A wedding is one of the most significant, anticipated and fun events in the life of every person. They say that the more people attend the holiday, the happier the new family will be. The traditions of Rus' require strictly regulated actions, but although this sounds unpleasant, in fact, a wedding in Russian traditions is something unforgettable, filled with bright colors and the special energy of the people. A Russian village wedding is strictly subject to certain actions at each stage of the organization, and the result is a cheerful, sincere and freedom-breathing holiday.
Peculiarities
What do you think of when you hear the word “village”? Small wooden log houses, fields with ears of rye, a hearty lunch in the fresh air, vegetable gardens and orchards, interesting items of rustic interior design? Many of these natural, family details create a cozy, rustic wedding. It is worth using your own associations when organizing a thematic celebration.
It is optimal to hold a village wedding in the warm season in order to accurately recreate the necessary atmosphere and not worry that the weather will let you down.
Important! When decorating the wedding venue, creating the image of the bride and groom, and accessories, it is important to keep in mind the key idea: the simpler, the closer to the given theme.
Style Description
The rustic theme is associated with clean air, endless fields, mills, houses made of timber, green gardens, rural household items, fresh vegetables and fruits, and fragrant flowers. The basis of this style direction is naturalness, naturalness, and simplicity. It involves holding a wedding outdoors, preferably in the summer.
An excellent place for the ceremony could be a country estate, cottage, rural house with a shady garden.
The color scheme should be close to natural. It is worth paying attention to green, beige, blue, yellow, and white shades.
Place
A country summer wedding, of course, is held outdoors, ideally in the countryside. In rare cases, when it is not possible to organize an event outside the city, you can try to adapt a garden in a country house or a spacious green lawn at a rustic-style mansion rented for a wedding. As an option, a city park or square is being considered, but, most likely, difficulties will arise in coordinating organizational issues with the administration.
If the wedding is planned for the winter months, look for themed restaurants and cafes with decorations in Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian and other folk styles. The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to rack your brains over the menu: such establishments offer an extensive list of national dishes.
Those who are limited in finances and live in a village/town can sign at the village House of Culture. Believe me, this original option will amaze guests who have become tired in recent years of watching the pretentious marriage registration in the same type of registry office interiors.
What styles are similar to "rustic"
"Rustic" registration has a lot in common with a wedding in the following styles:
- rustic;
- eco;
- country;
- Provence;
- Russian folk.
Rustic
This trend was born in France in the 18th century; in Latin its name sounds like rusticus. Translated, it means “rustic”, “simple”, “rough”. Distinctive features of this style are environmental friendliness and naturalness. All details must be natural, not pretentious, and used in their raw form. It is best to make them yourself or order hand-made ones. Here you can read in more detail how to decorate a wedding in a rustic style.
Rustic wedding
Country
The birth years of the “country” style are considered to be the 20s of the twentieth century; its homeland is North America. He appeared among white emigrants who mastered the vastness of the United States. In English, the name of this topic sounds like country. If you translate this word into Russian, you get “country” or “village”.
Country" implies the use of natural details that are common in rural areas. It could be wood, clay, wild stone, greenery. It can be described in three words: romanticism, airiness, tenderness. Another article goes into more detail about how to decorate a country-themed wedding.
Country wedding
Eco ceremony
The fashion for environmental registrations in the CIS countries appeared in the late 2000s. They allow you to say “yes” to your loved one in the most natural environment, conducive to relaxation. Eco-style implies the use of only natural, simple materials in the decoration of the celebration. Unlike “country”, rough decor is not allowed here; it must be neat. The emphasis is on the color scheme - green, beige, brown, blue, yellow.
Eco wedding
Russian folk
Russian folk style was formed in the 800s, when pagans still lived in Russia. It involves the use of bright colors (red, white, blue) and rich finishes. The bride and groom should be dressed in national costumes or with appropriate elements - embroidery, beads, fringe.
The village is associated with Slavic traditions and legends, so a lot of interesting things can be learned from the article about wedding decoration in Russian folk style. Here you will find information on where to hold the celebration, which cortege to choose, how to decorate the registration and banquet area, and organize a photo shoot. Those planning photography for the golden season can benefit from our ideas for a wedding photo shoot in the fall. They are collected in another article, from which you will learn where, how and what you can pose with.
Provence
This style received its name in honor of one of the regions in France, on whose territory lavender and grapes grow in abundance. This explains why the main color in the decoration of the celebration is lavender, of which there are more than 10 shades. It can be olive, plum, lilac, pale blue.
The key difference between the Provence style and those mentioned above is the rustic comfort that should be created in the festive hall. Rough decorative elements in an unprocessed form are not allowed here, while natural materials are welcome. Wood and products made from it are held in special esteem. If you want to combine naturalness with luxury, our other article on wedding decoration in the Provence style will help you.
Provence
Bride's image from photo
When preparing a holiday, it is first of all important to resolve the issue of choosing a suitable outfit for the bride.
At a village wedding, a dress with a full skirt covered in rhinestones would be inappropriate. The image should be light, airy and simple. Pay attention to simple light sundresses. Complement such clothes with accessories correctly, and you will get a modest and stylish wedding look at the same time. Accentuate your chosen style with a beautiful wreath woven from wildflowers.
If the bride wants a wedding dress that is close to the classics, a model with frills at the hem and ruffles falling from the shoulders looks romantic and airy. To convey a rustic style, the skirt should be decorated with a floral print or ethnic embroidery.
The bride is a little limited in her choice of shoes in a rustic style: open sandals and high heels are inappropriate in nature. Comfortable ballet flats look much more appropriate with a sundress. For those who love originality, worn cowboy boots will suit you, as they will create an interesting contrast with a light outfit.
There should be a place in the bride's bouquet for simple wildflowers, which can be complemented with ears of rye. Tie the bouquet with ordinary twine. If this option seems too simple to the bride, it is worth diluting the composition with fresh peonies or fragrant lilacs.
The bride's makeup and manicure at a village wedding should be as natural as possible. You can allow a slight carelessness in your hairstyle or turn to the tradition according to which the bride’s friends braid her hair.
Furniture and dishes
Tables are always wooden, covered with old-fashioned lace tablecloths or without them at all. Embroidered or crocheted napkins look good. Instead of chairs for registration, you can use wooden stumps or compressed hay cubes. Don't forget to cover them with soft blankets to make your guests feel comfortable.
Dishes can be used glass, clay, ceramic. The main thing is that it looks old. If this is not possible, just place clay jugs with sweet berry juice on the table. At a village wedding there is no place for elaborate services. The motto here is: “beauty is in simplicity.”
Groom image
After the newlyweds decide on the bride's dress, the groom's suit is selected. Naturally, you should abandon the formal tuxedo, and classic shoes should be replaced with light moccasins. Loose, light trousers or regular jeans paired with a shirt decorated with embroidery look great.
Idea! To complete the look, you can wear a stylish vest and lightly tousle your hair.
A touch of negligence will add a zest to the look. So, you can tie a tie in an unusual way, use a bright bow tie instead, or unbutton the top button on your shirt.
Guest outfits
Those invited to nature on a hot summer day can be advised to wear straw hats - this little thing will add a thematic touch and will not burden the guests too much.
You shouldn’t demand excessive originality: kokoshniks from girls and shirts from guys, but it is necessary to specify in the invitations that the dress code is observed. Embroidered belts, traditional beads and bouquets of spikelets will perfectly complement the images of guests in a rustic style.
You can weave matching flower wreaths for your bridesmaids in advance. In addition, it is better to leave a few wreaths in reserve for those who decide to ignore the prescribed dress code.
If you're worried that guests won't take the dress code seriously enough, come up with a good motivation for them. For example, organize a competition for the best wedding suit, the prize of which will be a professional photo shoot.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen style
The appearance of the circle of friends and girlfriends especially close to the newlyweds must be brought to a harmonious, compatible look; photo and video shooting will depend on this. You should avoid overly bright and pretentious details in their clothes, otherwise the newlyweds will look faded against their background and “get lost.”
Girls should choose dresses in such a way that the silhouettes do not contrast with each other. Of course, they cannot all be absolutely the same, but the length, approximate cut, density and texture of the fabrics in all of them should have common features.
The optimal solution to this issue will be collective tailoring, and for each friend the craftsmen will be able to offer exactly the option that is most suitable for her body type, height, appearance, but at the same time will become a part of a harmonious composition.
For guys, unifying elements are also welcome: the general color of shirts or trousers, vests in a certain style, and accessories will add individuality - the same as those recommended for the groom: bow ties, hats, etc.
Such strict requirements are usually not imposed on the majority of guests, but if this is provided for in the wedding concept, you can ask them to include any element in their outfit.
For example, if it was decided to add denim to the rustic motifs, then a jacket or jeans will become an indispensable accessory.
Wedding procession
The choice of transport for a rustic wedding is much wider than it seems at first glance. It could be:
- a village cart or cart for traveling a short distance;
- a tractor for more comfortable movement of newlyweds who want to “make noise” about their happiness to the entire neighborhood;
- a retro car, like in Soviet films, for the bride and groom and their parents, who will be pleased to immerse themselves in nostalgia.
The most convenient way is to rent a motorcade only for a photo shoot , and organize the wedding in such a way that off-site registration takes place in the same place where the banquet will take place. In this case, the newlyweds and guests will be able to move on their own, and with the money saved they will be able to hire street musicians to make walking more fun.
Wedding scenario
How are weddings held in the village? In fact, the scenario of such a wedding is similar to a city wedding: the groom and his friends come to the bride’s house, conduct a ransom, and all go in a friendly crowd to the registry office. After registration there will be a banquet and wedding festivities with a toastmaster and competitions.
A village wedding scenario may include songs and dances , both traditional and not. You can invite buffoon actors and musicians to your wedding.
Usually in the village the celebration lasts for two days, with the first day being provided by the groom’s side, the second by the bride. The banquet is usually prepared in-house. Very often among the competitions there is a bathing of the mother-in-law and mother-in-law in the nearest body of water, and they are taken there solemnly in a cart.
Invitation design
Today, designers offer stunning options for invitations made from natural materials : tree bark, flax, dry grass and flowers. They are perfect for notifying guests of your upcoming rustic wedding.
Considering the popularity of such a trend as scrapbooking, you can make invitations with your own hands. A slight carelessness in the design will not scare anyone away, as it will look like an unusual stylistic feature.
Handwrite the invitation text and decorate the paper base with feathers, ribbons, plant seeds, straw or spikelets.
Idea! To securely fix small details and add shine to the finished invitation, spray hairspray on the composition.
Invitations
Invitations on tree bark or birch bark will look original. You can also create postcards on textured paper or cardboard with an imitation of natural material (moss, bark). The aging technique is suitable. Elements made from burlap, lace, twine, bows, and satin ribbons are suitable for decorating invitations.
Place decoration
If you choose a rustic wedding in the middle of nature, simply arrange tables and chairs under the canopy of trees, decorated with homemade fabric flags. On the flags you can write the names of the newlyweds, the wedding date, or phrases like Just married.
The original option is to sit in a field among haystacks. Then they will come in handy for a photo shoot. You can install a wicker fence and comfortable bean bags filled with grain.
In reality, few people risk choosing such a natural setting due to certain risks, for example, associated with the vagaries of the weather. In this case, the rented premises require additional registration . A wedding in a rustic style implies deliberately simple decor, but behind this simplicity lies the comfort and warmth of a real holiday, where everything is at home.
On the tables you can place charming candles in jars or old kerosene lamps, or lay out hand-knitted napkins. Traditional vases should be replaced with beautiful bottles, wicker baskets with flowers, fruits and vegetables, and ears of corn. You can place unusual flowering plants in pots of soil, for example, sweet peas.
Textiles also play an important role. It is better to choose a tablecloth made from natural materials: cotton, linen, chintz. The same fabrics are used to decorate the chairs and wedding arch.
Banqueting hall
In the banquet hall you need to put massive wooden tables and cover them with light tablecloths made of natural fabrics. You can seat guests on bales of hay covered with a blanket, on stumps, or barrels. You can put classic wooden chairs and benches.
Decoration on the tables and area of the banquet hall:
- Natural flowers;
- glass candlesticks;
- a lot of candles;
- antique tubs;
- wooden barrels;
- burlap napkins tied with a ribbon for each guest;
- floor and table vases;
- wicker baskets and baskets;
- dried flowers;
- green branches;
- fruits on high stands, wooden frames;
- rough wooden boxes;
- wooden bread bins on tables;
- a lot of glass decor in the form of empty jars and tall glasses;
- clay dishes.
Accessories
Thematic installations at the venue of the celebration will become interesting accessories that set the mood. They can be used later for a rustic-style photo shoot. Such accents in the decor will be carts, wooden wheels, and window frames.
A tall wooden doorway is often used as a wedding arch. Although a spreading tree would be perfect, under whose branches you can say to each other: “Yes!”
A thematically designed book is placed on a separate stump table , in which guests will write congratulations and wishes. It is kept for many years as a family heirloom and warm words are reread every anniversary.
Idea! Install beautiful buckets and decorated watering cans that will act as vases for the bouquets presented by guests.
Cake
Cakes in this style are characterized by 3 or more levels in descending order, “naked” sponge cakes, uneven distribution of accents and glaze, and an abundance of berries.
Souvenirs for guests
Those invited to the wedding will be pleased to take with them a small gift with a piece of home comfort : cookies in a beautiful box, a small jar of jam. Men can be given miniature bottles of vodka with a jar of pickles.
Gifts can be presented to all guests or as prizes for participation in competitions. Souvenirs should be wrapped in decorative burlap and tied with ribbon. Edible gifts for guests will remind you of the hospitality and cordiality of the heroes of the occasion.
Menu
The traditional home table is simply bound to be bursting with an abundance of tasty, fatty, filling treats. There are no restrictions on the menu: everything you like is prepared and put on the table, with preference given to simple food (foie gras and other delicacies do not fit into the rustic style).
Any homemade treats are suitable as a dessert for a wedding buffet : pies, cookies, seasonal berries and fruits in the summer or jars of jam in the winter. You can organize a separate sweet zone with apples baked in caramel or boiled corn.
Among alcoholic drinks, the choice should be vodka, homemade wine or tincture, moonshine.
A wedding cake
The main sweet treat of the holiday must be decorated in a rustic style using dried flowers, mint leaves, and cranberries. Multi-tiered compositions will not fit into the style, but stylization like a loaf, as one of the options, will do.
Taking out the wedding cake can be turned into a spectacular show with the participation of an accordion player and girls in kokoshniks.
Festive table
For such a wedding, a light buffet would be inappropriate, because such holidays are characterized by a large number of different dishes, since in the villages they like to eat deliciously and a lot.
Therefore, traditional Olivier salad and salads from fresh vegetables will come in handy more than ever. There should be cold cuts, chicken, and chops on the tables. If you choose from alcoholic drinks, then the choice should fall on vodka, wine and moonshine, since cognac or martini are unlikely to be appropriate. Such a wedding at home will be a wonderful holiday for everyone.
Entertainment
If weddings in other styles are complete without a toastmaster, then in a village wedding you can’t do without one! A colorful older woman who knows a lot of ditties and jokes and sings funny songs is best suited. She will direct the holiday in the right direction, cheer up the quiet guests and organize the event in the best possible way, knowing when competitions are appropriate, when it’s time for wishes from guests, and when it’s time for drinks and snacks. Plus, the toastmaster knows many interesting customs and traditions and will be happy to share them.
If for some reason you don’t want to invite a toastmaster, here are some interesting ideas on how to entertain your guests:
- jumping over the fire for the bravest and dancing around it for the rest;
- round dances with songs;
- performance of a folk ensemble with an accordion player;
- shows of buffoons, gypsies with bears or grandmothers-comedians.
Advice! Be sure to think through the competition program and prepare the props. Whatever you plan for your guests: eating pies at speed or “fun starts”, determine exactly at what time active entertainment will be most appropriate.
hen-party
The evening before the wedding there was a bachelorette party. The friends sat the bride in the middle of the hut, combed her hair, and sang ritual songs.
The bride wailed, saying goodbye to her girlhood and home. Even if she married for love, she still had to cry - it was believed that if “you don’t cry at the table, you’ll cry around the corner.”
Photo shoot in summer and winter
If possible, it is better to leave the photo walk for a separate day and go far outside the city to enjoy the endless open spaces with fields, rivers, and forests. One option is to go to the nearest village and borrow a horse and cart to take original village shots.
Any attributes that highlight the atmosphere of a rustic wedding look great at a couples photo shoot. For example, wooden signs with signs on which you can write “groom” and “bride” or cute nicknames of the newlyweds. Or a homemade swing made from a pair of ropes and a wooden block mounted on a tall tree, on which you can take romantic shots.
In Russian villages, weddings traditionally took place in the fall or winter after Epiphany. It was winter marriages that were considered the happiest. If you have chosen a difficult option - a winter wedding in a rustic style, you will get beautiful shots in a snow-covered forest.
How to invite - expert advice
Here the decision is only yours, because natural colors and palettes are so diverse!
Look for nature-inspired elements such as flowers, plants. Yellowed paper, lace, dried twigs and skeletonized leaves will be the finishing touches to decorate invitations and other prints in a rustic style.
A rustic wedding can be different - vintage, fairy-tale, ethnic. It's up to you and your choice.
The wedding cake becomes “half naked” – the “terrible truth” about desserts
The fashion for pies, when the rosy edges of the cakes peek through the cream, are gaining more and more popularity this year. Another trend is to place the cake on a wooden cut. For many photo ideas of “naked” cakes in a rustic style, as well as all the trends in the design of wedding cakes, read the article “Wedding cake 2021: trends and ideas for masterpieces.”
Details matter - how not to make a mistake in choosing
Let your surroundings - nature and countryside - be your designers. Let them take part in the decoration of the celebration. Wildflowers and leaves are suitable for boutonnieres. Decorate the arch with bunches of greenery, berries and flowers. We put one flower or a small bouquet in bottles and hang them on trees. You can also use grandma's pickles and preserves as decoration. We will also replace flower vases with glass jars. Guests will love it if you organize beautiful photo zones from haystacks, old wooden frames and chests. Use your imagination and use everything that the villagers have available.
Rustic decor encourages the use of glass and aged metal. Use old kerosene lamps, jam jars as flower vases, wine bottles as table numbers, and wooden carved salt shakers from your great-grandmother's time. A real wooden chest can play the role of a chest for wedding gifts at a village wedding.
Decor - what's trending?
Designers focus on lighting. It creates coziness and gives a special rustic wedding atmosphere. Decorate trees and recreation areas with garlands. You can add warm lighting from light bulbs and candles to the tables. Candles in glasses or candlesticks will add coziness and romance.
Not like everyone else - dress code for guests in detail
Decide on the dress code for a rustic wedding. Guests can be dressed in the style and images of the bride and groom that you have determined or in the same color scheme. Don't forget to include this in your invitations.
Gifts are now given to guests
The tradition of giving guests small gifts and compliments came to us from the West. Usually they are laid out on the table along with serving cards.
These could be jars of honey or jam, sweets in a glass tube, chocolates, nuts in paper bags or boxes. And be sure to attach cards to them, thanking them for taking the time to attend the wedding celebration. Read more about gifts for guests in the article “Gifts for guests from newlyweds at a wedding: top 28 unusual ideas.”
Photo session with animals
Cute lambs, horses or donkeys will fit into the wedding concept and add charm to your photo shoot.
Do I need to think about serving - style features
You can use fresh flowers, plants, vegetables and berries in decoration. You can avoid tablecloths to feel the rural atmosphere and originality. Small decorative garden watering cans will help complete the relaxed atmosphere.
Design by Alena Lebedeva
How to create the mood?
Musical accompaniment is very important for the atmosphere of the celebration. Invite a group based on your tastes.
Candy bar - what kind of “beast” is this?
Rustic outdoor dessert tables are a great way to replace wedding appetizers. You can serve the main course in the traditional way - in an organized manner around a large set table, before sending everyone outside to an amazing array of sweets. Or you can set the tables right away in the open air, if only the weather permits.
Place cakes and desserts on barrels, wooden tables or logs.
What are we treating you to?
There is something unique about a rustic wedding that feels more casual, relaxed and fun. So you can switch up the traditional three-course meal at a large table and opt for roast pork or barbecue. Grilled food is sure to win the hearts of your guests, no matter the time of year!
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