How to Throw the Perfect Backyard Wedding

Now that you've decided to host your wedding in the backyard, it's time to set the stage for the ceremony. This arbor was created using large branches, yards of white fabric, fresh flowers and eucalyptus. For the seating use chairs, long wooden benches or even bales of hay if you're having a rustic fall wedding. 

Arbors and trellises made of wrought iron or wood are easy to decorate with greenery, flowers, lights and fabric swags. After the wedding, place it in your favorite spot in the yard and plant climbing vines or roses. It'll serve as a reminder of your special day for years to come.

Tables & Chairs
Next, you'll need to focus on the reception space. There are several ways to create a beautiful and inviting ambience. For a rustic feel, consider long wooden tables or several picnic tables lined up together. If you prefer a more formal feel, cover wood tables or portable folding tables with linen or cotton tablecloths.

Another option is to use several round tables. If it's bright and sunny, add white or fringed patio umbrellas for a lovely look that keeps your guests cool.

Place Settings
In this image, rustic meets chic with wicker chargers and linen napkins tied with jute twine and a rosemary sprig. But the look is elevated with crystal vases, pillars and long white tapered candles. 

For the dinnerware, white dishes and brass flatware are timeless classics. If you don't rent them, you could purchase these for the reception and then use some of them as your daily dishes and cutlery later.

Hanging Decor
If you're placing the tables under the trees, then create some visual interest overhead. Floral topiaries hanging from ribbon look delicate and pretty. Hanging glass globe orb terrariums can be filled with succulents, air plants or tealight candles.

One of the best ways to create a stunning backdrop for a wedding is with great lighting. It's important to come up with a plan to determine where they can be plugged in and how many lights can be strung together at a time. 

Also, do you have fencing, trees or a structure that can support them? If it's an open space, you'll need to use string light posts. Here are a few lighting ideas if you're having an outdoor wedding.

String Lights
In the image above, amber and white Edison bulb string lights are hung over the reception table, which cast a warm glow as the sun goes down.

Fairy Lights
Hang fairy lights vertically from trees for a dramatic effect. They can also be draped above the table.

Christmas or Twinkle Lights
Christmas or twinkle lights can be wrapped around tree trunks and branches.

Chandeliers
Hanging crystal chandeliers from the trees over your dinner table creates a sophisticated backdrop.

From the ceremony and the bridal bouquet to the reception tables and groomsmen boutonnieres, floral costs can add up quickly. However, these budget-friendly ideas can be pretty and easy on the wallet.

Beautiful Blooms
For the reception table, line the tables with small vases and add a single large bloom to each one. It's simple and impactful. Depending on the season you can use hydrangeas, peonies, sunflowers, tropical hibiscus, dahlias or magnolias.

Plants
For your reception centerpieces, consider using one plant, such as an orchid, amaryllis, lavender or succulents in a pretty ceramic pot. Then the guests can take home a beautiful plant that can last for weeks or months.

Keep it Green
Create a striking table runner with fresh greens like eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, ferns, willow leaves or rosemary. For a pop of color, add fresh slices of lemon, lime or orange.

Inexpensive Alternatives
Instead of using a mix of costly tulips, peonies, roses and more, consider a simple bouquet of baby's breath. As shown in the image above, this arrangement is finished with a small piece of lace and jute wrapped around a clear jar -- great for a small outdoor wedding.

Having an open bar at a wedding can add up quickly, but these ideas can save you money for the honeymoon.

Wine & Beer
Visit your local wine shop and ask the experts. Tell them your budget and they're find a nice red, white and rose for your event. Some places will allow you to return what's unused, so it's worth asking if they do. Choose a couple of beer options as well.

Spirits
Rather than having a bar with all the trimmings, limit it to a couple of signature cocktails. Do you prefer something with citrus? smoky? herbal? Pinterest and Instagram are flooded with great recipes or ask a bartender at your favorite restaurant to come up with a drink your guests will love. Then serve it at the cocktail hour.

Mocktails
Mocktails are a refreshing and delicious alternative to alcohol -- and they're more popular than ever. For summer, consider a grapefruit thyme drink, a watermelon mint cooler or a pineapple mojito mocktail. Guests at fall weddings can enjoy a honey roasted pear mocktail or a sparkling apple cider punch.

Due to their intricate designs and the labor that's involved, wedding cakes can cost hundreds of dollars or more. However, this is one area where you can cut costs without sacrificing taste or style. 

Once you've done your taste testing and selected your flavor, ask the baker to make a naked or semi-naked cake. This means that it has frosting in-between, but minimal frosting on the sides (as pictured above). 

If you prefer a more traditional look, ask your local grocery store or bakery to create two or three white-frosted round cakes in different sizes. On the wedding day, carefully stack the layers. 

Then add flowers or greenery to match the cake to the rest of your decor. Place it on a pretty cake stand and serve to your guests. 

Your guests need to know where they're going when it comes to parking, the ceremony, the bathroom, bar and more. Using wood plaques and some paint pens, these DIY wedding decorations are fun and easy to make. To make the signs, use stencils or find a friend that has great handwriting to help you out.

There are also plenty of sites where you can print your menus, place cards and seating charts. Use cardstock or heavy poster board for a quality finish. These outdoor wedding ideas on a budget will ensure you have a beautiful day that won't break the bank.