You’ve already booked your venue. You found the perfect place in the urban landscape. It’s not too far for your guests to travel, transportation is easily accessible, and there are accommodations for out-of-town guests. Perfect, right?
There’s just one catch. Both of you would like a rustic feel for your big day. You’re country kids at heart, and the big city vibes your venue gives just aren’t doing it for you.
You might ask yourself, “How do you create a rustic wedding in the city?”
Whether you’re bringing barnboard and mason jars to the décor, serving a “country” menu, or desiring a more relaxed atmosphere, these tips will help you bring the country to your city wedding.
1. Create Country Wedding Décor
Any space can be made over. While you may not be getting married in a barn, you can still control the majority of the décor inside your venue. Think about what gives you those “rustic” vibes. Is it weathered barnboard? There may be a way to incorporate it into the seating arrangements.
Mason jars and small lanterns might also help bring the country feel to a city wedding. Could you put small lanterns on each table, sitting on small wooden crates? Maybe there’s a way to incorporate hay bales. If you’re having a fall wedding, think about bringing some pumpkins or colourful maize to the décor.
There are many different ways to make even the sleekest and most stylish urban venue feel more like a rustic country abode.
2. Find a Garden for Your Photos
Photos may be the next challenge for your city-meets-country wedding. When you step outside, all you can see is the concrete jungle. Where can you take pictures that will incorporate the country vibe you want, without needing to travel outside the city?
A good solution would be to look for a park or garden space. In Toronto, you might find large botanical gardens or pay a visit to the new rose garden that just opened up in Burlington. Look for a green outdoor space near your venue so you and your guests don’t need to travel far.
3. Floral Accents
Your flower arrangements could be another way to bring the country into your urban space. Think about native wildflowers and those commonly grown on local farms. Sunflowers and daisies might not be flowers you’d initially pick, but they could bring some additional rustic charm to the wedding venue and even to your bridal party.
Think about what’s currently in season and what grows wild in your neck of the woods. You might consider adding local produce to centrepieces or some sprigs of hay. Use twine or raffia and wrap bouquets in yellowed paper for an additional rustic touch.
4. Consider Attire
Cowboy boots and cowboy hats? You may not need to go so far, but you could ask your guests to dress for an old-fashioned square dance. You and your partner might also consider your own attire, as well as that of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Even small details like plaid shoes or pocket squares can help create the air of a country wedding.
5. Serve a Rustic Menu
Trade the upscale offerings for a more rustic and down-to-earth menu at your wedding. Think about gourmet twists on down-home favourites and comfort foods. Southern fried chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese can be sophisticated. Skip the cake and think about serving up country classics, like apple pie.
There are many other ways you can bring the country into a city wedding. With these tips in hand, your wedding will feel like a rustic retreat, even in the heart of a busy metropolis.
