A Western Theme Wedding that will make everyone a “Pardner”

Theme weddings are on the rise; what was once a fairly mundane tradition that celebrated the bride, groom, their decision and their vows, now encompasses just about everyone’s flights of fancy or their perceptions of “that special day.”  A country theme wedding is one way to bring on the nostalgic love of the west that indelible and historic figure, the American cowboy (and cowgirl.)  Western themes can range from simple, such as collections that commemorate the colors of the West to complex with traditional garb and food with all the “fixins.”

Western themes appeal to people because they offer a glimpse at a romanticized and internationally recognized era of the Americas.  Virtually every country had their version of the cowboy, from Argentinean gauchos to the Mexican Vaquero to the American and Canadian Cowboy, the West evokes a recognized and romanticized ideal and image.  Just about all of us have in our minds an imagery that while not always true to historic perspective, evokes a freer, less cluttered way of life personified by the open range, cattle herds and ranches whose acreage could cover entire counties in  more populated areas.

This attachment to the West for many people has spilled over into their everyday lives.  Each day, people watch westerns, decorate their houses, visit historic sites or dude ranches, attend rodeos and otherwise celebrate this incredibly important and historic period.  It makes sense that Western theme weddings would also be popular.

How, though, can you incorporate a western theme without appearing to go overboard?  That is the great thing about the West:  It is what you make of it.  Western themes that can be incorporated into your wedding’s color, activities, food, wedding collections and favors, virtually anything that you can think of to give your special day a flavor that everyone will enjoy.

If you decide to incorporate an entire Western theme, the Romantic Vintage Western Collection will provide imagery via the Traditional Guest Book, Pen Set, Flower Girl Basket and Ring Pillow.  For her there is also a Western Theme Wedding Garter Set.  Each item is finished in suede and has gold and silver horseshoes for good luck.

Another great way to celebrate Western Theme Weddings is through your food.  You probably do not want to celebrate with the traditional coffee that can “bend nails,” hardtack, salt pork and jerky, but you have many options.  Baked beans, barbeque, fresh salad and pie are options, although truth be told, for the truly authentic, this will ring a bit false.

Color themes also can incorporate a Western feel.  The West was personified by rawhide, gold, silver and copper so incorporating brown, gold, silver and copper colors into your color scheme.  You can highlight your wedding collections, favors and any other articles you want to include as part of your special day.
For those who want to really get into the mood, a wedding that incorporates authentic western gear into the process is the way to go.  The wedding party can dress in traditional western clothing and the reception can offer traditional food as well the activities, such as dancing, can focus on country western music, line, or square dancing.

Other options include using flowers that are part of the American West or offering Texan or Tex-Mex food.  Remember, however to review your guest list and do not include food that is prepared “hot” as that can conflict with certain guests’ dietary requirements.  You do not have to cater to every guest’s preferences, but you should make general decisions about cuisine that make sure all of your guests have alternatives if needed.

You also can give your photos a western theme by using a sepia shading scheme.  For the truly hardcore, cowboy hats and bonnets can be worn by the wedding party and you can cater your vows to embody the spirit, dedication and perseverance it took to tame one of the most bountiful and wild regions of the world.  Another popular idea is to keep your wedding traditional, but pattern your reception to the western theme.

Western Theme Weddings can provide a fun and memorable way to commemorate your special day.  The degree that you want to incorporate a western theme wedding or cowboy theme wedding depends on the degree you want to be truly authentic.  Whatever you choose, however, a Western Themed Wedding promises to offer fun from start to finish.