Rustic Wedding Ideas For Modern Brides (PHOTOS) | HuffPost Life

How To Do 'Rustic' Without Looking Old-Fashioned

This article originally appeared in Martha Stewart Weddings

Move over mason jars! Here's a fresh take on an old-timey wedding theme.

Rustic Wedding Ideas, Modernized

Country Table Numbers(01 of11)

Set atop a bundle of wheat, large numerals direct diners to their tables. Linen-covered rounds of cardboard were stenciled with white paint, then placed on a stack of wheat -- the cut ends of which conveniently stand on their own.

Wheat-Inspired Invites(02 of11)

Just a single stalk of wheat inspired this entire stationery suite. The serenely minimal silhouette and clean typeface make it current, while the yellow ink and rugged chipboard have a classic old-school appeal. The four-piece set by Hammerpress was handmade using letterpress, a technique dating to 1450.

Getaway Car Sign(03 of11)

If you can round up inexpensive bits of rope and twine and a burnishing tool, you’re more than halfway done with this “branded” keepsake. To make it, paint an 18-by-30-inch piece of wood (a lumberyard can cut this for you and drill two holes), stencil on words, and brand it. Then, tie on several spray-painted metal cans, and you’ve got a rhythm section for the fender of your horse and buggy -- or Benz.

Hitching Posts(04 of11)

Spread your big news in a small-town way, with this cross between a frontier poster and a modern concert flyer. These 23-by-28-inch black-and-white broadside designs were printed on newsprint that’s so inexpensive, you can cover a whole lot of territory. Plaster them around town to lead guests to your location, or line a wall at your reception to create a graphic photo-booth backdrop. Posters by lincoprinting.com.

Cowbell Display(05 of11)

A sure way to break the ice? Have guests pick up sheep and cowbells along with their escort cards. It’s a call to supper, table assignment, and favor in one. Plus, it will make the seat-finding process sound like a game of musical chairs.

Rustic Ceremony Decor(06 of11)

Golden garlands of wheat accessorize the pews and rafters of this chapel. For an ethereal effect, layer the strands -- their feathery ends look especially beautiful when touched by rays of sunlight. Some variety of dried wheat is available year-round, and it’s surprisingly hardy, meaning you can create this project well before your day.Get the How-To

Rustic Tablescape(07 of11)

Indoors or out, a glowing tablescape like this one pulls all the rustic pieces together. It looks polished, but it’s actually quite resourceful: The harvest-theme chandeliers are wheat-covered wire baskets, and the vases holding clouds of pretty wildflowers are recycled metal cans spray-painted a glossy white. For an instant, on-point tablecloth, lay out a length of raw-edged leather.Get the How-To

Country Caramels(08 of11)

There’s something luxurious about giving these oversize handcrafted (and seriously delicious) salted-caramel bars as favors. Wrap the wax-covered treats in newsprint, add a ribbon, then finish with stick-on wax seals.

Edible Escort Cards(09 of11)

Place cards with an edible component give loved ones a warm reception. Make them by lashing guests’ names to ramekins.

Wild Bouquet(10 of11)

Tiny flowers make a poetic statement when they’re swept up in a simple yet abundant bouquet. We used chamomile, heather, and coreopsis, but you can choose special blooms that are indigenous to your location.

Monogrammed Blanket(11 of11)

A monogram-embroidered blanket would be equally at home around your shoulders once night falls or on the grass at a wedding picnic. Better yet, you’ll treasure it for years to come. Commission the needlework or DIY it.Get the Embroidery How-To

More from Martha Stewart Weddings

How to Pose for Wedding Photos

Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Registries

Real Weddings We Can't Stop Gushing Over

The Most Unique (and Beautiful) Cakes Ever

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