George Boyle
Planning a wedding reception in your backyard gives you the freedom to get creative and personalise your big day. From intimate and casual to elegant and glamorous, there are endless ways to decorate your outdoor space and make it the venue of your dreams. Whether you want to create a romantic, candlelit atmosphere or a fun, rustic vibe, here are some ideas to get you started.
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a colour palette and decorations that fit with the vibe of your wedding
- Create a comfy lounge area with blankets and shelter from the elements
- Add lighting with string lights, lanterns, and candles
- Decorate with flowers, floral arches, and pampas grass
- Set up a dance floor and entertainment, such as lawn games
Choose a colour palette and decorations that fit with the vibe of your wedding
One of the best parts of having a backyard wedding is that you have the freedom to choose any colour palette and decorations that reflect your personal style and the vibe of your wedding. If you're planning a laid-back, rustic wedding, try draping fabric over a tree for a natural, breezy ceremony spot. You can also lean into the rustic theme by using hay bales for extra seating, covering them with blankets so your guests' outfits stay clean. For a touch of nostalgia, set up a campfire where guests can make s'mores, and hang porch swings from trees or under a gazebo.
For a more glamorous vibe, bring in metallic décor elements, or create a dance floor over your pool. If you want a romantic, elegant atmosphere, florals and candles are a great choice. A wedding arch or florals around the space where the couple is exchanging vows can make the ceremony space stand out. For a dreamy effect, add string lights or flowers to draped fabric over the dance area.
The season of your wedding can also inspire your colour palette and decorations. For a spring wedding, opt for soft pastel shades and lots of greenery. In summer, pick richer colours that will shine in the sunshine, or go for pristine white and blue tones. In fall, rich oranges, reds and plums will shine like jewels.
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Create a comfy lounge area with blankets and shelter from the elements
When it comes to creating a comfy lounge area for your wedding reception, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, think about the size of your guest list and the available space in your backyard. You don't need a lounge area that can accommodate all your guests at once, as they will likely be moving between the dinner tables, dance floor, and other areas. A good rule of thumb is to have space for 10-15% of your guest list in the lounge area.
Next, consider the placement of the lounge area. Keep it away from the dance floor but close enough to the action so your guests don't feel secluded. If you have a breathtaking landscape, position the lounge area to highlight the view and provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. Just be sure not to obstruct the view with décor elements.
Now, let's talk about creating a cosy and stylish space. Embrace different textures and materials such as natural wood finishes, smooth velvet chairs, shiny brass tables, soft linen couches, and fuzzy ottomans. Make it extra comfortable with fur throw blankets and monogrammed blankets for a personalised touch. If you're expecting cold weather, provide shelter for your guests by setting up a tent over the lounge area. Add extra warmth and charm with string lights or assorted candles.
To make the space feel intimate and personal, line side tables with framed photos of loved ones or photos of you and your partner. You can also incorporate fun elements like a neon sign with your last name or initials, or a wedding hashtag. If you want to create a cohesive design, choose a colour palette and aesthetic that matches your wedding theme and style. For example, a boho theme could include rattan chairs, pampas grass arrangements, and handwoven rugs, while a modern look might feature a sleek white couch with black-and-white geometric pillows.
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Add lighting with string lights, lanterns, and candles
String lights, lanterns, and candles can add a romantic and dreamy touch to your backyard wedding reception. They are a classic choice for backyard weddings as they add instant warmth and illuminate the space, casting a soft, ethereal light.
To create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere, hang string lights on shrubs or wrap them around tree branches or trunks. You can also drape them over a gazebo or canopy, or arrange them above seating areas. String lights can also be used to enhance other decorative elements, such as draping fabric or a faux ceiling over the dance area.
Lanterns, on the other hand, can be used to mark pathways or aisles, especially if you have a plain grass lawn. Reclaimed wood, flower petals, rugs, or greenery can also be used in conjunction with lanterns to guide your guests through the festivities.
Candles, as suggested by event planner Christine S. Chang, can be a cost-effective way to create a romantic and twinkly-lit evening. They can be placed on tables, used to line pathways, or scattered throughout the backyard to add a soft glow to the surroundings.
Remember to consider the pre-existing landscape lighting and ensure you have adequate lighting for your event. This will not only create a pleasant ambiance but also ensure your guests can navigate the space safely, especially after the sun goes down.
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Decorate with flowers, floral arches, and pampas grass
Flowers, floral arches, and pampas grass can be used in a variety of ways to decorate a backyard wedding reception.
Flowers can be used to create a colourful ceremony backdrop. Consider using drum roses, spray roses, raspberry scabiosa, and numerous vines and berries. For a romantic touch, opt for a simple white arch with bold-coloured flowers in an asymmetrical pattern. If your wedding has a botanical theme, a greenery-focused setup can be a sophisticated choice. For a colourful display, choose flowers in shades of pink, such as magenta, coral, peach, and baby pink. For a spring ceremony, paint your altar with light and bright flowers in blush, peach, and baby blue.
Floral arches are a popular choice for wedding decorations and can be used to create a stunning structure with a lush array of flowers. For a unique spin on the traditional arch, consider a vintage wrought-iron gate decorated with roses and snapdragons. If your ceremony is on grassy terrain, consider a grounded arch with pampas grass, which will provide a better contrast against the green. For a bohemian look, work in dried elements in muted colours, such as creamy pampas grass and blush and beige florals.
Pampas grass is a versatile and trendy decoration that can add instant texture and a boho or rustic vibe to your wedding. It can be used in large-scale installations or smaller amounts, such as in a bouquet or as a ceremony backdrop. For a simple and modern touch, set up large glass jugs with pampas grass arrangements. Pampas grass can also be mixed with modern décor elements, such as a statement-making starburst, or with flowers like roses, dried palm leaves, and greenery for a modern and elegant vibe. For a playful touch, consider dyeing the pampas grass in vibrant colours, such as hot pink, and pairing it with complementary flowers.
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Set up a dance floor and entertainment, such as lawn games
When it comes to setting up a dance floor and entertainment for your wedding reception, there are several options to choose from.
First, consider the size of your backyard and the number of guests you plan to invite. This will help you determine the size and layout of your dance floor. You can opt for a traditional black-and-white checkerboard dance floor or get creative with a romantic rose design, a crisp geometric pattern, or even a purple acrylic dance floor with your monogram on it. If you want to create a soft and boho look, scatter area rugs or large dark wood tiles over the grass for a unique dance floor. To make the dance floor stand out, consider hanging disco balls, paper lanterns, or string lights above it.
Now, let's talk about entertainment. If you want to encourage your guests to dance, consider hiring a DJ or creating a fun tradition where guests have to pay to dance with the newlyweds. You can also organize interactive games such as a trivia game about the newlyweds or a scavenger hunt with puzzles as fun breaks from dancing. For a more peaceful atmosphere during cocktail hour or dinner, consider hiring a live musician to serenade your guests. Lawn games, photo booths, and interactive food stations or food trucks are also great ways to entertain your guests and create lasting memories.
Don't forget to consider the lighting in your backyard, especially if you plan to dance after dark. String lights, lanterns, and candles can add a romantic and magical touch to your wedding reception while ensuring your guests can see and move around safely.
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