Western-themed weddings
are unique, whimsical and offer a fun time for all.
Western-themed weddings increase in popularity with each year. The classic, whimsical and almost fairytale-like atmosphere of the wild west is entices many couples who wish their special day to be as magical as possible. Western-themed weddings can be as subtle or bold as you like; from barns to stagecoaches and cowboy hats, the sky is the limit with a western wedding.
Barns and Stagecoaches
If you are staging a western-themed wedding, go all out and have the reception take place in a barn. Barns are great venues for large wedding receptions; they are large and airy and offer a whimsical storybook feel when you clean and decorate them. Along with the barn, consider renting an old-fashioned stagecoach as your ride from the church to the reception. Or, if you plan to have the wedding ceremony take place in the field outside of the barn, rent the coach for decoration and for a fun photographic setting.
Clothing and Accessories
You can incorporate western wardrobe items into your wedding without turning the ceremony into a Broadway play. Consider decking the groom and his groomsmen out in black or white cowboy hats and large belt buckles. Bridesmaids options including vintage or beautifully decorated cowboy boots and shirt-style dresses adorned by a large buckled belt.
Decorations
Decorating themes for a western wedding are wide open. Various themes include a wild west pioneer theme, vintage saloon, country western kitchen or a combination of all three. When decorating the barn, make sure it's in good condition to host a party. Eradicate all smells and animal traces before any decorating can begin. Place twinkle or fairy lights in the rafters, and hang candle-filled lanterns from the outer ledges of the barn. Draping the rafters with soft, light fabrics is a great way to lighten the space. Use a variety of autumn-colored farm flowers to decorate both the barn and outdoor area. Use large sunflowers, pots of reds, oranges and green chrysanthemums and daisies accented by bunches of wheat and other farm-harvested bounty such as apple barrels, pumpkins and cornstalks. Use old watering cans or vintage grain pails as flower vase table centerpieces, and decorate the table with small horseshoes or vintage animal or cowboy emblems.
Food and Favors
Western-themed foods at a barn party are best as a buffet. Consider serving home-kitchen classics such as hearty stews, macaroni, chicken- and dairy-based items and a variety of corn, wheat and potato dishes. Even classic barbecue foods such as ribs and baked beans are appropriate foods to serve. Apple pies, cream custards and cheese pies are great thematic desserts. Speak with your caterer on turn classic simple farm food into gourmet buffet offerings.
For favors, consider hanging a cowboy hat on the back of each chair for the guest to take home, or place a horseshoe with a tag stating the couple's names and date. Other favors include cowboy boot mugs, miniature cowboy hat ornaments, shot glasses, wedding color boxes filled with small candies or small gifts baskets made inside of vintage garden pails or flowerpots with seeds, dried fruits, rustic soaps and any small trinket representative of farm life.
Activities
It isn't a western-themed wedding without a country western band. Country music is appropriate for a barnyard wedding, however, country music is an acquired taste, so for those guests who hold a slight dislike, try not to have country music playing the whole time. Hire a second band or musician to play classical music on either the piano or stringed instrument. A pop DJ is also an option if you are planning to have a dance floor. For activities other than dancing, consider renting a mechanical bull or photo cutout boards that you stick your head through to appear on the body of an image.
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