Are you in need of some inspiration for you rustic-themed wedding? The state of Montana has long been known for its authentic, rustic charm. Through my experience in the Montana wedding industry in the last year, I have identified the top 10 wedding decoration trends of 2015.
1. Chalkboard Signs
These hand-made chalkboard signs add a great element of intimacy with guests. The fact that you went to the trouble of hand writing messages for your guests shows personal investment in the project which creates a sense of closeness. The fact that you can dress up the board with re-purposed photo frames also adds a fabulous, personalizable, rustic design element!
2. Antler Flower Arrangements
Honestly, what’s more rustic than a set of antlers? Grooms love this trend because it adds an element of masculinity into the flower arrangements that are featured in the reception area. And as if that wasn’t great enough, you don’t even need to feel bad about using the antlers of living animals. Antlers are shed annually by the animals that create them, so there’s no harm done!
3. Naked Cakes
With the exposed cake translating earthy tones (and less calories), a naked cake is a beautiful statement piece in a rustic setting. My personal favorite thing about the naked cake trend is that you can dress it up or down with different fruit based on the color scheme that you choose for your wedding. It’s delicious and diet-friendly!
4. Re-Purposed Bar Signs
This trend is a perfect example of a project that will translate beautifully from your wedding day to everyday life. They’re simple to make, and hold a great atmospheric presence in a wedding venue. The best part? It’s also perfect to include in your bar space at home once the wedding is over!
5. Sparklers
Can you imagine a more beautiful send-off once the sun goes down? The soft light that the sparklers give off is very flattering, and stimulates a fun atmosphere. This is a great trend because it is something that everyone involved with the wedding can be a part of, kids and adults alike. They’re safe, interactive, and best of all, CHEAP.
6. Reclaimed Wood Bars
Want to make a statement that also supports the environment? If so, this is the perfect way to go! Reclaimed wood is a cost effective option that produces the perfect rustic look. The fact that the wood is mis-matched is really charming and does a great job of making the project even easier! This is another element that can be either dressed up or dressed down to match the formality of your wedding venue.
7. Rustic Arbors
With this trend, there is no need to push your budget to rent an arbor for your venue. These arbors are made from discarded branches from trees which are put together to create a really cool and innovative design for an arbor. Since the charm in this project is imperfection, it’s really low-stress. All you need to do for this is go to your local wooded areas and get to work!
8. Muted Color Scheme
With the earthy tones and soft design elements that influence every rustic wedding, these muted tones of pink, purple, and blue are a perfect compliment. The colors bring about feelings of many things, some of which include femininity, purity, intimacy, and professionalism.
9. Pops of Deep Red
As you have read, there has been a movement in the rustic wedding scene to have a muted color scheme. Pairing this with the fact that brides sport pristine, white dresses, a pop of deep red is a perfectly captivating element that makes a statement. Since the connotations connected with a deep shade of red are passion and intimacy, your love for your spouse will be translated beautifully in a feature piece. (This trend can also be used in things like arbors, place cards, and drinks.)
10. Ranch-Style Barns
What kind of Rustic wedding would be complete without a big, beautiful barn to use as either a ceremony spot or reception venue? There has been a huge movement recently to hold rustic weddings at guest ranches that feature renovated barns that have been standing for 100 years, which have been perfectly tailored into a rustic wedding haven. Some Montana guest ranches to check out would be Paws Up,the Z5 Guest Ranch, and the Ranch at Rock Creek.
Well, there you have it! I hope that you not only enjoyed this post, but I hope that it also offered you some help in creating your perfect rustic wedding! Feel free to share this post and the ideas given with your friends! Thanks for reading!
Elizabeth Sicheri is a senior in the business school at the University of Montana. She hopes to complete her degree in the next year with a double major in International Business and Marketing as well as a double minor in Communications and French.