Bardots backyard marriage celebration was an incredibly casual oneshe said I Do wearing a cottonday dress of pink gingham.
Should you be considering your own at-home wedding, there are a few things to consider.
But that doesnt mean you need an architect to ready the space.
Adriana Diaz and Bryan Smith at theirChicago Botanic Garden reception.Vogue, June 2020.
Save the Date
Alexandra Richards and Jacques Naude’sweddingin Connecticut.
Photographed by Hector Perez, Vogue, January 2020.
Pick a date for your backyard wedding thoughtfully.
Alexandra Richards and Jacques Naudé’sweddingin Connecticut. Photographed by Hector Perez, Vogue, January 2020.
With more people working from home, guests may be more lenient with their schedules.
Lee advises couples take advantage of this and not feel pressured to stick to holiday weekends in the summer.
You should get married in the season that you love, whether that be late summer or fall.
Adriana Diaz and Bryan Smith’sChicago Botanic Garden reception.Photographed by Chi-Chi Ari, Vogue, June 2020.
Each season has so much to offer in look and feel.
Do you prefer lighter and airier colors or rich, dark richer hues?
Figure out which speaks to you as a couple, and go deep into it.
Adriana Diaz and Bryan Smith’sChicago Botanic Garden reception.Photographed by Chi-Chi Ari, Vogue, June 2020.
If your alfresco wedding date is set a full year away, Cove suggests experiencing the space beforehand.
This will prevent any surprises.
If possible, designate individual locations for arrivals, the ceremony, the reception, and the after-party.
Florals filled Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary’sBrooklyn wedding. Photographed by Annabel of Belathee, Vogue, May 2020.
I highly recommend having separate spaces for the ceremony and reception.
It avoids having to flip the space between.
Plus, your guest transition is much easier between events, says Norwood.
Margarita Annabe and Ilya Goncharov’s tables at theirLake Como wedding. Photographed by David Bastianoni, Vogue, August 2019.
The most atmospheric space should host the ceremonybut test it out first.
As your event winds down, move into smaller spaces.
Cove recommends hosting after-reception festivities in the coziest part of your backyard.
Adriana Diaz and Bryan Smith’sChicago Botanic Garden reception.Photographed by Chi-Chi Ari, Vogue, June 2020.
However, grass parties are difficult to pull off.
We often incorporate the architectural hardscape of the property and mimic it so it looks natural.
Whether that be limestone, bluestone, or mosaic tile, says Lee.
A canopy of flowers over the tables at Margarita Annabe and Ilya Goncharov’sLake Como wedding. Photographed by David Bastianoni, Vogue, August 2019.
If flooring is out of your budget, Norwood suggests communicating to your guests to wear appropriate shoes.
Lawns and stilettos don’t mix.
Enhance Existing Flora
Florals filled Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary’sBrooklyn wedding.
For Kristina and Steven Levitan’sbackyard Brentwood wedding, they wanted to avoid anything stuffy—so they had Jon & Vinny’s cater, “including Steve’s favorite, chicken parmesan.”
Photographed by Annabel of Belathee, Vogue, May 2020.
Work with the existing landscaping when bringing in more florals.
Be mindful of whatflowersare in season and the local vegetation for an authentic feel.
At Ashley Reese and Rob Stengel’swedding, they created “the ultimate Brooklyn entrance.”
Bringing in complementary neutral florals to simply elevate the space is how I like to design, says Norwood.
No matter the season, neutral hues are classic and elegant.
you’re able to also artificially enhance existing plantings.
At Samantha Zaitz and Benjamin Rudin’s backyard wedding in the Hamptons, caterers Acquolina sourced local, fresh summer vegetables—which, according to the bride, “tasted like candy.”
For other floral arrangements, be mindful of the weather.
Keep Decor Personal
Margarita Annabe and Ilya Goncharov’s tables at theirLake Como wedding.
Photographed by David Bastianoni, Vogue, August 2019.
No matter what youre going for, make it meaningful.
[Decor] is so important and should be incredibly personal.
Dont feel the need to keep everything uniform.
But think beyond the dinner table.
As Cove explains, It is easy to assume that decor just refers to florals and linens.
And ensure that all necessary areas are lit based on that timeline, says Cove.
After dark, string lights, candles, and chandeliers can illuminate the spaces.
Always consider the weather, says Norwood.
Be mindful of the fact that additional lighting might also require the use of a generator.
Photographed by David Bastianoni, Vogue, August 2019.
Youalwaysneed a backup plan.
If feasible, have a tent at the ready if the forecast calls for rain.
Tent posts can be festooned with greenery and florals so as not to take away from the ambiance.
Norwood advises to be prepared with EZ Clips to secure linens in place and LED candles.
The more you prepare, the better off you are on the wedding day.
Consider the Front Yard
At Ashley Reese and Rob Stengelswedding, they created the ultimate Brooklyn entrance.
Think of your home holistically to make the most of its beautiful landscaping and architecture to frame your festivities.
Bring in after-party bites from your go-to late-night spot or have a nearby bakery work on creating your cake.
Have houses nearby that will likely hear the sounds of your live band?
It may make for some awkward convos, but will likely reduce the chances of any complaints.
