Decorating Your Rustic Barn Wedding: From Fairy Lights to Mason Jars

The Ultimate Guide to Decorating a Barn Wedding

Barn weddings have become increasingly popular for couples seeking a rustic, charming atmosphere on their special day. These venues offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and versatility that can transform a simple celebration into an unforgettable event. Whether you’re looking at barn wedding venues for their aesthetic appeal or their spaciousness, the right decor can elevate the ambiance and create a magical experience for you and your guests.

At Sutton Barn Wedding Venue, we offer exclusive decor packages that will enhance your magical day.

From the table decor to lighting and floral arrangements, Sutton Barn Wedding Venue will help create a fairytale wedding for you and your guests.

Choosing the Right Barn Wedding Venue

Before diving into decoration ideas, it’s essential to select the perfect barn wedding venue. The right venue sets the tone for your entire wedding and provides the canvas for your decor.

1. Location: Choose a venue that is convenient for your guests. Consider the travel distance and availability of nearby accommodations.

2. Size: Ensure the barn can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Some barns are intimate and cozy, while others are grand and spacious. Sutton Barn can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. 

3. Amenities: Check what the venue offers in terms of lighting, restrooms, heating or air conditioning, and parking. Some wedding barns may require additional rentals for these amenities.

4. Aesthetic: Each barn has its unique charm. Some have a more polished, elegant feel, while others are more rustic and vintage.

Rustic Elegance: Embracing the Barn’s Natural Beauty

One of the main attractions of a barn wedding venue is its inherent rustic charm. To highlight this, choose decorations that complement rather than compete with the barn’s natural features.

1. Wooden Accents: Embrace the wood! Use wooden tables, chairs, and signage to blend seamlessly with the barn’s structure. Consider reclaimed wood for an added touch of authenticity.

2. Mason Jars and Lanterns: These versatile items can serve as candle holders, flower vases, or even drinking glasses. Hanging lanterns can add a whimsical, fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

3. Burlap and Lace: Combine these materials for table runners, chair sashes, or even wedding favors. Burlap’s rustic texture paired with delicate lace strikes a perfect balance between rough and refined.

4. String Lights and Chandeliers: Lighting is crucial in creating a romantic ambiance. Drape string lights across beams and hang chandeliers for an elegant touch. Edison bulbs also add a warm, nostalgic glow.

Well-place lighting can provide a unique and magical aspect to your wedding.

Floral Arrangements: Bringing the Outdoors In

Flowers play a significant role in enhancing the rustic feel of a wedding barn. Opt for arrangements that reflect the season and the natural surroundings of your venue.

1. Wildflowers and Greenery: Use wildflowers and abundant greenery to create a fresh, organic look. These can be used in centerpieces, bouquets, and garlands.

2. Rustic Containers: Place arrangements in containers that reflect the venue’s rustic charm, such as wooden boxes, metal pails, or vintage watering cans.

3. Hanging Installations: Create dramatic floral displays by suspending arrangements from the ceiling. This not only saves table space but also draws guests’ eyes upward, emphasizing the barn’s height and structure.

Personalized Touches: Making the Space Your Own

Personalization is key to making your wedding feel unique and special. Infuse your personalities and stories into the decor to make the day truly yours.

1. Custom Signage: Use wooden signs to display your names, wedding date, and meaningful quotes. These signs can guide guests, mark photo spots, or highlight special areas like the guestbook table or dessert bar.

2. Photo Displays: Showcase your journey as a couple with a photo wall. Use twine and clothespins to hang photos or create a collage on a rustic wooden board.

3. Memorabilia: Incorporate items that tell your story, such as a vintage typewriter for guests to leave messages, or a family heirloom tablecloth for the sweetheart table.

Cozy Comforts: Creating an Inviting Atmosphere

Barns can sometimes be drafty or less insulated than traditional venues. To ensure your guests are comfortable, consider adding cozy touches throughout the space.

1. Blankets and Throws: Provide blankets for guests to use during the ceremony or reception. Stack them in baskets with a sign that says, “To have and to hold in case you get cold.”

2. Fire Pits and Heaters: If your wedding is in cooler months, consider renting heaters or setting up fire pits. These not only provide warmth but also serve as great gathering spots for guests.

Sutton Barn has exclusive heating packages including bonfires and tent heaters – ideal for your perfect rustic outdoor wedding!

3. Comfortable Seating: Mix and match seating options like hay bales with cozy cushions, vintage sofas, and wooden benches. This adds to the rustic charm while ensuring comfort.

Worried about the temps dropping after the sun goes down? No worries at all! Sutton Barn has all heating needs for your perfect day – from bonfires to tent heaters. Check out Amenities on our Pricing/Packages page for more.

Food and Drink: Rustic Fare to Savor

The culinary aspect of your barn wedding should reflect the rustic theme while catering to your tastes and preferences. Think hearty, homestyle meals and charming presentation.

1. Farm-to-Table: Embrace the rustic venue by serving farm-fresh dishes. Local produce, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked bread can create a delicious, sustainable menu. Check out our list of preferred catering vendors.

2. Family-Style Service: Consider serving meals family-style, where guests pass dishes around the table. This encourages interaction and gives a homely, welcoming feel.

3. Rustic Desserts: Opt for a naked cake decorated with fresh flowers and berries. Other dessert ideas include pies, cookies, and s’mores kits for a fire pit.

Entertainment: Keeping the Fun Going

Your choice of entertainment can also enhance the rustic, relaxed atmosphere of your barn wedding.

1. Live Band or Acoustic Music: A live band playing folk, country, or bluegrass music can set the perfect tone. Acoustic sets can create a more intimate ambiance during dinner.

2. Yard Games: Set up yard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or horseshoes for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour or the reception.

3. Photo Booth: Create a DIY photo booth with rustic props and a backdrop of hay bales or a decorated barn wall. This provides fun entertainment and memorable keepsakes for guests.

Choosing the right entertainment can offer a unique element to your perfect day. See our preferred vendor list for live DJ’s and more.

Decorating a barn wedding involves embracing the rustic charm of the venue while adding personalized touches to make the day uniquely yours. By focusing on natural elements, comfortable amenities, and thoughtful details, you can transform a wedding barn into a magical setting that reflects your love story. With the right barn wedding venue, you’ll create an unforgettable experience for yourselves and your guests, filled with warmth, charm, and rustic elegance.

Contact us today for a private tour and let Sutton Barn plan your dream date.