49 Dreamy Backyard Wedding Ideas For An Intimate Ceremony

From Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma to Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden, backyard weddings have been on the list for many since the beginning. And, of course, who wouldn’t feel delighted about a wedding where you can include your pets and don’t have to stress about spending a lot of money. After all, saying ’Yes, I do’ in your sweet backyard can bring as much warmth and love as any lavish arrangement! Couples choose backyard wedding ideas, like garden themes, based on the time and season of the wedding backyard party. So why wait? Read these amazing chic ideas for backyard weddings that we have for you.

Best And Simple Wedding Ideas In The Backyard

Courtyard weddings started to save money, but backyard weddings have evolved, and rustic wedding reception ideas in the backyard have become extremely popular. In today’s time, we all look for a celebration that is within budget, requires less effort with unique decoration, and a backyard wedding with these ideas will give you what you are looking for. From a wild organic sentiment to an elegant backyard reception in a marquee, these simple backyard wedding reception ideas below will prove that a home wedding doesn’t have to be laid-back.

Small Backyard Wedding Reception Ideas

A backyard wedding can be a simple and profitable worthwhile way for you and your spouse to start your new life together. Gather family and friends in a comfortable, casual setting that takes advantage of natural elements, like planted backyard flowers and trees. Some backyard decor, such as good lighting, can be added to your list for simple backyard wedding decoration ideas.

Quick Tip

If you have a lot of old, empty glass jars and bottles, use them for fun backyard lighting decoration. Use the jars as candle holders or put fairy lights in and around them for pretty looking backdrops.

• Seating: Even if you only have a short ceremony, you still offer seating for your guests, especially your parents and grandparents. Most rental companies will deliver folding wooden chairs (where the cheapest option is plastic chairs) that can be decorated on-site by tying a large bow to the back of each one. Cover lengths of tulle along each row of chairs to add a touch of elegance. For your small wedding in your backyard, you can double repurpose these chairs as a seat for your reception.
• Refuge:If your wedding is during the day, rent a tent and dress to match the wedding theme. Add large potted plants in the corners to disguise the tent poles. Spread flower petals on the floor, even on chairs, to add color. Hang fabric from the sides and tastefully pull back ties to allow breezes to enter. Tie bouquets in each corner to add another pop of color.
• Arbor: Most garden weddings are a backdrop for the couple’s ceremony. This is often a simple wooden shaft that can be decorated with casual greenery or luxurious flowers. Take advantage of the natural elements in your backyard such as your favorite tree or the garden gate as a natural altar.
• Illumination: Lighting is one of the easiest ways to decorate the garden for backyard entertainment events during the wedding. Pendant and recessed plant lights can create the effect of height and space in a small backyard. You can hang paper lanterns from trees and in tents for a unique backyard atmosphere. Use battery-operated lamps on tables.
• Music: A wedding without music feels incomplete, so you can consider setting up a small area for live music or playing your favorite playlist. You can rent a sound system or hire a local musician or band to liven up the atmosphere and provide some entertainment during and after the ceremony.
• Food And Beverage: You can have a designated station for food and beverage. Opt for a catering table, a bar area, or even a DIY drink station with signature mocktails and cocktails. If the space allows then you can have a few people serve appetizers and drinks after the ceremony.
• Personalized Decor: You can add a personal touch to the decoration with personalized signage, photo displays, or a timeline of your relationship. This adds a sentimental touch to your big day and will also give a glimpse of how your love story unfolded to your guests.
• Dance Floor: Removing the chairs and making space for your first dance as a newlywed couple is fine, but why make the guests get up from their seat? Consider keeping a space devoid of any furniture, and decorating it with ample lighting because you need to get some beautiful snapshots of that magical moment when you and your spouse will dance to your favorite song or music.

DIY Backyard Wedding Ideas

Whether you’re looking for backyard wedding centerpiece ideas or backdrop ideas to celebrate your nuptials, below, we have everything for you.

• Here’s a great barn wedding idea! Turn those used eggshells into tiny cocoon vases that are sure to captivate your guests.
• Mix and match your favorite flowers for a colorful tabletop display with a twist.
• Go for flower kiss balls, hydrangea pomanders out of pink paper petals. Hang them on the corners of the tent or under the trees.
• Make your guests say “oh la la” with the cute little birdcages as centerpieces for the tables. Add a candle, flower arrangement, or another decorative object within.
• Choose eco-friendly items to decorate. Make full use of pampas grass to decorate your venue (but beware of the high risk of catching fire easily).
• Don’t forget to upcycle the items around your house, like those old things you have kept in the storeroom, such as frames and vases to decorate the backyard dining table, or the leaves you gather after cleaning your backyard.
• Do you have small mason jars lying around your house? This is the best opportunity to turn them into lanterns by placing tea light candles or fairy lights inside and hanging them around the venue, or if they are few in number then set up a small table and arrange them beautifully on it
• If you want to add a more rustic feel and color to your ceremony, you make use of wooden crates and fill them up with flowers or succulents. You can place them in the center of each reception table.
• Why not construct your own wedding arch by making use of wooden poles or PVC pipes you may have lying around your house? You can decorate it with fabric, flowers, or greenery to create a beautiful backdrop for your vows.
• If you want to walk down a beautiful aisle, then you can definitely recycle some old jars, candles, leftover ribbons, and yarns to decorate the pathway while adding a personal touch to the venue.
• If you are looking to complete a rustic decor, you can add some chalkboards. You can use them for pointing the directions and seating arrangements, or to simply leave some messages to your guests.
• You can add some seashell accents to the decor to add a beachy vibe to the venue. You can incorporate them as centerpieces on the table or scatter them along the pathway to add some charm.

Backyard Wedding Decoration Ideas

An ideal combination of nature, convenience, and economy, backyard weddings have become an enduring trend. However, since backyard weddings don’t come with an in-house wedding team, additional planning, strategy, and execution are required. Here, we give you the most popular backyard wedding setup ideas:

• Baker’s Corner: Place a dessert table at the corner for all the aesthetic baked goods. Decorate it with dim and cold colors to get French bakery vibes. Bare cakes, cookies, macaroons, croissants, eclairs, etc., can make your baker’s corner shine like a diamond.
• Magic Of DIY: Put all your creativity into tie-dye tablecloths and chic white paper-cut flowers. You can also decorate the hanging lights and lamps with jute.
• Aisle Of Love: Transform the aisle with pretty flower vases on the side and leaves on top of a long carpet. Hang flowers over the top of the aisle, making it look like a hallway to the paradise of love.
• Backdrops: Choose nature-themed sets to bring out the actual idea of a backyard wedding. You can use your old bicycle and recreate it into a vehicle of flowers. In some corners, on top of a cream or white sheet, place cute tiny cages, and wooden boxes covered with wild leaves and flowers.
• Centerpieces And Crockery: Use little plants you are already growing in your backyard, and if that seems to be less, buying small plants to decorate will be the mark of your new life. For crockery, a white or cream color never goes wrong because of its neutrality.
• Lounge Seating Area: Create a cozy lounge area with comfortable sofas, cushions, and rugs. This provides a space for guests to socialize and adds a touch of comfiness to your backyard setting.
• Convert The Patio: Make a dance floor out of the patio if your backyard has one. Arrange the seating accordingly and keep the decoration minimal so that all eyes are on you.
• Family Heirlooms: You can incorporate family heirlooms or sentimental items into your decor. Display antique photos or mementos that hold special meaning for you and your family. It is a great idea for those who love a vintage theme.
• Eco-friendly Favors: If you want to give out wedding favors, going eco-friendly is the best. Favors such as reusable tote bags, plantable seed paper, or bamboo utensil sets are a thoughtful way to show your commitment to sustainability while thanking your guests for being present on your wedding day.
• Citronella Candles: Keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay by placing citronella candles throughout the backyard. This ensures that your guests can enjoy the outdoor celebration without interruptions. It also makes the venue look beautiful, especially if you are having an evening ceremony.

Quick Tip

For a summer backyard wedding, you can arrange for custom handheld fans for your guests to fan themselves. Have your couple initials embossed on them or a charm with your names hanging from the handle. The guests can take them back as souvenirs.

Backyard Wedding Reception Ideas

Need some inspiration for a little backyard wedding reception? Here are some of the unique ideas that everyone desires.

• A String Of Pendant Hanging Fairy LED Lights: From one end of a tree/pole to another, these little magical lights will add to turn your backyard property into a mystique romantic space. Many people use them to decorate their aisle but turn the tables and put them on the trees with a photo attached to each light.
• Natural Vegetation As Decoration: You can be a little extra and use potted succulents for escort cards for each guest. Pampas grass between some green leaves can never go wrong. For a rocking yet aesthetically pleasing backdrop, dried/fresh palm fan leaves will do the work trick. Decorate the long tables with grass creepers, and for the small ones, use cute little flower pots.
• Bring The Trend Back:A crystally pearl chandelier hanging from the top (under the budget), candle sticks that depict a beautiful ballet dancing shape, a combination of red roses and white pearls, crockeries that feel like the ’60s, and don’t forget the importance of lace and net. These are some that can help the idea of bringing back the trend.
• Details Of Baby’s Breath: Don’t forget to decorate your guests’ seats! Go for the baby’s breath flowers which will be the allure of beauty of your open wedding. Baby’s breath has become the cliche of any decoration.
• Saving Lantern Decoration: Never underestimate the decorative power of used lanterns! These will spread warmth and coziness in your backyard. It will bring glamor to the budget.
• Wine Barrel Bar: You can go for a rustic wine barrel bar for your backyard wedding reception. All you need to do is repurpose multiple wine barrels into a bar cabinet to store the drinks while the top of the barrels serves as a countertop. Add some wooden stools, and voila! You can serve wine, cocktails, and other beverages from this unique and visually appealing setup.
• Vintage China: Mismatched vintage china for your dinnerware? Check! If you are a fan of china cutlery and have multiple sets, then you can serve the food on them. The guests will have a unique place setting by eating from mismatched sets, adding a charming vibe to your reception tables.
• Picnic-style: Love picnics and a bohemian vibe? Try this! Arrange low picnic tables or blankets on the ground for a relaxed and bohemian dining experience. Add some flower decor and centerpieces to make it more romantic. Serve picnic-style dishes like sandwiches, salads, and finger foods.
• Wine Cork Card Holders: If you have a lot of wine corks handy, you can use them as cardholders. Slice a slit on the cork vertically and insert a small card with the guest’s name written on it. Write the table numbers on the cork to add a chic and eco-friendly touch.
• Vintage Car Decor: Old and classic, if you have access to a vintage car, use it as a decorative piece for your backyard reception. Park it and decorate it with flowers or a “Just Married” sign.

Home Backyard Wedding Ideas

Outdoor weddings are very common, especially for spring and summer when venues tend to be booked anyway. Here are some tips for a lovely backyard celebration.

• Setting Up A Spring Garden: If your wedding is in the spring and you have plenty of time to prepare, consider planting a garden and decorative plants. Make a map of your backyard and design a layout for a garden to lift the backyard ambience.
• Create A Hot Hawaiian Luau: That backyard turns into a tropical paradise with a Hawaiian luau theme. Hold the backyard ceremony and reception in the evening during the warm months. The bride can walk down the aisle in a light summer decorative wrap with a bouquet of tropical flowers such as birds of paradise, hibiscus, and ginger.
• Backyard BBQ Wedding: Get tons of guests to show up at your backyard wedding with a barbecue theme. Make this casual or formal. However, when it’s informal, there is less chance of ruining pretty clothes with barbecue sauce. Have a local caterer or barbecue restaurant, set up a great smoker grill, and start cooking. Bring in rows of picnic tables with checkerboard tablecloths.
• Simple, Classic Ceremony: It is possible to have a traditional wedding in the backyard. You will need white folding chairs, colored outdoor rugs, a lattice arch, small tables, and many pastel and white colors. Prevent grass stains by shortening the wedding dress shirt just above the ankle.
• A Lovely Lakeside: If your backyard is near a lake or pond, then you are already set. Hold your ceremony by the water’s edge and decorate with floating candles, water lilies, and nautical elements for a serene and romantic atmosphere.
• Bohemian Bash: If a boho-chic vibe is your thing, then plan a ceremony with a laid-back backyard wedding. Use vintage rugs, floor cushions, and low tables for seating. You can decorate the area with dreamcatchers, macramé, and wildflower arrangements for a free-spirited feel.
• Twinkling Night: An evening wedding under the stars seems magical and other-worldly! You can hang star lanterns, use navy blue and gold accents, and provide telescopes for stargazing during the reception.
• Enchanted Forest: Ever wanted to experience a fairytale? You can turn your backyard into an enchanted forest with mossy accents, and fairy lights. You can add toadstools and other forest-themed decorations to make it more enchanting.
• A Carnival Celebration: If carnivals hold a special place in your and your partner’s hearts, then why not have it as a wedding theme? Turn your backyard into a carnival with a colorful tent, popcorn machines, and cotton candy-themed mocktails, and have an apt lighting.

Infographic: 5 Easy And Beautiful Backyard Wedding Decor Ideas

We are sure you have completely captivated by the above 40 ideas. It might be tough for you to pick the best ideas from the lot. So to help, we have summarized the top 5 backyard wedding decor ideas that will be appreciated by everyone and ensure your venue looks simply out of a fairytale. So, scroll down and check out the infographic below now!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people is too many for a backyard wedding?

The size of your venue will determine the guest count for your backyard wedding. Moreover, the count will vary depending on the wedding you are planning. You might want to consider 50-80 guests for a small, intimate wedding ceremony. If a medium wedding is in your mind, 100-150 guests can be ideal. And if you want a big bash, it can go around 1000 guests too.

Is my backyard big enough for a wedding?

If your backyard can accommodate guest parking, dressing areas, rentals, restrooms, service area, guest seating, and garbage disposal area, it is big enough for a wedding. However, it may vary depending on your preferences too.

How long does it take to plan a backyard wedding?

Planning a backyard wedding can take anywhere from 13 months to 2 years, especially if you organize it yourself. It may also take around 6 months if you invite 20-40 guests on D-Day.

Illustration: Dreamy Backyard Wedding Ideas For An Intimate Ceremony

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Make your big day unforgettable with these unique backyard wedding decor ideas! From rustic to romantic, find the perfect decor for your special day in the video below.

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Melanie LevinEvent Planner

   

Melanie Levin is a successful event planner in Southern California with 5 years of experience. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2014 with a BA in Communications and opened her business immediately. Melanie brings her clients' visions to life in authentic, detailed, and personalized ways.

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