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Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings, Washingtonian Weddings, Engaged Magazine and many other print and online publications, Margo has become known for customizing events and adding her distinguishing style (classic elegance with a splash of color).

Outdoor Wedding Ideas

We are revisiting this blog post that was initially shared a few years ago with advice for outdoor weddings and events. Outdoor entertaining has and will continue to be a great choice for so many people. We recently were asked to share some advice over on Porch regarding decor for backyard weddings. You can see the full Q&A and we are including some highlights below!

Kate Fine Art Photography, Bright Occasions Wedding Planning

Photo by Kate Fine Art Photography, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions 

There are so many great outdoor wedding ideas to utilize. Outdoor weddings in the DC area are especially great during the Spring and Fall seasons, when the sun is out and the heat and humidity are still relatively low. We love working with clients throughout the greater DC area to plan outdoor weddings and special events. We have worked with couples at private homes, vineyards, farm/barn settings, and old mansions with great gardens and lawns for the wedding ceremony and reception. Here are some of our favorite outdoor wedding ideas for Spring weddings in Washington, DC:

Pre-ceremony beverage station

Outdoor Wedding Ideas, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions, Photo by Lisa Blume Photography

Photo by Lisa Blume Photography, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions at Woodend Mansion

Garden wedding ceremony

Outdoor Wedding Ideas, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions, Photo by Jodi and Kurt Photography

Photo by Jodi and Kurt Photography, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions at Historic Whitehall Estate

Lawn games during cocktail hour and reception

Outdoor Wedding Ideas, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions, Photo by Brittany DeFrehn Photography

Photo by Brittany DeFrehn Photography, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions at Elkridge Furnace Inn

Create an outdoor lounge space

Outdoor Wedding Ideas, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions, Photo by Rachael Foster Photography

Photo by Rachael Foster Photography, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions at Woodlawn Manor

Dine al fresco

Outdoor Wedding Ideas, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions, Photo by Julie Napear Photography

Photo by Julie Napear Photography, DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions at a private home

Decor for backyard weddings

When it comes to decorating a backyard wedding or event, consider your surroundings and the time of year. If your garden will be in full bloom, you won’t need a lot, but I always love when clients add in lush garden-style floral centerpieces. Lighting can be used for both decors and the event if your party will last past sundown. Consider setting up bistro lights or twinkly lights for trees or decorative lanterns for centerpieces. Make sure to add key focal decorations to your home or backyard areas that will be most visible to your guests. And also, consider the area that your guests will first enter through. An arch by a garden gate or wreath for the door could be a beautiful touch and will be a lovely first impression of the event.

Photo by Erin Kelleher Photography DC Wedding Planning by Bright Occasions 

We hope you liked these outdoor wedding ideas for Spring weddings in Washington, DC. There are so many gorgeous outdoor wedding locations in the DC area and springtime is a perfect time to get married. We will be back next week with important outdoor wedding planning tips to consider.

For information on working with Bright Occasions for your wedding and event planning or event design, please head to our service page.