Barn weddings are unique and unforgettable, offering a relaxed and informal atmosphere that stands out from traditional weddings. However, there are some specific challenges that await you. With our 5 tips for your barn wedding, nothing will stand in the way of your big day:
Why Is a Barn Wedding a Good Idea?
A barn wedding offers numerous advantages that appeal to many couples. The rustic charm and natural surroundings create a picturesque backdrop, while the more intimate atmosphere and creative design freedom offer a warm and personal experience.
Choosing an unconventional location like a barn allows couples to emphasize the character of their love and design the wedding according to their wishes. This option can also be more cost-effective and facilitate access to fresh agricultural products for the wedding meal. Furthermore, some barn locations offer the possibility of overnight accommodation on-site to make the festivities even more special.
Tip 1: Barn Decor and Style
Decoration and style are crucial to highlighting the rustic charm of a barn wedding. Natural materials such as jute, wood, and linen are particularly suitable for this. Here are some additional tips from us:
Straw and Hay Bales
Use straw and hay bales as additional seating. In summer, they are a hit, especially outdoors. They immediately give your celebration a rural touch. Decorated with blankets and cushions, you can also make them even more comfortable.
Vintage Details
Many old barns that you can book as your wedding venue are likely already decorated with many vintage details. If not, you can use elements such as chairs, typewriters, mirrors with massive frames, birdcages, and much more to bring out the rustic charm even better.
Color Scheme
Choose a color scheme that fits well with your location and the rustic style. The wedding classic white can be combined with almost anything. But earth tones and various shades of green also suit almost every barn wedding.
Barn Lighting
One of the most important elements for a rustic and romantic atmosphere is the lighting. Especially when the sun goes down, every light counts. Consider using old pendant lamps or chandeliers as well as rustic lanterns. Of course, candles should not be missing either. A special eye-catcher can be a ceiling full of fairy lights, reminiscent of a starry sky. Before your wedding, ensure that you have sufficient light during dinner, which will not disturb you at a later hour.
Flowers in a Rustic Look
Wildflowers, thistles, sunflowers—your barn wedding can be combined with many flowers that grow in the immediate vicinity. This not only makes your arrangements true eye-catchers but is also environmentally friendly.
Tip 2: Wedding Dresses Suitable for a Rustic Barn Wedding
Vintage-style wedding dresses are particularly suitable for a barn wedding. Be inspired by the 1920s to 1970s. But modern boho-style dresses are also perfect for the rustic look of your location. They are currently very popular and can be found in any good bridal shop. They are characterized by flowing fabrics and lace appliqués. Back cut-outs and bell sleeves make your outfit a true eye-catcher! Matching makeup in natural colors as well as flower wreaths or hair accessories in a rustic look complete this wedding look.
What you should avoid: Long trains and too much tulle can be a disaster at a barn wedding. There are often small niches and, above all, small toilets. It is best to pay attention to these details during your viewing of the wedding location.
Above all, however, you should avoid extremely high and thin heels on your bridal shoes. The old floorboards in barns are often uneven and riddled with small holes and cracks in which stilettos easily get caught.
Tip 3: Catering and Beverage Selection
Every good wedding includes good food. This is no different for a barn wedding! In addition to hearty dishes or a barbecue menu, more unusual ideas are also suitable for a hip wedding. How about a selection of food trucks in front of the barn, for example? Whatever you decide on, you can’t go wrong with local specialties for your celebration.
By the way, a DIY-style candy bar fits perfectly with a barn wedding. This is a place where your guests can cross paths. This element is particularly popular with children.
When it comes to the selection of drinks, you can let your creativity run wild. How about large glass containers full of homemade iced tea or fresh lemonade, for example? A whiskey bar also fits perfectly with your celebration. Apple drinks like cider can additionally round off the event.
Tip 4: Entertainment and Music: What to Look Out For!
Entertainment and music are important aspects of any wedding and determine the course of the evening and the mood of the guests. Live bands are particularly suitable for a rustic barn wedding. During dinner, you could also score points with smaller ensembles such as a guitarist and singer. But a DJ can, of course, also encourage your guests to dance.
When it comes to entertainment beyond music, the doors are open to you. How about a campfire, for example? It is best to provide cozy seating all around. If you like, marshmallows too. Vintage photo shoots or photo booths and outdoor games are other great ideas for your barn wedding.
Tip 5: Choosing the Perfect Location
There are a few things you should consider for a barn wedding. Here is a small checklist for you:
- Parking: Ensure that your guests can find the location easily and that there are enough parking spaces available. If necessary, organize a shuttle bus.
- Regulations and Permits: Pay attention to all regulations surrounding your event before planning. This includes, for example, the noise level. Barns are often poorly soundproofed. There could potentially be restrictions on the volume of your music. Clarify these points with the owners of your dream location.
- Seating: Rustic-style seating is beautiful. But also ensure that it is comfortable!
- Accessibility: Old barns can pose a problem when it comes to guests with wheelchairs or strollers. Ensure that everyone has good access to the festivities as well as the toilets.
- Retreat Options: Your wedding day is a day full of excitement. A little break is sometimes necessary, whether for a bit of togetherness or to touch up makeup. A small room for the bridal couple as well as a private toilet can make the day much more pleasant.
Conclusion: Barn Wedding, Yes or No?
A barn wedding can be a great choice if you appreciate rustic charm, an intimate atmosphere, and the possibility of creative design for your wedding. It also offers a unique and unconventional location.
However, it can involve logistical challenges and additional costs. Your decision should depend on your preferences, budget, and practical considerations. Careful planning is crucial to ensure that your barn wedding is a complete success. We would be happy to help you with this. Please feel free to contact us via our contact form.
Please feel free to visit our wedding gallery for inspiration!
