Some couples prefer to exchange their vows out in the country or in a rustic atmosphere. They may choose to get married on a farm, in an old lodge or in a country barn. They can supplement their look by adding decorations made of hay, seasonal fruits or flowers. The couple may decide to forgo traditional wedding attire and wear something Western-inspired, complete with cowboy hats and boots. It is always entertaining and special to see how a couple adds their own touches to their wedding.
Couples often start by choosing a location that's significant to them. If there is a farm in either of their families, they may wish to get married there. They also could research farm settings that host weddings and receptions, such as Wood Acres Farm in Connecticut or Great Country Farms in Virginia. Couples may consider contacting local campgrounds or lodges during off-seasons and setting up tents and chairs near a prairie or garden to achieve the country feeling.
While some couples may don tuxedos and full-length bridal gowns, others may prefer wearing Western gear. Brides may wear a simple, embroidered-lace or corset dress, or some may wear the classic-country denim wedding dress, which may be styled simply, with cap sleeves and a duster train, or elaborately, as a beaded-corset gown with a long cathedral train.
Grooms often wear a Western-style white dress shirt with a denim vest or a black Reno-style vest. The groom also may wear black pants with a black Western-style shirt. He often complements this look with brown or black boots and a black cowboy hat.
Couples may construct wreaths out of hay and decorate them with ribbon and berries and hang them throughout the reception area. Couples may consider hanging guests' place cards on a clothesline for a country feel. They also can use in-season flowers and fruits in pots to decorate the ceremony and reception.
If they're using in-season fruits, couples may consider making and jarring homemade jams or honey as their wedding favors. They could do this with their bridal party or find a local fruit orchard that sells jars of fruit jam in bulk at a special rate. They also might fill pretty wicker baskets with in-season fruit and freshly baked goods, such as apples from the orchard and apple-cider doughnuts.
Couples having an outdoor country wedding often wish to keep the food simple so it has a picnic feel. They may serve such fare as barbecued pork, roast chicken, baked beans, fresh seasonal vegetables or corn bread, using farm-fresh ingredients. Couples may wish to serve old-time favorites like lemonade and iced tea, keeping old-fashioned bottles of orange soda and root beer in a big washtub on ice.
Couples may choose a dessert other than a traditional wedding cake. Some prefer staying with in-season fruit and select a towering strawberry shortcake. Stacking the layers makes the dessert appear like a wedding cake.
