How to style a barn wedding venue

Colours

Due to the natural textures, materials and colours a barn provides, this means it is super easy to apply your own colour palette, as you've got a neutral base to start working with. It really comes down to what colours you want to use and you should be lead by the type of atmosphere you want to create for your day. Pastels are calming and romantic, bright colours provide fun and a party vibe and monochrome can create an edgy modern vibe. So it really comes down to what you are want the day to feel like.

Metallic copper is a fantastic warm colour that works particular well in a barn setting especially when paired with green and black.

Copper Luxe Stationery Collection >> 

Venue: Abby Farm Weddings

Styles

A barn really is a blank canvas and can be completely transformed into whatever you want. The most obvious style that compliments it well, is the very popular rustic style. Think glass jars on the table, wood slices for your centrepieces and rustic decorations to complete the look. Boho styles work extremely well too with dried flowers, a warm earthy colour palette and a chilled vibe. Country styles are a match made in heaven, with milk churns, hay bails for your ceremony area and wild flowers galore. Or if you are into interior trends and you want lots of character and something with a modern, edgy vibe, an industrial theme may be just what you're looking for, if you are the non traditional couple. Combining black metal and dark wood will fit perfectly with a barns interior.

A barn will work for a romantic and elegant setting or for fun and festive event. With a warm and cosy atmosphere to start with, the good news is that you won't have to work too hard on bringing it to life.

Props are available to hire which you can find a copy of the catalogue here >>

Tables

Barns usually have wooden trestle tables for you to use for your wedding breakfast, as this suits this style of venue perfectly. Banquet style seating is perfect for creating a relaxed and welcoming vibe. So this means that you can leave bare or if you want a bit more, you can opt for a table runner (chiffon or cheesecloth work well) or if you are having a woodland theme you could use moss down the middle.

Greenery

A barn backdrop loves greenery. It helps bring the outside in, and helps soften the wood to give it a natural feel. I have a separate blog post all about how to use greenery in your wedding, that I know you will love, you can take a look at that here.

Napkin Wraps >>

Ceiling Decor

One of the main features in a barn will be it's ceiling, some barns have the most beautiful wooden beams. This allows you to hang things from them. Depending on what kind of style you are going for will depend on decor choices. If you are after a romantic setting, drapes would be perfect. If you are after a fun festive vibe, you may like to use paper lanterns or bunting. You will need to check with the venue with what they will allow you to attach things with, on their precious wooden beams.

Consider the white space

Depending on what the interior of your barn is like inside will depend on what decor you need. If there is a lot of white space in the barn (meaning white walls and ceilings) you will definitely need ceiling decor to break up the emptiness. Hanging ladders are perfect for adding an impact and it brings the height of the ceiling down which provides an intimate atmosphere. The same issue can occur with white walls, too much white can make a room look empty, unless you're purposely going for a minimal look of course. When planning your room remember to consider your layout so you know what areas need more attention, if anywhere looks too empty.

Ladder Prop Hire >>

Lighting

Some barns may already have lighting up in their venue as it adds that magical feeling. Twinkling fairy lights are great for a romantic touch. Using festoon lighting, such as edison lights are great for a fun, festival, party atmosphere. As long as they are warm in tone you won't go wrong.

Venue: Abby Farm Weddings

Decor

You need to find decor that is suitable for a barn to help you create all those key areas in your venue. Think wooden ladders, crates, metal buckets, glass bottles, wooden signage and so on. If you are looking for a modern, industrial vibe with a stylish touch we have the perfect props for you to incorporate.

You can check them out in the prop catalogue here >>

Favours

Favours for your guests that you may like to consider are blankets, some barns have an outside area to toast marshmallows or gaze at the stars therefore blankets are great addition for your guests to snuggle up around the fire pit.

Plants make a fantastic favour for your guests to take home, as well as fitting in with a barn theme, they are a sustainable choice your guests get to keep on enjoying.

Wedding Signage here >> 

Stationery

I have a few stationery collections that are well suited to a barn wedding. My style is very relaxed, casual and fun. You can find everything from wedding signage to fold out menu cards to fun drink straws personalised for each guest.

Table Numbers with Stand >> 

Table Plan Designs >>

Need help pulling your venue design together?

When it comes to decorating your wedding venue, it can feel a bit overwhelming, can't it? You're excited to get started, then it begins to dawn on you how many decisions there are to make! I love helping couples like you make sense of all your ideas, creating a design that compliments you as a couple, and helping decide what props are best suited to bring it all to life.

If you're eager to turn that confused Pinterest board into a beautiful design, you're in luck because I offer a Full Wedding Design & Stying Service to help you do just that.

You can check out my Styling page for more info here >>

You may also enjoy:

4 Ways to style rustic place cards >>

How to add the wow factor to your wedding tables >>

4 Ways to stlye rustic name tags >>