There is something about a Western-themed party that is always fun and entertaining. If you want a playful ambience at your wedding, consider donning a Stetson and flaunting your spurs to ensure that your friends and family get their boot-scootin’ boogy on while they celebrate your very special day with you. Invitations To set the [...]

There is something about a Western-themed party that is always fun and entertaining. If you want a playful ambience at your wedding, consider donning a Stetson and flaunting your spurs to ensure that your friends and family get their boot-scootin’ boogy on while they celebrate your very special day with you.

Invitations
To set the scene well ahead of time, send your nearest and dearest a summons from the county Sherriff, demanding that they appear at your wedding. Use a Sherriff’s badge (usually available at toy stores), or use the imagery in the design (think guns and “Wanted” posters).

Alternatively, denim and leather will create the right look and feel for your invitation. If you can source genuine jeans’ pockets as the basis for your invitation, this would certainly get your guests fired up for a night of line-dancing fun. If you would like to provide Stetsons for your guests to wear at the wedding, simply tie your invitation to it and send it off for a memorable, reusable invite idea.

Attire
Denim, lace and leather are the order of your Western-themed day. These can be incorporated into a more traditional wedding outfit, or you could create a novel dress or suit using all denim, lace and / or brown cow hide. A traditional veil is acceptable, but you could also consider replacing it with a veiled lace fascinator or even a white Stetson hat with netting to cover the face or the eyes. As the bride, you should still look feminine, but have a sexy, diamond-in-the-rough look that implies that, if pushed, you could jump on a horse and gallop away in a cloud of red dust.

Grooms and groomsmen could wear a traditional day suit with a checked neckerchief, but would also look fabulous in tailored leather jackets and waistcoats. Alternatively, he can don jeans, a leather belt, an open-necked white shirt and a leather jacket.

Cowboy boots and Stetsons will complete the look of the wedding party.

Venue and Décor
Choose an appropriate venue that reflects your Western theme. This may be a farm, horse ranch or extensive rustic gardens. Including wooden buildings (such as old barns) will also create an effective theme without the expense of too much décor. Scatter bales of hay, horse shoes, wine barrels and gingham fabrics amidst fresh flowers.

Food
An outdoor barbecue with different meats (kebabs, steaks, etc…) and salads is ideal for this wedding theme. Tinned baked beans are an absolute must for this theme, even if the tins are simply used as flower vases. Enjoy dessert around a bonfire with roasted marshmallows and aluminium cups full of steaming hot coffee or spiced red wine.

Entertainment
Authentic Western music is loads of fun to dance to, and can be enjoyed by all age groups. Include artists like Randy Travis, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks, The Dixie Chicks, Patsy Cline, Leann Rimes and Johnny Cash. To ensure that everyone has a great time on the dance floor, hire a professional dance instructor to teach you and your guests a line dance or square dance.

Guest Gifts
The following ideas make great Western-themed guest gifts:

• A ‘Country and Western’ CD
• Mini cowboy boots (as key rings or pendants, for example)
• A leather necktie or a checked neckerchief for each person
• A customised Sherriff’s badge thanking them for their attendance
• A little bag of marshmallows for their very own outdoor-marshmallow-toasting

Image Courtesy of Wedding Window