June 10, 2022

8 Backyard Wedding Ideas | Intimate Lake Erie Wedding

When you live near some of the nation’s most breathtaking lakes, you have to take advantage of the location! Lake Erie offers many picturesque lakeside wedding locations. Tori and Adam exchanged heartfelt vows at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Erie, Pennsylvania and then celebrated with loved ones at their parents’ gorgeous lakefront property. There’s nothing more romantic than a sunset first dance! If you love the idea of an intimate lakeside wedding, I’ve got a few backyard wedding ideas for you (including what to do if you don’t have a lake house)!

(PS—If you love the bride’s hair and makeup as much as I do, be sure to check the lovely and talented makeup artist Amanda Rumball and Studio 818 for hair—these local Erie, PA wedding professionals are phenomenal!)

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Erie wedding

wedding getting ready photos, bridal party

8 Backyard Wedding Ideas for a Stunning Lakeside Wedding

1. Book a lakeside home rental on VRBO or Airbnb.

First things first: you need a lakeside wedding location. If you don’t have a family lake house available, not to worry! There are tons of beautiful lakefront homes available to rent on vacation rental sites like VRBO or Airbnb. Plus, your wedding party will have a place to stay afterward.

Check out these Lake Erie VRBO options to get you started:

2. Rent a reception tent.

Next, you need a canvas for your lakeside wedding design. Renting a reception tent is a must for your elegant outdoor reception. (Keep in mind your guest count when renting your tent.) I love the clear panels and sophisticated look of Tori and Adam’s tent (scroll down for more reception photos and tent ideas). They had beautiful sunset views of the lake all evening long.

3. Keep your focal point and sun position in mind when planning your design.

When designing your reception layout and seating arrangements, don’t forget to keep the sun’s position in mind so you don’t accidentally blind your guests at dinner. For example, Tori and Adam set up their table with their backs to the sun so they could see their guests and eat without the sun in their faces. Plus, the sunset painted a colorful backdrop during toasts!

4. Incorporate hanging installations into your wedding design.

Take your design up a notch with draping greenery and hanging installations like florals, lights, and chandeliers to give your outdoor reception area and upscale look. I highly recommend a wedding planner or designer to help you bring your vision to life.

backyard wedding ideas, Lake Erie wedding, lake front wedding

5. Use extra lighting to brighten up the space.

String lights, chandeliers, candles, and lanterns are great options for casting a romantic glow throughout the evening. Lighting can be tricky outdoors, so do a test run to make sure you have enough light and the outlets can handle it (a backup power source may be a good idea as well).

6. Try family-style dinner seating.

This gorgeous lakeside wedding reception had all the family reunion vibes. Keep with the warm ambiance and elevate the look with beautiful banquet seating and designed tablescapes.

7. Rent a dancefloor.

Make it a little easier to break out those moves by providing a dancefloor large enough to host your crew (since grass or a soft floor may not be ideal for those in heels).

outdoor wedding reception; garden party reception

8. Feature cozy lounge areas.

Give your outdoor lakeside wedding an extra luxurious feel with lounge areas. You can use rugs, chairs, sofas, side tables, blankets, and pillows to create all the cozy vibes. For a small outdoor wedding, one lounge area is plenty! It’s nice to have a bit of extra seating for you or guests to enjoy fresh air, take in the views, and chat.

For more backyard wedding ideas, feel free to peruse recent weddings on the blog!