Amazing, Budget Friendly Backyard Wedding Ideas To Get You Inspired For Your Big Day

It’s wedding season, folks – and who doesn’t love a backyard wedding?

The weather is getting warmer. The days are getting longer. We’re getting back into the swing of things that seem normal and hanging out with friends, spending time with family, etc. As summer approaches, the thought of spending more time outside doing the things we love becomes more of a reality than wishful thinking. 

Weddings are a big part of summer. They’re marked on our calendars months if not years in advance (a special nod to those who had their nuptials delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic), and in many cases, they’re one of few precious times in our lives when everyone we know and love gathers in the same place for the same reason.

See? Weddings are wonderful. So it’s important to make it a memorable and enjoyable occasion for everyone from the bride and groom, to the family and friends, to all the guests who celebrate along with you.

But, they’re also expensive – and not getting cheaper anytime soon. Many couples have elected to take the party into their own hands and into their own backyards, starting a fun new trend of getting married at home. Sure, you’ll save money and perhaps a lot of stress by eliminating traditional parts of the wedding planning process (selecting a venue, laying out the floor plan, seating arrangements, etc.) but it’s also about making the event more personal.

When you’re home, you’re more comfortable and you’re more at ease. If you’re in the early stages of the planning process – or thinking about getting engaged/married in the near future (nudge nudge) – a DIY backyard wedding might be right up your alley. 

Backyard Wedding Ideas To Get Inspired

You know we’re going to hit you with some inspo for your backyard wedding.

Let’s get right to it.

Chill Out, Lounge Around

It’s your backyard and it’s your wedding, so the game planning is up to you. If it’s a summer wedding or a wedding in warm weather, you’ll want to have an area where guests can sit in the shade, relax and just keep it casual. A backyard wedding should feel like it’s in your backyard – so if you lounge there, your wedding guests should be able to, as well.

(Don’t) Pray For Rain, But Plan For It

What did Alanis Morissette say about rain on your wedding day? 

First off, it’s not ironic. It’s just unfortunate. But if there’s even the slightest chance of rain (and in summer, it’s always possible), make sure you’re prepared. For the eating area or anywhere guests will be seated for a longer period of time, consider getting a tent to protect them from the elements. If that’s not possible or space doesn’t permit, make a Plan B for taking things indoors.

Make an Entrance

This is where you can get creative with your backyard wedding. Using pathways/walkways, or simply creating your own promenade to the altar, you can make it your own and put your personal touch on how guests, the wedding party and the stars of the show enter.

Light It Up, Baby!

We’re keeping this party going into the night. If you prefer a separate area of the backyard to hold the reception or afterparty, decorate it with string lights, outdoor lamps or any other creative lighting. Not only is it fun and festive, but it’s functional for when the sun goes down. 

Use Your Surroundings

It’s all about the photos, and with a DIY backyard wedding, you want those shots to be perfect. Before planning the landscape of your outdoor space, look for picturesque or photogenic areas of the yard that would serve as a pretty backdrop for those magic moments caught on film. 

All the Greenery

We’re outside, we’re among the trees and the bushes and the flowers! It’s a lovely setting. Amp it up with green touches on the table settings, and anywhere you see fit. The altar could use some green, too.

Who Wants a Drink?

Your backyard wedding is, technically, a wedding at your home – so give your guests a taste (literally) of what the happy couple enjoys! Whether served on communal trays, from a pitcher or at a DIY cocktail bar, offering guests a drink or two that represents you and your love is a special touch.

Pave the Way

Make navigation easy for guests, your wedding party, and you. You’ll thank yourself later, especially after you’ve had a couple of those drinks.

Go Local with What You Love

The best part about hosting a backyard wedding is you get to control the food, the service, and of course…the details. You don’t have to serve food from the venue’s kitchen, or have guests choose from a two or three-item preset menu. 

We’ve seen backyard weddings that make food and drink super easy. How about a taco bar? Or a self-serve small buffet full of local food from appetizers to main course? This is another easy way to show off your love with what you love. Food is the universal love language, after all.

 

Things to consider when planning your dreamy backyard wedding

Consider the weather

While you may have a tent secured for guests in the event of inclement weather, you definitely don’t want to say your vows and get married in the rain. Thankfully, this is where Best in Backyards can solve a problem and give you peace of mind.

We suggest a pergola! These outdoor structures are not only beautiful, but they’re a great way to increase your enjoyment of your backyard, and help you spend more time outside with the family or friends. Pergolas are functional, handcrafted pieces of art that will enhance the beauty of your home.

Consider the afterparty

Hey, if everyone’s sticking around after the backyard wedding, why not take it to the next level? You’ve got time to plan (we hope) and if you’re looking at a summertime wedding, we can’t recommend a pool strongly enough. 

If you have a pool, it can be a focal point of the party – and it should be themed along with your wedding venue. Pool-friendly drinks are a fun idea, and you can also have pool towels or cups in the same color scheme as other elements. 

Consider the comfort of guests

There’s a likelihood that weather gets in the way – even if the rain holds off. For smaller or more cozy outdoor patio areas, we recommend an awning to provide shade and needed relief in the warmer temperatures. 

High-quality motorized awnings create more than just a shaded area; you’ll create a whole new ambiance that will take your old outdoor area and transform it into a true backyard getaway. Just like the pool area, you can decorate and theme the shaded area and make it a “destination” in the backyard as guests make their way around the property. 

Consider the logistics

Cooking outside, eating outside, or both? Your backyard wedding will go off without a hitch if you’re prepared – well, mainly if your backyard is prepared with everything you need. 

A great solution for cooking, serving, and preparation are outdoor kitchen islands, which can be found in a variety of building materials so you can create a unique (and convenient) experience that’s perfect for a backyard wedding. 

They’re a dream come true. Surrounded by family and friends in (literally) your own backyard, it’s an experience that you will never forget. 

 

With ideas and inspiration to turn your big day into one that’s personable, customized and guest-friendly, your DIY backyard wedding is sure to be the talk of the summer.