As the old saying goes, everything old is new again. It wasn’t so long ago that it was completely normal for rural couples and their families would hold a wedding in a barn or other rustic structure. Today, the trend toward a rustic, down home flavor for a wedding has come full circle. In a recent article that appeared on the Cleveland.com website, Julie Washington gives great examples of barn or rustic weddings sure to catch the eye and win the hearts of many a couple looking to tie the knot in the near future.
One of the most important aspects of planning a rustic wedding is finding the right venue. If you, a relative, friend or neighbor has a great old structure that can be cleaned up and decorated for your wedding, that can mean not only setting the stage for a great rustic ceremony or reception, it can also make it a whole lot easier on your wedding budget, but not necessarily.
For Ariana Zimcosky and Dan Englehaupt of Brunswick, Ohio, the Skyview Lodge provided the perfect venue for their wedding. The wood lodge with hardwood floors, open decks provided the couple a beautiful backdrop where they could exchange vows and then later share wedding punch with their guests that was served in mason jars.
According to David Thorn, owner of Thorn Creek Winery & Gardens in Aurora, Ohio, “Rustic weddings are becoming more popular because they can be as casual or as elegant as a bride and groom may want.” This particular venue features a wine cellar and gardens that brides have been able to personalize to reflect their own tastes and personal style.
While many brides and grooms want to have a rustic or almost backwoods feel to their wedding ceremony, not everyone is inclined to take up the DIY challenge. According to Linda Hudson, owner of the Skyiew Lodge, decorating an old vintage ladder with lights and wisteria can be upwards of $400. Other renting the right venue at the right time can still be costly depending on the time of year and the locale. Our country’s national and state parks are filled with structures build during the New Deal and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s WPA programs.
For newlyweds Jenny and Rick Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the old stone pavilion set among ancient oaks and pines at Palisades-Keppler park located a few short miles from the city provided a perfect place to say their vows and hold a reception. Tables were set with a wide variety of old china, glassware and silverware among floral arrangements around old fashioned kerosene lamps. Wedding guests dined on pork that was slow roasted over a pit and delicious side dishes made by the family. The event was true to the two people getting married and was a one-of-a-kind event for all in attendance.
Custom lighting can be done with old fashioned bulbs to light the barn or other rustic building as well as draping. Geri Sims of Atlanta Wedding Décor has spent well over 20 years perfecting the perfect look for each event. She does it by using dramatic draping, uplighting, and props to create a unique look the space. Whether your event is themed, ethnic, simple, sophisticated or rustic, Geri Sims can help. Contact her today to set up an appointment to discuss your wedding plans by calling (404) 558-1300.
