How to Plan a Farm-to-Table Wedding
Farm-to-table weddings are all about embracing a natural aesthetic, and while that does include locally sourced and organic food, we aren't just talking about your reception menu. Everything from the setting to the wedding decor and event design down to the wedding centerpieces and table decorations should boast an organic and boho feel. From the use of burlap table runners and farm tables to DIY decor ideas involving greenery, farm-to-table wedding inspiration relies heavily on your surroundings. This is why this style of wedding works best at a rustic wedding venue such as a farm or vineyard, where the food you're eating and the wedding decor you're considering may be straight from the wedding venue itself. At the core of your wedding day should be the notion of staying true to yourself. If there's a tradition you're not into or a decor element you don't like, don't incorporate it. The truer you are to your own style and vision, more personal and special your wedding day will be. We consulted a wedding expert to get the low-down on how to throw an authentic farm-to-table wedding. Read on for some helpful and chic wedding ideas.
Make Sure You and Your Caterer Are on the Same Page
"When selecting a caterer for your farm-to-table wedding, ask where their ingredients are coming from," Nicolette Tedesco of Sparkling Soirées in Southern California advises. "Make sure the caterer you select shares your intention to curate locally sourced produce and create dishes that celebrate local organic farms." Fresh and local food is at the core of an authentic farm-to-table wedding, the very name demands it! So when it comes to curating a menu for your wedding reception, be sure to let it be known that this is a priority for you on your big day. Have a tasting beforehand to ensure everything is up to your standards, plus, who wouldn't want to try the delicious food before the big day?
Find Vendors Who Are on Board With Your Vision
Farm-to-table weddings are about so much more than the event itself. They're a commitment to infusing sustainable ingredients and elements into every part of the wedding day. While the overall aesthetic is a critical piece of this, finding vendors who understand the importance of your wedding-day style is also important. "You want to work with vendors who will support your vision and use their expertise to create the custom experience you're hoping to share with your guests," Tedesco says. From your florist to your wedding rentals, make sure they understand your point of view when you're initially on the hunt for wedding vendors.
Incorporate Natural Elements into Your Wedding Decor
Say good-bye to plain and traditional tablescapes and table decor for your farm-to-table wedding. Keeping the theme of everything being authentic and organic, don't shy away from utilizing unique outdoor elements as table decor or using rustic tables for your table rentals. "A mixture of textures and patterns will enhance the beauty of nature within your event space, even if you are bringing the outside in," Tedesco recommends. "Incorporating fruit into wedding decor, like dried orange peels or lemons, can put your fresh ingredients at the center of everyone's attention and amplify your farm-to-table wedding aesthetic."
Utilize Vintage Decor Items
From your table setting to your event styling, incorporating vintage elements is a great way to elevate the guest experience. Consider using mismatched antique wooden chairs for your wedding ceremony or old-fashioned mirrors to write the reception menu on. You can also use an old door frame if you're having an outdoor wedding as a makeshift entrance point for you and your guests. Does your grandmother or any other family members have a vintage tablecloth that would work well with your wedding decor? If so, use it! If not, Etsy has tons of vintage items that are waiting to be reused. Authentic and antique items are what farm-to-table wedding styling is all about.
Remember the Season
Work seasonal elements into your wedding-day decor. If you're tying the knot in the fall, you'll want to take advantage of the deep hues such as burgundy and forest green. Foliage also acts as a great decor element on your welcome table or as an escort card if you have a calligrapher who can write the names of your guests on a leaf. For springtime, work on bringing the brightest and luscious blooms to your tablescape and around your venue or include pops of pastel in your tablescape. If you're having a winter wedding, take advantage of jewel tones like plum and emerald throughout your venue and even in you and your significant other's attire or corsages and boutonnieres. No matter what the season is, there are dozens of ways to incorporate your season's aesthetic into your wedding-day style.
Consider Sustainable Wedding Favors
"If you want a truly authentic farm-to-table wedding, I would avoid wasteful wedding favors," Tedesco encourages. "Instead, focus on incorporating sustainable items that could later be reused or recycled." Consider favors that would work well with your farm-to-table wedding style. For example, seed packets or mini succulents would complement an outdoor farm wedding. Gifting your guests herbs to use in their cooking would also be a nice personal touch, especially since your reception food will likely be a focal point of your big day. Edible favors are also another option. Give them gift bags for your dessert table so they can take some of your delicious treats home, or give them coffee beans to use the next morning if they're running on little sleep after a night on the dance floor at your wedding reception.