Are barn weddings out of style? Not a chance! Hosting your ceremony and/or reception in a barn can be a memorable way to add a touch of rustic charm to your big day.
Learn more about our historic barn restoration if you’re thinking about holding a special event at our Lawrence vineyard!
Getting married at our vintage barn is the best of both worlds: combine those elegant vineyard wedding ideas you’ve been saving to Pinterest with homey, handmade touches.
Engaged and thinking about a barn wedding? Here’s a list of fall barn wedding ideas that will make your nuptials one for the books!
How do you decorate a barn for a wedding?
One of the benefits to using a historic barn or a restored barn for your special event is you can save money on decorations without looking like you meant to!
Of course, you want the lawn and any surrounding fields to be well-groomed and mowed. Are there windows? If the fall temperatures haven’t gotten too chilly, consider leaving them open–this way, air can circulate and keep your guests from getting too warm out on the dance floor.
Because it’s autumn, hay bales and corn stalks are a must-have. Arrange them by the front door or entryway to greet your guests to convey the theme from the very beginning. You can also place hay bales around the dancefloor to provide seating for your guests.
If using hay bales for seating, drape them with fabric or brightly colored quilts so guests aren’t picking straw out of their outfits all night!
Some other factors to include in your wedding decor:
Lighting
Older barns may not be okay with open flames, so consider battery-operated candles at the tables or lanterns that you hang from the rafters. Twinkle lights can also add romance!
Flowers
Loosely-arranged local flowers at entryways, over doors, and at tables are always a good idea. Secure them with twine and tulle to add a princess-y touch to your down-home celebration.
Vases can be mason jars, buckets/pails, or watering cans. Just make sure they’re clean!
What’s more, you don’t have to stop at the traditional flowers. You can add other plants for ornamentation: what’s a fall wedding without pumpkins and other decorative gourds?
Nothing says, “It’s fall, y’all!” like pumpkins!
Color Scheme
Think about the time of day and what it’s like inside the barn where you’ll be holding your event. Assess any additional lighting needs (i.e. if your DJ service offers lighting for the dance floor).
If it’s pretty dark or monochromatic inside the barn, think about ways you can add splashes of color to the tables, walls, and entryways.
Getting Ready for the Big Day
If your event is in a restored barn or a recent historic barn restoration, find out from the owners what additional preparation is required prior to the ceremony and/or reception, as well as what preparations the vendor includes in the booking fee or reservation.
When negotiating your contract, be sure to find out what types of decor are and are not allowed, and what you can and cannot change to your liking. This will save you a lot of time, money, and anxiety in the long run!
In the event that you are doing more of a DIY event, here are some things you should plan to do in order to get your barn space ready.
Repairs
- Look for loose nails, splinters, and other potential safety hazards on surfaces that guests will touch or come into contact with
- Touch up the paint if you can, especially near any edges or windows
- Hinges that are rusted or loose, as well as any boards
- Look for any other minor things you can spruce up here and there
Clean-Up
- Find out about any animals that hang in or around the barn, and the feasibility of moving them to another location
- Remove any soiled hay or dirt, as well as any other debris or materials
- Leave the barn open for a time to allow it to air out
- Check the walls, floors, and windows, for excess dirt, dust, cobwebs, etc., and clean them out
Finishing Touches To Make It a Fall Barn Wedding to Remember
The details are what make a barn wedding truly special. There is no shortage of ideas online to help the bride or groom-to-be put their own spin on something that is more than a trend. It’s quickly becoming its own genre of celebration for couples who value connection and authenticity.
Cake-toppers, signature cocktails, wedding favors–these are just a few things you can personalize to make your barn wedding uniquely yours!
Hold Your Next Special Occasion In Our Historic Barn!
Although newly-restored, our barn has played host to all kinds of special events. Interested in having a fall barn wedding, bridal shower, or engagement party?
Contact us about availability and let’s talk about possibilities!