If you're looking for a casual, relaxed venue for your wedding ceremony and/or reception, consider holding the events in a country barn. Barns make the ideal setting for couples who enjoy rural life and a laid-back lifestyle.
When it comes to picking the ideal barn venue, you have a few options. You can either hold the ceremony and reception on a friend's or relative's farm, or rent a barn that is specifically used for special events. While using a family member's personal barn may save you a few dollars, renting a professional event space offers many advantages and conveniences.
Although a barn wedding venue will have a rustic feel, you can transform the country venue into a more refined space using a combination of both simple and luxury decor pieces. Depending on your wedding budget and creative skills, consider making some of your own decorations for a one-of-a-kind look. Purchasing unique, country-inspired items at a boutique retailer is another option.
When picking the ideal decorations for the barn, consider the overall theme and color scheme of your wedding. Create a cohesive look and make a large, open space more intimate feeling with personalized items, such as flowers and textiles.
Here are some additional tips and tricks for transforming a country barn into a stunning wedding space:
Seating Elements
The appropriate number seating elements at a wedding ceremony and reception is essential, so make sure to consult your guest list first. Choosing country-inspired seating options will help you save money as they will serve both practical and decorative purposes.
One whimsical idea is to set up hay bales throughout the barn, such as at tables and in to fill in corners. You can create cozy nooks using several bales so that guests can easily mix and mingle off of their feet. The rustic-looking seating element will also provide ideal picture backdrops.
Make the hay bales more comfortable and visually appealing by topping them with soft pillows and cushions. If you want to use them at a dinner table, stack two together. Homemade tables and chair constructed by recycled barn wood will also be ideal.
Lighting Elements
Lighting elements can also work double-duty in a country barn. As one idea, string white string lights from the rafters and around poles to give an evening or nighttime event a soft, warm glow. You can also use solar-powered lanterns to light the way to the barn from the parking lot.
Wrought iron lanterns filled with twinkling tea light candles will create a romantic ambiance on the guest tables. You can also suspend them from the rafters if you prefer.
