Outdoor wedding inspiration for your post-pandemic ceremony


Everything you need for a beautiful alfresco wedding


outdoor wedding inspiration

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Chloe Couchman
Chloe CouchmanLifestyle Writer
Updated: January 24, 2022

After thousands of weddings were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, many couples have been choosing smaller ceremonies in their back garden. 

RELATED: Garden weddings are the biggest 2022 trend – 6 vital things you need to consider

From beautiful outdoor decorations to bridal accessories and must-have lighting, here are a few ideas to help you plan a low-key, intimate wedding at home…

WATCH: Get inspiration from these beautiful celebrity weddings

Celebrity brides including Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber have all rocked personalised bridal jackets on their wedding day, and there's never been a better excuse to buy one than when hosting an outdoor ceremony or reception. This custom denim jacket is an ideal lighter alternative to leather for a summer wedding.

Back view of a woman in a denim jacket with 'Mrs Newman' embroidered, holding a bouquet.

Personalised painted calligraphy bridal denim jacket, £135, Sadie Sadie at NotOnTheHighStreet

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READ: 'My DIY wedding day cost just £6k - here's how'

MORE: The most Googled celebrity wedding dress has been revealed – and it might surprise you

Ensure you can continue your wedding celebrations after dark with this LED string lighting, which will look beautiful hung over the dining table for your outdoor reception.

Illuminated paper lanterns hang from a tree, creating a warm, glowing ambiance.

LED solar lantern chain, £29, NotOnTheHighStreet

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Whether you're getting married in your back garden or a lavish venue, a wedding arch helps to provide a focal point for your ceremony, and will provide a beautiful backdrop to your wedding photos.

Decorative arch with greenery in front of a white building, no people visible.

Ginger Ray copper wedding arch, £64.99, Amazon

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Decorate your arch with some beautiful wisteria to make your day picture-perfect. Artificial displays are often more affordable than fresh flowers and they can be used again in your home afterwards.

Artificial white flowers and green leaves arranged on a white arch structure.

Artificial wisteria vine, £7.59, Amazon

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Set the scene with this rustic hessian 'Just Married' banner, a must-have wedding accessory that looks far more expensive than £6.

Decorated table with burlap banners reading 'Just Married', jars, and numbered cards.

Just Married hessian banner, £6.45, Etsy

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The British weather can be unpredictable, so a pack of umbrellas are important to have on hand should you experience a downpour on your big day.

Transparent umbrella with white handle and silver pole, fully open against a white background.

4 pack clear dome umbrellas, £15.69, Amazon

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Just as you may experience rain on your wedding day, you may also find that your guests get a little chilly at your reception. This cute sign, reading 'To have and to hold in case you get cold', can be propped up next to a basket of blankets ready for your guests to use.

Wooden sign with floral arrangement and greenery on a table.

To Have and To Hold sign, £12, Amazon

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Offer guests shelter from rain or sun with a gazebo - it's the perfect spot to put your umbrellas or suncream if necessary.

A white pop-up canopy tent with arched windows and a logo on the top.

Gazebo, £234.99, Amazon

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Welcome your guests to your outdoor ceremony with these beautiful custom signs, featuring your choice of message and order of the day, which will also be a special keepsake you'll treasure long after the big day is over.

Two wedding banners in a garden setting. Left banner reads 'WELCOME TO OUR wedding'. Right banner reads 'ORDER OF THE DAY' with names listed.

Pair of personalised cotton welcome wedding signs, £250, Smith & The Magpie at NotOnTheHighStreet

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Create a beautiful and romantic outdoor wedding setup with this LED lights curtain, which could be hung on a wall or draped over a pergola as pictured here.

Illuminated outdoor patio with string lights, wooden pergola, and white furniture.

LED curtain lights, £22.99, Amazon

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Especially relevant to anyone who's had to postpone their wedding during the coronavirus lockdown, this fabric sign is a reminder of everything you've been through to reach your special day.

Banner reads 'We loved, We Waited Now We Can GET MARRIED' in garden setting.

Lockdown wedding sign, £12.99, Etsy

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SEE: The celebs (and royals) who married during the pandemic

READ: Planning a 2022 wedding? Here's everything you need to think about

While rain is always possible during a British summer wedding, so too is beautiful sunny weather. Put these paper hand fans on your guests' chairs to allow them to keep their cool throughout your ceremony, they're sure to be very grateful!

Rows of bamboo chairs with white fabric draped over backs and decorative fans on seats.

Droptel 10 x paper hand fan, £8.99, Amazon

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Perfect to put at the entrance to your wedding, this illustrated wedding order of the day sign is an easy way to let your guests know what to expect and when.

Sign on easel reading 'WELCOME TO THE WEDDING OF Katy and Kyle' on gravel path.

Wedding timeline order of the day board, £110, Love Paper Co at NotOnTheHighStreet

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No party is complete without balloons, and these are a giant 36-inches. They will look amazing as photo props or as an eye-catching background to any display.

Newlywed couple holding 'Mr' and 'Mrs' balloons in a garden setting.

Giant Mr & Mrs Balloons, £12.50, NotOnTheHighStreet

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Candles are a beautiful finishing touch to any wedding decor, especially as the sun starts to go down. Remove the stress of a fire risk or messy melting wax by using these battery-powered LED candles that mimic a real flame. 

Three lit candles on a bamboo table with green foliage in the background.

Battery LED Candles, £19.99, lights4fun

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For a magical end to the night, provide guests with sparklers for your send-off. Make them extra special with these 'Let Love Sparkle' tags from Etsy, which can be personalised with your name the colour of your choice. Super cute.

Nine personalized sparklers with 'Let Love Sparkle' and 'Mr & Mrs Smith' printed on them.

Personalised Wedding Sparkler Tags, £9.99, Etsy

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READ: 4 outdated wedding traditions brides and grooms are ditching in 2022

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