How to Decorate a Barn for a Wedding

Why a Barn?

When most people think of a romantic, beautiful setting, they don’t typically picture a barn. Tastefully decorated, however, a barn can be a wonderful venue for a memorable wedding.

There are many types of barn buildings to choose from in different sizes and shapes. A barn may include a silo, sheds, corrals, and other farm details, or it may simply be a beautiful building surrounded by fields of grain or wildflowers. Some barns are specially built to host wedding receptions, dances, parties, and other group events, while others can be easily renovated and decorated for the perfect day.

How to Decorate a Barn for a Wedding: Tips and Ideas

A barn is not as easy to decorate as a reception hall or garden that may frequently host weddings. With careful planning and coordination, however, a barn can go from rustically simple to romantically gorgeous.

Before the Wedding

If the barn is frequently used for large events, there may be no necessary cleanup prior to the big day. If, however, the barn is part of an operational farm, there may be substantial chores needed to ready it for a wedding, including:

• Removing animals to other locations or outdoor pastures.
• Cleaning out all soiled hay, dirt, and other materials from the barn and leaving it open to thoroughly air.
• Cleaning walls, windows, and floors to remove excessive dust, dirt, cobwebs, and debris.
• Eliminating loose nails, splintered boards, and other hazards from surfaces guests will touch.
• Sprucing up the painting if possible, particularly around windows and edges.
• Repairing loose hinges, boards, and other minor problems.

Once these basic cleanup and repair chores are finished, the real task of how to decorate a barn for a wedding can begin.

Necessities

Before using a barn to host a wedding ceremony or reception, the couple should determine if it has adequate facilities to handle the number of guests. Restrooms are a must, and proper heating or cooling mechanisms should also be in place. Adequate outlets will be needed for lighting and music, and there should be plenty of space for tables, dancing, and circulating. Furthermore, there should be plenty of parking nearby, and guests will appreciate if the barn is easy to find from main roads.

Outdoor Decorations

The wedding location is photographed dozens of times on the big day, and outdoor barn decorations can make it a welcoming and photogenic location. Options for exterior accents include:

• Groomed lawns or fields.
• Open windows for fresh air and a glimpse inside.
• Stacked hay bales or corn stalks along the pathway or near the entrance.
• Tulle, ribbon, or streamers draped on outside ledges.
• Wildflowers growing around the barn or in large bouquets nearby.
• Clean, groomed animals grazing nearby.

Lighting

A barn can be dark and dreary if not properly lit, but great lighting can turn it into a romantic venue perfect for a wedding.

• Place candles (if permitted, or use electric or battery-operated candles) along window ledges, on tables, and in wall sconces.
• Wrap twinkle lights or rope lights along beams or pillars.
• Hang lanterns from the rafters or place them on tables.
• Opt for tall torches along the edges of the barn.

Flowers

Western accents are fun too.

Flowers are a staple wedding decoration, and flower accents can brighten any barn.

• Choose large blooms such as sunflowers for a bright, dramatic statement.
• Include farm-familiar plants such as grains, fresh fruit, autumn leaves, vegetables, pumpkins, and hay for rustic charm.
• Bring in potted plants and trees to add greenery.
• Use galvanized pails or buckets, canning jars, or watering cans as vases.

Table Decorations

How tables are decorated can add color, sophistication, and flair to barn wedding decorations.

• Choose bright colors to offset the barn’s darker woods and shadows.
• Use quilts, Native American blankets, or bandannas for vintage table decorations.
• Incorporate western wedding favors into the table décor.
• Opt for picnic tables or other casual arrangements to coordinate with the barn.

Walls

The walls of most wedding venues are tastefully colored and accented with artwork, but barn walls are often large, bare spaces. To decorate the walls:

• Hang quilts, Mexican blankets, Native American blankets, and other fabrics as artwork.
• Clean tack pieces such as saddles and harnesses to hang as integrated accents.
• Drape tulle, ribbons, and greenery along beams, pillars, and ledges.
• Hang wagon wheels and other themed pieces along the walls or lean them against walls to draw attention away from bare spots.

Themed Accents

Whether a couple is interested in a fall harvest theme, a western wedding, or a basic country ambiance, there are many decorative accents that can add richness and flair to barn decorations, such as:

• Colored horseshoes that match the wedding colors.
• Lassos shaped into hearts.
• Corn stalks tied with coordinating ribbons.
• His and hers saddles or other gear.
• Hay bales draped with matching fabrics for low seating or floral arrangement stools.
• Cut logs for extra seating.
• Straw strewn across the floor to reduce echoes.

Yee-ha!

Cautions About Barn Decorations

While a barn may seem like an empty palette for wedding decorations, most barns for rent do have restrictions on the types of decorations that may be used. Because of the risk of fire, open flames may not be permitted, and extra hanging items may not be allowed. Before planning an elaborate decorative scheme, couples should investigate what types of restrictions the location imposes on decorations.

From a fresh coat of paint to romantic twinkle lights to lucky horseshoes on the wall to a rustic western cake topper, knowing how to decorate a barn for a wedding can turn an otherwise ordinary location into an extraordinary setting for the couple to ride off into their happily ever after sunset together..