10 of Our Favorite Backyard Wedding Ideas

Backyard weddings are intimate, romantic, and so much fun to plan.

Since they’re limited in size to how big the backyard is, details like the guest list, catering, and decorations are much simpler and easier to manage. If you’re planning a backyard wedding, take a look at these ideas and think about incorporating a few of them!

1. Light It Up with String Lights

The romantic, fairytale-like atmosphere of a backyard wedding is made even better with decorative string lights hung over trees, shrubs, and tents. Depending on the theme of your wedding and the look you’re going for, you can use strings with large light bulbs on them, or tiny, delicate fairy lights.

2. Potted Plants...Everywhere!

Fully embrace the backyard atmosphere with a plethora of potted plants and herbs. Lavender, heather, succulents, and beautiful flowers, all encased in beautiful pots, make the perfect centerpieces and add to the overall cozy, homey feeling.

3. Desserts (with a Homey Touch)

A big, elaborate, extravagant wedding cake might fit in at a larger wedding, but a backyard wedding deserves something a little simpler. Think pies like grandma used to make, rustic cakes with minimal decor (but a lot of flavor!), and individual pastries like donuts and cookies.

4. Good Ol' Fashioned Lawn Games

You already have a lawn ready to use, so pull out games like croquet, horseshoes, and cornhole. If people aren’t sure how to play, set out a sign with simple instructions and maybe even put together a mini tournament! Tell them the winner gets a special gift from the bride and groom, and they won’t hesitate to jump in.

5. Serve it Family Style

Another way to make your backyard wedding an intimate gathering is to rethink how you serve the main meal. Instead of a buffet or plates served individually, have the caterers serve the dishes like a family meal so everyone can pass the food around and interact with each other.

6. Bring Indoor Furniture – Outside

Turn the backyard into a comfy lounge by bringing loveseats, armchairs, and other indoor furniture outside. Set up seating areas where guests can chat, watch the festivities, and take a break from dancing. For a royal touch, the bride and groom can have their own seating area with throne-style chairs!

7. Incorporate (Local) Specialties

Is your town or part of the country well-known for a certain good or product? Bring that into your wedding to celebrate your roots! Maybe you can invite a food cart vendor or make wedding favors that include whatever that local specialty is.

8. Backyard BBQ

Who doesn’t love a barbeque, especially in the summer? Corn on the cob, delicious kabobs, brisket, and so many more yummy treats are just right for a casual backyard wedding. Depending on the number of guests, you can either hire a caterer to pull this off, or enlist the help of your family’s grillmaster.

9. Rustic Wedding Arches

DIY wedding arches are not only the perfect backyard decorations, they’re also an opportunity for you to get hands-on and create something that will be special, significant, and serve as a reminder of one of the best days of your life. Even if you’re not a crafter, you can find three long sticks and tie them together, then add some decorations and you’re done!

10. Simple, Yet Elegant, Rings

Whether you’re holding a backyard wedding for budgetary reasons or because of the intimate setting, chances are you’re not going to be looking for extravagant, expensive rings to exchange. You want something more simplistic yet meaningful, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Modern Gents. Shop our His and Hers Sets to find the perfect rings and bands for your perfect backyard wedding! Check out the full collection here.