65 Rustic Wedding Ideas for Casual and Cozy Nuptials (2024)

• Julie Lindenman is a wedding planner and the founder of Julie Lindenman Events, a full-service wedding and event production company based in NYC.
• Vanessa Vierra is the owner and creative director of Vanessa Noël Events.

A Feeling of Home

More than any accessories or types of wedding decorations you opt for, rustic weddings are all about creating a feeling of organic simplicity and comfort. "The way that we design 'rustic' is in a more elevated and timeless way," explains Vierra. "Rustic becomes synonymous with comfort and farm-to-table; connected to nature and an understated design that enhances our already beautiful surroundings."

Friendly Florals

Flowers set the tone when it comes to wedding themes, so make sure that your choices are reflective of the sweet aesthetic. Exotic blooms and over-the-top arrangements may seem too obtrusive for a rustic reception but an unfussy mix of foraged goodies fit the bill perfectly. Just check out the friendly tablescape of garden roses, olive leaves, ruffly petals, chamomile, and greenery at this Bridgerton-inspired wedding in Connecticut.

Birch and Quill Calligraphy Escort Cards

Maintain a bit of formality during your rustic-themed soirée with custom calligraphy escort cards. Display them with clothespins and twine to exude the chic casualness that goes hand in hand with this wedding style.

A Sweet Wedding Vow Bag

A charming protective pouch is the perfect vessel to store your wedding vows on your big day and for years to come.

Rustic Ceremony Seating

When having an outdoor ceremony, the key is to let the natural splendor of the environment shine. While minimal bench-style seating is the traditional go-to, we are obsessed with the scene set with these romantic bistro chairs amongst an olive grove.

Globe String Lights

Having an outdoor wedding? Cue the lights and set the mood with strings of delicate, globe-shaped bulbs to decorate the venue.

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Z Create Design Donuts Sign

Even your reception desserts deserve a dash of rustic appeal. If you're serving everyone's favorite round confection, create a fully-fledged donut wall and display them proudly underneath a wooden cutout cursive sign.

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A Rustic Hairdo

The perfect hair adornment for a rustic bride, bridesmaid, or flower girl is guazy ribbon and a sprig of fresh flowers. This particular circlet features white scabiosa and miniature ferns. Be still our rustic-loving hearts.

Earthy Aisle Runners

Make your grand entrance down a dreamy aisle flush with earthy blooms, wildflowers, and foraged botanicals like at Lindenman's own wedding. "I enjoy working with floral teams who are happy incorporating local wildflowers into their work, or décor vendors who use found objects to tie in the rustic surroundings," she says.

Melanie Porter Co. Green Leaf Fairy Lights

Channel natural elements and adorn any flat surface with hand-spun fairy lights, embellished with mini leaves. These can even spruce up your reception tablescape.

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Jarful House Set of Rustic Wall Sconces

Mason jars have earned themselves a spot as rustic wedding staples. These distressed mason jars with a wood backdrop are ideal for easy hanging décor.

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A Bouquet Train

In lieu of a train, this bride opted for a dramatic 60-inch amber ribbon tied to herbouquet for an added "sense of flow." The autumnal hues and soft textures have all the makings of a rustic dream.

A Barrel Bar

Create a visual focal point for an alfresco co*cktail hour by building a bar out of wine barrels topped with a wooden board. Accent with some dried flowers and you have an exquisite display for drinks.

Wine Barrel Plinths

Another us for wine barrels? Rustic plinths for displaying decorative elements. These humble pedestals are a match made in heaven with the verdant vista of this Portugal vineyard wedding.

The Dutch Goldfinch Personalized Wine Cork Place Card Holder

Good news, wine lovers, you can incorporate your vino enthusiasm into your rustic nuptials. Cork pieces emblazoned with your names and wedding date create a striking display for escort cards.

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An Open-Air Chapel

An open-air chapel provides a structured ceremonial space without obstructing the sweeping pastoral views. Drape vines and greenery from the beams to create an illusion of age and weathering against the bones of reclaimed lumber.

An Eco-Friendly Toss

Continue the organic and sustainable theme into your grand exist by choosing natural alternatives to confetti. Have guests toss handfuls of olive leaves, dried lavender, rose petals, calendulas, whatever your heart desires.

TalkingGloves Personalized Monogram Ring Pillow

With monogrammed lace and satin ribbon, this embroidery hoop makes for a creative take on the traditional ring bearer pillow.

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Ines Wedding Gallery Vow Books

These adorable rustic vow books are an absolute must-have for any nature-loving pair, complete with wooden covers emblazoned with your engraved initials.

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Printed Linens

Summery floral prints like these are always reminiscent of balmy summer days. Incorporate those warm memories into your wedding day by weaving them into co*cktail hour for a homey atmosphere.

Eclectic Tablescapes

Bare tables look striking when topped with sumptuous jewel tones. Brass accents, mismatched amber-hued glassware, and bolts of vivid blues create an enchanting space.

Z Create Design Wedding Chair Signs Hoop Style

Play on the wood and floral decorations synonymous with rustic wedding décor through matching seat backs. These adorable "Mr." and "Mrs." hoops can be repurposed and live on as home décor.

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Baby's Breath Flower Crowns

Baby's breath—a pastoral wedding decoration must-have—has never looked better than in flower crown form, adorning the heads of your bridesmaids or flower girl.

Hanging Installations

Whether in a barn, tent, or any space with high ceilings consider adding an installation ofwoven rattan pendant lightsand accent with greenery. Hanging installations are best saved for soaring ceilings as they can overwhelm more petite spaces.

An Edible Tablescape

Create a sustainable tablescape by swapping out floral centerpieces for fruits and veggies. These tables were decorated with garland runners of lettuce, apples, artichokes, pomegranates, and bunches of wheat. "My favorite part was that, after the wedding, all of the fruits and vegetables we used to decorate the tables were fed to the farm's animals," explains bride Kim.

Fira Studio Heart Cake Topper With Custom Initials

Yes, your cake topper can also revel in the full rustic treatment. A simple plywood heart bedecked with your initials makes for the final romantic touch to your dessert.

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Little Helper Ensembles

Don't forget the littlest members of your bridal party. Lindenman outfitted the page boys at her own wedding to look every bit the rustic-chic gentlemen in gray pants, white button-downs, blush linen bow ties, and leather suspenders.

Plentiful Pies

Forgo the usual dessert bar, or traditional wedding cake even, and have an exclusive pie table instead. "We served the pies warmed in an outdoor fire oven and served à la mode,” explains bride Sarah.

Flower Girl Outfits

These adorable little flower girls wore earthy crowns of dried bunny tails that matched their mini-bouquets. Add their wholesome gray dresses and black Mary Janes and we couldn't think of a more appropriately rustic ensemble.

Wildflower Escort Card Display

Escort card displays are a great place to show off your creative side. Lindenman's garden-inspired wall is covered in local flowers, each attached to a card that directs guests to their tables. Bonus: It can double as a photo booth backdrop.

Preserved Pink Gypso Bunch

Dried flowers are the perfect rustic touch to wedding decorations. These preserved gypso branches incorporate tons of texture with their frilly stems adding a playful charm to any arrangement.

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Literary Lights

Create a romantic outdoor atmosphere by hanging love letters and snippets of your favorite poems in the trees alongside lit candle votives. Mood, set.

A Ranch-Style Seating Chart

At this Montana ranch wedding, the seating chart was framed by elk antlers, with each table assignment pinned to a plywood board. A base of large blossoms added softness to the rugged display.

Open Vintage Shutters Lantern Table Numbers

These vintage lanterns can be customized with table numbers so that wedding guests can easily find their seats.

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Baby's Breath Bouquets

You already know we love baby's breath in floral crowns, but how about sprays ofbaby's breath in lieu of complicated bouquets? Opting for simpler touches adds tenderness as opposed to overwhelming drama, an ongoing theme when it comes to rustic wedding ideas.

Table Stationery

These menus were printed on bread bags containing small baguettes for each guest. A sprig of rosemary and twine finish off the provincial vibe.

Homemade Cookies

Nothing says homegrown like a batch of freshly baked cookies. Personalize your wedding reception by using favorite family recipes or host a bake-off the night before and have guests bring their own favorites, along with the accompanying recipes to start off your newlywed recipe collection.

Airy Lighting

Transform a sturdy wooden table into a light and airy rustic tablescape by incorporating pastel tones, clear glassware, and satin-finished champagne-gold metals. We especially love the lush pergola and hanging lanterns creating a cozy atmosphere despite the alfresco dinner.

Fresh Accents

Flower crowns aren't the only way to bring in a touch of freshness. Tucking a few loose stems or fresh sprigs into a hairstyle is adorably rustic and far more budget-friendly.

A Homespun Escort Card Display

These seating arrangements were written on containers brimming with olive leaves, eucalyptus, and moss for a residential spin on an escort card display. "We wanted the seating chart to feel very organic and homey without feeling girly," explains Vierra. "We opted for greenery instead of flowers, but greenery with no shortage of texture and variance. This is a great option for rustic design, especially if you're going for a style that feels more farm-to-table."

Amber Waves of Grain

Bunches of golden wheat make for an autumnal, rustic alternative to traditional flower arrangements. These aisle runners contrast beautifully with the white chairs.

Rustic Wood Slices Individual Slabs of Bark

Wood slices are a versatile and budget-friendly way to incorporate a dose of rustic-chic to any wedding decorations. Use them in lieu of chargers, or as a cake stand, or as a base for decorative arrangements like the above.

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La Mia Casa Wedding Garland

Decorate your venue (or hang them off of trees for an outdoor celebration) with these dainty heart-shaped paper doilies.

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Clustered Vases

For an easy craft of rustic table décor, put together an eclectic mix of mismatched bud vases in various colors and styles. Get creative by adding miscellaneous household items like small glass pitchers and bottles to the assortment.

Local Goods

Think local when it comes to wedding favors or creative place cards. "Ilove the idea of sourcing locally," says Lindenman."For our wedding weekend, we wanted tosupport local businesses. Istill get photos from our guests making pancakes using the farm-crafted syrup we gifted them."

Copper Elements

Pops of copper bring warmth and luster to neutral tones while still complementing the rustic table décor. This tablescape pairs copper mugs and flatware with amber and fuchsia hues. Eucalyptus, fresh grapefruits, and canopies of bougainvillea freshen up the aesthetic while rattan lanterns add texture.

Something Blue

Here a vintage dresser was transformed into a whimsical petal station where guests could load up on cones filled with loose rose petals for the couple's grand exit. Now that's some serious upcycling!

Vintage Reflections

Vintage elements with bronze or brass fixtures make for a great accompaniment to a rustic theme as they easily complement raw wood and natural greenery. Mirrors, candlesticks, or picture frames can add an ornate elegance to any space without taking over the scenery.

A Rustic Alfresco Tablescape

Here a bare wooden table is topped with matte silver candlesticks and vases, a scattering of wine bottles, and fresh greenery. A gauzy white runner adds a touch of sumptuous softness while wooden garden chairs blend in seamlessly.

Open Vintage Shutters Personalized Lanterns

How charming are these miniature, painted lanterns? Use them to light up walkways, scatter them around tables or, have your bridesmaids carry them down the aisle.

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Lawn Games

"You want your guests to enjoy the outdoor setting, so why not incorporate fun games into your co*cktail hour?" says Lindenman. She personally recommends Upstate Jamboree, a rental company thatbuilds all of their games from sustainably-harvested local lumber.

A Rustic Wedding Arch

This charming nuptial arch was built by the bride's father out of oak branches. The bride and groom personally decorated the structure with swags of eucalyptus and fresh garden roses.

A Mossy Table Runner

This bare table is adorned with an earthy runner of moss and embellished with candles, scattered flowers, and fresh fruit. Wooden charger plates and champagne-gold flatware pair incredibly well with the simple yet bountiful setting.

Susie's Wood Shop Wood Crate Centerpiece

Reclaimed wood planter boxes packed with mason jars are another versatile and budget-friendly accessory for any rustic theme. Use them to hold floral arrangements, fill them with glowing fairy lights, or stuff them with garnishes for the co*cktail bar..

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My Primitive Boutique Last Name Sign

A custom sign combining your first names and new last name is the perfect rustic wedding decoration that can easily transition into your new home together.

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Sweet Confetti Co. Acrylic Table Numbers With Wood Stands

These acrylic table numbers give off the illusion of expensive glass for a far more attractive price. The minimalist look will blend seamlessly with your rustic table décor

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A Rustic Focal Point

Here an antique dresser holds an assortment of wicker baskets brimming with olive branches and minimalist escort cards attached to olive leaves with leather cords—all the trappings of an idyllic pastoral fête.

Place Card Holder Shop Personalized Wooden Place Card Holder

How cute are these birch place card holders? Each can be burned with custom text and date for a personalized wedding favor.

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Effective Draperie

"The size of the barn was quite large for the guest count so the draping helped in several ways—it filled the space well and made the scale of the barn feel more appropriate, lightened up the dark interior, and added layers of texture," explains Vierra. "While wood is a staple in rustic design, it can also become quite dark and heavy so using draping in creative ways can lighten up the space and add softness."

Simplified Tablescapes

"Go for more high-end materials and textures like linen, stoneware, and iron to keep the focus on the quality of those elements rather than the quantity of things to look at," says Vierra. "This will help maintain sophistication in your rustic theme and keep the aesthetic timeless." Neutral hues with a heathered grain evoke an organic feel without having to go full burlap to achieve a rustic look.

Galvanized Buckets

While crystal-cut glass and chinoiserie vases have their place, they tend to seem out of place in a more laid-back setting. Enter: galvanized buckets. These rustic dreams were the quintessential, homespun vessels for pretty blooms at this California ranch wedding.

A Well-Loved Refreshment Cart

Now this is a talking piece! All it takes is a vintage find and some crawling greenery to create the most rustic refreshment station fit for an enchanted garden wedding in New Jersey.

Fresh Olive Branch Bunch

If we haven't made a case for olive branches already, here are a few extra rustic wedding ideas to get your craft on. Use them to fill centerpieces or scatter them down runners for a mediterranean feel. Tuck them into hairstyles or get crafty and weave them into floral crowns. Grab a bunch and let them shine on their own in your bridal bouquet. The possibilities are endless.

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A Warm Bonfire

"One of the highlights of our wedding was a bonfire after party," says Lindenman."We easily could have brought down chairs or cute lounge pieces, but we chose to go with the existing tree stumps that surrounded it.Using the natural elements was agreat way to keep things understated and authentic to the environment."

A Welcoming Lounge

Note that you don't need to choose between an inviting bonfire and a cushy lounge, you can certainly have both. And if you do, let it include a whimsical swing like at this Charleston wedding full of rustic, southern charm. We love the addition of climbing vines and a vintage chandelier for extra oomph.