Beautiful landscaping, the presence of family and friends, and a whole lifetime of happy memories– your backyard has all of this to offer, and you just can’t beat it as a location for your wedding day. This intimate setting is the perfect place for a day you’ll never forget. If you’ve decided to say “I do” on the lawn rather than in the chapel, you won’t need much decor, because the lush foliage and blooming flowers will do a lot of the work for you. However, you can still bring in a few subtle additions to take your wedding decor from simply pretty to stunningly beautiful.
Chairs & Aisle
Opt for white wooden chairs rather than gray metal ones, or place attractive coverings on cheaper chairs. Since you don’t have a church or other premade venue, you will have to create the entire seating area yourself, and picking a pretty (and comfortable, depending on the length of your ceremony) chair is key to creating the look you want. You can mark off family and reserved seating with bows and ribbons. Some brides choose to place an aisle runner between the two rows of seats to add a touch of elegance.
Arch (or Alternative)
Many couples choose to rent a traditional wedding arch for their ceremonies. If you decide to do this, select one that can be decorated in whatever way you like. Large flower swags on top of the arch are a popular choice, but you can also use fabrics, jewels, or anything else that you like. Other couples have an alternative to the wedding arch, such as a large tree that they stand under. This can still be decorated– it is becoming popular at rustic and country weddings to hang mason jars or battery-powered light bulbs from the branches of a tree. This creates an intimate atmosphere that adds a touch of magic to your special day (or night).
Lighting
If you’re having an evening or night wedding, you want to emphasize the romantic setting of the area, but you also want your guests to be able to see the event. Strands of Christmas lights placed throughout trees and bushes are a beautiful alternative to brighter lights.
Fencing
If you have a fence surrounding your backyard, use it to your advantage. Hang lights from it to avoid difficult cleanup from decor in the trees. Add garland, ribbon, tulle, anything that will transform your fence and backyard into the fairy tale wedding spot.
When you’re planning an outdoor wedding, always remember that less is more. You already have a beautiful venue, so emphasize what is already there rather than trying to bring in lots of artificial decorations. Let flowers, trees, and other features of your backyard do the decorating work for you– not only will you cut down on costs, but you’ll be married in a beautiful wedding unlike any other.
