Rain or shine, backyard weddings are beautiful.
Backyard weddings started out as a way to save money, but elaborate wedding themes have evolved. Couples choose backyard themes according to the time of day when wedding festivities begin. Morning weddings are light and airy. D cor and food should represent this feeling. Afternoon and evening weddings tend to be rich and romantic with paired foods and d cor.
Breakfast with the King and Queen
Morning weddings are perfect for an outdoor wedding. Temperatures are cooler in the morning and guests are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Wedding decorations should include bright colors and lots of seasonal flowers. Breakfast foods served at morning weddings include eggs, bacon, biscuits, muffins, fruit and granola. Specialty morning cocktails with champagne and fruit juices compliment breakfast foods. Child-friendly drinks like apple juice and orange juice, served in small cartons, nestled in a large tray of ice. Coffee and various teas complete the breakfast buffet.
Hawaiian Luau
The Hawaiian luau theme pairs well with late afternoon weddings. Greeters meet guests with Hawaiian leis and a choice of coconut and pineapple cocktails and juices. Bright colors and exotic flowers like plumeria and hibiscus adorn tables. Following the luau theme, an outdoor barbecue with grilled pork serves as the main course. Green papaya salad, kimchi and macaroni salad accompany grilled pork. Guests choose from mango bread and Chantilly cake to complete the meal. Serve guest drinks from a tiki bar.
Asian-Inspired
Asian-inspired themes work for day, afternoon or evening weddings. Large paper lanterns in various colors hang from every inch of the wedding tent. Paper cranes, cherry blossoms and locus create beautiful centerpieces. Guest seating cards display guest names in both English and Chinese for an elegant touch. In Chinese culture, eight courses are served at weddings (not including the wedding cake). The Chinese words for eight sounds are similar to the word for good luck; thus, the eight courses. Cold appetizer plates are served as a first course, followed by soups, several meats, seafood, vegetables and fish. Noodles are served as the final course to promote health and longevity for the newly married couple. Sake and green tea, and green tea cocktails complete the meal.
Summer Nights
Night weddings require fewer decorations and more light. String white, dangling Christmas lights from the top of the tent. Illuminate tables with floating candles in hurricanes or vases partially filled with water. Tint the water with food coloring to match the wedding theme. Night weddings typically take place after dinner. Serve appetizers throughout the reception. Serve drinks from a dedicated bar with a large selection of liquors, beer and non-alcoholic selections.
Tags: complete meal, drinks from, eight courses, evening weddings, grilled pork, luau theme