Photo by Kaytlyn Perez Photography
Rustic ranch weddings have found popularity for their earthy vibe, natural appeal and reverence for old traditions and the beauty of the landscape. Whether you have a family ranch, adhere to the lifestyle or are just inspired by the Western vibes, we’ve put together nine wedding décor ideas for a rustic ranch wedding that will be sure to stimulate your senses!
Whiskey Barrels
Whiskey Barrels are bold, rustic and practical. They can be used for a variety of décor ideas to add to the ambiance of your rustic ranch wedding. Whiskey barrels are perfect as stand-alone tables for a co*cktail hour between the ceremony and reception, serving as a place for guests to gather and rest their drinks and hors-d’oeuvre plates. They even look beautiful on their own simply adorned with floral décor centerpieces. Whiskey barrels can also be spaced apart on two ends with a barn wood board placed on top to connect them and create a table display for place settings, a guest book, photos of the happy couple, desserts and so much more!
Hay Bales
For those truly ranchy couples, hay bales can be used to create a fun backdrop for the ceremony. Bales can be stacked to create visual interest and add height to the display. Offset them to grab the eye and make space for a number of other décor items atop the bales; this can even include a few ideas from this list such as cowhides and kerosene lamps, or perhaps even an old steer skull or set of horns to add to the rustic vibe!
Hay bales also make a great seating choice for rustic or thrifty couples in barn venue or outdoor weddings. Arranged in semi-circles around the altar with blankets or hides placed on top to protect guests from any poking straws, hay bales can be an aesthetically pleasing, budget-friendly, simple-to-set-up option for ceremony seating.
Antique Barn Wood Furniture
Photo Courtesy of Alpine Events
It’s no secret that barn wood tells a story. Historic barns from decades or even centuries ago often give new life from their old wood in beautiful rustic pieces of furniture or home décor. Add whimsy, history, and character to your rustic ranch wedding with beautiful barn wood tables, chairs, and benches. Natural, worn wood creates a unique impression without commanding full attention. It leaves space for colorful floral centerpieces and other décor items to draw the eye while simultaneously maintaining its own imposing presence.
Cowhides
Cowhides come in a variety of textures and colors and add visual interest to any rustic ranch wedding day. Like many of these décor ideas, cowhides can be incorporated into your special day in a number of ways. Cowhides can be set up below the altar for the happy couple to stand on, they can be used as décor pieces behind the altar, blankets over hay bale seating, and tablecloths over reception tables or whiskey barrels. Some couples may even choose to incorporate their family brand in their special day, and a cowhide may be the perfect backdrop to burn the brand into to create a memorable piece to take home and cherish.
Kerosene Lanterns
Kerosene lanterns are antique tools that can be used to add ambiance to any rustic ranch wedding. Whether used simply as a piece of décor or for actual lighting, kerosene lanterns are unique pieces of history and possess their own special character. Kerosene lanterns can be used to line the aisle or atop reception tables to add atmosphere and warmth in any setting.
Wildflowers and Feathers
Photo Sourced from Kayya Decor
Floral centerpieces are one of the most eye-catching décor items on any wedding day. Wildflowers that are either from or pay homage to the beautiful flowers growing in sprawling, wild ranch fields feel whimsical and down-to-earth compared to the more bold floral choices. Wildflower centerpieces emphasize the natural beauty of the local landscape. A fun addition to any rustic centerpiece may be local bird feathers, such as pheasant, quail, guinea, and chicken. Feathers interspersed throughout your beautiful bouquets create texture and visual intrigue with their unique colors and character.
Cowboy Boots
Old cowboy boots are fun vase ideas for your floral centerpieces. If your family has old or heirloom boots, you can place a small glass vase inside of the boot shaft to give it structure and protect the leather from water or flower stems. If you don’t have old boots, you can check your local thrift stores for inexpensive pairs. Cowboy boots often come in a variety of colors, textures and patterns, and mismatching cowboy boot vases are unique, whimsical décor ideas for your rustic ranch wedding.
Old Tack
Saddles, bridles, bosals, cinches and saddle blankets are all pieces of tack that tell a story. Perhaps you have a family heirloom saddle, or your grandfather’s bridle, or even an old colorfully patterned saddle blanket that you want to showcase on your special day. Saddles can be displayed on old wooden saddle racks, on beams, or over fences to add to the character of your rustic ranch wedding.
Bridles, headstalls and bosals may be hung around the venue on rustic display hooks to showcase antique and skillful leatherworking and masterful rawhide craftsmanship.
Woven mohair saddle blankets are often adorned with colorful southwestern patterns and can be hung around the venue to create a fun pop of color and texture. Saddle blankets can also be used to cover hay bale seating, as table runners, or hung over fences or racks to showcase their natural, colorful beauty. Heirloom pieces make this idea even more special, but old tack that is no longer fit for riding may be a great option for rustic décor that you won’t worry about on your special day.
Rustic ranch wedding décor ideas can be used in so many ways to create the atmosphere you desire on your special day. All nine of these décor ideas are bold enough to stand alone and cohesive enough to be incorporated together. We hope these décor ideas inspire you in planning your dream rustic ranch wedding!
