Popular Western Wedding Theme Ideas

The modern bride can choose from many wedding themes but many will agree that the western wedding theme is the most fun to plan. The bride to be can have a western wedding theme any time of year. Planning a western wedding involves using creative decorations, unique clothing and party favors that are in keeping with the theme.

Set the tone of your wedding by sending out western themed wedding invitations. These can be simple white cards tied with brown string lassos or bandanna print cards in red or blue. Creative brides can make their own cards and decorate their invitations with cutouts of cowboys and cowgirls, chili peppers, corn, horses or cows.

Popular western wedding theme ideas are the barbeque and hayride. The planning of this theme includes finding the appropriate location for a cookout and hayride first. This theme works best if the bride or groom lives in a rural area. If they dont you may be able to find a party area that can be rented for this occasion on the outskirts of your town.

The chosen location can be decorated with bales of hay or straw. These bales will serve as temporary seating around the dance floor. Gingham tablecloths draped across a few of the bales will make them comfortable so that your guests can sit on them without fear of getting their legs poked by sharp pieces of hay. Use picnic tables instead of the traditional tables for your guests. Use plenty of western style flowers to decorate your tables and the dance area such as straw flowers, geraniums, sunflowers, wild roses and even cactus plants.

An oak archway decoration is used as a focal point at many western weddings. It can be rented or a simple one can be made of plywood and two by fours. The archway can be decorated with mini chili pepper lights, straw bales, sunflowers and gingham curtains tied with twine. This will make a nice area to take photos for the wedding party and guests.

Traditional clothing for the western bride includes wearing a lace gown with western boots or even a specially designed gingham or calico dress. A real cowgirl may choose to wear a skirt and blouse, complete with fringe and a hat to match. Men may choose long dress coats in black with straight leg pants and western boots like Wyatt Earp or choose a denim outfit complete with leather chaps and a cowboy hat.

Don't forget to include your wedding cake in the western theme. Cake toppers with a cowboy roping his cowgirl or a couple riding in an old fashioned covered wagon are popular choices. Western brides may also choose strawberry shortcake, blueberry cobbler or peach pie to serve instead of the traditional wedding cake.

Decorating for the western wedding theme includes using western tack such as saddles, harnesses, lassos and plenty of gingham material. Geraniums and small cactus plants make perfect table decorations; add some bandannas, red and white gingham or denim tablecloths and you have a sensational looking table.

Sunflowers are considered perfect for this occasion and can be used around the dance floor, in vases on tables or at a decorated archway. Sunflowers can be found in both yellow and red colors. Other popular flower choices include straw flowers, marigolds in yellow or orange, Joe Pie weed, wild roses and baby's breath.

Music used at your western themed wedding reception should include some western songs. Some couples will go all out and have a square dance with professional callers. If you are unsure what music to choose, hire a D.J. familiar with western music and special requests. Be sure to include a few line dances at the start of your reception to get everyone dancing.

Western theme party favors include boxes in the shape of cowboy hats filled with candies and small gifts for your guests. You can also tie gifts in bandanas or lace hankies. Fill aluminum buckets with flowers or fill them with party favors for your guests. Another popular idea is to fill mason jars with muffin or cookie mixes and then tie them off with gingham ribbon or twine.

Finish off your western wedding theme reception with a hayride and bonfire. Be sure to include plenty of broken hay bales in the wagon for padding and lots of comfortable blankets. After the hayride, stop at a bonfire so that your guests can cuddle up and recount the days festivities. Your western wedding will be remembered long after your special day.