Backyard Reception Ideas

10 tips to create an elegant outdoor wedding reception on a budget.

 

1. Centrepiece

Potted centrepieces are the perfect way to complement an outdoor wedding theme. Pick your favourite flowers and plant them yourselves. Guests can take the centrepieces home and put them in their own gardens.

2. Wedding Favour

Give your guests an adorable miniature birdhouse to help feather their own "Love Nests". The package contains four uniquely designed birdhouses. These make novel favours if you’re planning around a garden or outdoor theme. Combine the gift with wedSHOP’s "Home Tweet Home" Personalized Card or other Love Bird inspired accessories.

3. Lighting

Natural lighting is beautiful for an outdoor wedding. But as the sun sets, you’ll want to keep the mood natural and elegant, so light up your reception with candles and outdoor touches like these customizable stainless steel torches.

4. Bridal Party Gifts

Good Luck in Full Bloom Silicone Bottle Stopper is a funky floral bottle stopper and is a fun and functional bridal party gift. The flexible silicone allows the stopper to seal a variety of bottle tops and is completely washable. A great favour option to keep to your outdoor theme.

5. Backyard Foods

Nothing makes a backyard wedding atmosphere more comfortable than the food. Serving up a simple BBQ menu with some of your favourite pies and treats will make your guests happy. Don’t forget to have milk and cookies out for guests to nibble on during the night.

6. Dress Code

Keep it casual and fun, indicate on your invitations that the wedding will be outdoors and isn’t a black tie affair. This will ensure your guests dress appropriately for the weather and atmosphere.

7. Decor

Match your décor to what’s already present at the venue. If there are beautiful white picket fences, use baskets and buckets filled with fresh daises or pick a colour scheme of blues and whites. Décor can be simple and sweet. Tablecloths, flowers in simple vases and hanging lanterns may be all you need.

 

 

8. Wedding Dress

Tea-length dresses are beautiful for outdoor weddings. They are short enough not to drag on the floor, yet are still appropriate for chillier days.

 

See also The Mini Dress article

9. Groomswear

Shorts and a loose dress shirt can work wonders for a backyard wedding; no need for a bulky tux or suit. Light cotton fabrics are the way to dress him. As a plus, your groom with be comfortable and happy. Check out Tip Top Tailors' Collection in Men's Wedding Attire

10. Hair and Makeup

Especially for those warmer days, hair is best kept swept back. Make-up should look natural as possible. Accentuate your eyes with mascara and keep lips a neutral colour with shimmer.

Check out the WedStyle section for the latest wedding trends.