of your dress, a fabric swatch, and any pictures you clipped from magazines ready. This will help you communicate your vision to your florist precisely.

These visuals will help ensure that you and your florist are on the same page. For example, if you say you want purple, without an image, your florist might get you an entirely different shade than the one you were picturing.

Go Over Your Contract

Once you made all your selections, you'll want to go over the contract before signing. This contract should be very detailed and spell out the names and colors of all the flowers in your bridal bouquet.

Plan Your Bridal Bouquet

Now that you know what goes into putting together the perfect bridal bouquet, it's time to start planning yours. Consider your wedding's theme, your dress, and your love story, and soon you'll have a bouquet so perfect you might not want to toss it at the end of your wedding. For more wedding planning resources, be sure to check out this article on wedding decorations.

Barn Brainstorming! How to Organize a Successful Corporate Event

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:52:02 GMT

Whether you're a professional planner or want to organize a successful corporate event to wow your attendees, consider these expert tips.

So you're interested in organizing a corporate event... congratulations on taking the first step towards a fun and rewarding process.

Whether you're looking to break into a career as a member of an event team down the line or just looking to help your company excel, a business event is a tremendous choice.

Every amazing event has a killer staff behind it that exhausts all of the time and resources that they're given.

If you're just starting out from scratch it can be hard to decide where to get things rolling.

Here are several steps to consider as you piece together the corporate event that you're envisioning.

1. Create a Budget

First things first, you need to know what the monetary restrictions are for the event that you've been tasked with.

Not to worry, every amazing event has finite resources. It's not the budget amount that makes it great, it's how you maximize the money that you're given!

To start out, you'll want to present a few of your ideas to whoever is fronting the money for the corporate event that you're trying to throw. Do your research ahead of time to find potential venues for that specific event.

Hotels are always an option, but using a unique event venue will add legitimacy to your event the day of.

It's important to note that not all of your ideas will be well-received during the initial budget meeting. Don't take offense to it, it's all part of the event planning process!

There is always room for negotiations with the venues you're looking into, so having your boss/client that's funding the event set a budget will help give you a firm amount to stick to.

2. Find the Purpose

What are you and your team ultimately trying to achieve with this corporate event?

Maybe you're trying to boost morale among your company's employees and clientele.

If so, attending a local sports game or organizing a bowling party can be a great way to go. Renting out an event venue for a holiday party would also be a home run among all of your attendees.

Perhaps you're looking to build partnerships with local businesses. If that's your priority, then setting up an expo or a Gala can be an amazing avenue for gathering local businesses under one roof.

Whatever your event's purpose is, it's important to have that at the front of your mind while planning. Having that well-defined by your boss will help set the tone for what's in store.

3. Compile a Guest List

The cost of almost any event that you're trying to organize will depend on the number of guests that you're interested in having.

That number will tell you the size of the venue that you need to comfortably fit everyone inside.

The trick is to not invite any more people than you have to. Of course, you'll want to invite everyone but that's not the goal here. The goal is to have everyone that is attending have a great time.

Everything from the food to the giveaways at your event will be decided based on the number of your guests that will be attending. So needless to say, this is a very important part of the process!

4. Set the Them

Every great event has a theme, whether it's a Christmas party, 90's throwback, a night at the Roxbury, or anything else, it has to fit the vibe of your guests.

If your event is meant to be more on the informal side to encourage employees to have a good time, then setting a fun or thrifty theme will set the tone.

Whereas if you're trying to keep it as professional as possible (for an expo) then a subtle theme that ties into your business would be a better way to go.

The theme may also play a big part in the food, props, giveaways, and layout that you put together for the event. People will admire all of the work and detail that was placed on tying everything together.

5. Push It Out!

Marketing your event to everyone is the piece de resistance to making your event (and hard work) a success.

You might be thinking If I've created a guest list, why do I need to focus on marketing the event? Unfortunately, your guest list will take a few reminders before RSVPing.

Social media is a great way to push it out and set it on the calendars of everyone that you want to attend. Pushing it out on Facebook will allow you to post any updates leading up to the big night as well.

Exhaust all options to make sure everyone catches word of your event. Post flyers on the breakroom bulletin board, send out several email blasts and use the occasional desk visit to those that won't respond.

You're looking for definitive "yes" and "no" answers. A "maybe" isn't going to do anyone any good.

Find the Perfect Venue for Your Corporate Event!

As you've undoubtedly noticed about planning a corporate event already, it's important to look for ways to differentiate yours from anything that's been done before.

Picking the right venue is crucial to creating a night that everyone in the office will remember fondly.

Be sure to read this article on dinner ideas for the venue that you pick for your event.

For more inquiries please fill out our request a tour form and we'll be happy to schedule a time for you to check out the facility!

10 Rustic Wedding Decorations for an Authentic Country Experience

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 12:41:14 GMT

A rustic wedding is as much about the barn as it is the things inside of it. Find out ten rustic wedding decorations for an authentic country experience here.

A wedding theme enhances the ambiance of an event and makes for a more memorable experience. For this year, rustic barn style weddings remain the most popular theme for brides.

This theme is defined by neutral color palettes with natural homespun decor elements. It creates a stylish yet personalized wedding backdrop for guests. Guests are often impressed by the attention to detail that goes into a rustic wedding.

Looking for creative ways to make your wedding more country chic? Here are 10 authentic rustic wedding decorations for your special day.

1. Farmhouse Tables

Natural wood is a big staple of rustic wedding designs. Using farmhouse tables can enhance the dining experience for your guests. They create a natural ambiance inside a well-decorated barn.

This table style can also be used for gift tables, welcome tables, or outdoor setups. This pairs well when you use traditional round-style tables for guest seating.

Farmhouse tables can be spruced up with a simple table runner or greenery. Wooden benches are another nice touch that can be used for ceremony seating.

2. Mason Jars and Whiskey Barrels

Mason jars are one of the most popular and easy to find wedding decorations. They can be used for holding tealights or votives. Use them as vases for flowers or fit fairy lights inside the jars.

Jars with handles are an excellent choice for serving drinks at the bar. Each guest can then take home their jar after the wedding.

Whiskey barrels are a nice touch for any rustic or country style wedding. Use them to set lanterns or florals on top of. You can even display a cake and other sweet treats on top of them.

Barrels also work well for setting up an extra outdoor bar. This is a great idea when serving a signature welcome cocktail before the ceremony.

3. Pampas Grass

From social media influencers to wedding magazines, these florals are popping up everywhere. Pampas grass creates a nice touch to a country chic wedding theme. This stylish grass adds character and texture to your decor setups.

Pampas grass works in centerpieces or to decorate a ceremony arch. Complete the look with burlap or linen fabric for draping across the arch.

It can also enhance a welcome table, gift table, or dessert display. Placing the grass in tall buckets will liven up a non-decorated corner of the barn.

Other rustic floral options include fern leaves, eucalyptus, and naked branches. These work well when combined with neutral-colored florals.

4. Hanging Lights

Lighting techniques set the mood and provide the right ambiance for your wedding. They'll also make your wedding pictures pop more. This type of wedding decor ranges from uplighting to hanging lights.

Hanging string lights offers a dreamy and romantic touch. They also pair well when you drape fabric across a barn venue's beams. Other hanging decor ideas include lanterns, planters, and dangling glass orbs.

5. A Homemade Swing

A DIY swing is one of the more innovative wedding decoration ideas. It offers an added touch to bring a unique rustic vibe to your wedding.

You can hang the swing from a tree using ropes and a piece of wood. You can also make an indoor version with a support system that uses wooden beams instead of a tree trunk.

An indoor swing is a great way to present your rustic style wedding cake or feature a flower display. Dress up the swing with a bit of hanging greenery or fabric. You can also surround it with wooden stumps and candles for a romantic vibe.

A decorated outdoor swing is a great idea for a backdrop. This creates a photo opportunity for the bride and groom and their guests.

Creative decor ideas like these encourage guests to share pictures on social media. Instagram-inspired wedding ideas are expecting to increase more over the next few years. This includes more experiential wedding offerings and creative photo backdrops.

6. Copper Accents

Copper is currently trending in wedding design themes. This color compliments a rustic style wedding well. It blends with a neutral color palette while still creating contrast.

You can use this finish for charger plates, votive holders, or lanterns. Copper-rimmed vintage mirrors also work well for a rustic decor display.

7. Wooden Signs and Boxes

Wooden boxes make for easy and stylish rustic centerpieces . They work well as planters for showing off florals.

Wooden boxes can be used for adding height to your decor displays as well. Try them out on the dessert table, bar, and welcome table.

Boxes or crates can spruce up the ceremony area. They're great for displaying lanterns or candles on.

Wooden signs are a must for any rustic style wedding theme. Use them to display the food menu and cocktail options. They also work well for the guest seating chart and wedding welcome sign.

Try using a slice of wood for your wedding cake stand. Wooden table numbers and place cardholders are other great decor accents.

8. Vintage Finds

Brides put an average of $2,141 of their budget toward wedding decor. One way to cut down on this cost is to shop around for inexpensive decor options.

Garage sales and flea markets are great sources for unique vintage finds. A rustic wedding can use old watering cans, window frames, and doors as decor.

Shovels, pitchers, birdcages, and galvanized buckets are other ideas. You may also be able to find easels, chalkboards, and old bottles. An old wagon or canoe can be used for photo backdrops or to hold flowers or beverages in.

9. A Bit of Burlap

Burlap finds its way into many rustic themed weddings. It can be used to make stylish chair sashes or to enhance your guest tables. Burlap works well as a neutral table runner or placement setting.

Other ideas are to hang burlap from your ceremony arch or the barn rafters. You can even make your own backdrop garland using burlap and lace fabrics.

10. Little Touches of Twine

Twine offers a subtle way to incorporate homespun touches into your wedding. Use it for your wedding favors or to wrap around vases or mason jars.

Twine works for stringing up escort cards and decorating the wedding card box. It's a must for any hanging wedding signage that's lighter. Twine is also a popular decor detail to include with your rustic wedding invitations.

Rustic Wedding Decorations for an Unforgettable Event

These rustic wedding decorations will help enhance the ambiance of your special event. They offer a creative and personalized approach to making your wedding more memorable.

Looking for more ideas to enhance your barn wedding venue? Learn more about how Windsong Ranch can help personalize your wedding day.

10 Essential Photo Booth Props for Your Rustic Wedding

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 18:19:52 GMT

The best photo booths have the best props. Find out the ten most essential photo booth props for your rustic wedding here.

As you plan your wedding, you have to build in time to take photos after the ceremony. If your reception is immediately following, though, your guests may be milling around with nothing to do. Enter: the photo booth.

This ideal option for entertainment doesn't require the newlyweds to be there, nor does it need a lot of set up. Get some photo booth props that go with your wedding decor, and your guests won't even notice you were missing until you make your grand entrance.

Here are some fun ideas for props at your rustic wedding.

1. Most Important Photo Booth Props: Cowboy Hats

How can you have a country wedding without cowboy hats? Get all the colors and a few different styles. You may have guests packing in the people, trying to see how many can fit in the cardboard frame you set up in the photo booth area.

Make sure you're well-supplied, and that you have a couple of different sizes. Guests may take one picture, then trade hats for the next snap. They'll think of all kinds of funny photo ops, as long as you provide the right props.

Having plenty means that if the cowboy hats happen to disappear for a trip around the dance floor, there will still be plenty in the photo booth for latecomers.

2. Bolo Ties

Bow ties are fun photo booth props for traditional weddings, but at a country wedding, give it a twist. String ties called bolo ties, made from leather or cord, are how cowboys used to dress up. They'd trade their bandanas (which doubled as dust masks) for bolo ties before they took a lady out to the dance.

Bandanas are a good idea, too, if you need another around-the-neck option for photo props.

3. Funny Signs

You can't have a photo booth without the words on a stick. Some are labels you give yourself or your friends, that include arrows (gotta make sure whoever looks at the photo knows who you're making fun of). Others are words of congratulations for the happy couple.

Of course, a must-have option is your wedding hashtag. You'll also want to include country sayings like these:

Howdy pardner
Giddy up
Yee-haw
City Slicker
In Cahoots
I came for the hoedown

You'll also have several that pertain to your wedding in particular, but these will get you started. Creating new ideas for photo booth phrases is a great job for your funniest groomsmen.

4. Casino-Style Accouterments

There's a reason aces and eights is a dead man's hand. Wild Bill Hickock made the poker hand famous when he was killed holding those cards, but poker was a country boy's game long before the unfortunate gunslinger popularized his specific hand of cards.

Get some poker chips or a few playing cards for guests to use in the photo booth. Other casino or gambling-themed prop options include big fake cigars, mustaches, and a dealer's visor.

Be sure to keep the photo booth open during the whole reception, before and after you cut the cake. Some guests may take a minute to warm up to the idea of being silly in front of other people. But casino props might be what brings them out of their shells.

5. Old-Fashioned Tools

Guests may enjoy posing with old washtubs, washboards, and wooden tools. You can hang white towels with lace trim or doilies on them to make a background for the photo booth, or you can include the items as props.

6. Plastic Beer Mugs

When cowboys of old weren't riding the range, they were spending time playing a friendly game of poker in the saloon, and washing the dust down with large mugs of the local beer ( or sarsaparilla ). Plastic mug replicas with a frosty look are perfect for posing mid-toast, as you raise a glass to the newlyweds.

If you're having a dry wedding, you can try blue or black tin cups with white flecks, the kind you think of hanging over an open fire. Those will make guests feel as nostalgic for the open range as the frosty mugs.

7. Toy Guns

Cowboys were all about shooting up the town, especially when they'd had too much whiskey at the local saloon. If you can find some cheap revolver-style gun props, your guests will love posing like the black-hat gunslingers of the Old West.

Make sure they have orange caps on the ends so everyone who sees the photos knows they're just toys. You can also provide holster belts, too, if your camera extends to waist level.

8. Aprons

The ladies may like to feel a little extra country bumpkin by donning a sweet apron (include a couple if you think more than one would like them). Whether you pick white ones or a calico pattern, this type of accessory hearkens back to days of churning butter and cooking in an old iron stove.

For the gents, you can stock a vest or two, and even a coonskin cap.

9. Bouquets of Country Blooms

You don't have to get your florist to make up anything expensive for your photo booth. Use silk blooms from the craft store to make a bouquet of country wildflowers that guests can pose with in the photo booth. You could even put them in a basket to give it more of a country feel.

10. Hobby Horses

Get a couple of stick horses for your guests to pretend to ride. Even if the camera doesn't go past waist level, guests can hold these horses a little higher so they show up in the picture. They'll love to pretend they're riding through tall wheat fields, or rearing up to save the day like the Lone Ranger.

Your Photo Booth Memories

Giving your guests something to do while they haven't loosened up yet helps them pass the time until you and your sweetie arrive. The right country photo booth props will make the snapshots part of a memorable reception, along with a unique souvenir to take home.

As you think about other aspects of your big day, request a tour of Windsong Ranch wedding venue today. See how we can make your rustic country wedding the perfect day you've dreamed of.

10 Country Wedding Songs for Your Rustic Ceremony

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 13:03:25 GMT

A rustic wedding would be incomplete without country music. Find out the top ten country wedding songs for rustic ceremonies here.

When you're planning a rustic country wedding , there's nothing that sets the mood more than the music. But with millions of perfect romantic songs to choose from, how do you pick only 3 hours worth for your big day?

These top country wedding songs are perfect for all aspects of your wedding, from the ceremony and special music to romantic dances and fun goodbye songs at the end of the reception. Take a look and find some inspiration for your upcoming nuptials.

1. "A Woman Like You" by Lee Brice

Any country song that says your partner is better than all your favorite things is a winner. In this one, the singer says he'd give up his project car, deep-sea fishing, guys' poker night, and a host of other things if he can spend the rest of his life with his lover. It's a little more upbeat, but it's also a gentle reminder that your partner is worth the effort.

2. "You're Still the One" by Shania Twain

If you're getting remarried, or you were together for a long time before deciding to tie the knot, this song may be perfect for you. It hearkens back to difficult days, but reminds the listener that the couple has gotten to the other side of their troubles. And through it all, the singer says, "You're still the one I love, the only one I dream of, you're still the one I kiss goodnight."

3. "Then" by Brad Paisley

When you get married, you can't imagine ever loving your partner more than you do on that day. Yet as your relationship grows , you somehow find more love in your heart for that person. This song celebrates that growth and how a love deepens over time.

He sings, "Like a river meets the sea stronger than it's ever been, we've come so far since that day, and I thought I loved you then." He describes the proposal and other highlights of their lives together.

4. "Whatever It Is" by Zac Brown Band

Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes your lover perfect for you. This song celebrates that the singer's woman has "whatever it is," that intoxicates him. He gives an honest effort to name her good qualities, from "eyes that cut you like a knife and lips that taste like sweet red wine , got a devastating smile, knock a grown man to his knees."

He continues in this vein, but ends up saying there's just something about her that he can't describe. If this is how you feel about your new spouse, then it would make a great first dance for the couple or even a song during the wedding ceremony.

5. "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts

One of the best things about country songs is that they don't gloss over the hard stuff. Relationships are messy, and yet love is still worth the effort, and country songs are honest about that.

This one is no different, with lyrics about the bumps along the way the singer had. Yet despite those issues, he still found the one he loves. He wouldn't trade the rough times because they led him to the listener.

6. "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis

There's nothing sweeter than the deep, wholesome richness of Randy Travis's voice, unless you combine it with a romantic song. The singer promises that he will love the listener "forever and ever," listing off all kinds of excuses she may give to make him fall out of love with her. Yet he insists he never will.

7. "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton

This song helps remind the happy couple that there won't always be unicorns and butterflies. Bad times do come, but now they have each other to get through it together.

The lyrics say, "God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt...for when I think I've lost my way." What a sweet sentiment for a wedding song.

8. "Amazed" by Lonestar

You can't have a country wedding without this sweet classic. It's moving and romantic, a slow number that will have all the guests joining the new couple on the dance floor. The lyrics express similar sentiments to other songs on this list, like the singer's dedication to the listener and his awe of her.

But it also expresses his feelings about how close the couple is, that it's a relationship unlike any other he's had. He says, "I've never been this close to anyone or anything. I can hear your thoughts, I can see your dreams." Now that the band's back together , maybe they'll release more classics like this one.

9. "To Make You Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks

This cover of the Bob Dylan original song is beautiful. It's another perfect slow song to round out the set, and guests will love the sweet romantic dance option.

The lyrics are meaningful, with each verse an example of something awful that might happen when the singer would still offer comfort to the listener. Then it says, "There's nothing that I wouldn't do to make you feel my love." The words reflect the commitment the newlyweds just made, reminding the guests of their dedication to each other.

10. Best of the Country Wedding Songs: "Knockin' Boots" by Luke Bryan

Every wedding guests spends their time making jokes about the honeymoon and teasing the new couple about the wedding night. This song honors the fact that some things just go together (like ice and whiskey or sweet tea and sugar). But then the singer brings it around and says, "Shades need drawin', hearts need fallin', boots need knockin'."

This is a fun song to send off the new couple as they leave for the evening. It's a sweet lyric without being risque, and playing this one will put a smile on everyone's face as they wish the newlyweds all the best.

The Best Romantic Music

You're covered when it comes to the right music to set the mood for your big event. These top 10 country wedding songs give you some great choices to get the ball rolling for your DJ. Make sure you also give them a "don't play" list if you have any songs you really hate.

Otherwise, you're ready to move on to planning other things, like the cake, the decoration, and the perfect wedding barn. For more help planning your rustic country wedding, request a tour of Windsong Ranch today.

DJ or Live Band? How to Know Which Is Best for Your Rustic Wedding

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 12:47:39 GMT

Having to choose between a DJ and a live band for your wedding can be difficult. Learn how to decide between a DJ and a live band for your rustic wedding here.

You've been planning your rustic wedding and things have been going great. You have the perfect dress picked out, you know the venue, and you're working on the right wedding decorations.

But, you still have one big decision to make: Should you hire a DJ or a live band for your rustic wedding?

While some people have always had a vision of what they want to do for wedding music, others aren't so sure.

So, if you don't know what's best for your rustic wedding, keep reading. We'll help you decide between a live band or a DJ.

Budget

First things first, you'll want to think about how much money you want to spend on your wedding music.

Unless you hire some super famous DJ for your wedding, hiring a band is almost always going to be more expensive. This is because there are more people and there's more equipment involved.

If budget is the biggest issue for you and you're already creeping towards your limit, then hiring a DJ is usually the best option.

But, if you have your heart set on having a band at your wedding, you could also consider having a band play at your cocktail party or during your wedding ceremony.

This will be way more inexpensive, seeing as these events are a lot shorter than the reception. Then, you can have a DJ spin at the reception. This is also a great way to get a variety of music at your wedding, as bands are going to be limited to the songs they know.

Variety

Speaking of variety, you'll want to make sure that you choose a good variety of music for your wedding day.

When hiring a DJ, the sky is pretty much the limit. You can pretty much make a list of songs for the DJ to play, and then they can fill in the rest of the night with songs of their choosing.

However, keep in mind that if you hire a professional DJ who works big events and not just weddings, then they may only let you choose a few songs. This is because they know they can create a song flow that keeps people on the dance floor all night long.

If you're thinking about hiring a wedding band, make sure they offer a good mix of slow songs and upbeat songs. Also, if your wedding guests vary greatly in age, you'll want to make sure the band can offer both classic and current songs.

Does Your Wedding Have a Theme?

Whether or not your wedding has a theme can be a big determining factor in whether you choose a band or a DJ.

For example, let's say your wedding has a 1920 eras Gatbsy theme to it. If you can find a DJ or live band in your area that specializes in that theme, then you pretty much have your answer.

How closely you want your wedding music to match the theme can also help you decide between a live band and a DJ.

Space

If your heart is set on having an 8 piece band at your wedding, then you first want to check if you have the right amount of space.

And, we don't just mean you need to check if there's enough space on the dance floor or stage to fit the band.

Reception sites often have limits when it comes to the number of musicians and pieces of equipment that they'll allow into their space. There may also be limitations when it comes to electrical speakers or noise levels. For example, an important landmark likely won't allow you to use large speakers.

So, make sure to check about spacing regulations before booking a band or DJ.

See Them Live Beforehand

If it's an even race between a live band and a DJ, it can help to see them live beforehand.

This will be able to tell you the kind of energy they bring, how well they're able to work the crowd, and just their overall skills at their job.

If you can't figure out a way to see the band or DJ live, ask them to send you a tape of their performance. Pretty much every single wedding band and DJ has one of these on hand.

Keep in Mind the Biggest Pros and Cons

A live band has some pretty big pros and cons. But then again, so does a DJ. Figuring out which pros and cons are most important to you will help you decide.

For a band, here are the pros and cons you need to keep in mind:

Biggest Pro for Bands

Live music allows your guests to experience the pleasure of a performance. Anything can happen to raise the level of excitement during a live performance, from a big saxophone solo to your grandma hopping on stage and rocking out with the band.

Biggest Con for Bands

The biggest con of a band is probably the price. Also, keep in mind that bands don't have the same variety of music that a DJ will have.

Biggest Pro for DJs

If there are a dozen or more songs that you're dying to hear at your wedding, then usually a DJ is the best bet. Plus, a DJ with the right stage presence can really help set the mood for the night.

Biggest Con for DJs

On the other hand, a DJ with a not-so-great personality can kill the party. Also, it's tough to improvise with a DJ.

DJ or Live Band?

Now that you know what to keep in mind when deciding between a DJ or a live band, it should be much easier to figure out which option is right for your rustic wedding.

And, once you've made your decision, be sure to check out this guide on how to choose the perfect rustic wedding cake.

10 Stunning Ideas for Rustic Flowers to Accent a Country Themed Wedding

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 14:06:32 GMT

Are you planning a country style wedding outside or in a barn? You need to check out these 10 stunning ideas for rustic flowers that fit your theme perfectly.

Country themed weddings are the perfect way to incorporate your earthy and rustic tastes into your big day. This dreamy down-home style is full of barns, greenery, and even boots and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after wedding themes around.

Whether you decide to get married in a barn, on a ranch, or just somewhere in the woods one thing’s for sure, rustic flowers are the perfect way to accent this country fairytale.

Full of lush greenery, earthy palates , and simplistic touches these flowers arrangement will help set the scene you’ve always wished for.

Are you planning a country-style wedding and want some flower inspiration? Look no further as we show you 10 stunning rustic flower ideas you have to see.

Gilded Flower Accents

A country theme is all about that perfect balance of dreamy and natural. Incorporating gold-gilded floral leaves into your bouquet and centerpieces give an extra pop of elegance and charm.

The gold accent is in keeping with rustic earthy tones and adds a little shimmer without going over the top. If silver or bronze is more your personal style, you can also find gilded leaves in these colors.

Earthy Green and White

Simple large white flowers, such as Peonies or White Scabiosa, paired with lots of soft greenery are a beautiful choice to compliment your country theme. These crisp colors pop against wooden elements as well as give a simple and sweet vibe.

Whether you use this flower combo in your bouquet, centerpieces, or as accents during your ceremony these flowers will look right at home in your rustic setting.

The simplicity of the white and green mimics the simplicity often found in nature and makes a floral statement without being the main eye focus.

Floral Barn

If your country themed wedding is taking place inside of a barn , consider decorating the entrance with an abundance of greenery and flowers. Loosely drape your greenery of choice all around the entrance and the front of the barn to give a woodsy feel.

Also, include floral arrangements on either side of the door to spice up the romantic vibes.

You may wish to choose flowers that match your wedding colors or stick to a soft floral pallet of pastel pink, greens, and browns to match your barn.

Rustic Floral Tree

When we say floral tree, we aren’t talking about a tree made of flowers. Actually, we are talking about covering a tree with flowers.

If your wedding is going to be taking place outside under a beautiful old tree, consider decorating the trunk.

Instead of having a traditional archway, you can create your own by having your florist design a floral backdrop against the trunk of the tree that climbs upwards towards the branches. Fill this backdrop with matching flowers to your bouquet and lots of sprawling greenery.

This is a unique take on traditional floral incorporations and adds a whimsical woodland twist to your ceremony.

Summer Sunflower Chic

If your wedding is taking place in the summer and you are searching for a more traditional country feel, then sunflowers are the way to go.

These bright statement-making florals are the epitome of a summertime country wedding and they don’t need much accompanying them.

Pair your sunflowers with some soft baby’s breath and mild greenery to help them shine. Sunflowers make for wonderful centerpieces on their own or can be used to comprise a floral backdrop that won't help but bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Eucalyptus

When it comes to the perfect rustic ambiance, one of the main elements is tons of greenery. Greenery helps blend your big day with the great outdoors in a way that doesn’t take away from the star of the show (you).

Eucalyptus is the perfect greenery to incorporate into your bouquet, centerpieces, and any other floral accents. It comes in a few varieties, like the silver dollar and seeded, and really helps to set off any flowers it is paired with.

The soft green hue of eucalyptus complements any environment perfectly without being too overwhelmingly green.

Garland Draped Ceiling

If you’re looking to curate a romantic spin on your rustic outdoor wedding, consider hanging lush green garland from the ceiling of your barn or outdoor tent.

You may wish to go with greenery like maidenhair fern, ivy, or boxwood for its fuller-looking effects.

This instantly turns your venue into a romantic woodland dream and can help you feel like you are outdoors even while being inside.

Fresh Vegetables

This may seem a bit out of the box, but if you always wanted a farm to table style country wedding consider making use of the bright colors of fresh vegetables.

Using this colorful produce mixed in with some wildflowers and herbs in place of strictly floral centerpieces will have your guests gushing over your creativity.

Rich purple cabbage, yellow and red tomatoes, bright orange carrots, and leafy greens paired with some red poppies and wild sunflowers make for a uniquely colorful and rustic explosion.

Wildflowers

It's been said that “love is like wildflowers”, and we couldn’t agree more. Which is why for your big day, wildflowers make for a great choice.

To coincide with the often-beloved simplicity of a country themed wedding, consider an array of wildflowers instead of your big traditional bouquets and arrangements.

These flowers will match your earthy vibes perfectly and their small and dainty details will be appreciated by everyone. There is always a wide variety of wildflowers to choose from and with this type of flower the more the variety the better.

All-Green Arrangements

For another unique spin on wedding flowers, consider having all green arrangements.

As mentioned already, green pops against wooden accents and of course against your white dress but does so in a soft simple way that doesn’t make your flowers the main attraction.

Having an all green bouquet can be achieved by incorporating air plants, succulents, or even something more dramatic like a king protea. All green will contribute to your rustic atmosphere perfectly and with a unique twist.

Pick Your Favorite Rustic Flowers

Congratulations, you’re getting married!

Take your time and envision the day you want for you and your future spouse, so you can pick the perfect rustic flowers to fit this idea.

And for more tips on your big day , check out our blog.

Something Sweet: 9 Designs for Rustic Wedding Cakes Too Pretty to Eat

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 13:32:27 GMT

Celebrating your wedding in a country-chic style? Your cake needs to match. Here are 9 designs for a rustic wedding cake that are almost too pretty to eat!

Are you planning a wedding and are looking for unique wedding cake ideas?

Nowadays, people strive to have a unique wedding in any way, shape, or form. Others need to have a big bash with unique themes and gimmicks to satisfy their need to be unique. Often, this ends up stressing them out while planning and, for the most part, turn out to be something less than they imagined it would be.

Some people are wise enough to know a unique wedding cake is enough to make a wedding stand out. Why not go for a rustic wedding cake for your wedding?

These cakes do more than have a unique appearance. These also help enforce the simple barn wedding theme if you want your wedding to have that aesthetic. Check out these rustic cake designs and find inspiration as to how your own wedding cake will turn out.

1. Naked Wedding Cake with Floral Decor

A naked wedding cake is one with no frosting covering the exterior of the cake. In these cakes, the moisture comes from the frosting in between the layers of cake or from a special, sweetened mix poured onto the cake before it’s displayed.

These cakes work for as rustic wedding cakes because it simulates the simplicity often found in the country style of living. The added flower toppers also add a touch of nature the theme also exudes. This makes for a cake which gives of a homey vibe.

A naked cake with floral toppers is also a tasteful way to save on your wedding cake without looking cheap.

2. Buttercream and Lavender

Simplicity is a big quality when it comes to the rustic wedding theme. What color to better represent that quality than the color white?

For this reason, buttercream is both a perfect and delicious ingredients when you’re trying to go rustic. A simple layer of buttercream on any wedding cake can make it look beautiful enough to not want to eat. Add on some lavender garnishes and your cake will turn out perfect.

Lavender lends an appealing rustic look to any wedding fixture. Not to mention it also gives off a calming aroma which will make your cake even more desirable.

3. Tiered White Wedding Cakes with Acorn Garnishes

Tiered cakes are the closest we’ll get to traditional wedding cakes. Some people view these as a must-have for their weddings. How can you incorporate these cakes into the rustic wedding theme though?

The answer is garnishing. A lot of simple items can turn into fantastic rustic garnishes for anything in your wedding. The best examples for this are acorns.

Acorns have the right size and look to fit on both your tiered wedding cake and your theme. You can have them candied to become an edible part of the cake, too. Also, you can have them dipped in metallic food coloring to add a vibrant contrast to the white cake you have.

4. Budding Buttercream Flower Cake

As mentioned above, buttercream is perfect for rustic wedding themes. In fact, it’s a near staple to rustic weddings. This means having a plain design for a buttercream cake may turn out too boring for the event.

How do you crank it up a notch? Simple, all you need to do step up your decorating game. A great way to do this is by frosting them as budding flowers. These make your cake appear in line with the theme while adding a layer of beauty.

5. Red Velvet Cake with Thin Frosting and Berry Garnishes

If you want a cake to simulate a wood-like look, then red velvet is your best bet for the idea. The dark color of the bread blends well with any light-colored frosting. A thin layer of your frosting of choice will make it look as if the cake looks like an aged trunk of a tree.

This results in an amazing looking and delicious cake for the event. You can also add some berries to garnish the cake. This gives it even more of a natural aesthetic, a great quality for simple wedding cakes in rustic weddings.

6. Mountainscape Frosting Design

If you want a different kind of frosting than buttercream while still keeping in line with the rustic theme, then you can use something darker like chocolate. All you need to do is design the frosting to resemble something in line with the theme.

A good way to do this is to draw a mountainscape on the side of your cake. This is simple enough to do even without much experience in drawing with frosting. The best part about this is, if you make a mistake, you can do it all over again until you get it right.

7. Fern and Moss Fondant Design

For a more outdoorsy cake, you can use fondant to create this next masterpiece.

When people think of the countryside, for the most part, they think about the smell of grass, ferns, and moss. Bring these thoughts to life by adding them as decorations to your wedding cake.

The only things you’ll need for this are fondant and food coloring. Doing this will make your cake look stunning while inviting guests to take a slice to eat.

8. Naked Chocolate Cake with Caramel Drizzle

If you’re going for a simple yet classy rustic wedding cake, then this is the cake for you.

A naked chocolate cake is a great way to bring in the simplistic nature of the rustic theme. It also brings in the tastiness to make you feel confident when people taste your cake. A naked chocolate cake isn’t enough to make it look rustic though.

You can consider adding a bit of caramel on it. Doing this will give it another taste sensation to look forward to and a look of dried sap on a tree.

Do this to impress your friends with the visual masterpiece in front of them and a taste to remember.

9. Sugar Dusted Cake with Fruit Garnishes

If you like the appeal of thin-frosted cakes but don’t like buttercream, then this may be more to your fancy. A light dusting of sugar is all it takes to transform naked barn wedding cakes into little bites of heaven. This will also make your cake look like a great decorative complement to any outdoor wedding dress for the bride.

Powdered sugar goes well with fruits. This means you have different options if you want to bring in color to the cake.

Design Your Own Rustic Wedding Cake Today!

Going for a rustic wedding cake presents you with opportunities to design your own cake. Let your imagination run wild and design your cake today!

What better way is there to remember a wedding than by taking photos? How will you incorporate a photo booth into your rustic wedding without breaking the theme though? Click here to check out these tips to creating a DIY photo booth for your event.

9 Fabulous Rustic Wedding Centerpieces and Table Decorations for Your Country Wedding

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 13:20:25 GMT

No country themed wedding would be complete without matching decorations. Here are 9 fabulous ideas for rustic wedding centerpieces and other tabletop décor.

The barn wedding is on the rise as more people embrace the beauty of this laid back style. Ten years ago, a small 2% of couples chose a barn wedding. Today 15% of couples want to have their wedding with a rustic-inspired theme.

For many of us, we love the idea but don't necessarily want to get married in the dirt in a field. This is where rustic chic comes in. Think of it as rustic inspired with a feel of elegance.

Here are eight rustic wedding centerpieces to help you perfectly capture a rustic feel while still maintaining the elegance of the day.

1. Rustic Tin Silos

Tall metal grain silos used to populate farms as a way of storing grain efficiently. Mirror this in your centerpieces by using tin cans to create the look of the silos. Use tins of different heights to create a complete look.

In the taller "silos" place fresh flowers. A selection of simple white buds is a perfect choice for the rustic theme. Then for the shorter tins, you can choose rustic foods.

You could put nuts, cherries, or grains in the shorter tins. Consider the season and try to pick something that is currently in season. This way, they won't look out of place on the table.

2. Antique Enamel

If you are working on a budget, you can seek out enamel pieces at your local antique shops. Enamel was a popular material seen in farmhouses throughout history. Choosing it for your wedding will add a touch of rustic vintage charm.

Embrace pieces that have a bit of wear and rust to them. These will look the most authentic.

You will find water jugs, vases, pots, and any other kitchen accessory that you can place flowers in. Try to stick to a color theme, though; white is a safe choice.

For the flowers, you can go bold with some brightly colored summer poppy or tulips. These flowers will balance the white of the enamel. Another option is to use lush greenery instead of flowers.

3. Minimal Wildflowers

If you don't have a lot of space on your tables, then embrace this and stick with small white vases. Skip the mason jars, they are overdone and lack a feminine feel.

Instead, look for small clear glass vases. They should be big enough to place a fistful of wildflowers in them.

4. A Collection of Objects

Instead of trying to create the perfectly coifed centerpiece, why not embrace the country aesthetic and artfully arrange a collection of country objects.

Think about the objects that you would see on a farm and then place those on the table. This could be a planter filled with flowers or a small plant. You could have a burnished metal candle holder.

Then you could accent these main pieces with smaller items such as copper house numbers for the table numbers. Or horseshoes if you want a more barn feel.

5. Wooden Flower Boxes

Embrace a rustic material for your centerpieces and use wooden boxes. If you know someone skilled at woodworking, they can create custom-sized boxes for your tables.

To keep with the rustic theme, let the wood have a raw look to it. You don't want boxes that have been sanded perfectly smooth and then varnished. Instead, look for ones that have a bit of wear and are slightly uneven.

You can then put any flower you wish in them. A good mix of greenery and blooms will keep them looking rustic.

You could even put a selection of herbs in them. The herbs will give your reception a lovely aroma, and your guests will be fighting over who gets to take your centerpieces home.

6. Dried Flowers

Mix dried flowers in with your fresh ones. This will add a new textural element to your centerpieces. It can also help you save on the cost of fresh flowers.

Balance out the look of the dried flowers by pairing them with large fresh white flowers. White peonies are perfect for this.

Arrange your blooms in a sturdy rustic looking vase or pot. Stick with materials like wood, terra cotta, clay, or straw.

7. Nests

You can use nests as the focal point of your centerpiece, or as accents. They could be nestled into a garland that runs the length of your tables. Or you could include them in your collection of farm objects that we talked about in number four.

Use delicate nests that are on the smaller side. Then place one or two speckled eggs in each.

Word of caution! Do not use real bird nests. First, these are an animal's home, and you are hurting nature when you take them. Second, a wild animal lived in them, and they are not sanitary for use on a table where people will be eating.

8. Embrace the Harvest

You can kill two birds with one stone by having a selection of fruits and vegetables that are in season on the table. Guests can snack on these, and they serve as a rustic way of decorating your tables.

To keep the display rustic, have a few of the fruits and veggies whole and others prepared for eating. You could elevate your presentation by also providing a selection of farm fresh meats and cheeses.

If you have a fall wedding, a beautiful autumn harvest display could include pomegranates, apples, figs, blackberries, plums, and figs.

Whatever you choose, be sure it pairs well with what you've planned to serve for the main course and dessert .

9. Burlap Runners

If you plan to use long tables for your reception, then use burlap runners. You can then place candles, small potted plants, herbs, and other items throughout the table.

Think about adding height to the display. You can do this by using lanterns with a candle in them. Or use candlesticks that will raise the height of the flame.

Use can use matching clay pots of varying heights and sizes. Just keep the flowers in them within one theme. This will help tie the whole table runner together.

Plan Your Rustic Wedding Centerpieces

When it comes to creating rustic wedding centerpieces, keep in mind that less is more. Sometimes the simplest of vase and wildflowers is all you need.

For your rustic look to be a success, use materials that you would find in nature or on a farm. Embrace the worn and vintage look. Get creative and use items other than flowers to add visual interest to your tables.

Are you struggling with ideas? Contact us today , and we can help you plan the perfect rustic wedding.

7 Memorable Rustic Wedding Invitation Ideas to Stay on Theme from the Beginning

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 13:12:09 GMT

Once you choose a theme for your wedding, you want each individual element to match. Design your own invites with these 12 rustic wedding invitation ideas.

Your wedding is a huge milestone in your life. So the invitations you send to your loved ones that you want in attendance should be special too.

Rustic weddings have become popular again in recent past, with many people trading a church for a barn to exchange their vows and enjoy the reception. It could be something about connecting with nature and creating a laid-back atmosphere during the ceremony. Hosting your wedding at a farm or ranch offers a certain charm that a banquet hall might not. (You can add all of the finishing touches like a photo booth to a barn wedding too.)

Whatever your reason for wanting a more rustic setting, you'll want to be able to maintain the theme throughout the entire process. That's not just the wedding decorations and the venue – it's the invitations too.

Here are 7 rustic wedding invitation ideas that you can design (or even create) yourself for a personal touch.

1. Use Wooden Card Stock

What says rustic more than a wedding invitation etched into actual wood? Using thin pieces of real wood that are small and light enough to travel in an envelope, you can have a local company do the laser etching of the desired text for you to ensure clean typography and graphics.

Or you can try to add the words yourself if you're skilled in this area. If you have the time and a steady hand, you can use a stencil and a magnifying glass to create words and images on the wood surface. Make sure you use protective sunglasses if you choose this route. It's not for everyone, but imagine how impressed your guests will be!

2. Try Burlap Invitations

Burlap is a material you'll often find on farms and instantly screams rustic because it's made of natural fibers. It's also a common material used for feed bags. Burlap has deep roots in American culture and was at one time a popular choice for clothing .

That aside, burlap can also be the canvas you use for your homemade wedding invitations. Whether you're skilled with a sewing machine (make sure you use thread that will stand out from the burlap color) or you print small cards to attach to the burlap, it will be a nice touch that stays with the rustic theme.

3. Print on Vellum Paper

Vellum is paper traditionally made from calfskin, but it doesn't have to be. These days it is more often made from plant-based material. Vellum paper is translucent, meaning some light passes through it and gives it a unique look compared to standard paper. It also allows you to layer the invitation – for example, you could add an image of you and your partner underneath the vellum layer that contains all the text.

Some types of vellum paper can be run through an inkjet printer (make sure in advance that this is the case.) Use an old-timey font, perhaps something that looks handwritten and not too wide (you can find some rustic fonts online). Remember that because of the nature of vellum, the ink might take longer to dry so be careful when handling.

Tie a piece of twine around the invitation as a finishing touch.

4. Dress it Up With Lace

Lace has a timeless and delicate appeal, which makes it perfect for homemade wedding invitations with a rustic theme. One easy way to achieve this is by buying lace paper doilies (typically used as an ornamental mat) and wrapping them around the paper invite.

Wrap the doilies around each side of the invite, leaving some of the words exposed, and bind it all together with twine. You can also get a bit more crafty and create inside envelopes out of the lace to slip the invites into. Slip them into custom-sized envelopes and send them off!

5. Turn to Old Newspaper Announcements

This one can be done with a bit of photo editing skills and a home printer. Take a look at how old newspapers were designed and laid out (you can probably also find some free templates with an online search).

From there, write up a headline that grabs attention (and relates to your coming nuptials) and a blurb about the event and where it's taking place, news story style. Photo editing programs often have features that allow you to create an aged paper look, or you can stain the paper yourself for an even more authentic look. Don't forget to dress up in vintage clothing for the feature photo!

6. Make it Postcard Perfect

You probably don't get very many postcards in the mail anymore, but you probably wish you did. Why not take this idea and use it for making your own wedding invitations?

Find one of your favorite vacation photos (ideally one with you and your partner) and fade the color a bit using a photo editing program for effect. Print the back to mimic a handwritten letter from you informing the recipient about how great your trip was, and... oh, the coming wedding ceremony. Or, if you're really keen, you can use a fine-tipped marker to write the message yourself.

7. Use a Mason Jar Theme

No, you don't have to send glass mason jars through the mail for this one. Simply print your wedding details on the shape of a mason jar and cut it out. You can take it a step further by making a printed mason jar that opens at the top (you may need two sheets of paper attached together for this) and slipping a photo or other information inside. (Meanwhile, real mason jars are great as part of your rustic wedding decorations .)

Many Rustic Wedding Invitation Ideas To Try

You've already chosen the theme of your wedding and decided who you want to be there, so that's two big chores out of the way.

Instead of sending out the standard wedding invitations, you can tap into wedding invitation ideas that not only fit the rustic theme but will become keepsakes for your guests. Above all, remember to have fun at the wedding and check back on our site for more wedding ideas!

Control the Crowd: Rustic Wedding Place Cards That'll Delight Your Guests

Mon, 06 May 2019 14:47:04 GMT

Worried your wedding crowd won't be able to find their seats? Make sure you take a look at these rustic wedding place cards that'll delight your guests.

It's the greatest day of your life!

And yet, 96 percent of couples said that wedding planning is stressful. We can only assume that the remaining 4 percent are lying.

Having to plan your wedding can be stressful. You've got to think about everything from booking the venue to arranging the bride's wedding dress.

Anything you can check off your giant list of worries is surely welcomed, right?

Imagine when everyone goes to take their seat at the wedding. The guests are suddenly confused in the crowd trying to work out where they are supposed to be sitting.

With our rustic place cards, you make sure everyone knows where to sit. We've got tons of creative ideas for your wedding place setting cards. Check out more below!

1. Timeless Mason Jars

Mason jars appear to have been around forever. However, they're undergoing a renaissance most recently with growing popularity.

There is something so timeless about the simple glass jars. That's why they make the perfect prop for your place cards.

Just write each guest's names on a piece of brown rustic card before dropping them into the open jar. Or, you can stand the placement cards on the outside of the glass jar, tied together with a piece of string.

Your guests are going to love the home comfort vibe of these modest little mason jar place cards so much. They'll surely want to take them home.

2. Ornate Horseshoes

Can you get your hands on dozens of small rustic horseshoes?

Small horseshoes can be excellent decorations for your wedding placement cards. Just attach the cards with a piece of ribbon to the edge of each horseshoe.

Instead of everyone confusingly trying to find their spot before dinner, you can display everyone's seat on a board outside the venue.

If you're going for the country wedding theme, then horseshoes are definitely appropriate.

3. Tiny Pumpkins Place Cards

What's the most popular time to get married?

You may be surprised to hear Fall is the most popular season for weddings. Furthermore, October 7 is the most common date.

If you're planning your wedding date for October, you may also consider a Halloween theme.

Around this time of year, you can always buy small pumpkin ornaments to get you in the mood for the season.

Just attach the name tags to these tiny pumpkins to give your guests a shock on your wedding day.

4. Place Card Pinecones

Have you ever looked at a pinecone and wondered how useful it would be for a wedding place card?

We definitely have done. The gaps between the pines allow you to elegantly slot your place cards in them.

If you want to create a wintery atmosphere at your December or January wedding, then pinecones are great.

5. The Key to Your Heart

Your husband/bride to be must has the key to your heart.

But, you can also use vintage keys to unlock the mystery of where everyone's sitting on your wedding day.

Simply attach cute place cards to each unique and wacky key before allocating each person's seat.

Everyone's got random keys laying around their homes. You can give a call out for vintage keys to collect them before the big day.

6. Trunk Chunks

It's natural that you want your rustic wedding to have a touch of the wilderness everywhere.

Pieces of wooden tree trunks can add authenticity to your wedding decorations like no other item.

Just slice a gap in the center of each piece of wood to allow you to slide in the place cards.

7. Honey in the Pot

Your guests have traveled far and wide to be with you on your special day. It wouldn't do any harm to give them a small gift of thanks.

You can incorporate your gift into the place cards as well. If you want to keep in line with the rustic them, you shouldn't go too extravagant.

The humble treat of a pot of honey makes the perfect gift. You can tie the place card around the top.

You can even print a message of goodwill on the side of the jar of honey. This shouldn't be any ordinary honey either. Indeed, only organic and local honey is good enough for your guests.

8. Picture Perfect

Writing is too trendy and modern for your classic wedding?

You've got to go old school with your place cards. You could drop the names of your guests altogether and go with photographs instead.

Can you get a picture of every guest as a cheeky child? You could also hire a cartoonist to draw a funny sketch of each attendee.

9. Light up the Room with Lanterns

Lanterns have many symbolic meanings across cultures and civilizations.

As the sun sets on your wedding day, your guests will be delighted to be guided to their seats by the light of lanterns.

Just feature each name on the side of the lantern. If you're worried about fire safety, you can always cut corners with fake electric candles.

10. Sprigs of Herbs

David is definitely rosemary. Sarah is surely cilantro.

You could trigger your guests into a guessing frenzy by attaching different herbs to each person's wedding cards.

You could also choose to arrange tables around different herbs. Mint for the head table, basil for your cousins.

Planning Your Rustic Barn Wedding?

Coming up with creative ideas for place cards can be really difficult. It can sometimes feel like the best ideas have already been taken.

We've shown that there are always new and creative ways to delight your guests with rustic themed place cards.

Are you having a rustic barn wedding? Check out our venue and events here .

How to Pick Bridesmaid Dresses for Your Ranch Style Wedding

Mon, 06 May 2019 14:39:06 GMT

Your bridesmaids don't just need dresses, they need dresses that'll match your theme. Here's how to pick bridesmaid dresses for your ranch style wedding.

Rustic and ranch-style weddings are fast becoming the most popular wedding style out there.

This is hardly surprising. A ranch wedding offers you the opportunity to have your wedding in a beautiful location. And you can put your own special twist on your big day.

Picking bridesmaids' dresses is no exception. 47% of brides still take charge of choosing their bridesmaid outfits. But this can be dangerous territory.

You need to find something that works with the venue and pleases your bridesmaids. After all, no one wants grumpy bridesmaids in the back of their wedding photos!

Fortunately, we're here to help. Read on to find out our best tips on how to pick bridesmaid dresses for your perfect ranch wedding.

How to Pick Bridesmaid Dresses That Match Your Venue

You want your bridesmaids dresses to look right at home in your venue. The best way to do this is to choose tones that work with the colors of the rustic setting.

Dark wood tones work best with warm, earthy colors. Paler shades can also work but they risk looking a little icy against the wood. Soft, bright colors look great on a ranch so it's probably best to put bold reds or bright neons on the shelf.

It's also important to think about how your bridesmaid dresses will look in photos. This can be quite different from how they look in person. It's always worth doing some test shots with them.

You can also check out photos of other weddings at your rustic venue. This will give you a good idea of which color palettes work best there.

What Are You Working With?

No, we're not talking about your bridesmaids! To choose a bridesmaids dress, you need to think practically. This involves taking other fixed aspects of your wedding into account.

Your dress is a big one. You should always choose your dress before shopping for bridesmaid dresses.

Knowing the cut and shade of your dress will help you to pick bridesmaid dresses. You might want the dresses to work alongside your gown. For example, they might have a similar neckline.

But most brides go for something that compliments their dress by contrasting with it. You can only create this contrast once you know what your bridal gown looks like.

The time of year that you're getting married is another important consideration. Rustic weddings are beautiful but they can be cold in the winter. So you might want your bridesmaid dresses to accommodate this.

Think Outside the Box

A rustic wedding offers you the opportunity to have a truly unique day. Your bridesmaid dresses can reflect this.

You might consider going for something more vibrant than traditional wedding pastels. Or you might even consider putting your bridesmaids in a lively print! This can look especially stunning in the summer sun at a ranch wedding.

If prints aren't for you, why not look at color palettes? Having your bridesmaids in dresses that compliment one another looks amazing. And it emphasizes your creative eye!

This also allows the bridesmaids a little more freedom to wear a dress in a shade that they prefer.

And dress tips aren't all about choosing the right color or cut. Think about the best material for your venue.

Outdoor photos look amazing if there's some movement in your bridesmaid dresses. So choose a material that flows over anything too tailored or stiff.

Don't Forget the Footwear!

How to choose bridesmaid dresses doesn't just end with the dresses themselves. Pairing an understated dress with unique footwear can give it a fun twist.

You can also use your footwear to give a nod to your venue of choice. Think about pairing your bridesmaid dresses with boots to truly embrace the ranch!

Shorter boots can look great with long dresses. Or proper gringo boots look amazing with a shorter skirt.

These are also far comfier than heels. So your bridesmaids will thank you when they hit the dancefloor!

Think About the Accessories

These small details really tie together your wedding look, so take the time to think about them.

Depending on your color palette, turquoise jewelry can give a nod to western fashion. It is a bold color, so works well in small accessories rather than as a dress color. And it can add vibrancy to softer tones without overpowering them.

Flower garlands are another lovely way to acknowledge a natural, rustic setting. They also look amazing!

For extra detail, check out the wildflowers in the area of your wedding venue. Adding these to flower garlands will make them look even more at home in your wedding photos.

Open Up the Discussion

Your bridesmaids are the ones who have to wear the dress you choose, so it's important to listen to their opinions.

This can be difficult, especially if you have a big group of bridesmaids. So try to be understanding and fair.

If you're going for a color palette of dresses rather than one look, pick several different styles. That way you can see what people prefer and go from there.

You want everyone to feel confident and happy on the day. Finding something they want to wear can really support this.

Getting your bridesmaids to help you research dresses also cuts down on your workload. And they might come across some amazing ideas that you missed!

The Bottom Line

It's important to know how to pick bridesmaids dresses for your rustic wedding. Picking the wrong ones could throw the look of your day off balance. So do your research.

Don't be afraid to go for something a little different that embraces your venue's look. And use your bridesmaids to find something amazing that they all love.

For more tips on perfecting your rustic wedding, check out our blog . Or get in touch today to book your dream venue.

7 Tips for Creating a Fun DIY Photo Booth for Your Barnyard Wedding

Mon, 06 May 2019 14:33:19 GMT

It's not official without pictures! And your guests want to snap some pics, too. Here's 7 tips for creating a fun DIY photo booth for your barnyard wedding.

Your wedding day is one that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life, so having as many photos of the day as possible is an absolute must for anyone tying the knot.

Sure, a professional photographer is a great option, as they are sure to get a ton of shots for you to enjoy for years to come. But there are other creative ways to capture those unforgettable moments, too.

That's why photo booths at weddings are so popular. It's another great (and fun) way to document what will be one of the best nights of your entire life, so you can relive the moments captured in them forever.

But renting a photo booth can be expensive, and with so much of the budget already going toward a photographer , spending more money on wedding pictures might not be in the cards.

That's where DIY photo booths come into play. You can create a photo-taking experience for you and your guests at a very low cost that's just as good as what the pros would give you.

Not sure how? Don't worry, we've got you covered!

In this article, we'll give you 7 tips on how to create a DIY photo booth, without touching too much of your wedding budget.

Now then, let's get started!

1. Pick the Perfect Spot

You want to make sure that your photo booth is somewhere that all of your guests will see it, that way you can get as many pictures out of it as possible.

If you have a space designated for gifts, somewhere near that area works well, as most guests will be stopping by at some point.

It's also not a bad idea to have someone or something pointing people in the right direction, letting them know that the photo booth exists and encouraging them to take pictures for themselves, as well as the bride and groom.

2. Make a Fun Backdrop

Creating a backdrop is without a doubt the most fun part about making a DIY photo booth. Obviously, you want something that looks great in the pictures, but you'll want something that fits in with your rustic barnyard wedding theme , too.

If you have enough space, you can create something elaborate that will be a focal point of your room. Or if you want something more low key, a smaller setup in the corner somewhere works, too. It's completely up to you and what you think will look the best!

3. Light It Up

It's important to make sure that your photo booth is well lit, so your pictures come out looking the best they can. Even if the rest of your space utilizes dark or dim lighting, make sure the photo booth area has enough light for quality picture taking .

You can use a few string lights in the area to add more light, as well as little flair. Or you can set up a lightbox or two that are only turned on during picture-taking periods. Don't be afraid to get creative, just as long as there's enough light for the pictures to look fabulous!

4. Get Some Crazy Props

What's a good photo booth without wacky props? Props such as hats, mustaches, or speech bubbles are a great way to get people to open up a bit and take silly photos, which can often time be the most memorable kind of pictures.

What kind of props you use are completely up to you, but the "sillier the better" approach usually works the best. You can pick props that tie into the theme of your wedding, or you can go completely random; either way, your guests are sure to have a good time with them!

5. Use Instant Print Cameras

Instant print cameras are a must for any DIY wedding photo booth.

If you have guests take pictures using an instant print camera, you can start your wedding album right there! Simply ask guests to paste their photos inside the book. And if you have a little extra room in the budget, encourage guests to take two photos. That way they can take one for themselves and leave one for you, so everyone gets a memento from the special night.

6. Consider Using an iPad

If you're looking to create a photo album using higher quality photos, an iPad is the perfect solution. Everyone knows how to use one and they take great pictures, which will all be stored in one handy location for later use.

You more than likely already have access to an iPad, removing any cost, and any pictures taken with it will be easy to share or print. Most iPads also come with built-in filters, some of which can be a bit silly, and can save you from purchasing any props.

7. Make a Hashtag for Your Wedding

Finally, it's important to create a unique wedding hashtag for your special day so you can easily find all photos that are taken and shared on social media.

If you can work in a silly pun using your name, go for it. Something as simple as #lastnameanddate works well, too. Just be sure to advertise your wedding hashtag, especially at your photo booth, so guests can share their pictures with you.

Time to Get Started on Your DIY Photo Booth!

Now that you're aware of these 7 tips on how to create your own DIY photo booth for your wedding, you're ready to plan your own!

Remember, have fun setting up and designing your photo booth, and don't be afraid to get creative with your backdrop and props. Also, instant print cameras and iPads are enough to get the job done, you don't need a fancy camera or anything expensive.

Be sure to check out our blog , where you'll find more tips and tricks on how you can create the perfect barnyard wedding!

Rustic Wedding Chair Decoration Ideas for the Aisle and Reception

Mon, 06 May 2019 14:16:45 GMT

Dressing up the chairs at your wedding is a beautiful detail you shouldn't forget. Click here for rustic chair decoration ideas for the Aisle and reception.

Congratulations! If you've got the ring, and you're ready to set the date that your entire future begins, then you've begun the happiest time of your life.

Wedding planning is a huge project, but it doesn't have to be as stressful as people make it out to be. A rustic wedding is the perfect combination of beautiful and relaxed, and your event will make people comfortable and excited to celebrate your big day.

Here are 10 of the best rustic chair decorations for the aisle and the reception at your gorgeous rustic wedding.

1. Burlap Bows

If you're having your wedding in the perfect rustic barn , then you need the right decor to match. Something with satin and lace may not be the same vibe you're looking for, although with the right touches you can work in more luxurious fabrics.

Instead, why not try burlap bows for the chairs along the aisle?

2. Flower Vase Chair Decorations

When you're walking down the aisle, do it on a path lined with tiny white baby's breath flowers. Whether you use vintage dark blue vases or farmhouse chic mason jars, you'll love the feel of being in a field of wildflowers with these simple decorations.

Wire the vases to the chairs so they won't fall off. Remember, you have no idea how clumsy the people sitting in those chairs will be. Then wrap some twine (a cheap solution, available at the dollar store) around the base a few times and tie a tiny bow.

The day of the wedding, you can fill the vases halfway with water and slip in a few stems of baby's breath. It's a tiny, beautiful flower, and white goes with everything. But if you'd rather have the flowers match your bouquet , get a few extra of your flowers for the aisle decorations.

3. Use Tulle and Burlap Together

A fabric that's a traditional fancy or luxurious fabric can work with your rustic barn theme wedding if you mix it with something more natural and plain, like burlap.

You can use tulle and burlap together to make a bow on the aisle chairs, or wrap them around a florist's wreath form to make a more tidy decoration.

4. Wild and Free

If burlap isn't your favorite, your rustic wedding doesn't have to include that fabric. Use a sheer white like tulle or something more flexible. Tie a bow and stick in a small bouquet of a traditional farm flower like lavender or Queen Anne's Lace.

5. Photos

Use rustic wood frames without paint or embellishment to recall part of your history. Hang 5x7 frames from the aisle chairs and put in photos of the bride and groom when they were little inside on each one's side.

Or if you're encouraging everyone not to "pick a side," then why not frame all photos of the two of you together, instead of from before you met?

6. Bride and Groom Chairs

Decorate the chairs at the reception for you and your mate with rustic bride and groom signs. Find ones made of wire or the words cut out of old wood. You can even paint them to match the wedding colors if you think that works better.

Here's another way to keep up the rustic theme but have a less complicated project. If you're DIYing your rustic wedding to save money , then this will work great. Use two short planks, about the same length, and paint the words you like on them with paint markers.

There's less mess than regular paint, and you can get finer detail with the marker medium. It's also better for stencils if you don't want to freehand the letters.

7. Rustic Iron Couple Signs

Use rustic iron signs with arrows. This theme is all the rage, and two arrows pointing at each other on the back of the bride and groom chairs will be perfect to complete the theme. They can say your names or "true love."

Even bride and groom (or groom and groom) works well, and sets up the scene and makes it a little more special.

8. And...

If you are embracing the rustic feel of the barn wedding, why not go with all raw wood? Have a custom ampersand cut out of raw wood and string it between the two chairs, rather than decorating each with its own sign.

When two are becoming one, capitalize on the event and make it part of the theme. Hang it with twine (double up if you're worried about the weight of the sign) to complete the look.

9. Go Unique with Off Center

Wrap your chosen fabric, whether it's burlap or tulle, around the top right corner of the chair instead of around the middle. Then instead of tying it in the center, tie it in the bottom corner.

You can add a bloom of some kind or a decoration that matches the rest of your theme. But wrapping it and tying off to the side will mix things up enough to make your guests appreciate your simple yet sophisticated style.

10. Heart-Shaped Wreath

Hang a couple of grapevine wreaths on the back of the chairs instead. You can use caspia, but a grapevine is bare, and it goes so well with the rustic theme. Decorate it with whatever fresh flowers you like, or whatever knick-knacks go with the decor you already cooked up.

You can attach them only on one corner, or all the way around the whole wreath.

Your Dream Rustic Wedding

Everything on your wedding day should be just the way you want it, from the invitations and the dinner to the song you dance to after the ceremony.

Whether you're worried about the chair decorations along the aisle or at the reception, follow these tips to pull it off without a hitch.

Book Windsong Ranch's beautiful wedding venue today for your special event.

A Rustic Plate: Unique Dinner Ideas for Your Barn Themed Wedding

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 14:48:57 GMT

To have the perfect barn themed wedding, it is important to carry the theme into every part of the event. Check out these dinner ideas for inspiration.

Imagine you're attending a beautiful rustic barn themed wedding. The venue is absolutely stunning, surrounded by nature. The ceremony goes perfectly, and everyone is excited for the reception and the food that goes along with it.

You sit down at your table, and spirits are high. What kind of food could go along with this amazing rustic theme? And then they announce that everyone can make their way to the taco bar for food. Theme ruined.

If you want to have a rustic barn wedding , you need to have the right food to go along with it. There are plenty of options to suit all sorts of dietary needs, and we have some of our favorite ideas right here for you. Read on to make your wedding the tastiest event of the year.

Seasonality is Key

If you're throwing a wedding on a farm, you're going to want to incorporate the crops that are growing during the time of year your wedding takes place. Not only does this keep with the theme of the wedding and give it a farm to table feel, but it also ensures the food your guests are eating is fresh and delicious.

Seasonality can also apply to the weather specific to your wedding. Plan your dinner around the time of year and the climate that your wedding takes place in.

Summer weddings can be complemented by great salad options, as well as fresh fruits. Fall or winter weddings are best accompanied by heartier options such as roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Location, Location, Location

You've already spent months researching the perfect location for your rustic farm wedding. Make sure that your rustic dinner matches that amazing location.

Farm themed rustic dinners come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing that's important is using local ingredients and cuisines. What's the point in having a wedding on a farm if you're shipping in food from across the country? You wouldn't have Indian food at your big fat Greek wedding, so don't bring southern barbeque to a New England farm wedding.

If you're having a wedding in the Pacific Northwest, take advantage of the amazing fresh seafood the region has to offer. You can even complement the meal with a selection of locally made wines.

For Southwest weddings, your rustic farm wedding is more likely going to be a rustic ranch wedding, which sounds just as amazing. Having a barbeque style wedding dinner is the perfect option here, with plenty of light options to complement the meat in the hot Texas heat.

Midwest and Northeast weddings are going to be heavy on the locally grown veggies. Hearty, rustic, roasted potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, and whatever proteins your heart desires.

Have an Outdoor Food Bar

Food bars are one of the hottest new trends for wedding dinners, and there's a good reason for it. Food bars allow people to choose food based on their dietary restrictions or food preferences without having to make special requests to the kitchen. It also allows for an added social aspect, as people mill around the food tables.

Taking the food bar concept and applying it to your rustic barn themed wedding can produce spectacular results. We love the idea of having different tables spread out around an outdoor reception area, each with a different type of food.

Having a fresh vegetable table is a must for a farm wedding. A selection of seasonal vegetables with a few locally sourced spreads will make for a delicious snack during the meal and all throughout the reception.

A rustic take on the classic salad bar is another great option. Roasted veggie salads, a harvest potato salad, and other hearty, healthy variations of salads will wow your guests.

What's For Dessert?

Dessert is always a staple of any wedding, with a cake being the centerpiece. But you aren't going for a traditional wedding, so why go traditional for dessert?

We love the idea of a naked cake in place of a traditional wedding cake. The pared-back frosting free look fits perfectly with the rustic theme of a barn wedding. It allows the wedding cake to be the centerpiece without being overly flashy.

To complement the wedding cake, we really like the idea of implementing an ice cream sundae bar. It fits with the food bar theme (if you choose to use it) and allows your guests to customize their dessert.

Decorating Your Barn Themed Wedding Dinner

While food is obviously the most important aspect of a wedding dinner, decorations are very important too. You just had a beautiful rustic ceremony inside a barn, don't you want your reception to fit the theme as well?

Utilize items that are commonly found on farms as methods for hosting the reception. Pallets can make great serving tables for your food bar. Barrels set up along the grounds make great places for people to set their plates or cups and socialize around.

Instead of traditional tables with assigned seating, consider using tastefully decorated picnic tables throughout the reception area. It fits with the theme and allows for more socialization and customization.

Complement the Dinner with Unique Drinks

Drinks are a staple of any wedding reception, and quite possibly the main reason some of your friends and family show up (everyone likes free booze).

Make sure the drinks at your wedding fit the rustic farm theme with some unique drink ideas.

Punch bowls with mason jars make for a rustic and easy to self-serve drink option. In the summer, go with a delicious hard lemonade. For the fall, go with a spiked apple cider punch.

We also love the idea of a Bloody Mary bar. Let's be honest, most people will probably be hungover from the rehearsal dinner and party. What's better than loading up a bloody mary with all the fixins and fresh veggies from the garden?

Beyond Dinner: Other Rustic Wedding Tips

If you're ready for your barn themed wedding dinner, then you can move on to other important things!

We have plenty of tips for rustic weddings. Best of all, we have the perfect venue! Check it out here , and start planning your perfect wedding.

10 Ideas to Plan the Perfect Rustic Barn Wedding

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 14:54:19 GMT

Do you dream of saying your "I Dos" is a rustic barn wedding venue? Check out this guide for 10 ideas to make the day picture perfect.

From the dawn of the human race, we've stood in awe of nature. There's still nothing like nature to lend mysticism, drama, and awe to an event.

Perhaps that's why you're joining the rising trend of people choosing a barn for their wedding venue. If so, you may not have the same kind of resources on hand to help you decide how to deck out the venue as you would for a traditional wedding.

We've got you covered. Here are 10 rustic barn wedding ideas to take you back to nature.

1. Drapes and Curtains

One of the difficulties of a barn wedding can be the overwhelming space available. That's where curtains can help to cut a barn into smaller areas, creating more intimate spaces within the larger area.

And if you already have curtains in play, then drapes are an excellent way to carry that aesthetic through to the rest of your decor. Neutral colors can emphasize the barn's rustic interior without distracting from your back-to-nature look.

2. Decorative Jars

There's something about jars that lean right into the aesthetic of a barn wedding, perhaps because a farmhouse and its storage jars are both so evocative of rural living.

The decorative uses of jars are already widely acknowledged, so consider using a few of these to give a homemade flair to your wedding decorations. You can do everything with jars from using them for lighting to serving drinks in them, so the ideas are endless.

3. Candles

If you're going for the atmosphere of a barn, then it would be a shame to drown it out with industrial-grade lighting. A barn wedding should be a low-tech and intimate affair, so consider subbing out some of your electric lighting for cozy candles.

You can pair this idea up with jars, for instance, turning them into the perfect candle-holders to light your dinner tables.

Just be aware of any fire safety concerns that may go along with your candles! You don't want your wedding to become a literal barn-burner.

4. Fairy Lights

Of course, candles do lack the output of electric lights, and they're not practical for lighting a whole barn. That's where fairy lights can pick up some of the slack.

Fairy lights, despite their modernity, still carry old-world charm. Perhaps that's why we use them to decorate trees. Their subtlety and ability to highlight, rather than distract, are perfect for a barn wedding.

Consider wrapping fairy lights around the barn's beams and rafters to provide a charming atmosphere.

5. Garlands and Wreaths

There's an unbreakable association between a barn and nature. So lean into it by decorating your space with garlands and wreaths.

The best part about using these decorations is that they'll slot in almost anywhere without distracting from the proceedings or becoming too much of a burden to put in place. Not sure what to do with a door? Wreath. Exposed rafters? Garlands.

They're versatile enough to play almost any role in your decorations, so consider throwing a few in whenever you're at a loss.

6. Fashion

It's not all about what you stick on the walls, of course. Your fashion choices also tie into the overall look of your wedding.

You don't need everyone in cowboy hats for a barn wedding (though you can if you want), but a few rustic touches can go a long way. Small touches like rustic lapel pins for men and flower adornments for hair can really tie things together without going too deep into the country vibe.

7. Use the Outdoors

When you have an urban wedding, it's easy to dismiss the outside as a lost cause thanks to other buildings and roads. But not so with a barn wedding.

If you have a barn as your venue , it's almost a shame to neglect the use of the outdoor space. Humans have always looked to nature when we celebrate, from garlands and wreaths to Christmas trees. So give your day a flavor of ancient traditions by using your outdoor space.

Try setting up a makeshift bar outside, or even having your first dance there, if the weather will be clement. Encourage guests to head out of the barn by placing barrels for tables and stools for seating in the outdoor space, and leave the barn doors open.

8. Wooden Pallets

Twenty years ago, it would be unthinkable that "wooden pallet" would share a sentence with "decoration", but we're living in an innovative time. A barn wedding is one of the venues that can elevate a humble transport structure into an element of interior design.

But pallets have incredible versatility for a barn wedding. They can serve purposes ranging from backdrops to serving tables or even become a space for a schedule or notice board with some cunning use of the slats.

9. Naked or Semi-Naked Cake

A barn wedding is a non-traditional spin, so why not lean into it? Naked or semi-naked cakes have become a popular way of breaking from the mold while still ensuring the wedding cake plays a traditional role.

Naked wedding cakes work so well with barn weddings because they both conform to a rustic, down-to-earth and pared-back aesthetic. As a centerpiece, it can do a lot to bring the whole look of your barn wedding together.

10. Benches

If you're recapturing the feel of a world gone by, then picnic benches are the perfect way to promote a social atmosphere and dispense with the formality of a traditional wedding.

Benches also go great with every other item on this list — you can light them with candles, fairy lights, or set them outside, which will all help to tie the theme of the wedding together.

Rustic Barn Wedding Ideas to Get Back to Nature

These 10 rustic barn wedding ideas will help you reconnect with nature without dispensing with the memory-making decorations of your wedding day. But the best part of this is that rustic decoration can even lead to you spending less on your big day.

Still pricing up your wedding? You can find our venue pricing here.

Bringing the Charm: 10 Ideas for Rustic Wedding Colors

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 15:05:16 GMT

Do you want the aesthetic of your wedding to be classic? Check out these 10 ideas for rustic wedding colors for the charm you need.

If you're one of the lucky 2.3 million couples getting married this year, then congrats!

The road to "I do," however, is no easy feat. From caterers to the guest list to selecting your bridal party, there's a lot to be done! But, the most important thing is that you found the love of your life and that you're ready to tie the knot.

If you know for certain that you're being pulled towards a rustic wedding, then you're probably wondering about rustic wedding colors. Wedding colors make all the difference and rustic weddings can easily make your special day one to remember.

Rustic weddings typically are where formal elegance meets the outdoors. Where Mother of the Bride meets Mother Nature.

Each rustic wedding is slightly unique and different, however. Some lean towards an Earthy vibe whereas others lean toward a more country western feel. Wherever your rustic wedding fits on this scale, we have you covered.

Read on to discover the best rustic wedding colors and how to best incorporate them on your big day.

10 Brilliant Ideas for Rustic Wedding Colors

15% of couples in 2017 chose a barn for their wedding venue. Even if a wedding doesn't take place in a barn the idea of "rustic chic" is appealing to many young couples. If you're attracted to rustic chic, homey, and "down to earth" wedding vibes, then explore the following ideas for rustic wedding colors.

1. Poppy Meets Marigold

Poppy, which is a light and fun shade of red, is a great color choice for farm, barnyard, and fun outdoor weddings. Paired with marigold, this color palette will give you the rustic chic, fall-inspired wedding you've been dreaming of.

2. Pop of Turquoise

Turquoise accent colors will give your wedding the colorful elegance you want in a powerful way. A pop of turquoise can be achieved in different tones to match the occasion, but this eye-catching light blue hue has captured the hearts of many brides on their big day.

Turquoise is also a great choice for a wedding with a country western theme. This is because of the endless choices of turquoise jewelry that you can choose to wear.

3. Neutral Elegance

Allow nature to speak, and opt for a neutral and elegant color palette for your wedding day. This includes shades of white, ivory, and grays.

Paired with floral arrangements with heavy emphasis on green leaves as accents, this classic neutral palette is gorgeous for rustic weddings. It will give you that rustic chic and formal look you've been after.

This palette is especially suited for whimsical wedding days, outdoor weddings with a vintage vibe, and weddings taking place in the forest. Add in some twinkle lights to your decor and these neutral tones are sure to make a statement.

4. Sunflower Dreams

The sunflower dream palette consists of different shades of yellow. From marigold to canary and bumblebee, this palette gets its inspiration from the simple elegance of a sunflower.

This palette is great for barn weddings, farm weddings, and garden weddings. Even better is if a sunflower field is nearby; a dream come true for many sunflower-inspired brides!

5. Purple and Gray

Purple and gray together make for a classic wedding color palette for many brides. While traditionally associated with formal weddings, this palette is now making its way to the rustic chic scene.

Brides looking for a sophisticated look are attracted to this color scheme. Paired with natural elements such as raw wood, branches, and green leaves, purple and gray tones give brides the formality they crave from a traditional wedding in a rustic chic venue they feel at home in.

6. Just Peachy

Peach tones paired with green tones and white is a showstopping color palette that every guest can enjoy. Peach is charming, classic, and elegant without being overpowering.

7. Olive Green and Blush Pink

Olive green and blush pink is a dazzling color combination that gives brides a fairytale feel. It's elegant and sophisticated, yet not overly traditional. This makes it a great choice for rustic weddings with an additional vintage or a glamor theme.

8. Limitless Color

Nature has unlimited color, and so can your rustic wedding! For this color palette opt for deep purples, navy blue, yellow, orange, and greens. This color palette resembles a field of wildflowers which all come together to form a beautiful scene.

The color palette is perfect for farm weddings, garden weddings, barn weddings, or forest weddings.

9. Orange and Gray

The Orange and gray rustic wedding colors palette is versatile and eye-catching. Bridesmaid dresses can either be gray or orange depending on how much you want the orange to pop. It's a terrific palette for farm weddings and barnyard weddings.

Feel free to also opt for different shades of orange and add in some light green accent colors. This will bring the orange and gray tones together for a more rustic, elegant look.

10. Deep Red and Sage

Deep red and sage are sure to wow your guests on your big day. Paired together, these colors are deeply romantic, yet subtle in their presentation. They are a variation of a more traditional wedding color scheme, which makes it perfect for your rustic outdoor wedding.

Bring on the love with this color scheme at barn weddings, farm weddings, and forest weddings.

The Best Rustic Wedding Colors for Your Big Day

Weddings are an important day in everyone's life. Choosing the best rustic wedding colors for your day will mean that all your dreams are finally coming true. The more connection you feel with your wedding colors the better.

As a bride, there are lots of colors to choose from. But, by selecting a palette that speaks to your heart, reflects your personality and your relationship, you're sure to make the best choice. Get creative, have fun, and plan the rustic wedding of your dreams.

Looking for a rustic wedding venue in Webster, Florida? Schedule a tour of our wedding venue today at Windsong Ranch.

And Now, a Toast: 9 Rustic Wedding Specialty Drinks for Your Barn Wedding

Sat, 02 Mar 2019 15:07:10 GMT

Looking for the perfect cocktail to complement your rustic barn wedding venue? Check out these 9 wedding specialty drinks for ideas.

It is recommended that you allocate up to 20% of your wedding budget for alcohol.

If you're going to be spending so much money on your drinks, then you want to be sure that they're drinks that people will never forget. And you also need to be sure that they match the style of your wedding.

If you're planning on having a rustic wedding, then you'll want drinks to match. This is the ideal opportunity to offer some truly wonderful cocktails.

So read on as we take a look at nine great rustic wedding specialty drinks that would be perfect for your barn wedding.

1. Hard Lemonade

Nothing is more rustic than a mason jar of home-made lemonade.

So home-made lemonade with a little extra something added in can make a perfect rustic cocktail for your wedding. Add some fruit into the mix and you've got something your guests are really going to love.

Mix together the traditional ingredients for home-made lemonade: sugar, water, and lemon juice. But then add in one cup of vodka for every cup of water you use. Try adding in some strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist, or you could even consider using a fruit flavored vodka.

2. Mojito

There's nothing more rustic than a fresh handful of mint leaves.

And that's what makes a mojito such a great choice for a rustic wedding cocktail. Mix together two tablespoons of lime juice with one cup of crushed ice. Stir in two teaspoons of sugar, about ten mint leaves, and a quarter cup of white rum.

Top up with club soda and you've got a rustic classic. If you want to give your guests an extra hit of antioxidants, try throwing a few blueberries in the mix too.

3. Mint Julep

If you're not a mojito fan, but still want to get your mint vibe on, then you can't go wrong with a mint julep.

The simplest recipe requires you to muddle together a handful of mint leaves with two teaspoons of sugar, then pour over two ounces of bourbon whiskey. Top it up with crushed ice and stir until it's properly mixed. Add a little more mint for garnish if you like.

Make sure you choose a good whiskey as this will be the most prominent flavor.

4. Rustic Manhattan

Think that a drink named after the busiest part of the busiest city can't be rustic? Think again.

A rustic manhattan takes the classic cocktail and gives it a rustic twist. Mix two ounces of apple whiskey with half an ounce of raspberry vermouth, and two dashes of bitters. Garnish with some slices of apple, and you've got a delicious cocktail that people will still be talking about at your golden wedding anniversary.

5. Bloody Mary

This could be a cocktail that divides opinion. But is there anything more rustic than a cocktail that's literally made out of tomatoes?

Mix one part vodka to two parts tomato juice. Add in a couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce , and you've got a stunning drink that is the perfect pick me up when your guests are flagging.

If you want to get a bit more adventurous you can add in a few other ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, even curry powder to provide even more of a kick.

6. Apple Pie

This is about as rustic as it gets.

A cocktail that's as American as, well, you get the point. For an incredibly simple version of this rustic classic, try the following: mix some apple cider with vanilla vodka and some brown sugar bourbon. Stir it up well and garnish with a slice of apple.

And if you really want to recreate the full apple pie experience, try heating up the apple cider until it just starts to steam, before you mix in the other ingredients. Then the only thing missing is the ice cream.

7. Pumpkin Martini

Pumpkin doesn't have to just be a flavoring for your latte.

It can also form the basis of a rustic classic; the tricky part is finding a good pumpkin liqueur or pumpkin spice syrup. Once you've found one, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour over half an ounce of cream liqueur and two ounces of vanilla vodka. Shake it up, then add in half an ounce of your pumpkin liqueur or syrup.

Shake it up one more time and top with a dash of whipped cream. Simply stunning.

8. Pear Naked Sailor

Sticking with the farm produce theme to suit your venue , this is another seriously rustic cocktail.

Mix together two ounces of spiced rum, with two ounces of pear puree. Add in two ounces of ginger nectar, half an ounce of lime juice and a couple dashes of bitters.

Top it up with ginger ale, and garnish with a slice of pear and some nutmeg. There's a bit of preparation needed to make the pear puree and ginger nectar, but this cocktail is more than worth the effort.

9. Irish Coffee

As the sun goes down on your perfect day, people may need a little pick-me-up to keep them pumped up and ready to dance the night away.

There's nothing that can really beat an Irish coffee at this point. It will warm up your wedding guests as the sun goes down, and keep them perked up for the rest of the evening. Just add your favorite Irish whiskey to some strong coffee and you're done.

And if you want to make it extra special, top it off with whipped cream.

You've Chosen the Wedding Specialty Drinks, Now All You Need Is the Rustic Venue

The wedding specialty drinks are all decided. So now it's time to find a beautiful rustic venue for your wedding.

We built our rustic wedding venue back in 2012 for our daughter who had always dreamed of a beautiful ranch wedding. We have 100 acres of pasture and fields of hay for a truly spectacular rustic setting. If you're looking for breathtaking views away from the hustle and bustle of the city then look no further.

Request your tour of the venue today.