What’s not to love about a backyard wedding? They’re intimate, convenient, and—perhaps best of all—often a budget-friendly (if not free) venue. But before you write off a backyard wedding as an overly casual affair that welcomes a rustic vibe only, know that there are endless backyard wedding ideas to transform it into anything you want it to be. After all, there is no place like home.
1. Lounge Area
Would you believe me if I told you this was someone’s actual backyard and actual outdoor furniture?! The mother of the bride is very in-tune with design and her lounge areas by the pool were perfect for guests to enjoy.
2. Feature Outdoor Bar
3. Illuminate with string lights
Charming string lights are decorative and functional, they’re a gorgeous way to light up the space after the sun sets. You can hang them from trees, along a fence, or from tentpoles throughout the yard.
4. Elevate the entrance
Seeing as their wedding ceremony took place on their front lawn, they rented these tall hedges from Signature Party Rentals to block the party from the street view. It was quite genius! The arriving guests knew exactly which house the wedding was being held and immediately elevated the entrance.
5. Take in your surroundings
6. Display baked goods
These perfect wedding cakes from Lucky 13 Sweets include real pressed flowers! I would expect nothing less from the bride who carefully planned every detail.
7. Add personalized signage
8. Use plants for centerpieces
9. Skip traditional vases
Skip traditional vases when you’re planning a rustic ceremony. Instead, load up on vintage bottles of different colors and sizes. Place wildflowers in each bottle. When the sun streams through the green and golden glass, it looks simply gorgeous.
10. Extra pair of shoes for dancing on the lawn
11. Dance floor
We’re all for kicking your shoes off and dancing in the grass, but if you’re looking for something a little more traditional, consider installing a temporary dance floor that’ll make you forget you’re in your backyard.
12. Match your invitations to the theme
13. Design a grazing table
I personally witnessed CKL Events spend an hour perfecting this cocktail hour charcuterie grazing table. First, they placed the crates and cutting boards. Second, they filled every remaining space with fruits, cheeses, nuts, a block of honeycomb, and sprigs of rosemary. It truly was amazing to watch this table come alive!
14. Get creative with your sign in table
Instead of a typical guest sign-in book, this unique couple splurged on After the Tone . The creators of the company explain, “We wanted something that could transport us back to the very time & place where we got married. If you ask us, there’s something sacred about hearing the voice of someone you love.”
15. Plan a grand exit
If you’re ready to plan the ultimate wedding exit, check out some favorite send-off ideas pulled straight from real weddings such as confetti, sparklers and smoke bombs.
16. Set up banquet tables
Backyard weddings are all about family and friends that have become family. Make the reception feel welcoming and open with a long banquet-style table. Guests will enjoy the warmth and cheer of celebrating the couple side by side.
17. Vintage is cool
All the plates you see are the bride’s families heirlooms. The mismatched plates combined with the varying glassware and napkin prints added a whimsical feeling to this wedding garden party.
18. Include pets
Because, why not?! This dynamic duo were even included in the ceremony, walking down the aisle with the best man and maid of honor. Additionally, the bride handmade them resin pet tags and made sure to get them flower collars and on theme leashes.
19. Hire a live band
Clearly, the bride and groom adore all things art and that includes music! They hired 8-Bit Jazz Heroes to play during their cocktail hour. The groom was so moved he took a moment to hold his chest with his hands and sigh. IT WAS ADORABLE.
20. Include handmade elements
Undoubtedly, by now you realize how talented this bride is! She hand stitched every last one of the embroidery hoop “You are loved” wedding favors.
All the backdrops you see were hand painted by the bride. There is so much thought, effort, and love put into every single detail of this backyard wedding.
Each guest received a resin place card, also created by the bride. Not only did she include special ribbons, but also colorful pressed flowers. Seriously, such a fun backyard wedding idea!
Ready to chat all about your wedding day? Doesn’t matter if you are having a backyard wedding, an elopement, an international wedding, or a courthouse wedding. You DESERVE to have your memories captured, and I can’t wait to capture yours! Send me a message today and let’s chat!
