Accessorize for a Rustic Wedding Photoshoot With These 8 Exciting Ideas

Brides who love rustic weddings want to evoke natural elements and countryside vibes during their big day. If you’re planning something similar, you’re likely thinking about hosting a rustic wedding photoshoot before or during your big day.

Check out these tips to accessorize for the occasion, personalize your pictures and easily stick with your theme.

 

1. Rustic Seating

Couples often have seating involved in their wedding pictures or portraits. A chair lends more visual depth than standing side by side in every photo. You could recline while your new spouse stands behind or kneels beside you. Make every image more rustic by utilizing seating options most commonly seen on countryside estates.

You could pose in a wicker chair or a wooden rocking chair, depending on what you prefer and what your venue already features. You might even head outside for a few shots on a hay bale.

Remember to budget for buying or renting your seating. If you’re getting married in Oklahoma, a small square bale would cost around $12, but you could look into renting one if you don’t want to take it home. They’ll cost more in other locations, too. You’ll have to pay a bit for specific seating arrangements no matter what you choose if your venue doesn’t have seating that fits your theme.

 

2. A Textured Wrap

There’s almost always an opportunity to accessorize for a rustic wedding photoshoot with a gorgeous wrap. You could take pictures in the months leading up to your wedding while it’s cool outside or get married in colder weather.

Either way, look into wearing a plaid wrap or crocheted shawl to add a rustic texture without stealing the scene from your wedding dress.

 

3. Countryside Tools

The country wouldn’t be livable without tools and machinery, so use some of them as background props in your wedding photoshoot. You could bring a small log and an ax to your venue or chosen location.

Sink the ax head into the log before smiling for the camera. You could also decorate your background with a pitchfork stuck in a hay bale or an aluminum bucket.

 

4. A Thematic Hat

Rustic weddings are more laid back than traditional ceremonies in glamorous venues or pristine churches. Give a nod to your relaxed atmosphere with a thematic hat.

You could weave a garland around your wedding updo to bring nature into every photo or wear a hat with a chic western style to tie things together.

5. Surprise Shoes

Your shoes are another accessory that can represent your laid-back rustic theme. A floor-length dress or wedding gown could cover the comfortable boots on your feet.

Let them peek out beneath your gown’s fabric for a picture or two. You could reference your love of hiking through the woods without drawing attention away from the point of your photos — your wedding.

 

6. An Earthy Backdrop

Couples hosting any thematic wedding use backdrops in their pictures. They’re perfect for pre-wedding portraits and photos during your reception. Give your shots more of a natural vibe by renting a wooden circle arch or wood-paneled wall covered in flowers. You could even lean a wagon wheel against a tree for outdoor portraits.

A couple who recently married in Illinois used a stone fireplace as the background of their altar, which you could do with your rustic wedding photoshoot. It depends on what your venue offers and if you’ll schedule the shoot before your wedding at another location.

 

7. Centerpiece Elements

You might pose for pictures near side tables or flat surfaces around your wedding venue. Fill the noticeably empty space with a background accessory like a flower arrangement. Place vintage bottles holding bouquets on a side table as you pose in your venue’s decorated hallway or a designated room.

Just remember — an antique is anything more than 100 years old, so shop thrift stores, yard sales and online marketplaces to find actually antique items at a reasonable price. You might even discover other rustic accessories for yourself or your venue.

8. Cute Animals

The countryside only feels complete with animals like horses, dogs or sheep. See if you can schedule your photo shoot at a barn where you can pose for a few shots with animals.

Bring your dog or cat if you have a beloved pet. If you’re hosting your wedding at a vintage barn, hire petting zoo animals so you can pose with bunnies and entertain your younger guests.

If you hire petting zoo animals, ensure your guests have easy access to soap and water. Animals of any species can carry zoonotic diseases spread by touching them or sharing surfaces. Your guests should be able to have fun petting the animals before washing their hands and returning to your reception area.

 

 

Prepare Your Rustic Wedding Photoshoot Accessories

You’ll have an incredible time posing for your rustic wedding photoshoot with accessories like these. They center your venue, outfit and background around your chosen theme. Every picture will have visual cohesion, which is crucial when you’re taking such important photos.

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

 

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