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Vibrant and Playful Small Backyard Wedding Inspiration + Our Ideas
Searching for some Small Backyard Wedding ideas and inspiration? You’ve reached the right place! We know that for many couples it’s hard to envision having your wedding at home, but this styled shoot was created to inspire exactly that! More and more people have been turning to their homes for their big day as it’s where they feel safest and what a beautiful way to make more memories in such a special place! Today’s shoot will show you just how your home could come to life in a new way!
Stay tuned to the end for our great small backyard wedding ideas…
“We chose a backyard for this shoot based on the current times with the pandemic” Event Planner Sarah from Small Shindigs told us. “So many couples had to pivot their plans and felt safest at home, but it’s hard for people to envision turning their own space into a celebratory atmosphere. I think there’s something so special about getting married in your home, a place where so many wonderful memories were already made. With some creativity and the right vendor team, it can be incredibly fun to see your own home come to life in a new way.”
“Summer sunsets inspired the look behind this shoot.” She continued. “There’s something so romantic and awe-inspiring about watching the sun go down on a warm summer night. I wanted to bring that feeling into the shoot. I find that working with couples, it can be intimidating to go bold and bright with colors. It often feels safer to go with neutral tones or pastels. I think especially if you are in your own home and that isn’t typically how you decorate, it can feel confusing to try something different with your wedding decor.”
“We wove the bright colors into each of the elements, but helped keep it feel balanced by using layering and other backgrounds. For example, the ceremony flower installation was set against beautiful lush greenery. The colors popped against it. For the tablescape, we opted for many bud vases versus larger centerpieces and tied more color in with the vases themselves. Our general rule was for every brighter piece, we used a more neutral or toned down piece as well.”
“This was an extremely collaborative shoot. I knew right away that Jessica Oh was the ideal photographer for this shoot. She focuses on color in a wonderful way. That’s definitely something couples should focus on when choosing vendors. If they know they want to decorate with lots of color, it’s important to choose a photographer who will capture that best.”
“Haute Feast, the caterer, was also a major source of inspiration. They use lots of seasonal and bright colors in their presentation.In every part of this shoot, I wanted to show couples how to get creative with the different important pieces of a wedding day. The bar was a perfect example.For a micro wedding, a full service bar may not be necessary. For this shoot we set up 2 mobile bar carts with beverages using seasonal ingredients that also tied into the color scheme.”
“Incorporating lounge furniture from Something Taylored outside felt like an unexpected and delightful surprise that you wouldn’t normally see in your own backyard, especially not bright and colorful pieces.”
“I hope couples see this shoot and feel empowered to plan the wedding of their dreams in their own backyard and aren’t afraid to be bold. The space we shot in was not very large but with some imagination and collaboration, we were able to create a beautiful flow and set up. I especially love the fact that we used the front steps for the ceremony. Stoops are used quite often in cities, but they don’t get as much love in the suburbs. They are such a naturally great place for a ceremony backdrop because they often have built in levels and depth, so the couple can really be front and center.”
Caterer: Haute Feast // Calligrapher: Lettered by Riha // Specialty Foods:Milk & Honey Mobile Bar//Linens and Coverings: Snassy Crafter // Specialty Foods:Made Sweet by Amanda//Personal Stylist:FAB Styling//Dress Designer: Rita Vinieris//Jewelry: Verstolo // Calligrapher: HV Handwritten // Invitation Designer: Après Studio // Floral Designer: Karma Flowers // Equipment Rentals: Something Taylored // Beauty: Hair by Corinne // Beauty:Natasha Brooks // Event Planner: Small Shindigs // Photographer: JESSICA OH PHOTOGRAPHY//
Small Backyard Wedding Ideas and Tips
Over the years, I’ve covered countless weddings for Bespoke Bride, from grand ballroom soirées to dreamy beachfront ceremonies. But there’s something undeniably charming and personal about a small backyard wedding. It’s intimate, heartfelt, and wonderfully flexible—like a blank canvas waiting for you to splash it with love, creativity, and fairy lights! So, let’s dive into some Small Backyard Wedding Ideas and tips that I’ve picked up over the past 13 years.
Setting the Scene
Creating the perfect ambiance for your backyard wedding is like hosting the ultimate dinner party but on a slightly larger scale—with a sprinkle of wedding magic. Think twinkling fairy lights, hanging lanterns, and cozy seating areas. In one wedding I attended, they transformed the trees in their yard into art installations with photos of the couple strung between branches. It was like walking through a living love story.
Pro Tip: Lighting is key. Drape string lights over trees, scatter candles on tables, and don’t forget those solar-powered path lights to guide guests after sunset. Trust me, the soft glow turns your backyard into a romantic haven.
On the practical side, you’ll want to consider the terrain. Is the ground even? If not, you might need to rent flooring. Grass is lovely, but I’ve seen too many stiletto mishaps—flat shoes or wedges, anyone?
The Guest List Dilemma
When it comes to small backyard weddings, less is more. The guest list can be tricky, but this is where the beauty lies. These events often bring together only your nearest and dearest, making it feel like one big family dinner.
One couple I worked with had an “inner circle” guest list policy. Their reasoning? “If you’ve cried with us, you’re invited.” While adorable and hilarious, it perfectly embodied the intimacy of a backyard wedding.
Keep in mind, fewer guests also mean less stress—both logistically and financially. You can splurge on those beautiful hand-painted place cards you’ve been eyeing on Etsy without blowing your budget.
Watch this real small backyard wedding:
Décor That Speaks Volumes
Here’s the thing: A small backyard wedding doesn’t mean small ideas. Make the space feel larger than life with clever design. Incorporate vertical elements like floral arches, hanging greenery, or even a boho-inspired macramé backdrop for the ceremony.
Oh, and don’t forget the symbolism! Flowers hold meaning—incorporate blooms that represent love, unity, or friendship. I once saw a couple weave rosemary sprigs into their centerpieces, a nod to remembrance and loyalty. It was simple yet deeply meaningful.
Pro Tip: DIY your décor wisely. My rule is this: If it takes less than 10 minutes to set up, go for it. Anything more complicated? Outsource it. The last thing you want is to spend the morning of your wedding wrestling with a glue gun.
Catering in Your Comfort Zone
When it comes to food, think comfort with a twist. One backyard bride served wood-fired pizza from a food truck parked in the driveway. Another couple opted for a picnic-style wedding with gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and mini bottles of prosecco.
The beauty of backyard weddings is that you’re not bound by convention. Want a s’mores station or a build-your-own taco bar? Go for it. Your guests will love the interactive element, and you’ll love how it fosters conversation and laughter.
Weather Watch
I’ve learned the hard way that Mother Nature doesn’t always RSVP. Backyard weddings are beautiful, but they come with weather-related risks. Always have a plan B. Renting a tent or marquee is a smart move—it’s your insurance against unexpected rain or an overzealous sun.
One wedding I attended made brilliant use of clear tents, creating an “under the stars” vibe even with a drizzle. It turned a potential disaster into a stunning, romantic evening.
Why It’s Worth It
A small backyard wedding isn’t just about saving money (though your wallet will thank you). It’s about creating a space where every detail reflects who you are as a couple. It’s where your pet can be the ring bearer, where you can exchange vows under the tree you played in as a child, and where your neighbors might just peek over the fence to cheer you on.
The intimacy of these weddings often fosters genuine, heartfelt moments. I’ve witnessed teary-eyed vows and heard laughter ring louder than any DJ’s playlist. There’s a raw, unfiltered beauty to a backyard wedding that no lavish ballroom can replicate.
Finally – I’m sure you’re curious about the costs of having such a small backyard wedding, so watch this video:
Final Thoughts
Covering backyard weddings for over a decade has taught me that simplicity often yields the most profound beauty. If you’re planning one, don’t be afraid to make it personal, keep it practical, and above all, enjoy the process. After all, isn’t the best part of a backyard wedding the fact that you’re already home?
So, which of these Small Backyard Wedding Ideas resonates with you the most? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to tag us when sharing your backyard wedding photos—Bespoke Bride loves celebrating with you!
