Explore charming ways to incorporate beloved bourbon barrels into your Kentucky wedding. Repurpose barrels for decor, favors, events and more for a spirited bourbon-inspired celebration.
Bourbon Barrels in Your Kentucky Wedding
Planning a wedding in Kentucky? Why not add some extra spirit by incorporating beloved bourbon barrels into your special day? From decor to favors, Kentucky bourbon can infuse joy and personality into your wedding.
Bourbon barrels have a rich history in Kentucky. They impart complex flavors into America’s native spirit during the ageing process. Once emptied, these charred white oak vessels are up cycled into everything from home decor to wedding rings. Honoring this tradition is the perfect way to celebrate your love if you both enjoy bourbon.
Below we’ll explore some inspiring and unique ways to work bourbon barrels into your Kentucky wedding.
Whether you are getting hitched in Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown or beyond, these ideas will help you craft a spirited bourbon wedding.
Incorporating Bourbon Barrels into Wedding Decor
Bourbon barrels can add charm and character to your wedding decor. Repurpose empty bottles or staves to infuse your special day with that beloved bourbon aroma.
Re purposing Empty Bourbon Bottles for Centerpieces
Did you know you can transform empty bourbon bottles into stunning DIY centerpieces? Make good use of spent bottles from your favourite brands by turning them into one-of-a-kind arrangements.
Reflect on your wedding’s style and theme in your bottle choices. Opt for an elegant look with glossy black Maker’s Mark bottles. Or go for a rustic vibe with retro-shaped bottles from labels like Old Forester.
Using a Bourbon Barrel as a Guestbook
Traditional guestbooks are nice…but having guests sign a real Kentucky bourbon barrel head is way more fun!
Customize a barrel head by branding it with your names and wedding date. Then set it up with a permanent marker and invite your loved ones to leave their well wishes and marriage advice.
Once displayed in your home after the wedding, this personalized barrel head becomes a functional work of art that reminds you of all the special people who celebrated with you.
Gifting Bourbon Barrel Themed Favors
Offering wedding favors with a bourbon barrel twist makes for memorable gifts your guests will cherish. From rings to minis, these keepsakes spread the spirit long after your big day.
Offering Guests Bourbon Barrel Wedding Bands
For couples who want to fully embrace the bourbon theme, exchange wedding bands carved from actual aged bourbon barrels! This is a beautiful way to honour the history of bourbon’s beloved barrels.
Genuine bourbon barrel wood wedding bands allow you to carry a piece of Kentucky tradition with you always. And since the bands repurpose the reclaimed wood, it prevents the barrels from being discarded after use. A win for sustainability!
Giving Guests Personalized Bourbon Barrel Minis
Delight your guests by sending them home with custom mini bourbon bottles! Source some cute 50ml or 100ml bottles and dress them up with personalized labels.
You can share your special day by including wedding details on the labels. Or simply brand them with “Thank You” and your names. Top them off with a favourite bourbon and add a bow or ribbon.
Presenting DIY Bourbon Barrel Wedding Invitations
Set the tone from the very beginning by sending DIY wedding invitations incorporating bourbon barrels. Craft invitation suites using actual staves from retired barrels.
Pair the wood slices with lace, burlap, and raffia bows. Line kraft paper envelopes with barrel-printed liner sheets. This is a crafty way to hint at your bourbon-inspired wedding theme right from the start.
Planning Bourbon-Themed Wedding Events
In addition to the wedding itself, you have lots of opportunities to infuse bourbon barrel fun into other celebrations surrounding your big day.
Hosting a Bourbon Trail Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
For the ultimate pre-wedding bash, treat your crew to an epic day touring Kentucky’s famous Bourbon Trail. Rent a party bus or limo stocked with plenty of water, snacks and a handcrafted playlist.
Hit up your favourite distilleries and sample the goods as you learn about bourbon’s history and production. Stay at a local bourbon-themed hotel, bed and breakfast or rental property.
Burying a Bottle of Bourbon Before the Ceremony
Here’s a fun Kentucky tradition to try for good luck on your big day. Exactly one month before the wedding, visit the ceremony site and bury a bottle of bourbon upside down.
Legend claims the offering to the spirits wards off rain on the wedding day! It may just be superstition, but it’s a fun ritual to share with your betrothed.
Incorporating Bourbon into the Ceremony
Of course, you’ll want to include bourbon in the actual wedding ceremony as well. These symbolic touches make the day feel truly authentically yours.
Exchanging Bourbon Barrel Wedding Vows
For hardcore bourbon lovers, incorporating barrel-themed vows adds a spirited wink. Promise to always “share the good stuff” and commit to ageing gracefully together like fine Kentucky bourbon.
Vow to never bottle up your feelings and to weather all seasons hand-in-hand. Just be sure to end by affirming your eternal bond. Cheers to that!
Sharing a Post-Ceremony Bourbon Toast
After sealing your union with a kiss, maintain the momentum by toasting with bourbon! Serve your favourite sweet Kentucky sipper in personalized glasses.
As you raise your glass among those you cherish most, let the bourbon’s warmth mirror the glow of love in your heart. A bourbon toast kicks off the celebrations on a high note.
Celebrate Your Love with Bourbon Barrels
Whether you incorporate every idea or just one, using bourbon barrels to customize your Kentucky wedding is a great way to infuse it with charm and character.
From the invitations to the send-off, you have countless ways to craft a spirited bourbon wedding. With so many options, you can honour time-honoured traditions while also showcasing what makes your love story unique.
