25 Sweet Ideas For a Backyard Wedding
There’s something about a simple affair held in the privacy of one’s yard that is nothing but charming. Intimate and casual, a backyard wedding has the perks of a friendly price point and a familial feel. Already a personal space, the backyard offers endless options to customize your wedding with sweet touches, whether you’re tying the knot on rustic acres or partying on the cozy confines of an elegant lawn. The key to nailing backyard elements? Take a look at the nature that surrounds your setting as your muse — as well as these lovely ideas we’ve rounded up just for you.
By: Hillary Hoffower
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Aisle Runners -163481
These heart-shaped sticks are a whimsical and fun aisle marker alternative, adding a pop of color with a sunshine yellow.
Photo Credit: Gather West Photography
String Lighting
A canopy of twinkling lights will cast any backyard affair in a romantic glow.
Photo Credit: Yuna Leonard Photography
S'mores Station
A backyard wedding really isn’t complete without a s’more station, especially if you’re throwing a bonfire at the end of the night. Display the goodies on a distressed barrel to complete the rustic look.
Photo Credit: James & Jess
Photo Display
Wrap a string of images that depict the story of your love around the trunk of a tree for a unique touch.
Photo Credit: Devon Donnahoo Photography
Parasols
No matter the weather, your guests will thank you for providing them with a shield against the rain or sun.
Photo Credit: Ray Kang
Lounge Area
Bring a picnic to your cocktail hour with a bohemian lounge area of blankets and tree stumps for tables.
Related: 25 Creative Lounge Areas
Photo Credit: Meg Haley Photographs
Light Fixtures
Whether your wedding calls for paper lanterns or sophisticated silver adornments like these, hang them from the branches of nearby trees for an enchanting effect at night.
Photo Credit: Josh Gruetzmacher
Lawn Games
Bring the fun to the yard with customized lawn games — they’ll keep guests entertained during any gap between the ceremony and cocktail hour. We love how this bean bag toss is stamped with the couple’s initials.
Photo Credit: Clay Austin Photography
Lanterns
Line the perimeter of your reception area with lanterns for a soft glow. They’ll serve as markers for the crowd when the sun goes down.
Photo Credit: Katie Stoops Photography
Hay Seating
Bales of hay are the perfect ceremony seating for rustic backyard nuptials on the farm. Just don’t forget to place fabric over them for an added layer of comfort.
Related: Love, American Style: Barn Weddings
Photo Credit: Vitalic Photography
Favors
Plant the seed for love — literally. This metaphorical garden wheelbarrow is the perfect way to send off your guests with a piece of your own backyard.
Related: 30 Favor Ideas From Real Weddings
Photo Credit: Jason + Anna Photography
Escort Cards
How cute are these miniature pots? Succulents as escort cards are an ideal way to tie in backyard elements to your theme.
Photo Credit: Ashleigh Taylor Photography
Entrance
From the vintage wine barrel adorned with a topiary initial to the wooden bucket of bold garden flowers, this welcoming entrance embodies all of the earth’s rustic elements.
Photo Credit: Jenna Henderson
Drink Station
This line-up of refreshing summer drinks have our mouths watering for the sweet taste of summer. A station of beverage dispensers adds a quaint touch.
Photo Credit: Fondly Forever Photography
Ceremony Structure
Let the landscape do the talking when it comes to your ceremony backdrop and keep the altar subtle but elegant. A wooden structure and potted flowers take a cue from the outdoors, with gauzy drapes completing the look.
Photo Credit: Kristilee Parish Photography
Centerpieces
This vintage teapot centerpiece takes inspiration from the surrounding gardens.
Photo Credit: Mary Kate McKenna Photography
Buffet
A buffet is casual and laid-back, just like your backyard. Besides, who doesn’t love a good burger? Give your guests a peek at the comfort foods that await them by writing the menu on a chalkboard.
Photo Credit: Amilia Photography
Beer Barrow
Who needs a bar when you have an old wheelbarrow to hold your beverages? Drinks on the go for everyone!
Photo Credit: Taryn Baxter
Wooden Signs
This sign made of plywood has a country feel. You can’t miss a wedding itinerary when it’s displayed this big!
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Photo Credit: John Hope Photography
Wood Stumps
You don’t want your bridesmaids to get their heels stuck in the dirt; stubby stumps serve not only as a décor piece but also as a nice platform for your girls to stand on.
Photo Credit: Kelly Maughan Photography
Water Bottles
Tuck a bottle of water into the corner of guests’ chairs — perfect for those hot summer days.
Related: 25 Tips for a Great Summer Wedding
Photo Credit: Jennifer Davis Photography
Tree Décor
A silk ribbon bow and set of your and your groom’s first initials is a charming way to dress up any tree.
Related: 50 Sweet Props You'll Want to Use in Your Wedding Photos
Photo Credit: Orchard Cove Photography
Table Décor
You can’t get more DIY than stealing from the earth for your décor! Paint pebbles or rocks to bring a bit of nature to your table as a personal accent.
Related: 25 DIY Wedding Centerpieces (That Don't Look Homemade)
Photo Credit: Danielle Real Photography
Swing
A tree swing is the perfect opportunity for guests to slip away and relax their feet. Swaths of greenery drape this wooden seating for a romantic touch.
Photo Credit: Xavier Navarro
Sweets Display
Skip the cake stand and showcase delectables on a tier of wood slabs for a rustic look.
Photo Credit: Olivia Christina Photography
