Almost any style of barn can be decorated to suit a wedding as long as it is structurally sound and can reasonably accommodate the number of guests who are attending. Some farms have converted their barns into fully refurbished, full-time barn wedding spaces, while others may need more work to prepare them for a wedding. Both offer different degrees of atmosphere, each with its own unique charm.
Which Barn is Best for a Barn Wedding?
One of the most important factors in finding the perfect barn for a wedding is the condition of the space. Barns that have been recently used to house animals will likely require far too much work to make them habitable for a wedding event. Choosing the right space for a barn wedding is the first step in choosing wedding decor that will enhance the atmosphere.
The barn should also have ample space to house all of the necessities of a wedding and wedding reception. This includes tables, chairs, decorations, space for the caterer and waitstaff, and, if there is to be dancing, a dance floor.
Other considerations when looking at a barn for a wedding include:
- Lighting: Is there existing lighting? If not, can the barn be wired to provide lighting? Will additional electricity be needed for the caterers or entertainment?
- Structural Condition: Is the barn safe for housing a wedding? Will additional insurance be needed to cover the event? What repairs need to be made to ensure the safety of the wedding guests?
- Do appropriate restroom facilities exist within the barn itself? Or, will they be nearby for guests to use. Are those facilities accessible to handicapped guests, as well?
Barn Wedding Decoration Ideas
Once the barn wedding location has been chosen, it is time to consider how the barn can be decorated for the wedding. If there is an overt theme planned for the wedding, such as country chic or fall orchard, the decoration ideas can begin with what follows the specific theme. If there is not an overall theme, the ideas for a barn wedding are limitless.
- Instead of traditional votive holders, use canning jars wrapped with ribbon or raffia.
- Drape tulle from the rafters to create a floating, ethereal feel.
- If possible, gather wild flowers from the barn property instead of formal floral arrangements. Alternately, buy them from a local farmer's market.
- Twinkling strings of lights hung from the rafters offer a fairy-tale glow to a rustic barn setting.
- Pine boughs make excellent table runners and can also frame the large doorways of the wedding barn.
- Paper laterns hung at varying heights cast a romantic glow throughout the barn, and play off the height of the ceiling, as well.
- Potted plants on the tables can serve as decoration, and be reused once the wedding reception has ended.
- Garlands can decorate old horse stalls or fences within the barn.
- Antique tables can add a lot of charm to a barn wedding. Use them for a gift table, a guest book table, displaying the wedding cake, or serving beverages.
- Subtly colored toile, gingham, or oilcloth tablecloths can cover up old tables while preserving the feel of a barn wedding.
- For a casual wedding, hay bales covered with fabric offer seating and photograph spots. They can also serve to section off the dance floor from the other parts of the reception.
With a little creativity, any barn can be turned into a dream wedding and wedding reception venue. Farms and barns offer unique photo opportunities that do not exist with other venues. Decoration of the barn will set the tone for the formality of the event, and invite guests into a unique wedding setting.
Annalise Kaylor - Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, ...
Join the Conversation