21 Essentials for a High-Style Backyard Wedding

Because there's no place like home to say "I do."

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

April 22, 2019

By: Morgan Faulkner

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: The Ganeys Photography / theganeys.com

Photo By: T&K Photography / www.tandkphotography.com

Photo By: Style Me Pretty/ Simply Sarah Photography

Photo By: Sergey Lapkovsky Photography / lapkovsky.com

Photo By: Jason Kisner ©Copyright Scripps Networks, 2016

Photo By: Daphne and Dean Photography / daphneanddean.com

Photo By: Sergey Lapkovsky Photography / lapkovsky.com

Photo By: The Ganeys Photography / theganeys.com

Photo By: Erin McCall Photography

Photo By: Lovers of Love Photography

Photo By: T&K Photography / www.tandkphotography.com

Photo By: Lindsey Nickel Photography

Photo By: Heather Baird

Photo By: Erin McCall Photography

Photo By: Don Mears Photography

Photo By: Image courtesy of Joy Aleman

Photo By: Image courtesy of Caroline Fontenot Photography

Photo By: Darina Stoda Photography

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Image courtesy of Caroline Fontenot Photography

Save Space

We’re here to say that having a high-style wedding at home is possible! Short on space? Using long tables with family-style seating will free up room without sacrificing style. Top the tables with glam linens and bold glassware for eye-catching design right in your own backyard. Photo: The Ganeys

See More Photos: 50 Wedding Table Setting Ideas for Every Season

Tent Goals

Rain or shine, renting a tent is always a good idea for an outdoor wedding. Consider mixing both round and rectangle tables to maximize space throughout. Here, gorgeous greenery vines and illuminating bistro lights hang from the tent ceiling to bring maximum chicness to an otherwise plain space. Photo: T&K Photography

Hand-Picked

White scabiosa blooms take center stage in this free-flowing, wildflower bridal bouquet — an appropriate choice for an al fresco affair. Long, flowy ribbons add a touch of undone beauty to the foraged-inspired blooms.

GET INSPIRED: 75 Ultra-Lush Wedding Bouquet Ideas

Get Your Groove On

Dance the night away to a set list of you and your spouse’s favorite tunes. Hiring a band or DJ will ensure the night runs smoothly from grand entrances to announcements but most importantly, keeping the music going. Pro tip: Make sure to tell, or even invite, the neighbors beforehand as to not disturb anyone. Photo: Sergey Lapkovsky Photography

Wedding Reception Songs Guaranteed to Get Your Guests on the Dance Floor

Refreshing Sips

A light, refreshing cocktail is always a great addition to any signature-drink menu. Fresh mint, pink grapefruit and sweet elderflower liqueur combine to create a new take on the classic gin and tonic. Get the Recipe

Discover More: 50 Signature Wedding Cocktails

Bug Off

Get bitten by love — not bugs. If you’re getting married in a warmer month or live in an insect-prone region, fashion a handy bug-spray station to help guests ward off those pesky bugs. Photo: Daphne and Dean Photography

MAKE YOUR OWN: Homemade Herbal Bug Repellent Spray

Calm and Cool

Most people automatically think rustic when they think backyard wedding. But the truth is, you can pull off any style, trend or color scheme you want. Here, soothing cool tones, like misty gray linens paired with an abundance of greenery create a serene, sophisticated, garden-esque reception space. Photo: Sergey Lapkovsky Photography

GET INSPIRED: 8 Eye-Catching Wedding Color Palettes

Stylish Send Off

For an easy and stylish wedding DIY, craft send-off cones out of patterned cardstock. Fill with birdseed or rose petals and end your reception on a photo-worthy high note. Photo: The Ganeys

GET INSPIRED: 17 Fun, Creative Wedding Exit Ideas

Berry Fresh

Juicy blackberries and seeded eucalyptus accent a gorgeous white buttercream cake. Fresh fruits are a perfect way to add a refreshing bite to the dessert table.

GET INSPIRED: 65 Beautiful & Unique Wedding Cake Design Ideas

A Warm Favor

Chilly temps in the forecast? Keep your guests warm and cozy with customized blankets. These plush goodies can also double as wedding favors when the night is over.

MORE IDEAS: 20 Wedding Favors You Can Buy in Bulk on Amazon

BYOC

Take a boatload of stress off of yourself by hiring professionals along the way, like a party rental company for tables, chairs, tents, arbors, etc. If you’re looking to cut costs, though, consider a BYOC (bring your own chair) affair — a newly-popular wedding trend in which guests bring their own seat (preferably of the non-lawn chair variety) to the wedding. Photo: T&K Photography

MORE IDEAS: 15 Easy Ways to Cut Down on Wedding Costs

Leafy Place Card

Think outside the box (and save $$) by putting nature to work. A magnolia leaf serves as a place card and pops against a black place setting in this romantic, moody tablescape.

Backyard Eats

Having a backyard wedding offers endless ways to customize and personalize every aspect of the big day — especially the menu. Keeping the food light and simple will ensure everyone is satisfied. Budget-friendly and totally yummy, pulled-rotisserie-chicken sandwiches/sliders are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Plus, they're easy to eat with one hand while balancing a cocktail in the other.

PLAN YOUR MENU: Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Treat Yo Self

Don't forget dessert! Banish plates and keep mess to a minimum with these all-in-one, portable banana pudding treats. Get the Recipe

MORE IDEAS: Party a Go-Go With Our Favorite Handheld Sweets

Gorgeous Greenery

Greenery sprigs are a great money-saving option that is just as high-glam as an expensive arrangement. On this trendy tablescape, loose eucalyptus stems surround a modern brass lantern.

GET INSPIRED: 63 Gorgeous DIY Wedding Centerpieces

Light up the Night

Illuminate the night with an abundance of soft, chic lighting. Bistro string lights and gold candelabras complement a glam wedding theme while also providing much-needed lighting.

LEARN HOW: How to Make Planter Posts for String Lights

From: Lynn Coulter

For the Groom

Incorporate outdoor elements into your florals with herbs and wildflowers. Sage, rosemary, lavender, and berries combine to make this natural, fragrant boutonnière.

MORE IDEAS: 38 Fresh-Cut Wedding Boutonniere Ideas

Personalized Games

Provide entertainment and create an all-around good time for your guests with an assortment of outdoor games and activities. Pro tip: add your initials to a classic corn hole set for a personalized touch.

MORE IDEAS: 50 Ultra-Fun DIY Backyard Games for All Ages

Go Boho

Infuse trendy style into your decor in a big way with a colorful, boho-inspired altarpiece like this trendy macrame backdrop.

GET INSPIRED: 45 One-of-a-Kind Wedding Arbors, Altars + Aisles

Hydration Station

Make sure everyone stays hydrated and happy on those hot summer days with a refreshing, self-serve water station. Go one step further and create a buffet of fruit-infused H2O for guests to choose from.

MORE IDEAS: 6 No-Sweat Tips for Cooling Down a Summer Wedding

This Way

Make your guests’ lives a tad easier and avoid confusion by having directional signage for important locations and activities. Feeling crafty? DIY signs are an easy and budget-friendly weekend project to tackle before the big day.