| There is something so inviting about the country. | | | | in simple glass vases, pop them into galvanized |
| Folks are friendly and always welcoming, making | | | | steel buckets, or even loosely arrange them in |
| every guest feel like family. This feeling of friendly | | | | white pitchers (a basketweave design would be |
| hospitality is a great place to start when thinking | | | | ideal). Another idea is to choose potted flowers |
| about your wedding. | | | | displayed in baskets. Tie a gingham ribbon around |
| Country style is always comfortable, never stiff | | | | the basket for a lovely country detail. |
| or formal. When planning a country style wedding, | | | | Of course, when having a country style wedding, |
| keep that in mind when selecting your reception | | | | the bride and groom will want to dress the part. |
| venue. Instead of a fancy ballroom or a generic | | | | Gone are the satin ball gown and tuxedo; attire |
| hall, consider places like meadows, rustic barns, | | | | should be more relaxed than that in a country |
| and country inns. These are places where you can | | | | setting. The groom could wear a nice suit, |
| create the welcoming sort of atmosphere that | | | | perhaps in a lighter color like khaki. |
| epitomizes the country. | | | | The bride's attire should also have a less formal |
| Food is an important part of a celebration. For a | | | | look. Fabrics like linen, Swiss dot, or organdy would |
| country wedding, plan a menu with foods that are | | | | be lovely choices. The idea is to choose a gown |
| familiar and unfussy. They don't need to be fancy | | | | that makes sense in your setting and enhances |
| - just delicious! Ideas include down home favorites | | | | your theme. For instance, as perfect as a slinky |
| like country ham, homemade macaroni and | | | | sheath would look in a city loft, it would look |
| cheese, and fresh berries. For drinks, big glass | | | | equally out of place in a garden or rustic inn. |
| jugs of lemonade would be the perfect | | | | Simple A-line styles are always a safe choice; find |
| refreshment. Iced tea would be another good | | | | one with special embellishments like lace applique |
| drink to have on hand - sweetened if you live in | | | | or a colorful sash. |
| the South or unsweetened if you are a Northern | | | | Your accessories should also look at home in your |
| bride. | | | | setting. Handmade wedding jewelry would be |
| Presentation is everything for food. The most | | | | beautiful for the bride and her bridesmaids. Look |
| relaxed ways to serve it are either a buffet or | | | | for wedding jewelry that has been handmade |
| family style, where big platters are passed around | | | | with fine details like freshwater pearls and sterling |
| the table. Family style service is actually a very | | | | silver. When you find the right pieces, you will |
| big trend at all sorts of weddings, because it does | | | | have the pleasure of being able to wear them |
| feel more like a family gathering than a formal | | | | again after the wedding. |
| dinner. If you opt for a buffet, ask the caterer to | | | | Whether you grew up in the country, or are a |
| see the serving dishes in advance. If they are not | | | | city girl looking to create a welcoming |
| very pretty, be sure to order some extra | | | | environment for your reception, you can't go |
| flowers to dress up the buffet table. | | | | wrong adding some country details to your |
| Speaking of flowers, there are many great | | | | wedding. The warm and relaxed feeling of a |
| choices for a country wedding. Fresh and casual | | | | country wedding will make it a day that everyone |
| flowers like gerbera daisies, wildflowers, or | | | | will enjoy. |
| poppies would be beautiful. You can arrange them | | | | |