Rustic brides: we’re sharing our favorite barn reception ideas & decorations for weddings today! Get inspired with elegantly rustic finds for your big day. Need more planning tips? Read: The Inspired Wedding.

Oh, how I adore barn wedding receptions! Emma here and barn weddings are, in my opinion, the perfect pairing of a rustic outdoor wedding with a little extra comfort for guests. It also offers less stress for the bride, since weather for an outdoor wedding can be unpredictable. Although tents provide some reassurance, a barn is a pretty safe bet; inside a barn reception, guests can stay warm and enjoy strolling appetizers, seated dinner, a full-scale bar, and a solid dance floor. Just a few steps outside, though, they can enjoy a stroll along wildflower fields underneath an illuminated starry night sky. Ah, isn’t it romantic? Barn weddings have been trending for quite awhile now and we don’t see this craze going away anytime soon! Today we’re showing you twenty-one barn reception ideas for weddings to get your creativity flowing. Which number is your favorite? I’m obsessed with #21. I guess you could say I saved the best for last. Just wait until you see it! Enjoy!

21 Barn Reception Ideas

1. These barn wedding invitations

Every wedding should start with an awesome invitation that reveals your wedding theme. In this case, Dot and Bow Paperie hit the nail on the head with a fun and casual-chic invite suite featuring a red barn lights.

2. These personalized wedding signs

One of the reasons why couples crave barn weddings or rustic weddings in general is the casual laid-back feel. With rustic details like this personalized wedding sign, you can really leave your mark and give guests a glimpse into your history as a couple. Cute idea for your entrance way or as decor near your cake table. By Castle Inn Designs.

I also love this idea for the outside near the parking area to direct guests. It reads, “Parkin’, Weddin’, Dancin'”.

3. These charming table number ideas

Look for ways to incorporate your western or rustic theme throughout your decor — and don’t forget your tables as the main focal point. One of my favorite ways to tie in a thematic touch is with table numbers. Sure, traditional numbers do the trick, but why stop there when you can take it one step further? For example, these cowboy boots are one fitting example (by Dazzling Daisies Co.)…

… or these whimsical wreath table numbers that suit any style or color palette. By Decocards.

4. Cake toppers like these

Another easy way to add a personal touch to your reception is with your cake topper. This hay bale cake topper, from Tia Loves Archie, is one charming example.

Another favorite topper is this burlap style with your initials, which can be re-used on anniversary cakes for years to come. By The Craft and Cupboard.

If you’re planning a truly western themed reception, this tractor cake topper fits the bill perfectly! By Morgan The Creator.

And who could resist these sweet western boots atop a cake? I love this one! By Red Heart Creations.

5. These sweet candy bags

One of the most popular wedding favors among guests (and one of the easiest!) is a favor bag filled with candy. You can create a candy buffet for guests to pick their own favorite sweets, or pick one and fill each bag before the big day. The second route is significantly cheaper and easier to do, but a candy buffet is also a fun idea! Either route you choose, these candy bags from Abbey and Izzie Designs will keep the treats wrapped and ready to be enjoyed.

You can even fill it with a donut or cookie! Here’s an idea for a full-scale sweets bar:

6. These must-have rustic vow books

If you’re writing your own vows, you definitely need to record them in one of these books. They’ll keep your vows close at hand for the ceremony and become a lasting keepsake for years to come. These rustic books from The Paper Walrus are the perfect package, all in one delightfully little book set.

7. This cute way to get the newlyweds to kiss

Not a huge fan of clanking of glassware with a fork to get the newlyweds to kiss? Here’s an idea: have a cowbell specifically set up for ringing in one central location. Guests have to physically go over to it and give it a ring to get you to kiss, so it keeps lip-locking to a minimum during dinner when you’re, you know, trying to eat. ;) Plus, it totally works with your decor. Cowbell available at Refunked Junkies.

8. This ring box

Keep the rings safe and sound in this rustic ring box which can even be used later to hold your ring while washing your hands, painting, or cleaning. By Red Heart Creations.

9. These horseshoe ‘hearts’

A horseshoe is said to be a sign of good luck. What could be a better symbol than a horseshoe at your wedding? This horseshoe heart is made by Down In The Boondocks.

10. These horseshoe necklaces for bridesmaids

I love when gift-giving to your wedding party incorporates details from your big day. Case in point? These sweet, oh-so-petite horseshoe necklaces from Silver Lotus Designs. Plus, the price is so amazing you’ll be able to grab one for your whole crew!

You might even want to pair it with a tote bag filled with her favorite things (i.e. a cute tank top, portable mason jar tumbler, book, makeup products, and a jewelry box to hold the necklace. Tote bag by Iron Grillers.

11. These beer holsters for groomsmen

You didn’t think we’d forget something awesome for the guys, did you? ;) These beer holsters are right up there as one of the best groomsmen gifts for 2015 — and into the new year. By DrinkSlings.

12. Speaking of mason jars…

Mason jars are pretty much a must at barn weddings. They just fit, whether as drink ware or decoration. For instance, here are a few painted mason jars that look great as centerpieces with a little ‘weathered’ look to them (by Beach Blues)…

… or these jars converted into hanging lanterns to light up your outdoor space (also by Beach Blues)…

Mason jars also happen to make excellent drink ware. A pair of custom engraved glasses make an excellent choice for toasting by the bride and groom — or as a gift for your entire wedding party. By Scissormill.

In keeping with our barn theme, these glasses are another awesome choice for sipping. By The Wedding Gallery by Brad Goodell.

14. This incredible draped barn entrance

This is the most elegant entryway for a barn wedding I’ve seen yet! It’s gorgeous. From Drakewood Farm.

14. These mini jars filled with jam

What goes together with western themed weddings? Tiny jars filled with handmade sweets — like jam or honey! These jars make cute favors for guests, especially when wrapped and labeled like this (by Southern Jams and Jelly.

15. This adorable flower girl basket

She’ll want to carry it long after the ceremony is through! By Bragging Bags.

16. This birch cake stand set

Instead of a traditional cake stand, opt for one a bit more natural like these birch stands from Country Chapel.

17. This romantic sweetheart table setup

The perfect little spot to toast to each other and enjoy dinner by candlelight. Photo: Jamie Rae Photo.

18. These twinkle lights — everywhere

The right amount of lighting makes any setting more romantic. A barn, for instance, will look beautiful all lit up with these twinkle lights at every table. You can fill large clear mason jars or glass hurricanes with these lights for instant centerpiece magic. By Electric Crowns.

19. This draped ceiling design

With lights! This draping is the ultimate — and one of my favorite barn reception ideas! Photo: A Brit & A Blonde.

20. These cute burlap chair bows

These burlap chair bows are perfect on every chair – or, to save time and money, use them as chair decor on you and your new husband’s chairs. :) The little touch of lace softens up the look beautifully. By Ling’s Wedding.

21. Don’t forget the sparkler send-off

It’s a must. Photo by Christina Karst.

For sparkler send-off ideas, check out: 7 Wedding Sparkler Mistakes to Avoid

So, what do you think of these barn reception ideas? Tell us in the comments below!

Happy Planning!

xo
-E.