In the ongoing pandemic, backyard weddings are receiving new appreciation. People are infusing their backyard weddings with creativity. Trend forecasters predict that intimate weddings will continue to be popular in 2022. What’s more intimate than tying the knot in your own backyard? Some helpful ideas for a backyard wedding will help you make the most of this cozy celebration.

Benefits of a Backyard Wedding

Backyard weddings have so many benefits! Unlike a traditional wedding venue, you have control over everything from the date you choose to the vendors you use. Some venues can be strict about things like caterers. With a backyard wedding, you can customize everything as much as you want.

The biggest benefit of a backyard wedding is that it’s comfortable. Rather than rushing around, you can focus on being present with the people you love. Everything happens in one place where you have your pets and snacks. 

5 Ideas for a Backyard Wedding

These five ideas for a backyard wedding will ensure yours is low stress, sentimental, and fun.

1. Make it easy for the family.

People often think that having a backyard wedding means everything has to be DIY. This can undermine the goal of a low stress wedding day. Make the day easier and more enjoyable for your family by hiring a caterer. There’s something luxurious about someone else cooking for you at your own house. You and your guests won’t have to worry about stepping away from the celebration to check on the cooking or getting food on your wedding clothes. 

Likewise hiring staff for setup and breakdown is a great idea for a backyard wedding. If your family and friends are setting up chairs beforehand and breaking down a tent afterward, they lose out on opportunities to enjoy your company.

2. Prepare for the weather.

On your vendor list, you also should consider tent rentals. Of all the ideas for a backyard wedding, this may be the most important. You don’t want to worry about rain or snow ruining your plans. Tents can be festive and elegant too! You can string lights and hang decorations from the roof. You can rent tents without sides or with sides that roll up, so you can get a continuous indoor/outdoor feeling.

In addition to preparing for inclement weather, you can embrace the season. Winter backyard weddings can be beautiful and romantic with the right provisions in place. Space heaters and fire pits can keep guests warm. The fire pit adds romantic light to an intimate evening reception. Dress for the weather too! A winter backyard wedding is a perfect excuse to get a soft stole or sharp wool coat.

3. Include details with sentimental value.

What would a backyard wedding be without the sentimental details? Because you’re not leaving your house, you don’t have to worry about losing precious family keepsakes. Incorporate momentos and family photos into your decor. Surround yourself with reminders of the people who matter most to you and your relationship. 

4. Use flowers to make it festive.

Just because you’re having a backyard wedding doesn’t mean you have to skip the florals. Flowers, whether you hire a florist or DIY them, make a backyard wedding feel luxurious and special. Floral arrangements can decorate the ceremony space and reception tables. Just ask someone to move them from one place to the next after the ceremony. 

One of my favorite ideas for backyard wedding flowers is to hang a floral installation from an arbor or porch for the ceremony. It’s a perfect way to add bright colors and elegance at any time of year. Even in winter, flowers add something to a ceremony space.

5. Make it uniquely you.

A backyard wedding should reflect you and your relationship in all its uniqueness. With a backyard wedding, there’s less pressure to live up to expectations and trends. If you love games, set up yard games for your guests! If you enjoy good wine, get a few extra special bottles. Whatever you decide to do, it should be what you want to do, not just what’s expected of you.

Last but not least, a popular idea for backyard weddings is incorporating pets into your day! Some people have formal portraits with their beloved dogs and cats. Others choose to have their pets present for the ceremony or reception. On big occasions, pets can give comfort like nothing else can.  

Do you want to see another wedding with funky backyard vibes? Check out this wedding at Martha!