Photo: Lelia Marie Photography
Rustic weddings as we know them (think burlap and mason jars galore) may be a thing of the past, but nowadays couples are finding creative ways to infuse their rustic roots with some modern flare. From messy florals to mismatched chairs, here are six fresh rustic trends to try at your own wedding.
Photo: Leo Patrone Photography
1. Mismatched chairs
Lately, event producer André Wells of Events By André Wells, has been creating seating that allows for comfort at rustic weddings, such as banquette style. “We also use an eclectic chair mix, from antique chairs to the chiavari ballroom style to the farm cross back chairs, all at the same table,” he says. You can also add in some ghost chairs for an even more modern rustic look.
Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
2. Mismatched vintage china
No need for burlap and mason jars when you got your grandma’s china, right? To add color and life to your table, Ilana Ashley of Ilana Ashley Events recommends mixing and matching vintage china. “For a put together look, select pieces that are similar in size, and have a shared commonality like color scheme or theme (e.g. floral pattern, gold rimmed).”
Photo: Ruth Eileen Photography
3. Fresh produce
Whether in bridesmaid bouquets or centerpieces, fresh produce is all the rage right now in the rustic world! For example, this rustic table setting (above) is reminiscent of a harvest feast, notes Michael Ciano, Events Designer for Winston Flowers in Boston, MA. Here, he portrays a feeling of bounty that is on trend by using lots of small textures, instead of big flowers, with fruit, vegetables, nuts and berries. “Specifically, this design features anemones, kale, figs, persimmon, berries and grasses. The elements are natural and rustic, yet sophisticated, in balanced earth tones of plum, burgundy, gold and green.” Um, obsessed!
See More: The 4 Fall 2016 Wedding Trends That are All the Rage Right Now
Photo: Lelia Marie Photography
4. Rustic meets glam
Rustic country is so done! Now it’s all about glamming it up. According to planner Dawn Stafford of Gathering Souls, the décor for these events will match up rustic elements, like a barn venue, and mix them with a glamorous chandelier made of crystal. Another popular go-to? “Elaborate china on rustic wooden tables.” Wedding photographer Lelia Bartruff of Lelia Marie Photography says this is one of her favorite new trends. Specifically, when brides pair delicate lace and old china with the rough wooden farm tables. “It adds a beautiful dimension, uniqueness, and elegance to a barn wedding.”
Photo: Love Lit Wedding Photography
5. Messy florals
We don’t know about you, but we’re wild for this rustic floral trend! As wedding planner Kelli Corn of Kelli Corn Weddings points out, there’s definitely a movement now in “organic” locally grown flowers. “Farmgirl flowers, for instance, are a huge hit right now!” As far as style goes, think picked straight from a field and effortlessly thrown together to create wildly beautiful yet utterly elegant centerpieces. Garlands are also having a rustic moment, notes event designer Stephanie Welch of Stephanie Welch Style. “Garland running down the table with florals mixed in, in lieu of traditional centerpieces, or garland draping over the bar during cocktail hour. It’s more of a messy pretty kind of look.”
Photo: Noah Wolf Photography
6. Rustic hors d’oeuvres displays and trays
Rhea Merrill, Catering Manager at Lurcat Catering, says wooden boards with charcuterie and bread displays are popular at rustic weddings right now. Rachel Bruzek, D’Amico Catering Senior Creative Event and Trend Specialist, agrees. “Using rustic wood platters for passing hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour is another trend.”