Backyard wedding decoration ideas and themes!
Small backyard wedding ideas for romantics.
These are 7 high priority things to consider when planning a backyard wedding, as well as a list of 7 theme ideas to get your creative juices flowing…
1. If there isn't enough space for both the ceremony and reception to be setup simultaneously, plan to have someone flip the yard after the ceremony, and designate a space where guests can hang out in the mean time. This is an ideal time for cocktail and a few snacks, and gives opportunity for the couple to sneak away for a few moments to themselves.
2. Making sure there is shade available, by either the yard being naturally shaded, or providing paper umbrellas for guests during the ceremony, is a must if it’s going to be in the 80’s or higher. It’s hard to enjoy a wedding when the sun is beating down on you and the heat is stifling! On top of that, the last thing the bride and groom wants is to be coated in sweat as they’re saying their vows.
3. If the wedding is in the warmer months, consider handheld paper fans on tables or chairs, or even electric fans hung and blowing gently on guests. If you’re getting married in the cooler months, consider portable outdoor heaters, and have a basket of cheap, lightweight blankets guests can use in case they get a little chilly.
4. Lean into the surrounding nature in the yard by having your decor and florals match the backyard space. It’ll make the entire space feel that much more romantic and intentional. Ponds, lakes, rivers and oceans can really elevate your wedding theme if you tie it into your backyard decor!
5. Consider some outdoor games or activities for kids and guests. This is especially important if you’re not going to be serving alcohol, or if there are going to be a lot of families with kids attending. Weddings are social occasions, but sometimes people need just a little extra something. You could do yard specific games, or various card games! It’s also fun to tie in activities that will play into a memo for the couple - maybe it’s writing down advice and date ideas, or having them share favorite memories.
6. Lighting is EVERYTHING.
This is going to set the ambiance, but also be what makes or breaks your wedding photos after the natural light has gone. Adding lighting for after the sun sets is very important because you don’t want your guests tripping as they’re walking on uneven ground. Some ideas: string lights overhead, table lamps or standing lamps, candles on tables, renting a big, old movie spotlight etc.
7. A cozy outdoor lounge area is always nice, but there is one bit mistake I see couples make with that: I have both photographed and attended so many weddings where the lounge area was far away from the drinks food and dance floor. This is a big no-no, as guests will be less inclined to use it. The key to creating a successful lounge area at your wedding is to not set it up too far away from all of the happenings! Designate a corner of the yard for comfy seating with vintage sofas, floor pillows, or rattan chairs. It gives guests a spot to relax and adds a styled touch for photos. You can even use rugs or layered textiles to define the space and make it feel intentional.
And finally - if you’re needing a little bit of extra help brainstorming some ideas for a theme, these out to do the trick!
Backyard wedding theme ideas:
If you have a river, you could do a Parisian theme and name it the Seine for the evening. You could create a mini Eiffel tower to stand in the distance and put lights on it.
If you’re a flower lover, then a garden party is a no-brainer! Imagine a wooden swing with vines down it, tea party treats during cocktail hour, and florals everywhere.
A countryside picnic. Set up picnic tables and purchase cute table cloths to cover them. Have a large basket on each table with all of the picnic fixings for guests inside!
Desert elegance - lean into the dessert landscape by incorporating dried florals and light weight white drapes that will flow in the breeze.
If you’re by the ocean, a mermaid theme full of pearls, sea colors and large corals interwined in the decor would be so romantic!
Lean into the later hours of the day and do a celestial star theme! Have the celebration start at sundown, incorporate silver and deep galaxy blue into your decor, and have a telescope or two for people to stargaze.
Poolside Editorial would be SUCH a vibe! Cabanas, tropical drinks, umbrellas, and that brilliant blue hue of the pool…. sigh. Have everyone show up in their fancy attire, but invite them to bring their suits and set up two pop-up changing rooms to be able to put them on!