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75 Country Wedding Ideas

The impact that country style has had on mainstream weddings is undeniable — details such as cowboy boots, pickup trucks, and wildflower bouquets have captured brides' hearts. This aesthetic is all about honoring your roots, taking in the beauty of the natural outdoors, style without sacrificing comfort, and kicking back to some good tunes. A country-themed wedding isn't just a geographical destination; it's a special feeling that you want to project for your big day. Check out everything you need to pull off a casual yet chic celebration, from bouquets to reception décor to cakes and more.

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow
  • Attire

    Attire

    Mix-and-match separates like patterned shirts and tweed vests are befitting of a casual barn bash.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Your and your groom are wanted at the saloon — strike a pose in front of this watering hole sign.

  • Attire

    Attire

    Every cowgirl needs dancing boots — this bride's footwear balances out her glam wedding-day look.

  •  Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Rustic-chic meets glitz and glamour, thanks to this spectacular barn entrance featuring suspended florals, a chandelier, and a canopy of string lights.

  • Cake

    Cake

    Add white piping for contrast against a colorful design, like this cake that was served at a country-themed soirée.

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Bring the indoors outside with antique doors at your ceremony entrance.

  •  Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    From the lush low centerpiece to the colorful tablecloth to the laser-cut table number, we can't stop swooning over this setup.

    Related: 30+ Impressive Low Centerpieces

  • Attire

    Attire

    Outfit your 'maids in short and flirty frocks within the same shade. (Navy is a beautiful choice because it complements all the earthy tones of a farm setting.)

  • Signs

    Signs

    Throwing your ceremony and reception in different locations? Point the way with DIY chalkboard-inspired directional signs.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Cover hay bales with attractive fabric and pillows so that guests can use them as comfy lounge seating.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Longhorn cow skulls and/or antlers make for memorable and authentic wall décor.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    How lovely is this photo taken beneath a weeping willow tree?

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Dress up pews with Mason jars filled with baby's breath.

    Related: 40 Ways to Decorate Your Ceremony Aisle

  • Attire

    Attire

    Top off your big fancy white dress with a gingham or plaid button-down shirt.

    Related: 20 Chic Reasons to Cover Up at Your Wedding

    Photo Credit: Mychelle LeVan Photography / Wedding Gown: Esila Bridal

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Impart a warm glow over the ceremony proceedings with a glass bottle chandelier, flickering pillar candles, and string lights.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Bales of hay are the perfect scenic backdrop for bridal portraits with a country feel.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    A romantic must-have photo: Silhouettes against the lit-up barn and starry night sky.

  • Attire

    Attire

    A tiered skirt with floaty layers is oh-so-pretty while still allowing you to dance the night away.

  • Attire

    Attire

    When it comes to groom's fashion, fabrics such as denim, linen, and cotton are staples. For a look that's country strong but still wedding-worthy, take a gander at this handsome groom's hat-vest-belt buckle combo.

    Related: Beyond the Black Tux: Stylish Groom Inspiration

  • Bouquet

    Bouquet

    Crafty brides, this non-floral bouquet with fabric flowers is calling your name.

  • Attire

    Attire

    Or choose bridesmaid dresses in different hues and fabrics, but from within the same color family. Embroidered boots tie in the country theme.

    Related: Mix & Match Done Right: 25 Ideas for Your Bridesmaids

  • Attire

    Attire

    Get gussied up in an off-ivory gown with champagne appliqués (for you) and tan suede jacket (for him).

  • Attire

    Attire

    Or your boots can serve as your "something blue."

    Related: Fun Ideas for Your Something Old, Borrowed, and Blue

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Nothing quite says "country" like bow-tied burlap curtains.

  • Cakes

    Cakes

    Indulge your sweet tooth with a smorgasbord of one-tier cakes and pies.

  • Cake

    Cake

    Everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, including this decadent chocolate groom's cake.

  • Cake

    Cake

    If you and your groom don't take yourselves too seriously, then this humorous cake design is right up your alley.

  • Bouquet

    Bouquet

    Brooches, baby's breath, and intricate lace combine to form a breathtaking bouquet.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Take advantage of a beautiful field of wildflowers by recreating this ethereal shot.

  • Bouquet

    Bouquet

    A handle wrapped with twine adds a unique touch to your bouquet.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Is there anything sweeter than horse kisses? We think not.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Capture the simple joy of country life with a sunset dip on the outskirts of a farm or ranch.

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Climb aboard the back of a pickup truck for a showstopping shot.

  • Groom's Cake

    Groom's Cake

    Huntin', fishin', and lovin' every day — give your country boy's favorite hobbies a fun shout-out with a just-for-him cake.

  • Flower Girl

    Flower Girl

    A galvanized bucket covered with lace and an oversized floral clip are cute flower girl add-ons.

  • Flower Girl

    Flower Girl

    Dress up a simple flower girl's dress with a burlap flower appliqué.

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Consider personalizing your ceremony with a "fight box" or "wine box." How it works: During the ceremony, fill a wooden box with a bottle of wine, two glasses, and handwritten letters expressing why you fell in love with one another. Then, you both hammer it shut with nails, and promise not to open it until your first major argument or a milestone anniversary (whichever comes first).

    Related: 50 Wedding Ideas You've Never Seen Before

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Create a beautiful focal point for your ceremony by pairing a wooden letter initial (from your new married last name) with a garland of greenery and flowers.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    We love this clever wedding twist on a traditional hitching post, which is used to tether a horse (or another animal) and prevent it from straying.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Entertaining games are a mainstay of laidback country nuptials, and one of our favorites is "The Shoe Game." During the reception, remove both of your shoes, then trade a shoe with your new spouse so that you’re holding one of each. Then, have a designated person ask a series of questions about the two of you and your relationship (i.e.. “Who will be doing most of the cooking?” "Who said 'I love you' first?"). After each question, hold up the shoe of the person you think is the best answer to the question.

    Related: 20+ Ways to Make Your Reception More Fun

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    If you are going to make a lovely dash through sparklers, you may also want to display lanterns or luminaries not only indicate to your guests where to stand but also to light their exit.

  • Ring Bearer

    Ring Bearer

    We can't stop awwing over this groom and his identically dressed mini-me.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Incorporate unique items that you can find in or around your venue. For instance, if you're getting married in a barn, use old wagons to hold the gifts or as beverage and food stations.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Easy and affordable, lanterns work great as centerpieces because you don't need a lot of florals to go along with them.

    Related: 15 Non-Floral Centerpieces So Stunning, You Won't Miss Flowers

  • Cake

    Cake

    Use an old wine barrel as a pedestal for your wedding cake.

    Related: 25 Creative Ways to Show Off Your Wedding Cake

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Wooden boxes add rustic charm to your centerpieces.

  • Sign

    Sign

    Include signs with lyrics from your favorite country songs, or Bible verses that speak to your relationship as a couple.

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Hang darling miniature floral wreaths or baskets in notice-me shades on the doors of your farmhouse.

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Y'all, this fabric Mason jar cutout might just be the cutest ceremony signage we've ever seen.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Instead of asking partygoers to sign a book, have them write their well wishes on a wooden slab that you can display in your new home.

  • Bouquet

    Bouquet

    Sunflowers are the bloom of choice for a country celebration.

    Related: 125+ Ideas for Flowers by Type

  • Sign

    Sign

    A banner with Southern slang serves as a quirky prop for your thank-you card photos.

  • Flower Girl & Ring Bearer

    Flower Girl & Ring Bearer

    Instead of tossing petals and carrying a ring cushion down the aisle, have your little ones hold a basket filled with blooms (you could also use a cowboy hat!) and an oak ring box, respectively. 

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Colorful smoke bombs are the hottest new wedding photography trend — they instantly add drama to a portrait.

  • Cake

    Cake

    Itsy Belle Cakes designed this charming birch tree wedding cake, complete with the initials of the bride and groom "carved" into the side. Because the groom gifted his groomsmen custom-made axes, it was only natural to "cut the tree down" with an ax!

    Related: 30+ Small Wedding Cakes With Big Impact

    Cake by Itsy Belle Cakes / Photo Credit: Chris Klas Photo

  • Ring Bearer

    Ring Bearer

    An adorable ring bearer's outfit adds country flair to an otherwise formal fête.

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Attire

    Attire

    A gorgeous illusion back with intricate embroidery adds the perfect amount of coverage for a chapel ceremony.

    Related: 70+ Wedding Gowns That Are Even More Beautiful from the Back

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    If you're getting hitched outdoors, provide snuggly blankets to guests as a token of hospitality. 

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Invitations

    Invitations

    Set the tone for charming bucolic nuptials with hand-drawn illustrations and checkered envelope liners.

    Related: 50 Ideas for Your Wedding Invitations

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Distributing yummy DIY edibles as take-home favors to guests? Arrange them on a vintage dresser painted in your signature wedding color.

    Related: 25+ Edible Wedding Favors Your Guests Won't Leave Behind

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    No country-themed wedding would be complete without rib-sticking comfort foods like pulled pork, smoked chicken, coleslaw, green beans, mac 'n' cheese, shrimp and grits, and biscuits. Remember that presentation is key.

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Take a dynamic bridal party shot standing on different levels with each of your respective attendants.

    Related: 30 Fun Bridal Party Photos

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Tie the knot — literally — with two cords that represent your individual selves. As the rope intersects, two lives become one. The finished knot symbolizes how your love will remain strong no matter what obstacles come your way. 

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Attire

    Attire

    Instead of silky robes, prep for the big day with your VIPs in comfy denim shirts emblazoned with cursive monograms.

    Related: 25 Matching "Getting Ready" Outfits for Bridesmaids

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    An embellished cross is a simple and sweet backdrop for a religious ceremony.

    Photo Credit: Photo La Vie

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    An altar draped with seasonal blooms, branches, and gauzy fabric enhances the beauty of your natural surroundings without going overboard.

    Related: 50 Gorgeous Wedding Ceremony Structures

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Or shoot country-style portraits together in front of an old tractor.

  • Invitations

    Invitations

    Let your guests know that they are in for a fabulous time by sending invitations and save-the-dates with "We're getting hitched!" wording. We love this barn door design held together with twine.

    Photo Credit: Kate Holstein

  • Signs

    Signs

    A distressed wooden sign with a play on words is a sweet detail to include.

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Display a "guest quilt" at your reception, along with permanent fabric markers so that your loved ones can write on the squares.

    Related: 50 Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Tie a cowbell around each guest's napkin — when they ring it, you and your new spouse have to give each other a smooch.

    Photo Credit: Kate Holstein

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Saw notches into a log to create a unique card holder. Add a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables if you're saying "I do" in the autumn.

    Related: 35 Cool Ways to Display Your Escort Cards

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    A country band or bluegrass band can create the perfect ambiance for this special occasion. (If you prefer to have a traditional wedding band, consider having a country musician play during just the cocktail hour to get guests in the festive spirit.)

    Related: Top 60+ Country Songs to Play at Your Wedding

    Photo Credit: Kate Holstein

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    Have fun with your bar display — free-flowing beer from a rustic tap is such a cool touch.

    Related: 25 Creative Ideas for Your Wedding Bar

    Photo Credit: The Melideos

  • Reception Ideas

    Reception Ideas

    A roaring fire pit adds a cozy ambiance to any outdoor wedding.

    Photo Credit: Christian Oth Studio

75 Country Wedding Ideas

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October 3rd

Photo by: J Lucas Reyes on Bride and Breakfast via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: The perfect font adds so much personality to your wedding invitation. A serif font is a classic choice whereas a swirling font that looks handwritten gives off a more playful vibe. New fonts can even provide some variation in letters, so that not all of your J’s look exactly the same, nor are they the same size. It’s not an imperfection — it’s artistry, and it’s a big trend in invitations right now, especially for that vintage, romantic wedding-day look.

Plus, check out 50 Ideas for Your Wedding Invitations. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great tips and advice.

September 30th

Photo Credit: Toni Lynn Photography

Tip of the Day:  Order two to three additional certified marriage certificates if you're planning on changing your last name. "Having multiple copies allows you to file your name change forms simultaneously and streamlines your name change wait time. It also prevents you from losing your only copy to some dusty government drawer," says Danielle Tate, the CEO of MissNowMrs.com.

Plus, check out Changing Your Last Name: How to Decide What's Right for You.

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25 Beautiful Bespoke Wedding Gifts

Are you searching for a unique wedding gift for that special couple? The newlyweds will adore these personalized gift items.

By: Mary Wozniak

Enter Slideshow
  • Ornament

    Ornament

    Their wedding invitation is transformed into a treasured glass ornament.

    Photo courtesy of Our Gift Shoppe/Etsy

  • Keepsake Box

    Keepsake Box

    A gorgeous hand-painted wedding keepsake box includes a fabric lining and an acid-free envelope for special documents. 

    Photo courtesy of Stacie Dale/Etsy

  • Picnic Set

    Picnic Set

    Give everything they’ll need for a romantic picnic. An insulated picnic backpack is complete with a wine cooler, blanket, corkscrew, and four place settings.

    Photo courtesy of Personal Creations

  • Coasters

    Coasters

    A stylish set of custom coasters is laser-engraved on natural black slate.

    Photo courtesy of Engrave Me This

  • Candle

    Candle

    Their love is burning bright. A hand-poured soy candle, in delightful scents like Warm Lemon Pound Cake and Pumpkin Souffle, is customized with a city skyline.

    Photo courtesy of Define Design Etc./Etsy

  • 5blanket

    5blanket

    Memorialize their special day with a message in the sand, captured on a cozy cotton throw.

    Photo Credit: Courtney Noelle via Writing in the Sand/Etsy

  • Decorative Plate

    Decorative Plate

    Delightfully different: cool and colorful hand-painted artwork features a sugar skull bride and groom on a decorative plate.

    Photo courtesy of sewZinski/Etsy

  • Ring Dish

    Ring Dish

    A sweet and simple porcelain ring dish notes the happy couple and their wedding date.

    Photo courtesy of Designs by Luna C/Etsy

  • Photo Album

    Photo Album

    An upcycled record album makes for a truly unique guest book or photo album; choose black or chamois-colored photo cardstock.

    Photo Credit: Michael Haase via Phonoboy/Etsy

  • Lyrics Plate

    Lyrics Plate

    The wedding date has come and gone, and you’re still looking for that perfect gift? Be inspired by their romantic first dance. The bride and groom will cherish this keepsake plate, a custom drawing accompanied by the lyrics to their special song.

    Photo courtesy of Painted Silver Linings/Etsy

  • Wall Art

    Wall Art

    Include your message of good fortune on a personalized print.

    Photo courtesy of Picture It Personal/Etsy

  • Wall Art

    Wall Art

    Ken and Barbie, Shrek and Fiona… add the newlyweds to the list of famous couples for a fun wallhanging.

    Photo courtesy of Itsy Bitsy Creative/Etsy

  • Heart

    Heart

    A pretty papercut heart in a shadow frame is an enchanting wedding day memento.

    Photo courtesy of Edwards Scissorhands/Etsy

  • Lego Portrait

    Lego Portrait

    Give the ultimate custom wedding portrait: their photo becomes a printable 3D digital image of a LEGO bride and groom.

    Photo courtesy of Mr. Lego Art 3D/Etsy

  • Map

    Map

    Upcycled maps reflect places close to their hearts.

    Photo courtesy of Ekra/Etsy

  • Sign

    Sign

    And they lived happily ever after… a personalized wood sign is the perfect gift as their love story begins.

    Photo courtesy of Taylor Signs/Etsy

  • Wine Holder

    Wine Holder

    Wish them joy with a custom wine carrier that holds a wine or champagne bottle and two stemmed glasses.

    Photo courtesy of Joyful Moose

  • Wine Glasses

    Wine Glasses

    Salute the lucky groom and the future Mrs. with personalized stemless wine glasses.

     Photo courtesy of The Glass Heart Co./Etsy

  • Cutting Board

    Cutting Board

    A custom handmade cutting board is laser-engraved in maple, walnut, or cherry.

    Photo courtesy of Shop Froolu/Etsy

  • Lazy Susan

    Lazy Susan

    Artwork on this one-of-a-kind Lazy Susan depicts memorable relationship moments and the couples' favorite things.

    Photo courtesy of Wood With Heart/Etsy

  • Growler

    Growler

    Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate your gift of a custom laser-engraved growler.

    Photo courtesy of Sigil and Growler

  • Wine Box

    Wine Box

    Add your favorite vintage to a custom-engraved bamboo wine box.  

    Photo courtesy of Circle City Design Co./Etsy

  • Throw Pillows

    Throw Pillows

     A custom pillow in eco-friendly cotton and linen celebrates special dates and places:  the first date, the first kiss, and the wedding day.  

    Photo courtesy of Uptown Artworks

  • Serving Set

    Serving Set

    A lovely vintage cake server and forks are custom hand-stamped.

    Photo Credit: Holly Schuyler via Baby Puppy Designs/Etsy

  • Name Frame

    Name Frame

    A custom name collage is created from black and white architectural alphabet photos.

    Photo courtesy of Art of Whimsy Photo/Etsy

25 Beautiful Bespoke Wedding Gifts

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10 “Overdone” Wedding Day Details You Still Can’t Help But Love

Sure, you’ve seen oh-so-many chalkboard wedding signs and sipped your share of signature cocktails (most likely in Mason jars…), but you can’t help but think these darling details would be just the right touch for your own big day. While some people might tell you these popular wedding trends are totally overdone and encourage you to stay away, we’re here to remind you that they’re popular for a very good reason: everyone loves them!

Here are 10 touches your guests won’t be able to get enough of.

September 29th

Photo Credit: Anna and Spencer Photography on Smitten Magazine via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Aim to keep your first dance around the two-minute mark. "That eight-minute Justin Timberlake ballad may have lots of meaning to you, but a long first dance will become a bore for your guests," says Marina Tarsinov, a wedding dance choreographer/owner for Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

She also recommends scheduling your dance as the first event of the evening so that you don't end up dancing to the sound of forks clinking on plates.

Plus, check out The Most Romantic First Dance Songs and Tips for Picking a First Dance Song.

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Find the Right Hairstyle for Your Gown

Discover the hairstyle that will best flatter the neckline of your dress with these tips and tricks from the experts.

By: Katie Hoppenjans

Enter Slideshow
  • Asymmetrical

    Asymmetrical

    Play up an intricate one-shoulder neckline with straight-as- can-be locks falling neatly behind your shoulders. Eva Scrivo says, “Pin-straight hair with a center part will add balance to an asymmetrical dress and let the shoulder detail take center stage.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Bateau

    Bateau

    “With a bateau neckline, it’s best to wear the hair up to showcase the dress and create clean lines at the shoulders,” says Kelsey Smart, stylist at Fox & Jane Salon. “Opt for a loosely textured updo with volume at the crown to soften the look.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Sweetheart

    Sweetheart

    The sweetheart neckline epitomizes classic bridal style, so a polished, romantic ’do is always a natural fit. Stylist Triana Francois at Haven Spa recommends soft, glamorous curls to balance out bare shoulders and add an extra dose of allure to your look.

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Off The Shoulder

    Off The Shoulder

    Showcase your shoulders with an oh-so-elegant, softly swept- up style. “I love an un-fussy updo with a lacy dress,” Kelsey Smart says. “It draws attention to the eye-catching, off-the-shoulder neckline and gives the gown a fresh, youthful vibe.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Plunge

    Plunge

    Edward Tricomi, master stylist and co-founder of Warren- Tricomi Salons, suggests pairing loose, flowing waves with a plunging neckline. “Waves will balance out the revealing neckline,” Tricomi says. “Plus, the texture will add dimension to the look.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • High Neck

    High Neck

    Avoid anything sleek or severe if your dress has a high neckline and long sleeves. According to Kelsey Smart, “Flowers and loose tendrils allow a high-neck dress to look whimsical rather than overly buttoned-up. They’re like a breath of fresh air.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Scoop Neck

    Scoop Neck

    Pair a scoop neckline with ultra-chic waves for a fresh take on old-Hollywood glamour. According to Eva Scrivo, founder of Eva Scrivo Salons, “An off-center upsweep with most of the hair on one side accentuates the softness of a scoop neck beautifully.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

Find the Right Hairstyle for Your Gown

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