Use the Ceiling Height
"Hang gorgeous crystal chandeliers from the ceiling of the barn to create an interesting design moment and draw guests' eyes up. This will make for a stunning backdrop to your photos!"—Erin Sprinkel, co-owner, Sterling Social
Set the Tone With Your Stationery
"Bring your rustic setting into your stationery design pairing rustic barn settings and elements with sophisticated design."—Katie Fischer Cohen, CEO and creative director, Katie Fischer Design
Dress It Up
"Barn weddings provide an excellent backdrop for intense décor inside; the use of draping, lighting, and greenery can all be combined to create an elegant atmosphere without looking overdone."—Elizabeth McKellar, owner, The Nouveau Romantics
Make the Space Intimate
"Depending on the barn and your guest size, sometimes a barn can feel cavernous due to high ceilings. Soften the edges by bringing down the ceilings by hanging fabric. This helps with sound/acoustics and makes the room feel more intimate."—Maya Katz, partner, Alimay Events
Don't Be Afraid of Color
"Barnwood has a wonderful neutrality; this is your chance to use bold color, soft fabrics, dressmaker details, and lovely tabletop to dress up your affair against a woodsy backdrop. You can work with any shade—from velvety greens to rich pinks—to elevate the otherwise greige environment."—Calder Clark, owner and creative director, Calder Clark
Use The Barn as an Alternative Altar
"Though barn receptions are ever-so-popular at the moment, consider hosting your ceremony inside the barn instead. Consider adding twinkle lights to the ceiling, lining the aisle with candles, and creating a soft structure that will serve as the focal point for your ceremony."—Alicia Caldecott, owner, A Day in May Event Planning & Design
Make the Space Pop with Florals
"Whether you want to keep your design rustic or glam it up, the flowers should complement the space."—Holly Heider Chapple, owner, Holly Heider Chapple Flowers
Elevate Your Food
"Forget buffets, BBQ, or family-style meals. Think sashimi starter plates, adding in a cheese course and more contemporary plated dishes."—Xochitl Gonzalez, creative director, AaB Creates
Bring The Outside In
"Use an abundance of foliage and tall floral arrangements to evoke the outdoors. For this wedding we draped a canopy full of foliage and lined the aisles with tall arrangements of flowers to bring romance into the space."—Frances Liu, creative director, Charmed Events Group
A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock & Roll
"Reserve your barn for dancing only, it can make for super romantic photos and not make your whole wedding feel too "country" ... You can add beautiful lighting and also be out of the chill if temps drop as the night progresses."—Amy Nichols, owner, Amy Nichols Special Events
Take Advantage of More Than the Barn
"Make the most of your rustic setting by utilizing the landscape (and its accessories!) for bridal party photos."—Jen Stiebel, founder, SoCo Events