If you and your spouse-to-be prefer a rustic wedding reception venue, you don't have to sacrifice comfort and luxury to get a country feel. There are many ways that you can add luxurious details to a relaxed space to create a casually elegant ambiance. 

Some of the most popular rustic reception venues are country barns, which typically feature sweeping rafters that are ideal for hanging lanterns and other decor, vintage wood paneling, and a cavernous space for accommodating large guest lists. Other rustic celebration spaces include national park lodges, mountain resorts, and vineyards.

When adding glamorous touches to the relaxed venue, consider using shabby-chic–inspired pieces and vintage and antique details to create a cohesive look. Choose classic, time-worn items rather than brand-new, modern-looking pieces whenever possible.

Here are some easy ideas for jazzing up your rustic wedding reception venue: 

Lighting

One of the simplest ways to infuse a barn, lodge, or any other country-inspired space with elegance is with the right lighting. As one idea, wrap strings of small, white lights around rafters, beams, bars, railings, and even tree limbs. You can even use colored LED bulbs that coordinate with your wedding colors or decor theme. The tiny lights will illuminate the space with a warm, romantic glow.

Another lighting option that you can consider is lanterns. Rather than using traditional tin or wrought-iron lanterns, which would add to the rustic appearance, you should instead go with elegant paper or glass versions. Large, white, ball-shaped paper lanterns will look sophisticated when they are suspended from the ceiling. 

You can also hang vintage crystal chandeliers over the bridal table and guest tables for instant elegance. To stay within budget, look for these lighting elements at flea markets and garage sales if you can.

Linens

Using luxe linens is the ideal way to soften a rustic space. For instance, you can cover reclaimed barn wood tables with handmade lace or crochet tablecloths and place mismatched, floral-patterned cushions on the chairs. 

You can also drape sheets of flowing fabric, such as organza, from barn or lodge rafters or beams or at the entryway to the venue. Hang the fabric on the wall behind the bridal or cake table as another idea.

Centerpieces 

To create centerpieces that combine both elegant and rustic elements, fill vintage crystal vases with fresh-picked wildflowers. As another idea, place small green plants on antique glass or porcelain cake stands. 

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