If you and your cowboy
are dreaming of a western-style wedding, here are some ideas to
help you plan one helluva hoedown.
Western Wedding Locations
The location you choose will do more than anything
else to set the stage for your western theme wedding. Scout out
barns for rent in your area or contact a state park that has a
pavilion or cross-fenced area.
Western Wedding Announcements & Western Themed Invitations
Send friends and family engagement
announcements in the style of a Pony Express letter or use specially
printed announcements
that have a western theme. Maintain the theme with your choice
of wording. Instead of "Announcing the engagement of,"
use the words, "We're gettin' hitched!" This will set
the stage for what's sure to be a rip snortin', boot stompin'
good time!
Western Engagement Party Ideas
Why not have this party at your
favorite country and western bar? If that's not possible, continue
the western theme by using bales of hay, saddles, and lassoes
to decorate for the party. Whether you have a DJ or a live band,
a square dance number will surely set the mood. Get the dancing
started by teaching your guests the "Boot Scootin' Boogie"
or the classic country line dance! Serve classic western barbecue
and beans, or have your party catered by a company that specializes
in Texas-style fare. Use red and white checked tablecloths, use
bandanas for napkins, and drink from mason jars. Decorate the
tables with howling coyote candleholders for setting the western
mood
Western Theme Rehearsal Dinner
Hold the rehearsal dinner at a local
steakhouse or hold an outdoor barbecue at the home of the groom's
parents or a local park. Present the wedding party with personalized
beer mugs or margarita glasses as they toast to your future together.
Western Men's Wedding Attire
While a formal cowboy tuxedo may be difficult
to find in some parts of the country, the men in the wedding party
will certainly be well dressed in their new jeans, western vests,
boots, and big hats. To set the groom apart from the other members
of the party, have him wear a different color hat. Add bolo ties
to dress things up!
Western Ladies' Wedding Attire
There are several styles available to
the western bride. A more formal wedding wouldn't be complete
with out a modern, lacy, western dress. Look for the style of
Victorian gown you might see in an old time photograph. Attach
the veil to a feminine western-style hat. Less formal attire can
include denim skirts or new blue jeans with a white blouse that
has a lace collar. And of course, no western shindig would be
complete without cowboy boots! Outfit bridesmaids in western skirts
and lacy blouses. Decorate their hats with broad ribbons that
tie in the back with bouncy bows.
Western Theme Wedding Flowers
When selecting flowers for your western-style
wedding, keep in mind that hothouse flowers and formal arrangements
would not have been available in the old west. It's best to keep
floral arrangements simple-a bunch of Texas bluebonnets in a mason
jar, yellow roses in a decorative boot-shaped vase, or bunches
of fresh flowers in galvanized tubs decorated with a bow made
out of burlap or rope. For bouquets, use long stem flowers tied
together with a bit of rope. Texas spider lilies, exotic looking
fleshy herbs with pointy blooms, would make a great addition to
centerpieces or bouquets. Another flower choice would be zinnias.
These flowers come in a variety of colors and are available throughout
the US from late spring to early fall. Their tight blooms and
bouncy appearance make them perfect for centerpieces and bouquets
or boutonnières.
Western Themed Wedding Ceremony Accessories
The ring bearer will certainly complement
the western theme by carrying the wedding rings on a western-style
ring pillow. Display the unity candle on a scroll candleholder.
Have your guests sign the guest book with a western-themed pen.
Western Themed Wedding Transportation
Hire a horse drawn wagon to transport
the wedding party to the reception or arrange for an old-fashioned
hay-wagon to transport guests to the reception.
Western Theme Wedding Reception Ideas
Bring a little of the Wild, Wild West
to your reception from the music to the food to the favors. Whether
you choose a live band or a DJ, be sure to specify that you want
country music. Share a two-step with your new husband or perhaps
have the father of the bride call out a square dance. When making
toasts, ring cowbells or shout yee-haw to get the room's attention
instead of clinking glasses. Reception fare can be served on long
picnic tables can include barbecue, fried chicken, potato salad
and baked beans. Everyone knows that wedding cake brings good
luck. Why not decorate your cake with fresh flowers and horseshoes
or have a western couple as a cake topper? Substitute margaritas
and bottled beer for the traditional champagne. Have guests blow
bubbles from boots as you ride off into the sunset for your honeymoon.
Western Themed Wedding Favors
Say thank you to your guests by sending
them home with a special memento of the big day. Personalized
miniature cowbells, cowboy hats, or feedbags filled with a favorite
candy would be a lasting reminder of the cotton pickin' good time
helping you celebrate the beginning of your lives together!
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