8 Tips for Planning a Rustic Wedding in East Texas (That Feels Effortless and Elevated)
There’s something timeless about a rustic wedding—wooden textures, warm lighting, nature as your backdrop. And in East Texas, with its pine forests, wide-open skies, and slower pace, the setting practically plans itself. But rustic doesn’t have to mean rough around the edges.
Here are 8 tips to help you plan a rustic East Texas wedding that feels relaxed, personal, and absolutely unforgettable.
🌾 1. Let the Setting Do the Heavy Lifting
Start with a naturally beautiful venue—one with trees, open space, and built-in character. That way, you won’t need to over-decorate or fight the landscape.
At Wonderland Pines: You get 40 acres of pines, meadows, and natural beauty already built in.
🪵 2. Mix Textures for a Rustic-Luxe Look
Rustic doesn't mean everything has to be burlap. Try mixing:
Raw wood + lace or velvet
Galvanized metal + dried florals
Cheesecloth runners (we have several in our decor collection!) + ceramic plates
This creates contrast and warmth—especially if you're aiming for something elegant and relaxed.
✍️ 3. Use Personalized Signage
Chalkboards, wood planks, and hand-lettered signs are staple details in rustic weddings. They also double as guest direction tools and photo-friendly décor.
Ideas:
Ceremony seating signs (“Choose a seat, not a side”)
A welcome board with your names + wedding date
A memory table sign for loved ones
💐 4. Choose Seasonally Inspired Florals
In East Texas, wildflowers, eucalyptus, thistle, and dried grasses fit beautifully into the rustic aesthetic. Fall weddings pair well with muted oranges and rust, while spring florals shine in blush, ivory, and sage.
Want to keep it simple? One statement bouquet and a few wooden boxes of greenery go a long way.
🎻 5. Incorporate Southern Comfort Into Your Menu
Rustic weddings shine when food feels heartfelt. Think:
BBQ with a gourmet twist
Peach cobbler, mini pies, or a donut wall
Signature cocktails with local ingredients (lavender lemonade, anyone?)
🪑 6. Use the Venue’s Decor (and Save Time + Money)
Some rustic venues (like ours!) offer a decor closet full of lanterns, table runners, easels, and signage you can borrow for free.
This means fewer things to buy, rent, or stress over—while still giving you plenty of creative freedom.
💡 7 . Light the Evening with Warmth, Not Harshness
Swap bright overheads for ambient lighting:
String lights
Hanging lanterns
Clusters of candles or LED tapers
It creates a soft, romantic glow that guests (and your photographer) will love.
💌 8. Add a Personal Touch or Handmade Element
Rustic weddings shine when they feel like you. A few heartfelt ideas:
Display wedding photos of your parents or grandparents
Offer your guests handwritten notes at their seats
Set up a DIY hot cocoa bar
These little moments help guests feel more connected to your story.
Final Thoughts
A rustic wedding in East Texas can be effortless when you lean into the landscape, borrow from the venue, and let your personality guide the details.
Whether you’re going full farmhouse, vintage-boho, or something totally custom, Wonderland Pines is here to help you make it feel authentic—and beautiful.
📅 Ready to plan your own rustic wedding? Book a tour here to learn how to make your Rustic Wedding vision come to life at Wonderland Pines.
