Romantic, warm lighting lights up a beautiful ceremony as night begins to fall. This timing accompanied by the lighting creates an intimate, breathtaking atmosphere that feels as magical as the love shared between the soon-to-be newlyweds.
5. Green Everything
Carry the forest theme throughout all your decor with a dreamy greenery-covered arch that is subtle against a beautiful, tree-filled background. Your white dress and any bouquet colors will pop beautifully against all the greenery.
6. Style Your Last Row Of Seating
Instantly upgrade the feel of your backyard nuptials by adding flare to the last row of seating. Not only does it help define & dress up the space, it helps continue creating the vibe you’re setting with the rest of your carefully selected decor.
7. Let the Trees Do the Talking
Let nature be on full display by finding a tall & imposing tree as your back drop. Dress it up with drapery, florals or lights to make it all your own. A decorated aisle and flower petals up front draw the eye down and create and intimate ceremony area.
Reception
8. Oversized Centerpieces
Sweet centerpieces that run off the table create warmth, while adding a hint of drama and romanticism to what could be a relatively simple backyard. This is a great way to add visual interest and make it look *expensive* and elegant.
9. Add Dramatic, Elegant Touches
Romantic drapery, greens, and chandeliers make for a dreamy space that feels like an outdoors escape without being overly “outdoorsy” and not at all casual. It’s all in the details!
10. Dessert Tower Of Your Dreams
Wow guests with a whimsical, jam-packed dessert tower with lots of options for every kind of sweet tooth. Add sprigs of baby’s breath, flowers and little name cards indicating the desserts to fill it out for a stunning (and delicious) display.
11. Create Your Own Starry Sky
Use lights to create a dreamy, starry night. Lighting can completely change the feel of a space – using glittering string lights like the above creates a whimsical, fairytale feel.
12. Create A Unique Head Table
Add a focal point to your reception space as well as mark your spots as the bride & groom with a beautiful head table! Incorporate Mr. & Mrs. signage and carry over decor and colors from the rest of your centerpieces and decorations throughout the reception. You can also add cute sayings & quote items, special engraved champagne glasses and unique chairs to make it a super special spot.
13. Extra Lounge-Esque Seating
Create extra seating areas for people to socialize and congregate. Odds are some of your guests will know each other and won’t have the opportunity to sit at the same table during dinner. It’s also a great space for people to mingle and make friends with your other friends!
14. Let the Dance Floor Take Center Stage
Many guests love hitting the dance floor. Make sure it’s front and center to encourage your guests to get out there when the DJ starts thumping their favorite songs! It’s also great placement for all of the toasts, first dance, mother/groom dance and father/bride dances so no one has to crane their neck or miss out.
co*cktail Hour
15. Bring the Inside Out
Create an intimate and beautiful co*cktail hour space with furniture that’s not only aesthetically hitting the mark, but also comfortable for your guests. Swap folding chairs for more elegant pieces like wicker or wood with cushioned seats. Small co*cktail tables with candles and light decorating creates a homey yet elegant vibe perfect for co*cktail hour or later on in the night as guests tire of dancing or need a moment to just enjoy the night away from the party atmosphere.
16. Show Off Signature Drinks
Put your signature drinks on display with open shelving and rustic accents. Just make sure guests grab them right away so they don’t get too warm! You can replenish the shelves throughout the evening or use it for a dessert area later in the evening.
17. Add Shine & Comfort
Give people plenty of places to sit with velvet couches, dazzling pillows, and metallic tables. It adds lots of glitz & shine, while giving ladies a chance to get off their feet (thanks a lot, high heels!) and your older guests a spot so they don’t have to stand for the full co*cktail hour(s).
18. Tall Bar-Top Tables
Define your co*cktail hour space with high tables that allow for congregating and are a place your guests can set their drinks down. Add drapery and sweet details to continue the wedding-vibe and keep the feeling romantic and elegant.
19. Make co*cktails Fun
Add some fun to co*cktail hour with interesting takes on drink options. Think boozy popsicles, fancy jello shots, and edible alcoholic desserts, in addition to some tasty hors d’oeuvres.
Bar Areas
20. Create A Unique Bar
Create a bar that matches your surroundings – natural, rustic, and beautiful. Add florals and greenery that matches the rest of your decor. Make sure you have it positioned where the bar line won’t be in the way of any other guests or food tables.
21. Rustic Bar Cart
Don’t feel like having bar tenders? No worries. This rustic bar cart is the perfect addition to a small backyard soiree so guests can help themselves to your signature co*cktails. It will also look amazing at any future party you hold!
22. Rent (Or Build!) A Champagne Wall
Add flair to your wedding with a wall of bubbly! Bonus points if you use it for name cards & seating arrangements to ensure everyone gets a glass as they’re seated and are ready for a toast when you make your big entrance.
23. Keep Beer Icy Cold
Make sure beer and soft drinks stay cold with a make-shift cooler that fits your wedding aesthetic a bit better than a plastic cooler! Metal tubs with ice work great because the metal will help insulate the cold and keep ice from melting so quickly in hot summer months.
Fun Ideas
24. Make Sweets Unique
If you have access to a fire pit, a s’more set up is a great way to help your guests get their sugar fix, while also creating an engaging experience. Pre-packaging the supplies into individual bags will help it go even more smoothly.
25. Yard Games
Give guests an activity to do during co*cktail hour while you’re busy snapping pictures or later in the evening if they want a break from dancing. Yard games bring people together and help to break the ice between guests that don’t already know each other.
26. Non-Alcoholic Drink Station
Make sure your guests stay hydrated with a serve-yourself drink station. This is especially helpful for kids at your event and those that aren’t looking for alcoholic beverages, that way they’re not clogging up the bar line. And it just looks so darn cute!
27. Selfie Station
Make every millennial feel at home with a selfie station! A designated area with fun props encourages all of your friends to have a good time and take some pictures together to remember the moment. Think silly mustaches glued to sticks to hold up, fun hats, boas, and whatever tickles your fancy.
28. Keep Guests Cozy
If your outdoor wedding falls within the colder months, give guests complimentary hand warmers, shawls or blankets to snuggle up during your ceremony.
29. Capture Memories
Chances are your photographer is following you around capturing your memories but having a kodak camera station with a picture book is a great way to include your guests in on the fun. As well as experience memories that you would have otherwise not had the opportunity to see!
30. Welcome Guests With A Custom Sign
Make your guests feel welcome with a sign that makes them feel at home, while also indicating they are in the right spot! There are loads of options on Etsy and online. Add florals and greenery that ties in with the rest of your decor to amp it up.
31. Aisle Decor that Doubles As Centerpieces
Dress up your aisle with pretty florals and decor, then have some helpers move them to your reception space as centerpieces on your tables. This helps continue the theme and color palette, beautify each space, and makes decorating more budget-friendly!
