A Barnhouse Wedding - Minus the Barn

My friends Samantha and Brock are planning a fall 2011 wedding on Granville Island in Vancouver. The couple envisions a barnhouse-styled wedding with elements that are both classic and whimsy. Suffice it to say I was a little excited to put some inspiration together for them. Below, I've broken down some of my favourite barnhouse weddings into details that can be executed anywhere: barnhouse or otherwise.

Seating:

Whether guests are organized in large long tables or smaller round ones, I love the intimacy evoked by a barn wedding. The rustic details and simple table decor enable guests to relax and enjoy a "family-style" reception.

Details: I adore that burlap runner; it would be stunning on either a rectangle or round table. To accentuate to the elegant-yet-rustic decor, skip chair covers and rent chairs that stand on their own. The paper lanterns add a playful touch of whimsy and work as a contemporary addition to classic details. The place settings are best left simple; there is no need to overdo tabletop details for this style of wedding.

Photos (top - bottom): W. Scott Chester via Once Wed, Landon Jacob via Southern Weddings, Sarah Yates Photography via Once Wed

Decor:

Alright. There are many, many, (many!) creative ways of incorporating "barn" style into an event. Below are several that I particularly enjoy; however, get ready to see much more on this one in the coming months.

Details: The vintage candelabras offer a touch of elegance against the backdrop of rustic details (I think this one is my favourite). Candlelight defiantly creates the perfect romantic atmosphere. I LOVE the old repurposed door used here as a welcome/ escort card display; however, it's safe to say I'd love an old door used in almost any context. The final two examples are clever and cost effective ways of displaying table numbers - vintage house numbers are perfection. Rustic & vintage lanterns are the perfect pairing with the elegant candelabras and I really like the idea of bringing "outdoor" elements (like this wind dial) in doors.

Photos (clockwise from left): Sarah Yates Photography via Once Wed, Beaux Arts Photographie via Once Wed, Sarah Yates Photography, Leigh Miller via Once Wed, and Braedon Photography via Once Wed.

Venue:

It is quite easy to style a barnhouse wedding in venue that is not a barn. By playing off the natural elements of the existing venue, adding strategically placed rustic details and candlelight to evoke romance, a classic barn wedding is within your reach. These photographs depict the overall effect: from the smallest detail to the grandest scale.

Details: The use of apothecary and mason jars in home and wedding decor is undeniably en vouge which makes it very easy to accumulate a pretty collection of mismatched jars. Hint: If you choose a linking factor to the "type" of jar you're looking for (for example, white milk glass) you can quickly assemble a uniquely charming collection. On a grander scale, the lighting as depicted below, is clearly of utmost importance. Chandeliers and paper lanterns add the final touch, linking the classic with the whimsy.

Photos (left - right): Braedon Photography via Once Wed, Sarah Yates Photography via Once Wed, and Beaux Arts Photographie via Once Wed.


Voila!




Click photos to enlarge.