Expert Tips on How to Throw a Stylish Backyard Wedding

In the past year, we’ve seen plenty of our best-laid plans disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re like most of us, you’ve had to cancel vacations, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings, not to mention postpone in-person meetings and work travel, indefinitely.  Luckily, though, your wedding doesn’t need to be another rescheduled event marring your  2021 social calendar.

“During the past year, I’ve seen beautiful micro-weddings and elopements that are just as breathtaking as a ‘normal’  wedding, ” says Lara Burnap, Editor-In-Chief of California Wedding Day and Oregon Bride magazines. “Couples and planners have been so creative when coming up with different ways to tie the knot, from socially-distanced picnics at the park to nuptials where all the guests attend by Zoom.”

But the biggest trend to emerge among brides-to-be is small backyard weddings. “I  do think it was a trend created out of necessity,” says Burnap. “But, as couples see how beautiful and intimate a backyard wedding can be, it will become more commonplace. The pandemic has made us realize what really matters. At the end of the day, that’s being married to the one you love. Foregoing all the worries about seating charts, place settings and flowers creates a space for the couple to focus on what the day is really about: Each other.”

Here, Burnap and event planner, Anne Wilner, weigh in with their top five tips for how to plan a backyard wedding.

1. Invest in a Videographer

“A small backyard wedding brings a sense of intimacy, warmth, and romance to the occasion,” says Wilner. “Rather than spending only a few moments with each guest, you will celebrate the entire evening with a close-knit group of people that will feel even more invested in your union. That said, you should still hire a professional videographer to capture each moment so you can make sure to share the day with those who weren’t in attendance.”

2. Hire a Wedding Planner

“If you want to tie the knot now, rather than wait out the pandemic, my advice would be to think about what matters the most to you,” says Burnap. “Is it the dress? Is it the people who are able to attend? Or is it having a beautiful bouquet? And, no matter how small of an event, don’t underestimate the importance of having a wedding planner. There will still be many details to coordinate. They’re whizzes at coming up with ways to make even the simplest wedding special, so having an expert will ensure the day is more than you dreamed.”

3. Upgrade the Food and Drink

“If you were planning on a big buffet, switch to a coursed-out meal to elongate the dinner party experience,” says Wilner. “Rather than trying to accommodate a crowd, couples can elevate certain aspects such as pouring higher-end wines and adding a course or two to dinner. Or create one or two incredibly dramatic tablescapes, blending familial serving pieces with rented china.”

4. Add Personal Touches

“First and foremost, having a wedding at home can be a budget saver and allows the couple to have control over the number of vendors present,” says Burnap. “And pandemic or not, a backyard wedding is always  romantic. There are so many details that can be incorporated to make it special such as bringing in family heirlooms to adorn the tables or incorporating favorite dishes into the meal. And don’t forget the importance of lighting–candles, string lights, lanterns—are such an effortless way to add style and ambiance.”

5. Serve a Departure Treat

“I’ve found that some couples have had wedding priorities change as they’ve lived through the pandemic,” says Wilner. “Each couple is carving out their own story. And, while some are waiting until they can continue with their original idea, others are eager to create a new experience that fits the moment. While a smaller backyard wedding may be more relaxed, still think through each moment. A departure treat such as warm cookies for the ride home is sure to leave a sweet, lasting impression.”

Did these ideas and tips help you plan? Tell us in the comments–or ask the experts questions on how to plan a backyard wedding! For the newest big-day ready styles, head to our Bridal Shop!