Your wedding day is meant to be full of love and happiness — not stress. (Despite the best of intentions, however, that doesn’t always end up being the case.) So, it’s easy to understand why some folks choose to host their celebration in the backyard: it’s a local, budget-friendly wedding option, and can be a personal location to gather all of your favorite people together on your special day.
A backyard wedding still can have its hiccups, however. For example, what if your neighborhood doesn’t allow for ample parking for those driving to your ceremony? Where and how do you get the means to set up your food? And yes, we’re being serious here: what if the one bathroom in your home isn’t enough for your guests. Then what?
Fret not, dear reader, we consulted wedding planner Aleah Valley to get the dish on how to have the smoothest, most enchanting backyard wedding ever — touching on everything from how to elevate your decor, music options, and more.
Experts Featured in This Article
Aleah Valley is the co-founder of Valley & Company Events and co-author of “Storied Weddings.”
Backyard Wedding Ideas: Decor
According to Valley, when it comes to a backyard wedding, details are going to be the catalyst of what makes your smaller celebration special. “Elevating the look of a backyard wedding can be achieved by paying attention to details and opting for high-touch details throughout your event,” she tells PS. Here are some details to consider when deciding how you’ll decorate for your big day.
Tents
If you’re putting up a tent, Valley recommends opting for one that matches your vibe: a sailcloth tent is preferable for more elegant, coastal grandmother vibes, while a clear one will provide an unobstructed view of the sky for maximum stargazing potential.
Lighting
If you’re hosting a backyard wedding, you’re likely opting for an intimate and romantic vibe. Valley recommends investing in lighting that really captures that essence. “Suspending rattan lanterns over tables and wispy greenery or floral installations above guests’ heads can bring in the enchantment,” she says.
Tables and Chairs
Seating could really make or break a backyard wedding. If pinching pennies is your prerogative, you can opt for a collection of outdoor furniture that you already own, or head to a wholesale store like Costco to stock up on inexpensive and effective seating options.
If you’re looking to upgrade your seating, Valley recommends searching for furniture that matches whichever aesthetic you’re sticking to: for example, exposed wood-crafted tables with spindle chairs can feel coastal or garden-inspired, but if you’re going for a modern look, consider sleek, minimalist tables and contemporary chairs.
Table Decor
Just like a wedding that you’d host in a more formal setting, table decor can really make a difference. Opt for centerpieces that speak to you, such as floral arrangements, and prioritize picking tableware and linens that complete your vision.
You can also make your night one to remember by personalizing each guests’ seat. “Personalize each place setting with name cards or a hand-penned note to each guest, and consider playful elements like interactive menus atop each place setting,” Valley says, also recalling the fortune-telling folding dinner menu she used in a recent wedding.
Ceremony Space
When it comes to your ceremony space, there are a few factors to consider, Valley says, such as precise location, how you want the “altar” to look, guest seating, and things of that nature.
First, she recommends using a large focal point, like a large tree or a garden, as your backdrop. “Enhance this space with a floral arch or oversized wicker baskets filled with in-season blooms. Line the aisle with flower petals, lanterns, or small potted plants for a romantic touch,” she adds, emphasizing how to further decorate the space.
Valley also mentions making your guests comfortable and utilizing seating in an “intimate and welcoming” way with wooden benches or “elegant chairs adorned with simple floral accents.”
Additionally, don’t forget to think about the lighting: if your ceremony is in the early evening, will the sun be setting in you or your guests’ eyes? Something to consider.
Backyard Wedding Ideas: Logistics
Aside from the decor at your backyard wedding — which is its own planning beast — couples have some other factors to consider, including but not limited to: food, music, and other logistics. Valley shares some helpful tips and advice on how to get organized in this respect, making sure your day is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Music
According to Valley, music should never be an afterthought. She offers several options on how to personalize the music for your wedding day: “For a relaxed and intimate vibe, consider an acoustic guitarist or a small string quartet. A folk band can add a lively and playful vibe. Or if you prefer recorded music, curate a playlist that reflects your tastes and the tone of the wedding and change things up for each ‘chapter’ of the day.”
Couples can also, of course, hire a DJ and create a makeshift dance floor in the backyard — just be sure to advise your neighbors and keep the noise level reasonable. A thank-you gift after the wedding might also go a long way.
Food and Drinks
While it may seem more limiting to host a backyard wedding, you still have a lot of options when it comes to food. For a one-stop-shop, consider renting a food truck for your event that highlights you and your fiancé’s favorite cuisine. You could also get your event catered by your favorite restaurant, adding yet another personal touch.
Similarly, if you’re choosing to have alcohol available on your wedding day, we recommend either buying alcohol in bulk and setting up a bar cart in the backyard, or going the full nine yards and hiring a full-service bartender.
Bathrooms
It seems obvious that people would simply migrate to the bathroom in your home when they have to go — but what if that space isn’t enough for weddings with a sizable guest list? If you have the square footage outside and are looking for something slightly more luxurious, consider renting an outdoor bathroom. And we’re not talking about your standard porta-potties here: there are more luxurious portable restrooms now available with sinks and everything. Better yet, you won’t have to worry about a long bathroom line, supplying your own toilet paper, or — worse — clogged toilets.
Arrival and Departure Details
If you live in a neighborhood with ample parking, your guests shouldn’t have an issue with transportation logistics for your backyard wedding. However, if parking is an issue, we’d recommend noting this in advance on your wedding website and asking your guests to use rideshares. You might even recommend they schedule Ubers in advance so they can go into the night worry-free.
Creative Stations
Just because you’re having a backyard wedding doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in all of the fun extras that come with a typical wedding! Consider adding to your backyard wedding by booking a photo booth or staging creative stations for your guests, Valley recommends. For example, you can rent an audio guestbook, in which guests can leave voicemails on a vintage phone, which will later be turned into an audio file for you and your fiancé to listen to after the big day.
Most importantly, this day is about you and your partner, and by figuring out which of these details are priorities for you will make your day run a lot smoother, ensuring one romantic backyard wedding.
