In this post, we’ll take a look at twenty of the most beautiful backyard rustic wedding ideas that will not only elevate your space but make your life easier on the big day too!
Published: 8/26/24
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There’s a lot of unique obstacles to consider when planning a backyard wedding.
Whether for better or worse, a backyard wedding is going to be one that your guests will remember!
We just want to make sure that it’s memorable because of how beautiful it was, not how disastrous.
These backyard rustic wedding ideas will show you the potential that lies in an intimate outdoor wedding.
From beautiful banquet tables to ceremonies on patio decks, you’ll find ideas in this list that you hadn’t even considered in your wedding planning.
This list is meant to inspire and help you be prepared for the curveballs that mother nature can throw your way.
Whether your guest list is large or small, your yard is sprawling or intimate, there’s something for every wedding below.
20 Backyard Rustic Wedding Ideas
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1. Mismatched Chairs
Credit: @jessicamannsphotography
One of the beautiful things about hosting a backyard wedding is that imperfections will only add to the charm.
An easy way to save money on rentals is to thrift your own chairs throughout the wedding process!
Through Facebook marketplace and Goodwill, you’ll no doubt be able to find an assortment of beautiful chairs that don’t quite match, but certainly complement each other.
2. Hay Bales for the Ceremony
Credit: @halfwayhippieca
If, however, you know you don’t have the manpower to tackle so many chairs, try hay bales for your seating instead.
Hay bales will add an undeniable country charm to your ceremony that your guests are sure to fawn over.
They can also be easily moved to the sides of your yard to create space for a dance floor but still have open seating on the perimeter!
3. Patio Deck Wedding Ceremony
Credit: @melissaortendahlphotography
Instead of renting or DIY-in an elevated stage for your ceremony, use what you’ve already got in your patio deck!
Using the deck is the perfect way to make sure all your guests are able to see what’s happening.
Also, it allows more space for the reception to happen in the yard as you won’t have to take up as much lawn space.
4. Customize the Pool
Credit: @my100yearoldhome
If there’s a pool in the backyard where you’re hosting your wedding, then don’t let that space go to waste!
Instead of having it be an eye sore, decorate it with floating letters and candles to make a statement.
I absolutely love how they’ve spelled out the wedding name in the reception above. The lanterns will make the sunset extra magical.
5. Park Under a Tree
Credit: @thegernands
To ensure that the photos off your ceremony are as dreamy as you hoped for, consider placing the vows under a large tree.
The tree will add all the natural beauty for you and take away the need for an additional arch or ceremonial display.
You can still climb flowers up the trunk or hang drapes in the branches for an elevated look that will frame your photos perfectly.
6. Old Windows for Seat Assignments
Credit: @thejesspress_
If you’ve ever replaced the windows in your home and hung on to the old ones just in case, well now is that case!
I love the idea of reusing retired things around your home and garage to create beautiful new vignettes around your space.
Windows make the perfect signs for seating arrangements as you can place one table per windowpane.
7. Charming Welcome Station
Credit: @joshuacoreyphoto
When it comes to backyard rustic wedding ideas, it’s important to create some organization throughout the space by utilizing stations.
Make sure your guests know they’re at the right place and where to go next by setting up a welcome station at the entrance.
Here you can put the guestbook for them to sign, a glass of champagne to get started, and anything else your guests might need for the perfect evening.
8. Mobile Bars and Food Trucks
Credit: @caravanandtonic
One of the biggest concerns that people have with hosting a backyard wedding is how to tackle food and drinks for guests.
If you don’t feel up to the challenge of making the food yourself (I know I wouldn’t), then you can go the route of mobile dining!
Food trucks and mobile bars are not only easy to get in and out of small spaces, but they’re absolutely delicious and will bring a unique touch to your wedding.
9. Backyard Bonfire
Credit: @nastasia.z.photography
I’m super drawn to backyard weddings because of the different types of activities they offer for the reception.
If you’re not the type of person who wants to be on a dance floor with a DJ all night, then this might be the wedding option for you.
Instead, you and your guests can roast marshmallows over a bonfire or drink a beer while playing corn hole for a fun evening that’s more your speed.
10. Rustic Boho Backdrop
Credit: @creameryhill
Having a ceremony backdrop that you absolutely love is important for numerous reasons.
Not only is it the primary part of your space that everyone will be looking at for the duration of the wedding, but it’s also where a ton of pictures are taken.
If you want your ceremony photos and subsequent family photos to really stand out, put some time into creating a beautiful backdrop!
11. Heavy Vases for Tables
Credit: @elissadeline
Hosting a backyard wedding presents some unique challenges and one of the biggest ones is the WIND.
Even a light breeze can wreak havoc on a stunning tablescape or delicately placed florals.
My biggest piece of advice to anyone looking for backyard rustic wedding ideas is to invest in heavy and sturdy vases that will keep your linens in place and flowers anchored.
12. Antique Ladder Drink Platter
Credit: @anaispossamai
One of the biggest trends I’ve been seeing recently for wedding decor is to have a drink wall or stand that guests use to grab champagne as the reception starts.
Not only is it a beautiful display, but it also resolves a lot of traffic at the bar as everyone begins to party for the night.
For a backyard wedding with a smaller guest list, consider something like this antique ladder stand to create the perfect rustic drink wall for your guests.
13. Hanging Fans
Credit: @ah_lovestories
Outdoor weddings in the warmer months can quickly become very uncomfortable for the bride and guests. All that getting ready for it just to melt away.
Combat this problem which is sure to create some grumpiness by hanging fans anywhere you can sneak them throughout your yard.
Not only will this help keep everyone’s temperature down, but it will also keep the bugs at bay!
14. One Long Banquet Table
Credit: @sydneybreannphoto
To keep things simple and maximize your space, consider creating one long banquet table for the meal instead of multiple smaller ones.
This will also be cheaper as you can buy simple card tables and dress them up with tablecloths and centerpieces.
I also just love the community feeling of a banquet table and it takes away the stress of assigned seating!
15. Large Party Tent
Credit: @knottedevents.co
If it’s in the budget, it’s undeniable the way to go for a backyard wedding is to rent an event tent.
They take away all the concern that impending weather brings by protecting your tables, decor, and guests.
Also, they just look absolutely beautiful and make hanging string lights overhead much easier.
16. Standing Heaters
Credit: @alyssamarieephoto
Similar to utilizing fans in the warmer months, if you’re backyard wedding falls in a colder month you’ll want to invest in propane heaters.
Keeping everyone comfortable is of the upmost importance and you don’t want guests in dresses getting cold and leaving early.
Propane heaters are relatively cheap and definitely worth it for the way they’ll extend the festivities all night long!
17. Wood Accents
Credit: @lovelorraine.co
The key to achieving a rustic look to your wedding decor is to use as many natural materials as you’re able to.
Wood chairs, wood tables, linen table runners, jute chargers, and any other detail you can think of but make it natural!
Designing this way also takes all the stress out of coordinating because natural materials always layer beautifully.
18. Thoughtful Props
Credit: @janelle.elise.photo
Because weather has to be a forefront consideration for your backyard wedding, you have to prepare for the worst.
In the same way you can set up fan and heaters, you can also offer different amenities to your guests to make them more comfortable.
Umbrellas for the threat of rain, blankets for chilly nights, and complimentary hand fans are all great ideas to consider.
19. In Season Plants and Produce
Credit: @alyssalizarragaphoto
Save money on expensive florals by using the plants and produce you can find already growing in your yard or at your local grocery store!
How gorgeous is this use of onions to decorate a cocktail table for a rustic backyard wedding.
This will really pile on the country charm and make your guests feel like they’re one with nature throughout the evening.
20. Wild Wildflowers
Credit: @alyssalizarragaphoto
I truly saved the best for last on this list of backyard rustic wedding ideas. How stunning is this floral wedding display?
Like I said in the first idea on this list, embracing the imperfect is what will bring the most charm to your outdoor wedding.
Let the floral arrangements be messy and filled with wildflowers to create this magical cottage look at your ceremony.
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