
Dreaming of a wedding that’s both grand? Or perhaps a micro-wedding thats intimate and relaxed? A backyard or outdoor wedding might be your perfect match! But who says you have to sacrifice luxury for the beauty of nature?
Whether you’re envisioning a garden soirée, a rustic vineyard celebration, or a chic beachside ceremony, get ready to embrace the outdoors and say “I do” in style.
Let Nature Set the Stage

Your backyard’s natural beauty is the perfect backdrop. Enhance it with minimal decor, focusing on lush greenery, seasonal blooms, and natural materials like wood and stone. Use linen runners or sheer gauze runners to add an organic touch.
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Enchanted Garden Ceremony

Transform your backyard into a magical garden oasis, where romance blossoms under a canopy of twinkling lights and fragrant blooms. Drape cascading floral arrangements and whimsical lanterns from tree branches, creating an enchanting atmosphere for your ceremony.
Frame the space with lush greenery and climbing vines, adding a touch of fairytale charm with a floral arch or trellis adorned with fragrant blooms.
Creative Seating
Ditch the traditional rows of chairs and create a unique ceremony layout. Think semi-circles, mismatched vintage chairs, or even cozy picnic blankets for a relaxed and intimate feel.
Reception Flow
Design a reception space that encourages mingling and connection. Long feasting tables, cocktail-style setups, and comfortable lounge areas create a welcoming and interactive atmosphere.
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Infuse Your Personality

RECYCLED Vintage Glassware: A Toast to Sustainability!
This idea not only provides a talking point and a fun activity for guests, but it also reflects a growing trend towards sustainable celebrations. By repurposing vintage glassware, you’re giving these items a new life and reducing the environmental impact of your wedding.
Plus, it’s a great way to add some personality and charm to your reception! Each glass tells a story, and your guests will love the opportunity to choose a piece that speaks to them.
DIY: Upcycled Vintage Glassware
Materials: A collection of vintage glassware (different shapes, sizes, and colors add to the charm!), a sign that says “Pick a Glass to Keep and Fill!”, and your favorite beverages.
How-to: Gather a variety of unique vintage glassware from thrift stores, antique shops, or even your own family’s collection. Arrange them on a table with a sign inviting guests to choose their favorite glass to use throughout the celebration and take home as a memento.
Why it’s special: This eco-friendly and fun idea adds a touch of vintage charm to your wedding while reducing waste. Guests will love the personal touch and the opportunity to take home a unique souvenir.
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Cozy Retreats
Designate cozy lounge areas throughout your backyard for guests to relax and mingle.
Use outdoor furniture, soft blankets, and warm lighting, like these modern farmhouse lanterns or these outdoor flameless candles for guests to relax and enjoy the evening.
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- Teak Rattan Lounge Chair
- Solar Outdoor Rattan Lanterns
- Handcrafted Stone Terracotta Vase
- 3 Lanterns w/6hr Flickering Flameless Candles
- Decorative Terracotta Vase
Natural Decor

Natural Decor
Embrace the beauty of natural elements like wildflowers, branches, and potted plants, which can double as wedding favors.
Instead of traditional floral arrangements, decorate tables with potted herbs like rosemary, mint, and lavender, which guests can take home as fragrant reminders of your special day.
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Creating a Magical Ambiance

Set the mood with elegant lighting solutions that enhance your backyard wedding ambiance. String lights, lanterns, and candles create a warm and romantic atmosphere after the sun sets.
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- String Lights
- White Paper Lanterns
- Boho/Rustic Burlap Paper Lanterns
- White Decorative Candle Lanterns (Flameless)
Fruit & Flower Tablescape



Create your own budget-friendly DIY fruit and floral centerpiece. Its a beautiful and sustainable way to decorate your wedding tables. It’s a feast for the eyes and a fragrant reminder of the season, without the hefty price tag.
DIY Fruit and Floral Centerpiece: Budget-Friendly Beauty
Materials:
Repurposed containers: Instead of buying new vases, use mason jars, vintage bottles, wood bowls, or found vessels. Decorate them twine, or lace for a personalized touch.
Foraged greenery: Take a walk in nature and gather greenery like ferns, branches, or wildflowers. This is a free and sustainable way to add volume and texture to your centerpiece.
Affordable flowers: Opt for in-season blooms from your local farmer’s market, grocery store, or Costco! Consider using a few statement flowers and filling in with less expensive greenery. Look at dry and artificial fillers as well.
Seasonal fruits: Choose fruits that are in season and readily available. Apples, oranges, and pears are budget-friendly options that add vibrant color.
Instructions:
- Prepare the containers: Clean and decorate your repurposed containers. If using a container without drainage, line it with plastic wrap to protect it from moisture.
- Add the greenery: Start by adding the foraged greenery, moss, rocks, creating a base for your arrangement.
- Add the fruits: Add the fruits into the arrangement, using toothpicks or skewers to secure them if needed.
- Incorporate the flowers: Add the flowers, placing them at varying heights and angles. Fill in with smaller flowers and additional greenery, tuck into the fruits as well
- Finishing touches: Fill in any gaps with additional greenery or small flowers. Tie a ribbon or twine around the container for decoration (optional).
Tips:
- Flower selection: Choose flowers that are in season and locally grown for the best value.
- Height: Vary the heights of the flowers and fruits to create a dynamic arrangement.
- Greenery: Use greenery to fill in any gaps and create a lush, full look.



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- Artificial Magnolia Floral Stems
- Hurricane Candle Glass Set
- Asparagus Fern
- Green Artificial Artichokes
- Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Bowl
Farm to Table

Farm-to-Table Beverage Ideas
Seasonal Cocktails: Use fresh, locally-sourced fruits and herbs to create signature cocktails. Think strawberry basil margaritas, blackberry mint mojitos, or peach thyme sangria. Partner with a local distillery for small-batch spirits or use farm-fresh juices and syrups.
Peach Thyme Sangria Recipe
This refreshing sangria is perfect for a summer wedding or any outdoor gathering. The combination of sweet peaches, fragrant thyme, and crisp white wine is simply irresistible. This version skips the brandy for a lighter, non-alcoholic option.
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: At least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Ingredients:
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup fresh thyme sprigs
1/4 cup honey (or agave nectar)
1 bottle (750 ml) chilled dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1 cup sparkling water or club soda
Optional garnishes: peach slices, thyme sprigs
Instructions:
1. Combine peaches and thyme: In a large pitcher, combine the sliced peaches and thyme sprigs. Muddle gently to release the flavors.
2. Add honey: Pour in the honey (or agave nectar). Stir well to combine.
3. Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add wine and sparkling water: Just before serving, add the chilled white wine and sparkling water (or club soda) to the pitcher. Stir gently.
5. Serve: Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with peach slices and thyme sprigs, if desired.
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful peach thyme sangria! It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a warm summer day.
Infused Waters
Create refreshing infused waters with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs like cucumber mint, strawberry basil, or mixed citrus.
Local Brews
Offer a selection of craft beers from local breweries. This supports local businesses and provides guests with a taste of the region.
For your food menu, design your menu around what’s in season locally. This ensures the freshest ingredients and reduces your carbon footprint. Partner with local farms to source your vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Consider showcasing unique heirloom varieties or lesser-known vegetables.
Choose sustainably-raised meats and poultry from local farms. If seafood is on the menu, opt for local, seasonal catches. Feature a selection of locally-made cheeses and breads. This adds a touch of gourmet flair and supports local artisans.
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Custom Favors



DIY! Create your own custom wedding guest favors like homemade lavender candles and/or homemade herb infused oils. These are unique and thoughtful wedding favors that your guests will appreciate.
DIY Lavender Candles: A Favor Your Guests Will Love
This DIY project combines the soothing scent of lavender with a personal touch, making it the perfect wedding favor for any celebration!
Materials:
- Soy wax flakes: Soy wax is a natural and eco-friendly option.
- Lavender essential oil: Choose a high-quality essential oil for a strong and long-lasting fragrance.
- Dried lavender buds: These will be used for decoration and to enhance the lavender scent.
- Candle Holders: votive candle holders, vintage pastel candle holders, small mason jars, teacups, or small tins work well.
- Wicks: Choose wicks that are appropriate for the size of your containers.
- Double boiler or heat-safe pot and bowl: For melting the wax (candle making kit)
- Thermometer: To monitor the wax temperature.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Stirring sticks: Wooden skewers or chopsticks work well.
- Optional: Personalized labels or tags
Instructions:
- Prepare the containers: Attach the wicks to the bottom of the containers using a wick sticker or a dab of hot glue.
- Melt the wax: Fill the double boiler or pot with water and bring to a simmer. Place the soy wax flakes in the heat-safe bowl and set it over the simmering water. Stir occasionally until the wax is completely melted.
- Add the essential oil: Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly, then add the lavender essential oil. Start with a few drops and add more until you reach your desired fragrance strength. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the lavender buds: While the wax is still wet, sprinkle dried lavender buds into the wax.
- Pour the candles: Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared containers, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
- Cool and cure: Let the candles cool and harden completely. This may take several hours or overnight. Once the candles are solid, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch.
- Personalize (optional): Add a personalized touch by attaching labels or tags with your names and wedding date, or a simple “Thank You” message.
Tips:
- Wax temperature: Heat the wax to around 185°F (85°C) for optimal results.
- Fragrance strength: Start with a small amount of essential oil and add more gradually until you achieve your desired scent.
- Cooling: Avoid placing the candles in the refrigerator or freezer to cool, as this can cause them to crack.
- Curing: Allow the candles to cure for at least 24 hours before burning for the best fragrance throw.
These DIY lavender candles are a beautiful and thoughtful way to thank your guests for sharing your special day. The soothing scent of lavender and the personalized touch will make them a cherished keepsake.
DIY Infused Oils: A Flavorful Wedding Gift
These homemade infused oils are a unique and thoughtful gift for your wedding guests. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Materials:
- High-quality olive oil: Choose a mild-flavored olive oil for infusing.
- Fresh herbs or spices: Choose herbs or spices that complement each other and your wedding theme. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, chili peppers, garlic, and citrus zest.
- Bottles or jars: Choose bottles or jars with airtight lids.
- Optional: Personalized labels or tags.
Instructions:
- Prepare the herbs or spices: Wash and thoroughly dry the herbs. If using spices, lightly toast them in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor.
- Fill the bottles: Place the herbs or spices in the clean, dry bottles, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Warm the oil: Gently warm the olive oil in a saucepan over low heat. Do not boil. Warming the oil helps to release the flavors of the herbs and spices more quickly.
- Pour the oil: Carefully pour the warmed olive oil into the bottles, covering the herbs or spices completely. Leave a small amount of space at the top.
- Seal and infuse: Seal the bottles tightly with the lids. Place the bottles in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow the flavors to infuse. Shake the bottles gently every few days.
- Strain (optional): After the infusing period, you can strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove the herbs or spices. This will give the oil a smoother consistency.
- Personalize: Create custom labels with your names, wedding date, and a brief description of the flavor profile. Attach the labels to the bottles.
Tips:
- Flavor combinations: Get creative with your flavor combinations! Some popular options include:
- Rosemary and garlic
- Chili pepper and citrus zest
- Thyme and lemon
- Basil and oregano
- Lemon
These homemade infused oils are a unique and thoughtful wedding favor that your guests will appreciate. They’re a delicious way to add flavor to their cooking and a beautiful reminder of your special day.
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- Soy Wax Flakes for Candle Making
- 15 Bottles with Lids, Tags & Twine
- Vintage Candle Holders
- Lavender Essential Oil
- 30 Olive Oil Dispenser Set
Love by the Light

As the sun dips below the horizon and the stars begin to twinkle, invite guests to gather around a cozy fire pit area. Create a comfortable and inviting space with plush seating, warm blankets, and soft lighting.
Set up a nearby s’mores station with all the fixings: graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and skewers for roasting. The crackling fire, the sweet treats, and the company of loved ones will create a magical and memorable ending to your backyard wedding celebration.
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- Fleece Throw Blanket (under $10)
- S’mores Station
- Marshmallow Roasting Sticks for Fire Pit
- Tabletop Fire Pit for S’mores

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