Country Weddings ~ Part 1

Country weddings are a great idea not only for country dwellers, but for all those who love the down to earth, natural, organic feel of the countryside. All bride and grooms are different of course, so one couple's idea of a country wedding will be vastly different to another couple's. Some people will think, 'ah, country', and immediately envision vintage, homespun wedding favors, a farm setting with rusty old tractors in the fields and old farm equipment hanging on barn walls and horses and cows roaming around freely in the paddocks in the distance. They'll think of outdoor trestle tables with vases of fresh flowers and gingham tablecloths, hurricane lanterns hanging from surrounding trees, dogs running around everywhere and so on. Other couples may envision grand old country manors with magnificent gardens, fairytale horse and carriages, spectacular marquees with metres upon metres of tulle hanging from every corner, quaint English-cottage style garden furniture that looks like it came straight from the nearest croquet club - and more.

Whatever your preference (and the budget allows for), one thing's for certain: a country wedding can be as homespun, or as grand, as you can make it. The first thing to consider though, especially if you're a city dweller, is exactly where you'll hold your country wedding. If you know someone or have a relative with a rural property, and they are willing to let you host your wedding there, then that's great; you're a step already. However for those of us not fortunate enough to know someone, then it's time to hit Google and see what's out there. Depending on what country you're in, you'll find country wedding planners and country wedding venues will be your first stop. Of course, you don't have to actually sign up with any of these people just yet - at this stage just use their websites for information and advice at first. You may find you can plan your own wedding by going directly to some of these business recommended by these websites yourself - thereby saving yourself some money in the process, which is never a bad thing! However, if you'd love the idea of having it all organised for you, then look no further.

Rural Fence Post Country Wedding Invitation by loraseverson
Check out other invitation templates at zazzle.com

Another thing I would recommend, is to ask everyone you know, work colleagues, friends of friends, neighbours and anyone else you can think of, if they know of someone who got married at a country venue and would they recommend it? Hit the bridal magazines, travel and rural tourism websites and brochures (perhaps a trip the local library may also unearth a lot of great information). Also, if you've already made some preliminary enquiries about bridal gowns, photography etc. or met with any other wedding professionals yet, ask them what they know about country wedding venues also, and ones they can recommend.

If you're holding your wedding it at a location which is a considerable distance from the nearest town, then you'll need to give serious consideration to the travel and accommodation requirements for your guests. Is your location handy to any form of public transport? Are there enough hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in the district to accommodate all your guests? Do the hotels run a shuttle service to the nearest railway station or bus stop? Perhaps hiring a minivan for the weekend would be a good idea for those guests who don't have cars or easy access to transport?

Important note here: do your research properly when it comes to dates, and possible clashes with other local festivities that may be taking place in the district at the time. You don't want the annual begonia festival or the local agricultural show which only comes to town once a year to clash with your weekend!

Sunflower Rustic Barn Wood Wedding Invitations by printcreekstudio
Check out Sunflower wedding Invitations online at zazzle

If you can (and let's face it, it will be much handier for you in the long run, especially when it comes to transporting food and fresh flowers, etc.) support the local businesses in the area, such as the bakeries, florists, caterers, photographers, and so on. They're bound to give you excellent service, as for them it's great exposure to a large group of potential customers from out of the area. They'll want to make a good impression, and will be going those extra yards for you, so it's a win-win situation all round.

If holding your wedding outdoors, take into consideration the weather, and time of year. Familiarise yourself with the history of the local climate for the time of year you're looking at. Find out if, and when there's a rainy season, or when it's unbearably hot for that month or if the area is going to be covered in six feet of snow. Insects and other wildlife could also pose a problem - so be sure to check that out, too. I've heard a few horror stories in my time (which I'll have to blog about one day!) about weddings and wildlife - they're never a good mix! For instance, flocks of cockatoos can pose a problem in certain parts of the Australian countryside, and it's probably not the wisest move to hold a dusk wedding near an orchard if there's a local population of fruit bats nearby. The bottom line: whatever rural location you choose in whatever country you live in, always remember to research EVERYTHING about the area first.

3 Hanging Mason Jars - Engagement Party Custom Announcement by labellarue
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Next week I'll be blogging about a lovely location in the heart of Victoria (Australia) which is a perfect location for a country wedding - Maldon. So, look out for part 2 of my Country Wedding blog then. In the meantime, here are my suggestions for some great country wedding themed invitations, and country wedding favors.