30 Best Small Backyard Wedding Ideas for a Beautiful, Intimate Ceremony
These sweet DIYs are perfect for a small shindig.
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This year, many couples are opting for outdoor weddings instead of indoor due to the pandemic. After all, Alex and Mauricio will be saying "I do" right on the Drummond ranch! If that's the case for you too, you might be on the lookout for some amazing small backyard wedding ideas to make your outdoor nuptials unforgettable. Whether you've been dreaming of a rustic backyard wedding for ages or the current situation made you refocus, you'll love these beautiful, inspiring ideas to keep things fresh.
After all who doesn't love a little backyard wedding? Can you think of anything more charming? Consider the possibilities! You can go barefoot in the grass if you like or throw a barbecue for your main course. Think of all the DIY wedding centerpieces you can make with fresh flowers!
To make your backyard wedding even more enchanting (and budget-friendly, if that’s top of mind for you), turn to these DIY wedding favors, decorations, and more that you can make with your own two hands. With ideas for bouquets, table numbers, bridesmaid gifts, jaw-dropping backdrops, and even a margarita bar (whew!), you'll find everything you need and then some. It’s time to get crafting and create the happiest day of your life with these DIY backyard wedding ideas.
DIY Leaf Place Cards
For easy place cards that are inspired by your own backyard, gather up fresh, green leaves and decorate them in your guests’ names using a gold permanent marker.
Get the tutorial at Canapés and Soirées.
DIY Floral Chuppah
How gorgeous is this flower-festooned chuppah? You can make this yourself using this tutorial—it'll be a stunning addition to your wedding.
Get the tutorial at Smashing the Glass.
DIY Paper Flower Wedding Bouquet
Now here’s a bouquet that’ll last for years! For a bridal bouquet that feels DIY, you can make this arrangement using crepe paper.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
DIY Margarita Bar
How fun would a margarita bar be for your backyard wedding? You can outfit yours with a variety of juices so guests can make their own flavor combinations. Don’t forget the limes!
Get the tutorial at Green Wedding Shoes.
DIY Magnolia Leaf Backdrop
To create a truly photo-worthy backdrop for your ceremony, look to this DIY that uses magnolia leaves and spray paint.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life.
DIY Hanging Mason Jars
If you’d love to add some floral touches to your wedding décor, make these Mason jars and hang the blooms from stakes that line the aisle.
Get the tutorial at Blooms by the Box.
DIY "Dancing Shoes" Basket
Instead of getting those stilettos stuck in the lawn, provide a basket of flip flops so your guests can get their dancing on!
Get the tutorial at Something Turquoise.
DIY Lemon Place Cards
For simple and sweet place cards, all you have to do is gather up a bunch of lemons, write your guests’ names on them, and add flowers for a pretty touch.
Get the tutorial at A Joyful Riot.
DIY Wedding Cake
Yes, you really can make your own wedding cake! Simply follow this tutorial and add some felt flowers to make it even more pleasing to the eye.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
DIY Paper Flower Bridal Hair Piece
If you’d like to skip the vail (it is a laid-back backyard wedding after all!), make this gorgeous floral hair piece instead.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
DIY Bridal Bouquet
Guess what? You don’t need to spend tons of money on a bridal bouquet! You can go to your local grocery store and pick up fresh flowers to make your own bouquet using these steps.
Get the tutorial at Andi Mans.
DIY Floral Lanterns
To dress up the reception tables, you can craft these floral lanterns. Who knew that faux flowers could look so amazing?
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
DIY Lawn Dominoes
For even more merriment at your wedding, provide them with a set of fun DIY lawn dominoes.
Get the tutorial at Iron & Twine.
DIY Paper Fans
If you’re anticipating a balmy night for your backyard wedding, you can make these super-cute paper fans using a Cricut maker.
Get the tutorial at PMQ for Two.
DIY Frosted Glass Vase Flower Stakes
With glass soda bottles, frosted glass spray paint, and bamboo stakes, you can create flawless décor for your backyard ceremony.
Get the tutorial at Something Turquoise.
DIY Succulent Centerpieces
To add a rustic touch drawn from nature to your reception tables, make these verdant centerpieces using real succulents.
Get the tutorial at Satori Design for Living.
DIY Lavender Bath Soak Gifts
If you’d like to give little gifts to your bridesmaids, or if you’re looking for a unique idea for DIY favors, consider making this lovely lavender bath soak.
Get the tutorial at Boxwood Avenue.
DIY Mimosa Bar
For a morning wedding, you can’t go wrong with a DIY mimosa bar! Be sure to include champagne or sparkling wine, a selection of juices, and tasty garnishes.
Get the tutorial at First Day of Home.
DIY Atlas Wedding Guest Photo Book
Pick up a vintage atlas, deck it out in photos of you and your honey, and make that the guest book for your backyard wedding. So cute and creative!
Get the tutorial at One CrafDIY Girl.
DIY Flower Girl Headband
Your flower girl will want to look her prettiest as she walks down the aisle, so you can make this charming headband for her. She’ll love the big felt flower.
Get the tutorial at Sustain My Craft Habit.
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