20 Backyard Wedding Ideas

Rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck, but not for your hair, makeup, and dress. This is where tents are handy barriers to keep inclement weather away from you and your guests. Many rental companies offer tents that come with amenities you'll appreciate, such as:

Perhaps you want a private area where your bridal party can get ready, or maybe you have babies who need a quiet space to nap during the wedding reception. Whatever your reasons, take a preemptive approach to keep guests from wandering around your house. Block off areas you don't want anyone entering by hanging signs and locking doors. Let your friends and family know the off-limits areas so everyone is on the same page.

Allowing loved ones to be part of your special day takes tasks off your plate and adds an extra level of sentimentality. Here are a few duties you can delegate:

Ask your family and friends to help you clean up your landscaping a few days beforehand to finish the job faster. Weeding, trimming hedges, edging, and mowing the grass will make the yard a beautiful backdrop for your big day.

This is a courteous thing to do if you have neighbors nearby. Parking and noise will be the main reasons for giving them a heads-up if you have a long guest list. A few months beforehand, print out flyers and stick them in your neighbors' mailboxes. If your neighborhood has a Facebook page, post the update there too.

Before booking vendors, contact your town administrators and HOA to learn about local laws, regulations, ordinances, and covenant rules you'll need to follow and what permits you need. If permits are required, let your vendors know because they might have to complete and file extra paperwork.

A solid idea of what you want and ample communication give your wedding photographer a great foundation to build on and ensure photos and videos go off without a hitch. We recommend doing the following early on:

If it's in your budget, consider hiring someone to assist you in planning your backyard wedding. Different types of wedding professionals will help you based on your needs:

Insurance for weddings isn't required, but having it and not needing it is better than the alternative. We suggest finding out what your homeowner's insurance covers and checking with your vendors to see their insurance. Don't be afraid to ask questions and read insurance policies to learn what you're responsible for.

You'll need a lot of energy to power the lighting, sound, heating and cooling elements, food equipment, and other electronics on your wedding day. It might be more than your house can handle, so rent a generator to prevent blown fuses and outages.

Search antique stores and thrift shops for pre-loved treasures to transform into decorations. Some unique do-it-yourself backyard wedding ideas include creating a bouquet or centerpieces using vintage costume jewelry. You can add extra meaning by incorporating pieces that belonged to your mother or grandmother, keeping them close to your heart as you walk down the aisle.

Style an arbor as a tasteful backdrop for your backyard wedding celebration. Build one from a pre-made kit, or create your own to make it unique. Afterward, don't take your arbor down. Instead, leave it up so you can have a visual reminder of your special day.

Reach out to your family and your soon-to-be family to ask permission to borrow photos of loved ones who have passed on or cannot be there with you. Reserve a special row of seats to display the pictures; that way, they'll be there with you in spirit on your special day. It's a simple backyard wedding idea and a touching tribute that everyone will appreciate.

Continuing with the theme, a bride's last need is something blue. Traditionally, the blue item is worn—think jewelry, shoes, or a headpiece. However, if you want to put your own twist on the tradition, incorporate the color into the decor or backyard setting. Try bachelor buttons in your floral arrangements or light blue lounge furniture where guests can relax during cocktail hour.

If you or your partner has a green thumb, put it to good use by creating natural decorations through landscaping. Here are a few thoughtful, budget-friendly wedding ideas for backyard landscaping to make the day extra special:

Dancing and an open bar are great, but make the most of your backyard by offering other forms of entertainment during the cocktail hour and reception with fun lawn games such as cornhole, giant Jenga, and beer pong. These backyard wedding reception ideas will keep your guests engaged and entertained.

Don't forget activities for the little ones. Give children their own play space, complete with sturdy kid-sized furniture, snacks, outdoor games, and craft supplies. It’s one of the more thoughtful backyard wedding ideas that children—and parents—will appreciate.

If you have enough room, style a secluded area away from the lights and dance floor where guests can kick back with a refreshing beverage. Comfortable outdoor furniture and low lighting create a cozy nook. This is a smart move if you’re seeking backyard wedding inspiration geared toward comfort and style.

One of the most memorable parts of any wedding is the food, and an unforgettable way to feed your guests is by serving your favorite dishes in out-of-the-box ways. Rent food trucks, offer various pastries in addition to your wedding cake, or light a fire and set out ingredients for s'mores. These tasty touches are great backyard reception ideas that feel personal and considerate.

It's your wedding and your backyard, so feel free to invite whomever you want—including your four-legged bestie. Add them to your wedding party as the "dog of honor" for extra-memorable photos. This can even inspire backyard wedding renovation plans if you’re planning to design a more pet-friendly environment.

Here are some small backyard wedding ideas that help cut costs:

You should plan for at least six square feet of floor space for every guest you invite. If you have a small backyard and a large headcount, it might be time to trim the guest list.

Backyard events are at the mercy of the elements, so choose a time of year when the weather in your area is mild and pleasant, and consider ideas for outdoor weddings that accommodate—think sturdy tents or outdoor heaters. This makes traveling easier for out-of-town guests, and no one will be ducking inside your house to get out of the cold or heat.