The desire for a rustic inspired wedding, even in subtle ways, signifies a break of tradition, and a longing for a more easy-going affair. There is also undoubtedly elements of wanting that homespun, honest and simple living that city folk envision of rural life to reflect on ones union. Which is perhaps why we're seeing more people hosting their special day in barns, the ultimate symbol of rural life. But for those actually living in these farming communities, brides chasing the rustic chic wedding they see on Pinterest is disrupting their quiet, close-knit country life. Some farmers, trying to make ends meet have rented out their barns for such affairs, much to the chagrin of their neighbors, some who argue about the noise, and others that argue about it disrupting the integrity of country life. There is also a type of urban-on-rural Columbusing about it--that is, taking a culture that is not yours and "discovering" it, or appropriating parts for funsies. On face value, there is something kind of odd about a suburban girl wanting to get married in a place where you store hay because it's "quaint," but I see the appeal. It's romantic. It's symbolic. We want to shed the rampant consumerism of pre-recession, we want to feel connected to the world by having our drinks chilling in a wheelbarrow and our wedding cake sit on a log. No polished silver and china for these millennials.
The trend does reminds me a bit of the humble quinoa, and how it became the trendy food of the season. It won't be here forever, but while it is, we're going to put that s*** in everything. Our intense fascination to be a part of something new and trendy has consequences for those who experience these things not as a trend, but a way of life. Bolivian farmers cannot afford the quinoa they grow, their dietary staple, because of Western demand, sending many people into poverty and starvation. While the consequences of barn weddings are not nearly as drastic ("Aunt Marge stepped in a cow pie!"), it is a good reminder that behind every demand for a trend, there is someone who has to supply it, and a culture where it originated. One man's whimsical venue is another's home community. For some it's a irksome intrusion to daily life and for others, for others, it's a blessing of additional funds--much like hosting a petting zoo or dude ranch on their property. So by all means, party in the barn if that's what your heart desires. Say your I Do's surrounded by nature. Just keep in mind the local community you're coming into.
New York Times, August 2014
