A whimsical, nature-filled wedding that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook—that’s the essence of a cottagecore wedding. Ideal for those who cherish the allure of rural life, this theme blends rustic elegance with whimsical fantasy to create the perfect setting for your big day.
Check out this guide to help bring this enchanting theme to life for your special day:
1. Choosing the Perfect Location
Your venue is pivotal in defining your theme. Ideal cottagecore locations are those imbued with natural beauty and rustic charm. Envision an old barn converted into a charming event space, a sprawling garden with a gazebo, or a serene woodland clearing. These locations not only provide a stunning backdrop but also resonate with your theme’s connection to nature.
Consider the logistics of these locations too, like accessibility for guests and available facilities, to ensure a blend of beauty and convenience.
2. Floral Dreams Come True
Flowers are central to the cottagecore aesthetic. Check out some beautiful gardens in your area for inspiration. Rather than conventional arrangements, think of incorporating a variety of blooms in different aspects of your wedding (and we’re not just talking about flower crowns).
Check the local area for any flower farms where you can pick your own flowers, or use wildflowers and lush greenery for a touch of whimsy, roses for romance, and daisies for simplicity. These can be used in bouquets, table centerpieces, and even woven into a floral arch for the ceremony. Potted flowers are also a simple, affordable, and beautiful way to achieve that natural setting.
The inclusion of flowers extends beyond decorations to the finer details like floral motifs in your invitations, table cards, and even the wedding cake design.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of any lush gardens or landscaping that already exists at your venue. Highlight these elements by designing a photo-op or extra seating area nearby to draw guests to these areas.
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3. Vintage Finds and Antique Treasures
Incorporating vintage and antique items can add a timeless and authentic touch. Look for unique pieces like weathered wooden chairs, lace tablecloths, and antique candle holders. These items can be used as functional decor or as part of photo backdrops. The hunt for these treasures can be a fun pre-wedding activity, adding personal history to your décor. Each piece tells a story, adding layers of depth and interest to your wedding setting.
4. The Magic of DIY
DIY elements are the soul of cottagecore. Handmade decorations like hand-painted signs, homemade candles, or knitted table runners add a unique and personal touch. Engage in crafting sessions with friends and family to create these items, making the process a memorable part of your wedding journey. This approach not only adds a personal touch but also aligns with the sustainable ethos of cottagecore, as it often involves repurposing and upcycling materials.
5. A Palette Inspired by Nature
Your color scheme should mirror the soft, muted tones found in nature. Think pastel shades, earthy greens, and gentle creams and whites. These colors can be reflected in everything from your wedding party’s attire to the table settings and decorations. They help create a serene, romantic atmosphere that’s in harmony with the natural surroundings. For a pop of color, consider accents in deeper hues like forest green or burgundy, which complement the primary pastel palette.
6. Embracing Natural Elements
Backyard weddings and outdoor wedding venues are in! Incorporating elements like wood, stone, and linen into your décor can enhance the rustic vibe. Wooden centerpieces, stone pathways, and linen table settings bring in the textures of nature. These materials not only look beautiful but also add a tactile quality to your décor. For instance, wooden signs can guide guests, while stone elements can be used in pathways or as part of the ceremony backdrop. Linen, with its natural and elegant appearance, can be used for tablecloths and napkins, adding a touch of rustic elegance.
7. Lighting for Ambiance
As evening falls, the right lighting can transform your venue into an enchanted space. Fairy lights or string lights strung through trees or over dining areas create a magical glow. Lanterns can line pathways or be used as centerpieces. Candles, whether in jars or as part of elaborate candelabras, add a warm, intimate feel. This soft lighting not only enhances the beauty of your surroundings but also creates beautiful photographic opportunities, capturing the fairytale-like essence of your wedding.
8. Whimsical Elements
Whimsy is a key component of a cottagecore wedding aesthetic. Incorporate playful touches like a flower-adorned swing, a vintage bicycle as a prop, thrifted picture frames, or even a quaint book nook for guests to enjoy. These elements add a sense of joy and whimsy, creating delightful surprises for guests as they explore the venue. Such whimsical touches are not only visually appealing but also offer unique photo opportunities, ensuring your wedding is remembered for its charming and unique details.
9. A Menu from the Garden
Reflect the garden theme in your menu. Opt for fresh, local ingredients and simple, homely dishes. Incorporate elements like edible flowers, artisanal cheeses, and a selection of homemade bread. The rustic wedding cake, perhaps decorated with natural elements like flowers or fruits, becomes a centerpiece in itself. You can even extend this theme to the drinks, offering homemade lemonades, herbal teas, or locally-sourced wines. This approach to catering not only delights the palate but also stays true to the sustainable and natural ethos of the cottagecore theme.
10. Cottagecore Fashion
Your wedding attire can also reflect the cottagecore aesthetic. For the bride, consider a flowy dress with lace details or floral embroidery. The groom might opt for a linen suit or a more relaxed, rustic look. Bridesmaids can wear dresses in the chosen pastel color palette, perhaps with floral prints or accents. The groomsmen can complement this with ties or boutonnieres in similar tones. The idea is to create an ensemble that is in harmony with the natural, whimsical, beautiful setting of the wedding.
11. Eco-Friendly Choices
Sustainability is a core tenet of cottagecore. Use eco-friendly materials like thrifted or biodegradable décor and recycled paper for invitations. Plan for a zero-waste event, with composting facilities and minimal plastic use. Even your favors can reflect this, with ideas like potted plants or homemade preserves.
These choices not only reduce the environmental impact of your wedding but also resonate with the values of a cottagecore lifestyle, where the emphasis is on living in harmony with nature.
12. Intimate and Cozy Seating
Don’t be afraid of a smaller, more intimate wedding! Your seating should encourage intimacy and conversation. Opt for round tables for a more communal feel or a mix of different styles, like benches and mismatched chairs, for a more casual, eclectic vibe.
Consider the use of natural elements like hay bales for outdoor seating, adorned with blankets and cushions for comfort. This approach to seating not only enhances your aesthetic but also fosters a warm, communal atmosphere among your guests, reflecting the intimate, homey feel that cottagecore embodies.
13. Fun with Outdoor Games
Incorporate classic lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, or horseshoes. These activities not only add a touch of nostalgic charm but also provide entertainment for guests of all ages. Set up these games in a designated area, perhaps with signage or a vintage scoreboard for added fun. This not only encourages guest interaction but also adds to the relaxed, joyful atmosphere of the day.
14. The Right Music
The music selection should complement the serene setting. An acoustic band, a folk singer, or even a string quartet can provide a soundtrack that enhances the rustic and romantic ambiance. The music should be soft enough to encourage conversation yet memorable enough to add to the overall experience. Consider incorporating live music at different points of the event, like a guitarist for the ceremony and a folk band for the reception, to maintain a consistent, harmonious theme throughout the day. Check with your event venue to see if they have any recommendations that match what you’re looking for.
15. Capturing the Moment
Finally, ensure that the magic of your day is captured beautifully. Choose a photographer with a style that matches the cottagecore aesthetic, someone who understands how to use natural light and can capture the intimate, whimsical moments of your wedding. Consider also setting up a vintage or polaroid camera station for guests to take their own snapshots, adding a fun and interactive element to your photography plan.
Your cottagecore wedding is a celebration of your love, infused with the charm and simplicity of a life in harmony with nature. Each of these steps is designed to help you create a venue that is not only visually stunning but also deeply personal and genuinely enchanting. Remember, the beauty of cottagecore lies in the details and the love that you pour into them. Happy planning, and may your wedding day be as magical and memorable as your love story.
For more outdoor wedding ideas, check out these Outdoor Wedding Ideas on a Budget.
For cottagecore inspiration, check out 5 Quaint Cottagecore Wedding Venues by cottagecoregirl.com.