How to Have a Chic Backyard Wedding

Decor items dress up a backyard wedding.

Backyard weddings are typically selected over a traditional hall or restaurant reception because they are more personal, homey and affordable. However, just because a reception is in your backyard does not mean that it has to be rustic and casual instead of chic or elegant. By dressing up the space with quality decor items and embellishments, the simple backyard space can be transformed into a chic and sophisticated venue.

Things You'll Need

• White Christmas lights
• Hanging candles
• Paper lanterns
• Table linens
• Fine china and tableware items
• Bistro tables and chairs
• Flowers or potted plants
• Red rose floral arrangements
• Candelabras
• Heart-shaped piece of wood
• Satin ribbon
• Sofas
• Pedestal tables
• Candles

Instructions

1. Wrap white Christmas lights around the trunks of the trees in the backyard.

2. Hang white paper lanterns from the tree limbs as well as hanging electric candles to cast a soft glow of romantic mood lighting.

3. Drape all the tables and chairs with a high-quality white fabric, such as lace or organza. In lieu of table linens or in addition to them, set up some bistro tables and chairs as well to create a chic European feel, typical of outdoor bistros in Paris or Florence.

4. Plant or tend a garden in preparation for the event so you have a colorful floral trim around the space. If you do not have or want a backyard garden, create borders along the house, fence and trees with potted flowering plants.

5. Carve the bride and groom's initials in a heart-shaped piece of wood and hang it around a prominent tree trunk with satin ribbon to play off the romantic notion that the couple's names are carved into the tree.

6. Set the tables with fine china dishes, real silverware and quality glassware. Just because the wedding is outdoors does not mean the table settings cannot have a chic and elegant appeal.

7. Arrange a bouquet of red roses in the center of each table and pair them with a vintage candelabra to create a chic and classic feel on the tables that also helps illuminate the space when the sun goes down.

8. Arrange a small, separate seating area away from the dinner tables for guests to mingle by grouping a few plush sofas and lounge chairs together. Place a few small pedestal tables in the area as well so guests have a place to set their drinks. Scatter candles on the tables as well.

References

• The Knot: Home Wedding Reception Secrets