Backyard weddings have become increasingly popular over the past few months and to be honest, I'm all for it.

Backyard weddings are intimate and unique as they are often tailored very specifically to what the couple likes.

Below, I've rounded up 15 ways to make your backyard wedding super memorable!

(All Photos Below Were Captured By Me!) ;)

1. Create a lounge area with some funky furniture!

This area can serve two functions. 1. You can use it to take some couple photos and 2. Your guests can relax and mingle there! Remember, the furniture doesn't have to match. You can mismatch furniture for a more eclectic, boho look.

2. Consider the strengths of the space and lean into that.

If the home has a beautiful pool, how can that be made a visually interesting focal point? Perhaps lanterns can be placed around the pool, adding some romantic light to the setting.

Or, if the home has an area with beautiful flowers and plants, can that space be used for the ceremony or cocktail hour?

Is there a gigantic tree somewhere? Can things be hung from it? Like lanterns or string lights! Perhaps this tree can be used as the ceremony focal point!

3. Use string lights.

This next suggestion seems basic, but makes the biggest difference. String lights have a way of elevating any space!

4. Incorporate lawn games

These are great for cocktail hour and your guests will love it as it offers a fun and natural way to interact.

5. Use a rug aisle runner

If you're going for a bohemian vibe, this will definitely add to that!

6. Have dinner with candlelight

There is something about candlelight that is SO romantic. Many venues don't allow candles for safety purposes, so the great thing about having a backyard wedding is that you actually get to use these to your liking. They really do make all the difference!

7. Use lots of florals

Ok, this is going to make the BIGGEST difference. I can't tell you how much flowers can transform any space in such a beautiful and natural way. Flowers for your ceremony arch definitely add something special! Also, don't forget about the table centerpieces, another great area to add flowers!

8. Don't be afraid to use a lot of COLOR!

Too often I see people play it safe with all white everything. While this is super elegant and beautiful, make sure it's what you really want!

Color has a way of infusing so much life and beauty into any space!

The key is to complement it with neutrals.

For example, if you're going to use super colorful florals for the centerpieces, complement this with neutral tablecloths! This keeps everything elegant and balanced!

9. Customize your ceremony and reception areas and feel free to switch it up!

A big plus of having a backyard wedding is that you can customize everything! While creating an aisle with two sides is classic, consider other layouts as well like a round ceremony setup. You'll be surrounded by all your loved ones and all your guests will have a great view of you both!

10. Incorporate a food truck.

You can always treat your guests to a late night snack and fun experience with a good truck, including your favorite late night foods! In N Out, Ice cream, tacos, etc!

11. Go family style!

As far as food, family style dining really adds to the intimacy! Instead of having individualized plating, have the meal brought out family style so the guests can pass the dishes to one another and interact as they do so.

12. Hire a band

A live band will add to any space! So dreamy!

13. Include all of your favorite foods!

I went to a wedding where the couple highlighted the fact they loved to try different restaurants together! Instead of ordering a lot of food from one place, they ordered smaller quantities of food from several of their favorite restaurants. This added nice variety! It was also super fun for guests to try out different cuisines.

14. Have a sparkler exit!

This is a great way to send you both off and finalize the night. Also, the pictures always come out amazing!

15. Setup a designated dancing area.

You don't need to get a professional dance floor brought in to do this, although if the space is ALL grass, bringing in a dance floor is highly suggested. It will make a big difference with the experience of dancing. If there is a hard floor area, use that for the dancing space!

BONIS TIP: Set up a bar area or place wine on every table (one red bottle and one white).

Hope these ideas and tips inspire you! Backyard weddings are some of my favorite to shoot because they are super intimate and tend to be very emotional. Also, they allow for plenty of customization and intentional decisions!

Until next time,

Elyana