A rustic wedding in the city? Yes, it’s possible!
As you’re planning your wedding, you get bombarded with images of couples getting married in the middle of a field or by a Laurentian lake, of first dances in picture-perfect converted barns, of guests cheering in the aisles of a picturesque vineyard in the Eastern Townships… It sure is inspiring, but getting married in the country also comes with many challenges!
Country weddings: A not-so-simple affair
Truth is, picking the location is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make when planning your wedding, because it will impact many other aspects of your big day.
The logistics of a country wedding are often complicated: transporting guests, picking vendors based on limited local offerings, making sure deliveries arrive on time, securing accommodations for guests and employees… Plus, getting married outside the city often means accepting the fact that some guests might not be able to come at all. For all these reasons, a countryside wedding is not suited to all couples, and those who choose to go down that route must do so knowingly.
📸 Andrée-Anne Joly
That being said, don’t despair! If your heart is set on the country because of its romantic atmosphere, know that with the right wedding venue, a lot can be done to create the rustic feel you’re looking for. With a venue like Entrepôts Dominion, you get a blank canvas to create the look and feel your heart desires.
Creating a rustic feel: It’s all in the details
Turn to natural materials, such as wood, when it comes to picking furniture for your venue. This goes for tables, chairs, and even the bar or lounge area. Many vendors have long, wooden tables in stock, which you can use for a convivial and family-style meal, as well as beautiful wooden or wicker chairs. Don’t be afraid to ask.
And because we firmly believe small details can make a world of difference, don’t be afraid to get creative — if you can’t find what you’re looking for, why not make it yourself? Reclaimed wood is very trendy these days, which means it’s also easy to find. Use it to make DIY signs that will add character, as well as provide your guests with useful information regarding the menu, seating chart, schedule, etc. You could also build a beautiful, romantic arch for your ceremony, like this couple who picked Entrepôts Dominion to host their own rustic wedding.
📸 Sonia Bourdon
Place party favours and presents in old wooden milk crates, or put a new twist on the usual photo-booth by hanging a flower-covered swing in one corner of the event space. It can double as a stunning backdrop for some of your bridal photos as well.
To recreate the atmosphere of an al fresco country wedding, nothing beats string lights and tons of candles! After dusk, you and your guests will feel like you’re having dinner in a beautiful, intimate garden. Talk about a magical night!
The florist: A powerful ally
Another key element when it comes to pulling off the rustic wedding of your dream is flowers. A professional florist will be able to make recommendations that suit your taste.
Regardless of the kinds of flowers you pick, however, here are a few tips to get the look and feel right.
Whether for the bridal party’s bouquets or the tables, you don’t want your flowers to look too “perfect.” Instead, go for a more natural look. Abundant foliage will give a more rustic look to your floral arrangements. Use it in lieu of a table runner to dress up your tables. Depending on the variety, it can be an inexpensive way to make your tables look both luxurious and romantic.
📸 Bonnallie Brodeur
Instead of opting for large, busy centrepieces, place several smaller vases of different shape and sizes on the tables and bar. Pay attention to texture and colour, and you’ll achieve a mismatched, yet harmonious feel. Small details like these can add a nostalgic flair to your venue if you get them just right!
Your wedding is the perfect occasion to mix different genres and create an event in your image. A rustic décor in an urban setting will create a unique contrast that will surprise and delight your guests.
To get inspired, check out Festival Cœur Bohème, a unique boho-inspired wedding fair that will take place at Entrepôts Dominion on November 24, 2019. Get your tickets here.
For a look at some of our favourite rustic wedding ideas, check out our Pinterest board. And for our rates and availability, please contact Emmanuel Goubard at emmanuel@entrepotsdominion.ca!