According to theknot.com, rustic barn weddings are among the top 10 wedding trends for 2010. Let’s take a look at some of the inspiring ideas people have come up with…

Credit to: JM Photography, Providence Hill Farm

Having guests seated in the aisle sandwiched between stalls of live horses is an experience guests aren’t soon to forget. This space also transforms into a gorgeous reception area that seams like something out of a fairytale…something you wouldn’t expect from a working horse barn.

Credit to: Kevin Beasly, Providence Hill Farm

I think what makes this so gorgeous is the fact that it’s so unexpected. I found pictures of this wedding months ago and couldn’t stop thinking about it. This is exactly what every bride wants.

If the extravagant country wedding isn’t really in your budget…I found some other reasonable, high impact ideas that I fell in love with.

Credit to: Elizabethanndesigns.com

What a great way to organize your seating assignments.

Credit to: Leigh Miller

Love, love, love all of these ideas. Some other ideas I found that I thought were great…

1. flower girls using a cowgirl hat to hold their flowers
2. guests sitting on hay bales during the ceremony
3. using rustic lanterns to hold candles at the reception tables
4. stringing photos of the couple on a clothesline using clothes pins (instead of a video montage)
5. having clear containers with fresh lemonade, etc. to add a pop of color
6. painted wooden signs that “point” to/give directions to the ceremony/reception site

Can’t wait to see how our rustic barn weddings play out with clients this year!

Blue is my favorite color…and since today has been one of the only days this month that blue skies were even somewhat visible, I thought it would be a good time to discuss some wedding blues! I chose this particular picture because some of my most recent favorite colors to combine with blue are shown in these photos. For example,  I love deep blues with light golds (like the picture with the gold chandelier with the blue ceiling and the bottom right hand picture). I also really enjoy dark/navy blues with the bright, bold orange and yellow colors (like in the picture to the top left). I also really like the bold pinks/coral colors paired with blue as well (as seen in the picture with the bridesmaids).

Photo Credit:  Rowell Photography

Since I chose to focus on the color blue, I also decided to look up what the color means. According to Color Wheel Pro, the color blue:

“Is the color  of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven…Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. In heraldry,  blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity.”

All of the things that blue symbolizes are important in a marriage, so if you’d like to use symbolism in your color scheme, blue is a good one to use. Blue could also help you save money on your catering bills. The website also says to “Avoid using blue when promoting food and cooking because blue suppressed appetite.” So, if you decorate with blue table cloths or plates, maybe you could order less food for your guests to test if the research is true! (Then again, maybe that’s not the best way to test this theory… )

As one of ATOE’s (A Touch of Elegance) newest interns, I have to say that one of the biggest reasons I want to be in this business is because of the inspiring table designs that I find everywhere on the internet.

Rehearsal/Reception table designs really set the mood of the event and can take the theme that much further. The decorations that I find most interesting are those that aren’t what you’re used to seeing at your everyday wedding.

These are some of the favorite ideas I have found that I hope to be able to use one day…

Credit to: marthastewartweddings.com

I think this idea is so incredibly creative [not to mention cost effective without looking cheap if done well]. The rolled black paper serves as a tablecloth [not to mention it's disposable ] and name cards all in one.

Credit to: marthastewartweddings.com

I think this cactus design is great as well because of the intimate feeling it gives the table. I love that it deviates from the candles, roses, and mirrors that are so often used at weddings today. Don’t get me wrong, I love the classic wedding look, I just think these designs really stand out and would leave a lasting impression on guests.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have also fallen in love with these table designs and covers which are essentially over the top [in a GREAT way]. I can only hope to be able to afford something like this one day for my wedding…

Credit to: wildflowerlinens.com

Credit to: wildflowerlinens.com

Credit to: wildflowerlinens.com

Credit to: wildflowerlinens.com

Modest and intimate, or elaborate and over the top, these table decorations are sure to create a lasting impression on guests. They sure caught my eye.