Burlap And Lace Decorating Ideas

You only get one wedding (hopefully), so have it YOUR way; but don't allow it to cause you to start your married life in debt. This is where DIY trends are so helpful. The average Australian wedding now costs over $30,000 (yes, you did read that right) and a large portion of that cost goes to hiring décor for the ceremony and reception. But you could do ALL these ideas, and more, for less than $500.

One very 'on trend' wedding style at the moment is the 'rustic' look – think all things natural, simple and somewhat unfinished. Think wooden slabs or logs for seating and cake stands, basic lighting of candles in jars, wild flowers and often, a quaint country or forrest setting. The main difference between a 'party in the woods' and a rustic wedding (besides the obvious presence of the bride and groom, of course) is the details in the decorations. Click here to learn more about the significance of burlap and lace within a wedding.

Here are 10 ways to decorate a wedding using a popular 'rustic' fabric; burlap (also called hessian or jute) in combination with the sweet vintage appeal of cotton or polyester lace.

1.Invitations

Invitations set the impression of the wedding theme to the guests. Chosing a design and material which perfectly suits your wedding is therefore helpful. Perhaps a burlap rectangle sandwiched between the backing card and the printed paper; or just on a small portion of the page. Simply glue a width of burlap across the bottom of the invite, and glue a narrower width of lace over the burlap. Or just use a prepared combination. Regardless of the paper you are using, including an element of burlap (with or without lace) will set the rustic feel (perhaps with a feeling of vintage, also).

Burlap and Lace Wedding Invitation

2. Burlap and Doily Placemats

A doily is a vintage style round piece of lace, traditionally crocheted, used as coasters or placemats to protect the furniture's surface. Like all lace fabrics, doilies create a soft tone accent especially if combined with a rough natured hessian. Try placing a doily (cotton crochet if you're leaning to the vintage side of things, or paper if you've got a strict budget) on top of a burlap rectangle, and these placemats will definitely make up a chic look on tables without costing too much effort.

3. Table Runner

Another vintage and rustic décor style is known as a table runner; a width of fabric (about 30cm) that 'runs' down the centre of the table. Traditionally, it protected the table from hot cookware, candle wax etc., which was only placed in the centre. If you are able to source tables made of a beautiful wood, display them! Just use a simple table runner (which are also available with lace edging) down the centre and have your place settings directly on the table. If your tables are not so lovely, you can still feature a table runner on top of a plain white tablecloth.

4. Name cards/Number cards

Like your invites and other wedding stationary, name cards (or placeholders) are a simple way to enhance the theme that you are trying to achieve. There are so many ways to do this: any combination of card, jute string, burlap pieces and lace can produce a rustic feel. Keep it simple, don't add too many layers or get too frilly, as one of the main features of rustic design is the simplicity.

5. Favours

Jute fabrics were traditionally used as bags to carry and store food (just imagine an old school potato sack). If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can whip up some 'mini' vintage burlap sacks with a drawstring to put your guests' treats in. Or if you would like to give out candles, pop them in some small recycled jars (or just chose candles that are sold in jars), remove all the stickers, and decorate with a basic touch of burlap and lace.

6. Banners and bunting

Flag bunting originated in Europe in the 17^th century for Navy and other patriotic celebrations. But if you're looking to change the feel of the space (in particular, the area above eye level), bunting and clever lighting are the best ways to achieve it. String some triangle flag bunting (cheap enough to buy plenty, but also easy enough to make) of hessian and/or lace above head level, or as a display on the wall (behind the band) or front of the cake table. It is also useful to disguise unseemly elements like structural beams or fluro lights within a hire venue.

7. Candle Jar Holder

When one thinks of rustic lighting, lanterns and candles are the first thing that come to mind. For table displays, nothing could be easier that popping some candles (real or battery, depending on your needs and restrictions) into some recycled jars and adding a gentle touch of burlap, lace and jute string. Keep your tallest jars (or some vintage tin coffee urns) for some foliage and a sprinkling of seasonal flowers, and you have everything you need for your centrepieces. Alternatively, if you have an evening outdoor setting, use the opportunity to hang some candles in their jars from tree branches to create a truly rustic festive feeling. Best to use electronic candles for this one due to the fire hazard.

8. Bouquet Detail

Ask your florist (or in my case, one of my talented wedding guests) to include a bit of burlap and lace in the design of the bouquets – perhaps as the handle wrap, or incorporated into the floral arrangements themselves. This simple idea is one of the quality details that will turn your event into a rustic wedding.

9. Chair Sashes

A very easy way to continue a broad theme of 'rustic' is to have chair sashes using burlap and/or lace. This could be as simple as a basic band of plain lace or burlap around the chair back, or more ornate using bows, and perhaps the addition of a bit of greenery or flowers. Depending on the type of chair, there are a multitude of creative ways – perhaps weaving the fabric in and out of the spokes is a better option than a 'sash' for some designs.

10. Ceremony Furniture

Every wedding you've ever been to is structured a little differently, and even more so these days as people get creative with their own ideas of what they want the ceremony and reception to look like. When you decide what 'furniture' you will have during the ceremony, be it an arbour, a lectern, a couple of chairs or perhaps just a backdrop of some kind; these too can easily be incorporated into your rustic theme. A bit of fine wire can help with the attaching of bows etc. onto furniture (be sure to not damage any hired or venue furniture), and also for scaffolding the bow itself if it is large.

Burlap and lace are available in so many different widths, weights and designs. When used along with a generous amount of wood, greenery and well chosen lighting, YOU can achieve a beautiful, extrodinary rustic wedding quite easily.

If you were inspired by this article, check out our beautiful burlap and lace wedding and crafty supplies.