25 Old-Fashioned Country Wedding Ideas

Bursting with bucolic beauty

Phil Chester

City weddings may have that sleek vibe and be oh-so modern and cool, but the charm of a countryside wedding can’t be denied. There’s something magical about the idyllic setting of rolling hills and rustic barns. We’re not talking cowboy boots and pickup trucks, here—we’re dreaming of rolling green hills rich in roses and old stone buildings. Of course, a glorious barn venue would do too.

But a country wedding isn’t just about geography—its charm can easily be replicated no matter where your wedding is. The countryside is all about nature, so use that to define your decor. Incorporate wildflowers everywhere, pop a sunflower in a boutonniere, craft centerpieces out of lavender and thistle, include illustrations of them in your invitation suite, or trim your cake tiers with daisies and baby’s breath.

If you are lucky enough to have your wedding in the actual countryside, keep your decorations minimal for outdoor receptions or ceremonies—the surrounding scenery is all that’s needed for a stunning backdrop. Let reception tables glow underneath some bistro lights and prop up an altar arch wild in brambles and greenery.

The countryside often has a rustic meets vintage feel that you can easily mirror in your wedding style. Fashion a weathered window into a seating chart display atop an antique dresser, repurpose old bottles as table numbers, or place jars of grandma’s homemade jam atop place settings. We also love a good bicycle prop, or imprints of one on your paper goods—because what better way to travel around the countryside than on a vintage cruiser?

Don’t forget your bridal style! Flower crowns and Wellies are the only way to accessorize your country look.

Here are 25 good, old-fashioned country wedding ideas to jumpstart your inspiration!

01 of 25

Use Apothecary Bottle Centerpieces

Erin Wheat

Fashion a multi-centerpiece arrangement out of old apothecary bottles and single stem wildflowers.

02 of 25

Look Into Barn Wedding Venues

Melissa Marshall

Look no further for a country wedding venue than a massive barn set in the woods. Bistro lighting and soft uplighting along the perimeter make it glow with romance.

03 of 25

Repurpose Window Panes

Alexandra Wallace

A window pane seating chart is the ultimate country statement decor.

04 of 25

Build a Hay Bale Backdrop

Livi Edwards

No need for a photo booth: hay bales work some serious backdrop magic.

05 of 25

Consider a Wheel Spoke Dessert Display

Amy Kate Atkinson

Donut you love this dessert display? Wheel spokes bring a rustic touch to the setting.

06 of 25

Try on a Whimsical Flower Crown

David Latour Photographe

Flower crowns are fitting for any outdoor wedding, but one made of wildflowers and baby’s breath is perfect for a country bridal style.

07 of 25

Choose an All-Natural Ceremony Setting

Autumn Nicole Photography

There’s a reason why they call it the golden hour—let nature do all the talking. An arch made of branches and eucalyptus aisle markers are the only touches this ethereal ceremony needs.

08 of 25

Invite Friendly Farm Animals

The JAR Photography & Films

When your horse matches your bouquet! We love the idea of including these magnificent beauties in your wedding.

09 of 25

Design a Greenery-Adorned Cake

Chris Barber Photography

Trim a semi-naked cake with greenery and wildflowers and serve it on a tree stump for a woodsy touch.

10 of 25

Host an Alfresco Dinner

Braden Young

Let the bucolic beauty of the countryside shine with a simple reception table underneath bistro lighting in an al fresco reception.

11 of 25

Top Tables With Wildflower Runner

Shannon Stent Images

A countryside chic reception gets a minimalist touch with an elegant runner of wildflowers on bare wooden tables.

12 of 25

Welcome Guests With Antique Doors

Megan Welker Photography

Repurpose antique doors as a decor statement for English garden countryside feels.

13 of 25

Park an Old-Fashioned Wagon

Shannell Photography

An old-fashioned wagon elicits some serious vintage country charm.

14 of 25

Sprinkle in Some Sunflowers

Erin Wheat

A sunflower boutonniere accented with wildflowers adds some country flair to this laid-back groom style.

15 of 25

Forget Uncomfortable Footwear

Melissa Marshall

Forget heels—Wellies are the ultimate footwear for the country bride.

16 of 25

Embrace Natural Elements

Jeremiah & Rachel Photography

Infuse greenery and flowers plucked straight from the hills in a beautiful backdrop like this one.

17 of 25

Stash Favors in Paper Bags

Alexandra Wallace

Paper bag favors stamped with bicycles tote some bucolic fun.

18 of 25

Take Advantage of Surrounding Branches

Lola Rose Photography

Let nature take part in your decor by hanging vintage sea foam green bottles in from branches for a unique escort card display.

19 of 25

Incorporate Industrial Details

Lauren Campbell Photography

Country meets industrial in a stunning warehouse setting rich with greenery and wine barrels.

20 of 25

Consider Mismatched Chairs and Details

3 deseos y medio

Mix-and-match chairs and centerpieces have a laidback feel that perfectly complements the surrounding landscape of rolling hills.

21 of 25

Experiment With 3D Elements

Erin Wheat

Kick off your country wedding nuptials with 3D invitations that bring the countryside to life. How fun are these wildflower and mushroom prints?

22 of 25

Recycle Shuttered Room Dividers

Julie Michaelsen Photography

A shuttered room divider gets a second life as an escort card display.

23 of 25

Go Green With a Cascading Chandelier

The Kitcheners

This rustic reception brings the country indoors with a decadent ceiling centerpiece of wild brambles and cascading greenery.

24 of 25

Embellish Beer Bottles

Alexandra Wallace

Refurbished beer bottles double as adorable table numbers.

25 of 25

Gift Jars of Jam

Erin Wheat

Bring the feel of grandma’s kitchen to life with jars of jams at place settings. Not only do they sit pretty adorned with lace doilies, they also make for great favors!

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