Through thematic decorations and country mementos, we absorb those things that matter most: our ties to nature and to each other. Country wedding accessories complete those country weddings with their constant reminder of charm and relaxation.
What accessories will really set the mood? For starters, the bride and groom and their guests should feel dressed for their part in the country wedding, and therefore appropriate attire is the number one accessory. Brides might want to pass on the traditional wedding gown with tight bodice and long, flowing train and instead choose a loose, lacey dress. Tuxes don't say country, and so grooms, too, might want to tone it down and even skip a jacket entirely. Depending on how relaxed you want your wedding to be, guests could even wear sundresses, overalls, denim, complementing it all with eyelet lace accessories.
Whether you choose to celebrate in a fancy country inn or an old barn, accessorize with country accents. Hang an old quilt or two up where the guests can appreciate their natural atmosphere. This simple decoration will help to transform a plain wall to one of warmth and country tradition. Lanterns make wonderful mood lights while carrying that country charm, and candles of all sorts will enhance the mood. Remember that the country is nothing if not laid back, and a perfect table setting could be as simple as a picnic table covered with a red and white checked cloth.
One can stay true to the relaxed country motif and still have a beautiful and stunning overall visual effect. If you choose the typical red and white tablecloths, consider centerpieces of red flowers, red bow ties for ushers and red bandanas tied on chairs. If you prefer daisies or yellow sunflowers, choose a plain yellow cloth to cover tables and then enhance each cloth with a smaller lacey fabric laid on top. With yellow accented candles, you will have a unified and lovely decor.
Flowers can be arranged in large pitchers or mason jars. Mason jars also make wonderful drinking glasses, as well as the perfect containers for homemade preserves, which can be used as wedding favors.
A few bales of hay also add to the country feeling and produce a wonderful spot for photos. Or consider placing bales of hay around your tables as chairs for your guests! Children, especially, will love this; you can place small pieces of carpet on top of the hay for cleaner seating. A large pitcher of old fashioned lemonade placed on each table completes the effect.
Old wooden mixing bowls, horseshoes, lighted torches, decorative scarecrows and terracotta pots also make charming country accessories. To highlight the bridal table, one could weave honeysuckle vines around chair backs or even on lattice. Pussy willows, too, are dramatic and nostalgic decorations.
Music, of course, plays a huge role in setting the mood and reinforcing motifs. Choose a band specializing in square dances, line dances, folk, or bluegrass. Have fiddlers and foot stomping selections to keep spirits high. Your guests will be swept away by the fun, and if they are not seasoned country dancers, they will be hooked by the end of the night.
If your budget allows for fireworks, these can be a thrilling finale to your country affair. As colors burst forth in a blackened sky, each guest will be entertained by the unexpected magic of colors spilling down in their symbolic display of flashing possibilities and wonder.
