If you do choose to go with a rustic theme, one of the most prominent ways to do so is with rustic wedding centerpieces.
One of the most popular wedding themes from the past few years of wedding inspiration is undoubtedly rustic. Many brides desire a classically rustic celebration fit for a farm or barn venue, while others choose to incorporate a rustic motif with otherwise elegant décor. No matter which sort of decorations – rustic through and through or just a hint of the design ideas – rustic wedding inspiration is aplenty. If you love the rustic wedding look but prefer a more formal celebration, consider implementing small elements of wood, branches, succulents, and moss into the event design or save the true theme with farm tables and mason jars for a pre-wedding party, such as your rehearsal dinner or a welcome party at a destination wedding.
If you do choose to go with a rustic theme for your wedding day, one of the most prominent ways to do so is with rustic reception centerpiece ideas and table decor for weddings. Many rustic weddings tend to showcase bare wooden tables draped with only a fabric table runner or a floral table runner composed of colorful or neutral blooms or a garland of greenery, and these types of weddings also favor low wedding centerpiece designs to provide a more laid-back feel for the wedding tabletop decor. White blooms are widely used in these types of designs to allow the greenery to stand out in the centerpiece for wedding receptions; however, any florals will look lovely when placed in wooden boxes, birch-wrapped vases, or placed next to verdant greenery, herbs, and moss as the centerpiece for wedding events.
If you like the look of many rustic wedding ideas, but you have always wanted to incorporate a gorgeous glass candelabra or cascading crystal details into your reception décor, you can do both! Many brides choose to embrace the "rustic elegant" theme so that they can have the best of both worlds – a lush celebration full of beautiful blooms, crystal details, and a bit of glam, while also incorporating a look that's a bit more laid-back whether with centerpieces – ideas are below! – or other parts of the wedding décor, such as the wedding bar, escort card table, and more.
Whether you choose to go super rustic, rustic-elegant with a bit of glam, or one of the many in-between design options for rustic-inspired centerpieces, ideas for reception décor, and more, we encourage you to go back through the images above and click your favorite photos to see additional ideas from these gorgeous real wedding events.
When selecting the table for your rustic reception, we've seen couples choose long, wooden farm tables, round varieties covered with lace linens, or even additional table varieties with a fabric table runner in either linen, burlap, or wood. Guest seating can incorporate antique-inspired cane-back chairs, wooden X-back vineyard chairs, or even industrial metal seating or modern Ghost chairs. As far as the centerpieces themselves, we love floral runners, low centerpieces of greenery and white blooms accented with succulents, grandiose centerpiece designs that bring glamour to a rustic tablescape, or a variety of wildflowers in wooden boxes, glass bottles, or vintage-style vases.
For a wedding that's a bit more glam than it is rustic, couples can incorporate birch branches, manzanita branches, or other woodsy décor to give their more-formal celebration an earthy, natural feel. We also love when couples use wooden signs for their wedding ceremony or reception, or even have a calligrapher write each table's number on a wood block. As we've mentioned, you can go as rustic or rustic-inspired as you'd like! While your wedding venue will likely influence the style of wedding you design, it doesn't have to do so completely. If you're saying "I do" at a farm, barn, or ranch, a rustic-style wedding is an easy choice; however, if you want it to be a bit more glam, by all means, go for it! On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you're exchanging vows at a luxury hotel, private estate, or a banquet hall that usually hosts classic or opulent weddings, it's okay to incorporate some rustic elements!
As with anything related to your wedding day, it's important to choose wedding ideas and inspiration that fits you and your future spouse's design aesthetic for the big day. It's your day and you should have the wedding you want, regardless of where you'll be saying "I do," what past weddings at the venue have looked like, or even what your friends or family think about the décor of the day. We encourage you to browse inspiration, think outside of the box, and create a day that's unique to you as a couple, so that years from now when you look back on the happiest day of your life, you have zero regrets. Happy planning!
Love the rustic look? View these barn wedding receptions, discover 25 rustic outdoor wedding ideas, and take a look at the rustic weddings from real couples!
Opening photo by Collin Pierson Photography; Planning and design by Michelle Durpetti Events; From Real Wedding: Morning Restaurant Garden Wedding + Brunch Reception in Chicago