The Ultimate Guide to Achieving the Rustic-Themed Wedding of Your Dreams

There’s something about the rustic wedding theme that tug on the heartstrings of every bride, groom, and guest. While royal weddings boast of all things grand and traditional, this perennially popular peg calls for the delightful and relaxed, albeit still refined. 

Incorporating the laidback spirit of the bohemian motif, this style loosens up the typical formalities for ambiance and attire through the use of organic materials and softer silhouettes. The color palette, however, remains elegant and restrained as the theme mirrors nature’s beauty with its distinctive, and almost exclusive use of, earthy neutrals.

The result is a cozy atmosphere where the couple’s personality shines through well-thought-of details and handcrafted touches.

Resonating with this concept? Here’s a definitive guide on everything you need to create the relaxed rustic wedding theme:

Rustic Wedding Venues

The charm of rustic nuptials rests heavily on the appeal of living in the countryside. Fresh air, proximity to nature, and the unhurried rural pace add a layer of enchantment to any affair. 

For a truly pastoral experience, widen your venue search to include nearby provinces. A farmhouse or a barn with exposed timber exteriors make for a picture-perfect location for tying the knot. Choose one that boasts of high ceilings that you can dress up with string lights and hanging greenery. Alternatively, a verdant clearing in the woods or a dreamy garden also works well.

You can create this ambiance within the Metro by opting for bright and airy venues, such as Whitespace Manila for an indoor blank canvas, and The Mango Farm for their sprawling gardens, and their enclosed, light-filled hall. What’s important is that the place feels as raw and unmanufactured as possible. 

Décor and Details

Far from being stiff and overly-polished, emphasis is given to the natural, whether it’s the make or the arrangement. It also has a lived-in vibe, similar to an aesthetic yet comforting home that even first-time visitors find inviting. Effortless yet intentional, the ambiance feels inherently magical–as if finding yourself at the right place at the right time with the right people. 

It’s picturesque without trying too hard. There’s breathing room for little quirks from the mismatched and the DIY, and yes, you can let loose and actually have fun–it’s a party after all. 

The easiest way to imbibe the rustic wedding theme is by embracing the natural surroundings and letting the environment take center stage. Whether indoor or outdoor, woodsy accents of rattan, nipa, pampas grass, succulents, and greens aid this very down-to-earth theme.

Everyday items such as baskets, crates, barrels, and mason jars repurposed as decorative ornaments are staples, just like candles and foraged wildflowers.

Varying wood finishes and mixing up furniture and tableware generate visual interest as well as support the rustic look. An easy to do example is using a combination of different chair types for the ceremony.

Keep it minimal and simple by opting for an immaculate white tablecloth and sprucing it up with an assortment of eye-catching botanicals. You can also swap it for a tablerunner or forego it altogether, and choose instead to highlight the craftsmanship behind the wooden table. You can also include dried flowers and foliage for your table centerpieces as well as your bouquet.

Of course, don’t forget to DIY! Handcrafted details go a long way in creating the feeling of comfort and home. Whether actual calligraphy or a nice hand-written font, personalized place cards and invitations using dark craft paper is a must. 

Just always remember that less is more when it comes to decorating. Also, steer clear from contemporary features such as hard lines, sharp edges, and metal which may feel too cold and intimidating.

Bridal Beauty

Makeup

Be consistent with the visual principle and opt for soft and dewy earthy tones. Go with breathable finishes for that fresh-faced, barely-there allure, while the just-bit, glossy berry lips make for the perfect pop of color. Come night fall, you can also layer more shimmer and definition as the candles and fairy lights cast a warm and ethereal glow on the space.

Apart from looking every bit of the blushing bride that you are, it’s important you feel good, too. Find a beauty squad that you’d feel most comfortable with. If you have go-to, can’t-live-without products, let your makeup artist know so they may incorporate it or choose something similar for that extra boost of confidence.

Spill the neutrals to your nails with a dainty, muted lacquer such as the aptly named Brand New Day from Deborah Lippmann, or the creamy Alpaca from Sunnies Face. 

Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Brand New Day, P925, DEBORAH LIPPMANN, Rustan's

Play Paint in Alpaca, P245, SUNNIES FACE

Hair

Let your hair down and opt for cascading waves, which you can further adorn with ribbons and blooms. You can gather your tresses into a chic, low ponytail or also go for an updo by twisting your locks in a sophisticated chignon. The key is to forego the heavy hair sprays.

Perfume

For your scent, try wistful fragrances that can whisk you to the countryside, similar to Jo Malone's Honeysuckle and Davana cologne that is an aromatic combination of fruity, floral, and woody notes.

 

Honeysuckle & Davana cologne, P4250, JO MALONE

Bridal Fashion

Keeping with the softness, try to veer from structured fabrics and choose, instead, flowing material like delicate tulle, fine lace, and even pure cotton. Puffed sleeves and relaxed silhouettes are incredibly wistful and romantic. 

Celebrity Inspiration

Glean inspiration from your favorite influencers and celebrities' actual nuptials. Elements of the rustic theme can be seen in Saab Magalona and Jim Bacarro's earthy decorative accents, fashion designer Vania Romoff’s bridal gown, and beauty queen Rachel Peters' IG-worthy intimate reception.

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