Feature image by Kelsey Frey Photography
From breathtaking photography backdrops to fresh-picked florals, a barn wedding venue can be the perfect place for a rustic and romantic wedding. Whether couples want a laid-back, boho-chic atmosphere or a high-end, Southern-charm aesthetic, anything is possible!
If you’re interested in learning more about all the possibilities that come with a barn wedding, Port Farms, northern Pennsylvania’s premier barn wedding venue, has compiled this list of ideas to help enhance your special day.
1. Styled Invitations
Styled invitations give your guests a little glimpse of what to expect at your wedding. Neutral colors, floral details, and tasteful illustrations of the barn itself can give your friends and family a peek at your day-of aesthetics. Plus, your guests will welcome the heads-up when dressing themselves for your big day.
2. Embrace the Season
If you live in the northeastern region of the U.S., you’ll probably agree that winter isn’t a great time to have an outdoor-themed wedding. But spring, summer, and fall come to life with beautiful florals, enchanting skyscapes, and bursts of natural color. With so much beauty in the landscape, you can minimize your décor for a clean, natural look or upscale it with personalized additions and features to lean into all the seasons have to offer.
3. On-Site Rehearsal Dinner
We all know the pre-wedding schedule can be stressful, but having your rehearsal dinner at your wedding venue can save you a lot of headache. You’ll eliminate the need to make one more dinner reservation for a large party and better understand how your wedding day will flow. Don’t be shy about checking with your hosts to see if there’s space for the wedding party to stay the night at the farm. If there’s space, it’s likely there for you to use.
4. Get Ready in the Farm House
Having the entire wedding party together on the big day is essential, but keeping it all on-site offers a more relaxed, easy experience for all involved. Invite your hairstylists and makeup artists, pop open a bottle of bubbly, and let the celebration begin the moment you arrive on site.
5. Dazzling Photography Backdrops
Whether your location has rolling hills, gorgeous meadows, or pristine farm views, barn weddings come equipped with a natural photo backdrop that makes every moment picture perfect. Your guest will enjoy exploring what the scenery has to offer, and you’ll be thankful to have so many memories that perfectly capture the joy of your wedding.
6. Create Your Own Aisle
Lean into your decor choices by creating your own aisle for you and your love to walk down. Floral edges, manicured hay bails, or barrel planters can help you maintain the rustic ambiance while highlighting your personal style.
7. Rustic Tablescapes
Go DIY with Mason jars and watering can bouquets, or let your florist get creative with a pure green tablescape. Add a few candle tapers at varying heights for the perfect balance of rustic decor and elegant touches. No matter the vibe, a beautiful table set in a wooden barn is sure to take your guests’ breath away.
8. Decorate with Greenery
Natural decor is the perfect accompaniment to a barn wedding. If you’re going for a minimalist style, we recommend soft greens to compliment the barn’s natural wood tones. If you want more color and excitement, consider working with a florist who uses locally sourced, fresh flowers to give your guests a different kind of farm-to-table experience.
Don’t forget: wreaths aren’t just for the holidays. A few floral wreaths on barn doors or walls can dress up the space in an instant.
9. Ambient Lighting
Twinkle lights, Edison bulbs, candles, and more. The soft lighting of a barn wedding keeps your celebration intimate and peaceful. Enjoy the natural glow of your day with lighting that matches your atmosphere and mood.
10. Creative Rentals
Consider renting vintage couches and chairs to create a lounge area for your guests. If the weather complies, you might consider setting up on the property for more outdoor options. Alternatively, reserve a small corner of the dance floor or standing area to drop a few welcoming couches and give your guests some time off their feet.
11. Family-Style Meals
Serve up a family-style meal, and your guests are sure to feel right at home. If you can, find a caterer who offers farm-to-table cuisine to really take the experience to the next level. Your friends and family will love the chance to get to know their tablemates, and you’ll maintain the authenticity of a barn wedding throughout the entire celebration.
12. DIY Photo Booth
A DIY photo booth is a fun, welcoming way to keep your guests entertained. You can hire a photographer to stay close by or let guests get creative with their own snapshots. Either way, you’ll end up with a scrapbook’s worth of photos to look back on.
13. Upscale Your Bar Area
It’s no secret that wedding guests love a good bar, so don’t be shy about dressing yours up for the evening. Whether it’s a rusted-out wheelbarrow full of beer (a beer barrow, if you will) or an old wooden canoe full of bottled water and soft drinks, there are many ways to get creative with your drink station. If you’re hiring a bar service for the evening, consider crafting a bar table out of old pallets, wooden ladders, or vintage tables.
14. Grow the Perfect Party Favors
If you have a favorite local flower, consider growing seed starters to give to your guests as party favors. Put them in simple clay pots, and they can double as placeholders for seating arrangements. And if you’re not a green thumb, don’t worry–instead, consider offering your guests seed packets so they can grow their own gardens as you grow your life as a happy couple.
Say “I Do” to a Barn Wedding
Barn weddings bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor weddings. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing there can always be a roof over your head while also having the flexibility to enjoy an evening outdoors. The food, decor, and atmosphere can all be tailored to your tastes and preferences, ensuring your special day is just what you dreamed it would be.
If you’d like to learn more about hosting a barn wedding at Port Farms, check out our weddings page today or email kelly@portfarms.com. Alternatively, you can visit our website to see what Port Farms has to offer for you and your wedding guests to make your special day the best it can be.