35 Backyard Wedding Ideas to Make Your Summer Wedding as Instagrammable as Possible
Pups better be part of the ceremony.
Even three years ago it wasn't necessarily the ~thing~ to say “I do” at home, but during the early days of the pandemic, when we had to limit indoor guests to 50 people (remember that?) everything changed. Backyard weddings are finally getting the attention they deserve, and tbh, we’re here for the trend. A backyard bash can be super chic when done right, and, thanks to so many couples and vendors posting their outdoor wedding creations on the main grid, it's clear that they're hotter than ever this wedding szn.
Not only can you personalize just about every detail with a backyard wedding—like framed photos hanging from tree branches or having your pup stand in as the ring bearer—but you won’t be held down by strict venue rules on everything from lighting and decor to catering and booze, which means…FREEDOM! Pick any date, have any number of guests, hand select your vendors, whatever. you. want. Depending on the size of your backyard—or your neighbor’s yard, parents' yard, or even your neighbor’s parents' yard—you could have an intimate wedding with an elaborate tablescape or host the grand garden fête of your Bridgerton-obsessed dreams.
Scroll through these IG images for some backyard wedding ideas...you'll def find all the inspo for your own amazing outdoor wedding, from creative couples who have managed to transform their simple backyard ceremonies into the dreamiest affairs.
Make an Entrance
Don’t just walk into your backyard wedding. Make an entrance with an elaborate walkway or even a custom pop-up door frame like this one. Because no bride should ever have to miss out on that breathtaking gasp from guests as those doors slowly open.
Swap Rugs for Runners
Vintage rugs add a homey touch to a backyard wedding, but also come in handy if you plan to wear any sort of heel down the aisle (no irrigating the ground on your way down). Borrow from friends or rent them from an event furnishing store.
Invite Pets
Oh, you thought we meant just dogs? Obviously let your four-legged fur bb walk down the aisle with you (no need to get venue approval for pets!), but why not let a trained owl fly in your rings, too? A little Harry Potter, yes, but we’re into it.
Combine Your Altar and Runner
This sentimental runner and altar combo is the perfect backdrop for a rustic yet chic backyard wedding. I meannn, it's made of long-distanced love letters between the couple, so ya can't top that. Rent one, make one, or borrow one…the point is to definitely have something this gorgeous standing behind your vows.
Use. Benches.
Not only can you fit more people into your ceremony space by using benches instead of chairs, but they’re also super easy to move to the side of the yard to create the space you'll need for dancing. Keep them rustic or dress them up with aisle decor (i.e., lanterns, flowers, candles, etc.).
Plant Your Bouquets
You’re already outdoors, so you might as well keep things a little wild. These inground bouquets are exactly what your backyard Bridgerton-esque banquet dinner needs.
Embrace Color
Keep things from feeling too monotone by adding in bright bursts of color. Lampshades, scarves, or even colored candles can stand in for flowers on a budget, but strung up flower garlands make adorable upgrades, too.
Go with the Flow
Having a pool in the backyard isn’t a dealbreaker…in fact, it can actually be a game changer for your wedding decor. Float candles in the water or use extra centerpieces around the sides to make it part of the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate Dried Flowers
“Something dried” is a huge trend for the 2022 wedding season, and this sepia-toned centerpiece nails it. Use pampas grass when possible, and place extra centerpieces throughout the garden for ultimate contrast.
Include a Low Lounge
Find ways to bring the indoors out with low lounge furniture that can create a chic picnic vibe, especially for your cocktail hour. Go bohemian with blankets inside a lit-up yurt or tent, or opt for parasols and pillows for daytime weddings.
Show off Your Family Tree
Here's one way to at least make that giant tree in the middle of your yard part of the wedding. But seriously, hanging framed photos of your family from a tree or wrapping the trunk in your favorite Polaroids turns nature into decor in the best way possible.
Add Some Privacy
Not all backyards offer privacy, but that’s nothing a little custom curtain can’t fix. Makeshift walls are great ways to create intimate spaces with a lounge-like feel, like the ones from this Santa Barbara wedding.
Rent Some Poufs for Your Garden
You don’t have to DIY everything just because you’re throwing a backyard bash. This is literally why rental companies exist, and you can rent everything from the lighting to the seating and even these stylish yute poufs.
Pour a Champagne Tower
We’re not even going to hide how happy we are that champagne towers are a thing again. Your backyard cocktail hour just got 10 times classier. You're welcome.
BYO Bar
Curating a bar menu is often better left to the pros (unless cocktail making is your thing). Consider renting a bar—ideally one that comes with a bartender—or bringing in a mobile bar cart to serve drinks in style, like this Italian Piaggio that can serve six of your fave bevs on tap. Cheers!
Create Your Own Custom Cocktail
Personal touches are what backyard weddings are made of…like these minty mojitos infused with strawberry. Invent your own drink, name it something cute and creative, and toast with your guests to your custom creation!
Pass Around Charcuterie Cones
I recently heard that millennials are so obsessed with adorably curated charcuterie because they're the adult version of Lunchables, aka our childhood, and now it all makes sense. How fun are these cones with the fancy toothpicks though?! Passed apps should all be this imaginative.
Roll in the Bar Carts
Vintage bar carts set up around the yard give the right vibe for a chill wedding. Think of them like drink stations, where guests can pour or even mix their own throughout the night.
Serve a Drink Wall
Champagne walls (and even beer walls) are easy to install in any backyard, but there’s something about this margarita wall that just hits different. Maybe it’s the mirror? Or the fact that you’ll be serving up adult Capri-Suns…which has always been the ultimate backyard treat on a sunny day.
Bring in Your Favorite Food Trucks
Best part of the wedding food truck trend? No waiting in a 20-minute lunch-hour line to get your favorite tacos. Bring the truck right into the backyard as your mobile caterer, or just have them pull up front for easy access all night.
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