Are you and your partner planning or have you already decided to have a wedding in your backyard? This is a really creative location. Unlike traditional wedding locations, backyards offer more freedom and flexibility, allowing you to show your creativity and style fully.
To ensure a smooth and memorable wedding, we also need to pay attention to some details. From wedding setup to decorations, we’ve prepared 14 backyard wedding ideas to help you start a new chapter in your happy life.
6 Backyard Wedding Setup and Design Ideas
1. Define the Backyard Space
Backyard weddings require different functional spaces to ensure the entire wedding ceremony flows smoothly and in an orderly manner. Based on the size of the space, it is divided into several areas such as welcoming area, ceremony area, dining area, and seating area. Place signage along walkways and within each zone to prevent guests from wandering aimlessly or straying into the wrong areas. Lock down some restricted areas to ensure security.
2. Trim the Backyard Plants
The backyard was cleaned a few days in advance to prepare for the wedding. Trim lawns, shrubs, hedges, and other plants. They all serve as beautiful backdrops for the wedding day.
3. Prepare for Wind and Rain
Since the backyard offers no overhead shelter, it is necessary to prepare a rain contingency plan in advance to ensure the wedding proceeds smoothly. We can rent an outdoor tent from a professional rental company to provide protection against the wind and rain. The rental company also offers installation and dismantling services, making the process very convenient.
4. Notify Neighbors and Friends
Hosting a backyard wedding inevitably entails some noise and traffic congestion. Homeowners can bring gifts to their neighbors in advance and inform them about the noise issue to seek their understanding. In addition to our neighbors, we also need to send wedding invitations to our friends and family in advance to inform them of the wedding time and schedule.
5. Obtain Official Permits
To prevent the police from unexpectedly stopping the wedding, we need to apply for a permit to hold a large event from the relevant authorities in advance. After obtaining the permit, we also need to understand and comply with local noise regulations to avoid penalties.
6. Set Up the Wedding Photography Location
A wedding wouldn’t be complete without a photography team. Set up a photo wall in the backyard for family and friends to take pictures together. Communicate with the photography team in advance to specify shooting requirements and locations to ensure the wedding is fully documented.
8 Stylish Backyard Wedding Decor Ideas
1. Light Up Backyard with String Lights
After planning the backyard wedding setup, the next step is decorating. The first step in decorating is natural lighting. String lights, lanterns, candles, and other lighting decorations can create a dreamy and warm atmosphere. String lights are hung in a crisscross pattern above the dining and lounge areas to light them. Candles can be placed on the dining table to add warmth and elegance.
2. Decorate Dining Tables and Aisles with Flowers
Decorate your wedding with fresh flowers to make it blend better into your backyard. Placing wreaths and small potted plants at equal intervals along both sides of the backyard walkway can both divide the area and add color. We can also set up a flower wall at the ceremony and photo spots to add a natural backdrop to the wedding.
3. Create a Comfortable Lounge Area
Place outdoor sofas, Adirodnack chairs, rocking chairs, and other furniture in the backyard seating area to create a comfortable and conversational outdoor relaxation area. Adding some coffee tables or side tables provides convenience for placing drinks, snacks, computers, and other items.
4. Use Family Photos as a Wedding Background
Create a photo wall with pictures of family, friends, and yourselves, or use them as decorations in a flower wall. This can be used to commemorate everyone’s past and create a warm and touching atmosphere.
5. Design Backyard Games
Want to make your backyard wedding more fun? Adding some entertainment games is a good idea. During the dinner and reception, lawn games such as Jenga and beanbag toss will be offered to ensure guests and children have a great time.
6. Add Self-service Beverage Stations
Self-service mode allows guests to relax more and reduces the workload of service staff. Place a simple self-service beverage station next to the seating area or banquet area so that guests can help themselves to drinks and beverages. Lemonade, cocktails, and fruit juices are all excellent choices.
7. Bring Your Pets Along
A backyard wedding offers a spacious and free environment, with no restrictions on pets. Why not bring your pets along to join the celebration? Let these “fur babies” join us in capturing some truly unforgettable photos.
