HOW TO NAIL AN INCREDIBLY CHARMING RUSTIC PARTY

AUTHOR: KAYLYN OF 'SERVICE.COM.AU'​​
​A bridal shower inspired by this theme is perfect for the bride that loves the outdoors, and prides herself on experiences over things. For all 'rustic party' inspiration (including decorations, gifts, etiquette and more), read on!
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​THE VENUE

Beautiful rustic venues include a mountain cabin, winery, rural entertainment barn, or rainforest retreat. Let nature do the majority of the work to create a memorable bridal shower event.
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To save, and depending on weather, you can also hold a wildly successful outdoor rustic bridal shower celebration. A great choice would be to have it in the mountains (i.e. Gold Coast Hinterland) where the air is cool and fresh, and the views are magical.

​To absolutely ace an outdoor shower, lay a huge vintage style carpet down on the grass with an amazing view, and put a big low rustic inspired wooden table on top of it with comfortable big pillows for seating. Line the surrounding area with vintage lamps and decorate the table with rustic décor pieces and unique pottery dishware.

​RUSTIC PARTY DECOR

There are several ways to achieve charming rustic décor.

Wooden furniture is always the best idea for a rustic space. Use lots of neutral brown shades in the décor and lots of greenery. Using more greenery in your décor is much more cost effective than flowers and adds to the rustic feel.
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A simple DIY rustic floral table piece would be to place white roses, white baby’s breath and greenery in mason jars. Another excellent rustic element would be to line greenery and baby’s breath along the middle of a long communal table, broken up with white candles in mason jars.

Log inspired coasters are also beautiful for this décor style. You can even buy mini stumps very cheap from a wood supplier, stain them, glaze them and allow your guests to take them home as gifts!
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You can never have too much wooden décor at a rustic inspired party, and don’t be afraid to mix and match antiques to achieve a vintage relaxed feel.
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​LIGHTING

Outdoor fairy lights inside and outside the venue along with lots of candles add tremendously to a charming, romantic atmosphere at the bridal shower. If a fireplace is present in the space, that’s an added element to create a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.

Low, soft lighting is ideal, so avoid any harsh lighting.
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If the shower is held outdoors, bring vintage style lamps and place battery charged fairy lights or tealight candles inside mason jars. Excellent lighting items can be found at antique shops for low cost. You never know what other items you’ll find there that will compliment the event!

DRESS

Flower crowns, baby’s breath hair pieces and flowy dresses work fabulously with rustic party style.

A bohemian chic dress code works well with this event style. Encouraging the rustic dress code will make for beautiful photos of the event.
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If you have a friend who is an amazing photographer, invite them along to take photos in exchange for complimentary wine and a day full of laughs! If you are looking to splurge, hire a professional photographer for the event.

​ENTERTAINMENT & EXPERIENCE

Instead of spending an exorbitant amount on an open bar and various spirits, buy as many bottles as needed of local wine and craft beer. Incorporate appetizers that fit with the local wine and beer. This could include cheeses that go well with the wine pairings, crackers, olives, and other delicious d’oeuvres.

Have music playing softly in the background by sourcing a local acoustic musician or talented friend, achieving a simple campfire-inspired ambiance.

A perfect bridal shower activity would be each guest writing down their favourite experience with the bride, sharing them with the group and placing the note in a mason jar for the bride to keep forever.
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If the bride is an animal lover, involve animals in the entertainment aspect of the day. Creative ways to involve animals would be to invite guests to bring their dogs, or have the shower near a horse ranch where you can feed horses. Many wineries and rural areas have animals nearby which would make for an unforgettable bridal shower experience. Here are several tips on incorporating a horseback winery tour into your best friend’s special day.

​ETIQUETTE

Bridal showers are typically thrown by the maid of honour, family members or the bride herself. The cost of the shower is most commonly split between all of its members, but the costs should be cut by DIY rustic decor projects (which provide an excellent bonding experience for the bridesmaids and family members). Make sure all costs are communicated well ahead of time to ensure everyone can comfortably afford to attend.
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Bridal showers are traditionally composed of all women, but this of course is completely dependent on the bride and couple. There is nothing wrong with a co-ed bridal shower – the most important tradition is love and support for the bride and couple.

​GIFTS

Beautiful gift ideas for the bridal shower include local jams in mason jars, local wines and cheeses, and crystal jewellery. Crystal gemstone jewellery are affordable as well as beautiful, and have certain historic meanings. Rose quartz pendants are wonderful gifts to give at the bridal party as it is a stone with a traditional meaning of being the ‘love stone’. It is thought to attract more love and gentleness into your life.
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Lavender natural soaps, moisturizers and candles are also excellent gifts to give that will compliment a relaxing rustic experience. Other excellent gift choices for the bride include elegant white lingerie, books about cultivating a healthy marriage, or a weekend getaway for the couple.
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Using sturdy brown paper bags and lace will make for a perfect rustic style gift bag wrapping.

We wish you the most beautiful rustic bridal shower experience. There are many wedding inspired decor tips and ways to save on your big day. Your pre-wedding events and special day can be just as affordable, memorable and stunning.

​ARTICLES RELATED TO THESE RUSTIC PARTY IDEAS:

If you enjoyed the rustic party inspiration in this article, we think you will also adore the following garden party article. With everything from games and activities through to decorations explained, you'll be hosting a stunning celebration with ease in no time! Click here for inspiration.

Want to incorporate a picnic into your rustic celebration as well? Then check out these easy to follow (but super handy!) tips.

AUTHOR BIO - SERVICE.COM.AU

NATIONAL TRADES & SERVICES WEBSITE
Service.com.au is a great way to easily get quotes on trade or service jobs you need done before, during or after your event.

Kay, the author of this article, is a people, culture and web content professional with a background in psychology who specialises in helping women receive love and abundance in all areas of their lives. She is passionate about empowering women to live their best lives personally, romantically and financially. She is dedicated to uplifting women to create killer confidence and inspire goal attainment.
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When Kay isn’t writing articles with love on the sunny gold coast of Australia, she is travelling with her fiancé and making healthy plant-based dishes.

Website: www.service.com.au

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