21 Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Decorations to Style Your Big Day
Whether you’re saying “I do” at the beach, in the woods, on a mountain, in your backyard, or any other place in the great outdoors, there’s a special kind of magic about being in nature. Outdoor weddings offer incredible atmosphere and the opportunity to create some of the most stunning wedding photos, especially when you enhance the space with the right outdoor wedding decorations.
If you’re looking for ideas for your outdoor wedding, you’re in the right place. Find inspiration and practical tips for your big day with our favorite outdoor wedding decoration ideas.
21 Outdoor Wedding Decorations for Your Special Day
With such an abundance of outdoor wedding decorations to consider, it can be a little daunting to narrow down the options. To help you out, we’ve curated this list of 21 outdoor wedding decorations for your nuptials. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas on how to style your ceremony space, or inspiration for your wedding reception decor, these ideas will help you pull it all together long before you send out your online invitations.
1. Chalkboard Signage
Welcome your guests in style (and give them some direction) on your wedding day with personalized wedding signs. You can make budget-friendly DIY chalkboard signs or work with a designer to create pieces that match your wedding theme.
2. Natural Fabric Table Runners
Take inspiration from the natural sights and textures around you when it comes to your table decor — think cotton, wool, linen, bamboo, hemp, jute, or silk. Cover your reception tables with a natural fabric tablecloth or table runner to create the perfect base for your tablescapes.
3. Wedding Arch
A beautiful wedding arch can transform your outdoor ceremony space. Floral arches are always popular, but you could also choose a design that fits your theme — like a driftwood arch for a beach wedding or an acrylic arch for a modern and elegant wedding ceremony.
4. Themed Seating
It’s tempting to stick with the basic chairs that your wedding venue offers, but a great way to elevate your outdoor wedding decor is with chairs that match your wedding theme. Mix things up with tree stumps for a rustic wedding, hay bales for a farm wedding, or floor cushions for a boho wedding.
5. Light Up Letters
If you’re hosting your wedding ceremony or reception into the evening, lighting can have a big impact on the atmosphere. Bring it to life with the help of oversized light up letters, either in your initials or a romantic phrase that you relate to.
6. Aisle Decorations
You want all the attention to be on you and your betrothed as you walk down the aisle, but some simple wedding aisle decorations can help set the scene. Small floral bouquets in vases, glowing lanterns, floral garlands on the backs of chairs, and flower petals sprinkled on the ground all look beautiful without detracting from the big moment.
7. Seasonal Items
One of the best ways to make your outdoor wedding feel alive is with some seasonal touches. An abundance of pastel flowers works well for a spring wedding, and bright pops of color are ideal for a summer wedding. For a fall wedding, add dried flowers or pumpkins. If you’re having a winter wedding, add blankets for your guests to stay warm or decorate with festive wreaths.
8. Custom Fabric Banner
Highlight your love for each other and invest in a decor piece that you can keep forever in the form of a personalized fabric banner. You can easily find options online whether you want a small or large banner. Consider a velvet banner in your wedding colors to showcase at your dreamy boho wedding. It also makes a lovely keepsake of your big day.
9. Flower Wall
Flower walls remain a popular wedding trend, and they make wonderful outdoor wedding decorations. Commission a flower wall for your wedding reception that’s filled with blooms to match your wedding color palette. You can also add Edison bulbs or string lights to create a picture-perfect photo backdrop.
10. Elegant Chandeliers
Create a sophisticated atmosphere with the help of chandeliers. Suspend them from the ceiling of your wedding tent and either light them for a cozy glow or use them purely as outdoor wedding decorations.
11. Romantic Quote Signs
Romantic quote signs are a great way to add a bit of flair to a chic wedding. Handwrite some of your favorite quotes about love onto chalkboards or wooden signs, or print and frame quotes to hang as a backdrop for your gifting or dessert tables.
12. Fabric Canopy
Create a space that blends the beauty of the outdoors and the practicality of a covered wedding venue with the help of a canopy. Drape pastel fabric across the ceiling to soften the look and create a fairytale feel for a romantic wedding reception.
13. Oversized Floral Wedding Centerpieces
Make an impact and catch your guests’ attention with oversized floral centerpieces on your reception tables. Ask your florist to create striking floral arrangements that tower above the table settings. Below, you can have small vases filled with delicate white or pastel blooms to balance out the look.
14. Mirrored Signage
If you’re looking for an alternative to the chalkboard signage wedding trend, consider mirrors instead. Mirrors offer a fast and easy way to level up a casual backyard wedding and they’re right at home with a more sophisticated outdoor wedding.
15. Rustic Bar Cart
Give your guests a fun and chic spot for drinks with the help of a themed bar cart. This wedding trend is not only a practical idea that allows guests to help themselves but it also makes a stylish outdoor wedding decoration that can spruce up your theme.
16. Framed Photos
Celebrate your love and create one of the best personalized outdoor wedding decorations with a framed photo display. Ask your wedding party to help you gather your favorite photos, print them out, and frame them. Paint the frames to match your wedding colors, then display them on a table or attach them to a wooden backdrop.
17. Potted Plants and Trees
You don’t need to invest in expensive floral displays for your big day. Potted plants and trees that you can source from your friends and family members make wonderful outdoor wedding decorations. This budget-friendly alternative is perfect for a relaxed garden wedding or a romantic seaside ceremony.
18. Mason Jars
For a fabulous farm wedding, it’s almost a prerequisite to include Mason jars as part of your outdoor wedding decorations. These multipurpose favorites can be transformed into vases for small floral displays, holders for string lighting or candles, or even as receptacles to house DIY wedding favors like preserves or cake mix.
19. Relaxed Outdoor Seating
Add some fun outdoor seating to your reception space to give your guests somewhere relaxing to drink, laugh, and enjoy the wedding cake. Deck chairs or floor cushions work great for a backyard wedding, or you could invest in quirky sofas for a boho or festival-themed reception.
20. Outdoor Swing
Create a beautiful scene for your wedding photos by installing an outdoor swing for your backyard reception, or using one that’s already provided by your wedding venue. Decorate the swing with floral garlands or greenery and get some magical snaps for your photo album.
21. String Lighting
Add some sparkle to your outdoor wedding ceremony or reception space with string lighting. Use these delicate lights to illuminate your reception tables or create a glow around your dance floor. Colorful fairy lights help create a fun retro atmosphere while traditional warm bulbs gives off a cozy vibe.
Set the Scene for Something Beautiful with These Outdoor Wedding Decoration Ideas
Whether you’re hosting an elegant beach wedding or a cozy backyard ceremony, these outdoor wedding ideas can help you create the ultimate setting for this once-in-a-lifetime moment. As you plan your big day, look for ways to tie your overall wedding theme into everything you do — including your invitations.
Browse through our collection of save the dates and wedding invitations to find a design that suits your style. Once you choose your template, you can customize the layout and font, and add your personal details. Before you know it, you’ll have the perfect invites to match your outdoor wedding decor.
