Planning a western wedding can be a very fun and unique way of tying the knot. You can go to various extremes with this theme, it all depends on how far you allow your imagination to take it. Gettin hitched, western style, can be very elaborate and country or very traditional embodying the old west in a more elegant fashion.

If you really want to go all out with the theme, then consider infusing western flair into the location and even transportation rather than just in the decorations and food. Here are some ideas you can use that symbolize the western theme.

• Location – Consider an outdoor wedding, maybe a state park or even a barn setting. Getting close to nature is key and allows for more western touches such as horses for entry and exit of the wedding, as well as use of hay bails for seating. If you don't want an outdoor wedding, seek out a historic church or other historical setting.

• Transportation – Of course you should consider involving a horse somehow. If you are opting for a more country style wedding, then entering on a horse is nice but if you prefer the more traditional approach maybe opt for a horse drawn carriage. Also, a horse and carriage is very romantic, perfect for a wedding. For guests or the wedding party you can use a hay ride.

• Seating – Some western wedding go for the simplicity of hay bails for guests to sit on. If utilizing this option put some material over the top to prevent discomfort for your guests during the ceremony. Other ideas if you use chairs or pews in keeping with the theme would be to use raffia or gingham pattern bows.

• Photography – You may want to use a photographer that does some black and white prints, as well as some old fashioned looking photos. A great idea for bridal portraits is to have the bride in her dress and cowboy boots, and hat is preferred, climbing up an old windmill looking down at the camera holding her dress up slightly revealing her boots. I say this picture once and it was beautiful and whimsical that I haven't forgotten it.

• Invitations – You can choose more rustic paper and even make the invitations like a scroll that would have been delivered by the pony express. Incorporate pictures and graphics of western style and utilize words that reveal your theme such as “gettin hitched”, “tying the knot”, or even a more popular saying “gettin r done”.

• Flowers – Simple is probably the best bet here. Wildflowers or bluebonnets are beautiful but you can even use roses for a very romantic feel.

• Food – Steak and potatoes are always western but maybe you want to opt for barbeque instead. If you want to be more elegant you can do a roast and grilled chicken with vegetables.

• Decorations – Items such as raffia, gingham patterns, or even bandanas can be used with the napkins. Lacy materials are good if going for the more old world elegant western theme. Even the dishes and glassware can have a western feel. Centerpieces are an easy way to create theme. Maybe you could use an old western boot filled with flowers. Also, the sign in book and unity candles can help add to the theme.

• Favors – Favors can really add flair and you can be very creative. Some ideas I have seen used for favors are bottles of barbeque sauce with cute personalized labels, western themed coasters, western candles, shot glasses, cowboy cookies, and even branding irons with the new couple's initials. Cowbells can even be neat because the guests can ring them as the couple rides away. Maybe wrap small bags of “feed” that guests can toss as the couple leaves.

• Wedding attire – This can really set the stage for the theme because it can be very formal with a cowboy tuxedo with a bow tie or informal with jeans vests, boots, and cowboy hats. Consider having other members of the wedding party wear a different color hat, vest, or bow tie to distinguish the groom. For the bride and her party, a formal look should include a lacy dress. It can be very Victorian if you prefer. Cowboy boots also add that perfect western touch, as well as a feminine hat with veil attached.. For the bridal party, consider western skirts, denim for the less formal, with lacy shirts.

• Cake – A great western style cake is usually very simple. Decorating with wild flowers, horse shoes, or a unique western cake topper is often very classy.

• Reception – You can really go as big as you want with the reception. The music should encourage the theme and to go really over the top you may host a fake gun show. One fun way to do this is to have a pretend dual between the groom and an “old flame” (of course the groom wins). You can even have guests join the theme and dress up in costumes supporting the theme. This is particularly fun if hosting an old west wedding. Obviously a dance is a must in any western wedding. It can be the traditional country or even square dance.

No matter the theme, the important thing is that the wedding is a true reflection of the couple getting married. It's a day to share with the world your joyous celebration and give them a peek into the personality of your relationship.

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