A Farm-Themed Wedding

Why is a summer farm themed wedding popular this year? When we think of a farm or the country, we think of a homey setting, where we have our casual family gatherings. Also, while the country is experiencing economic turmoil, we are going back to basics, including wedding planning and locations! And that is why I think that this location is perfect for a simple a wedding celebration! From invitations, color scheme, décor, favors, entertainment, food, beverage, and cake - - here are some simple home spun ideas to help you get started.

Need invitation ideas? Wedding Paper Divas and Invitations by Dawn have excellent selections of farm and/or country inspired wedding stationary. Rustic Circlet and Modern Vintage Invitation - Chicken Design are my favorites, for this theme! Both invitations give off a casual and country feel. If you want a more rustic invitation, both websites offer a great selection.

Need color scheme ideas? It all depends on when you are getting married! For example, if your wedding date is set in the fall, you can use warm fall inspired colors such as: brown, burgundy, orange, rust, cream, yellow, gold, copper, and red. Or, if your date is in the spring or summer, red, white, blue, yellow, green and silver would work for these seasons.

First, before discussing décor, lets discuss how you are going to direct you guests to your farm wedding location or barn. Your signs don't have to be dull! Here is a suggestion. Nail together a wood post and a wood arrow. Then, hand-paint your arrow with white paint, stating your spouse's last name and wedding. For example, "Smith's Wedding." Finally, for a finishing touch, tie a ribbon or raffia bow, with wild flowers, around the post. Now, you have a simple decorated sign that fits your theme!

Now, for some décor ideas! Set up vignettes of bales of hay, apple crates, an old beat up pick up truck, country inspired antique furniture, and scarecrows through out the space. Add country knick knacks to the vignettes. For example, quilts, baskets, bird houses, old scales, old wood signs, old vintage fruit boxes, wire egg baskets, cream cans, wood wash boards, wheel barrels, wood hens, corn stalks, apples, and pumpkins. Of course, keep in mind the season, when choosing your knick knacks! Set up a variety of old tables, mix and match wood chairs, or picnic tables. Add gingham , white eyelet, burlap, or country floral table clothes and napkins to the tables.

Need help with centerpieces? Pick old water cans, tin pails, milk pails, white milk jugs, mason jars, white milk glass, small wood boxes, and/or small apple crates. Fill the containers with wild flowers, daisies, Gerber daisies, mums, apples, lemons, oranges, strawberries, peaches, or my favorite - - sun flowers. Add mason jars with off white votive candles, to the tables. Tie gingham ribbon or raffia to the mason jars. Mix and match china and flat wear patterns. Don't have a budget to rent dish wear and eating utensils? Borrow your mom, grandma, and aunts' china and flat wear. Is your dance floor or event in the barn? Hang stringed white lights, old lanterns, or mason jars filled with votive candles, to the rafters, for added romance.

Need favor ideas? Fill mason jars with preserves, honey, or apple butter. Cover the jar with fabric. Tie the fabric with raffia or ribbon, with a personalized tag. Or, set up a table of little wood boxes with a sign stating, "Take one!" Have your guests fill wooden bushel baskets, with fruit or pumpkins, from the centerpieces.
Need entertainment ideas? Hire a country band to play, at your wedding. Want something unique? Hire dancers to teach county western line and/or square dance!

What's on the menu? Nothing is more country than a good old country barbeque! Barbeque ribs, chicken, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, and cole slaw. However, remember that you are wearing white! If you don't want messy finger food, I suggest skipping the barbeque sauce and offering a simple grilled chicken instead! What drinks to offer your guests? How about old fashion homemade lemonade?! Don't like lemonade? Offer soda pop in bottles, instead!

Want wedding cake options? Have your baker make a simple basket weave white and/or beige butter cream tier cake. Add raffia or ribbon, gum paste or real wild flowers and /or fruit to the cake. If you don't want wedding cake, have some of your family members make their homemade fruit pie or cobbler. Set the desserts on milk glass cake stands, for a nice added touch!

Wedding planning could be very basic! From invitations, color scheme, décor, favors, entertainment, food, beverage, and cake - - all you have to do is follow these simple home spun ideas. Then, you can concentrate on what's really important to you - - family! Now, just sit a spell, relax, do si do and enjoy!

Sources:
Jim Williams, "Country Theme Weddings: Celebrate With Rustic Charm," www.weddingclipart.com
"A Rustic Country Wedding," www.favorideas.com
Nina Callaway, "A Country Wedding," www.weddingsabout.com
www.weddingpaperdivas.com
www.invitationsbydawn.com
www.theknot.com