25 Ideas for a Wedding at Home
“A backyard setting makes for the perfect pivot plan! Not only is it personal, but it generally feels intimate and inclusive," say the experts at HoneyFitz Events. "There are many wonderful reasons to gather your family and friends in the backyard, and it can be done with safety measures in mind.”
By: Kristen Klein
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Ceremony Ideas -190124
When it comes to your décor, survey your yard and take advantage of what you already have. A simple white fence can be the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Add a homemade arch to mark the spot where you'll exchange vows.
"I have always loved at home weddings. Not only are they intimate but very meaningful to celebrate at the house you are making a home by becoming a family. What a great way to make memories in your home," says Danielle Aspromatis, owner, D’Luxe Events.
Photo: Lisa Hibbert Photography / Event Planning: D’Luxe Events / Flowers: J&M Florals
Ceremony Ideas
Don't stress about the seating — simple tailgating chairs provide your guests with comfort while watching your ceremony. You can even ask guests to bring their own chairs if you don't have enough.
Photo: Eileen K Photography
Ceremony Ideas
Sometimes, you don't even need to add any decorations. A gorgeous tree provided a stunning natural backdrop for this couple's vows.
Photo: Vitae Weddings / Event Planning: HoneyFitz Events
Ceremony Ideas
Seeing the doors swing open to reveal the bride is one of those moments some brides-to-be dream about for years. The father of the bride custom-built this ceremony archway the morning of the wedding.
Photo: Vitae Weddings / Event Planning: Orange Blossom Special Events
Ceremony Ideas
Create a picture-perfect makeshift arch by suspending tulle from two trees, accented by pretty lanterns.
Photo: Doivoux Photography
Ceremony Ideas
Thanks to COVID-19, this couple only felt comfortable including their parents in person. But luckily, it's never been easier to live-stream your wedding. They set up a phone in the middle aisle to capture video for their loved ones to watch from afar.
Photo: Anthony Tomassi Photography
Ceremony Ideas
Grab a simple throw rug (or even a nice blanket) to mark the spot where you'll share your first kiss as a married couple.
Photo: Anthony Tomassi Photography
Reception Décor
Enhance the natural beauty of your surroundings with floral arrangements that'll pop.
"An intimate backyard wedding does not have to be boring! It can be just as special as the big celebration most couples plan," says Jess of Cheers Babe Photo. "Even though it looked different than planned — namely, it took place in the groom's childhood backyard with just the couple's immediate family present — the day was incredibly beautiful and memorable."
Photo: Cheers Babe Photo
Reception Décor
Get a little extra privacy by installing just enough fencing to cover you reception space. Bonus: it serves as a great space to add some fun décor elements.
Photo: Doivoux Photography
Reception Décor
Take advantage of all your home has to offer, and bring the indoors out! Instead of renting furniture, simply bring your living room furniture outdoors to create a cozy cocktail lounge.
Photo: Gabriel Conover Photography
Reception Décor
A clear tent protects you from the elements while also providing a wonderful backdrop for your décor. Splurge on romantic lighting, like chandeliers and string lights.
"A more intimate gathering can be equally as special as the intended large gathering," says Jordan Kentris of A Good Day. "Taking the original budget and spreading it towards a smaller quantity of pieces can allow for some more luxurious touches to be created."
Photo: Rebecca Arthurs Photography / Event Planning: Vintage & Lace Wedding Design + Coordination / Wedding Stationery: A Good Day
Reception Décor
Add some color — bright ribbons suspended from tree branches increase the fun factor at your reception.
Photo: Mandy Liz Photography
Reception Décor
Embrace the intimacy of a wedding at home with a relaxed picnic-inspired seating plan.
Photo: Cora Jane Photography
Reception Décor
Create a tent out of nothing but string lights! Not only does it give off such a romantic vibe, but it'll also light up the night.
Photo: Photography By Cashmere via Jessie Khaira Events
Reception Décor
If social distancing is your top concern, take advantage of all the space your home has to offer — set up some tables and chairs on your grass, while others are on the deck or patio.
Photo: Eileen K Photography
Photo Inspiration
Take a romantic stroll down your street post-nuptials and capture some photos you'll truly always treasure.
Photo: Eileen K Photography
Photo Inspiration
There's something undeniably romantic about being able to take a picture in front of your own home right after you become a married couple.
Photo: Fergie Medar Photography / Event Planning: Cape Cod Celebrations / Flowers: Botanique Flowers
Fun Extras
"Add a fun, interactive element to the backyard reception, like this camper turned photobooth for guests to enjoy! Bonus: the pictures can serve as a guestbook and tangible memories from the day," says Stephanie Sadowski of SRS Events.
Photo: Alicia Lacey Photography / Event Planning: SRS Events / Photobooth: Marigold Bus and Booth
Fun Extras
Including your four-legged friend is even easier when your wedding is right at your own home.
“While many couples have had to tweak their original plans to make a 2020 wedding happen, there is something so special about these intimate celebrations," says Nora Sheils, founder of Bridal Bliss. "These smaller events are a great opportunity to really personalize the event and include elements that you may not have otherwise."
Photo: La Vie Photography / Event Planning: Bridal Bliss
Fun Extras
Balloons and bubbles add to the cozy, homespun vibe of this backyard reception.
Photo: Eileen K Photography
Fun Extras
Surprise your guests by having an ice cream truck swing by at the end of the night for goodies.
Photo: Linda Threadgill Photography
Fun Extras
Have some fun and shower your guests with treats from a pair of piñatas.
Photo: Linda Threadgill Photography
Fun Extras
End the night with a dip in the pool! Oversized floats create the perfect photo props.
Photo: Hey Kelsey Kay
