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12 stunning outdoor wedding decoration ideas in 2024

Planning a wedding involves numerous considerations before taking the plunge. From the guest list, invitations, and wedding cake to the location and venue, there are countless factors to ponder. Among them, one crucial aspect in crafting your dream wedding day is the decorations!

If you find yourself seeking outdoor wedding theme decoration ideas for 2024, look no further! This article presents 12 distinctive, unique, delightful, and stunning inspiration ideas for your outdoor wedding decorations.

To help make things easier, we’ve split this blog into three different sections:

  • Garden wedding decorations
  • Outdoor wedding backdrop ideas
  • DIY outdoor wedding decoration ideas

At Milton Hill House, we’ve hosted thousands of outdoor weddings and we’ve seen some amazing outdoor wedding decorations that you can take some inspiration from.

12 Unique outdoor wedding decoration ideas

Embarking on an outdoor wedding journey is a truly exceptional way to celebrate the love shared between you and your partner.

With the gentle breeze rustling through the trees and the melodious song of birds, it creates a perfect setting to exchange vows and declare your commitment.

Moreover, the venue grounds provide a splendid backdrop for capturing timeless photographs that will be cherished forever.

Whether you envision an extravagant celebration or an elegantly intimate affair, if you’re planning to hold your ceremony and reception outdoors, this is the perfect read for you.

In the following list, we will explore 12 outdoor wedding decoration ideas for 2024, starting with the most sought-after and cost-effective garden wedding decorations.

Let’s dive in and make your wedding a truly unique and memorable experience in 2024!

Garden wedding decoration ideas

When looking for garden wedding decoration ideas, you need to make sure they are appropriate for the unpredictable British weather. You know what they say: “Whatever the weatherman says, expect the opposite”!

If you’re looking for inexpensive garden wedding designs and ideas for 2024, you can utilise nature and opt for simple and inexpensive decor. eBay and Amazon are great places to find affordable decor, whilst Pinterest is an excellent platform to gather ideas and inspiration.

We’ve seen a lot of themes from happy couples who have hired our Abingdon wedding venue, but below are some of our favourite garden-themed wedding decorations that have been bought into our grounds over the years.

Hay bales

outdoor wedding decorations

If you’re planning on saying “I do” in a barn setting, incorporating hay bales is an absolute must. Not only are they cost-effective, but they are often available at the venue itself.

Hay bales can be utilised in various creative ways, such as providing rustic seating arrangements or being draped with fabric to serve as unique tables.

Their presence adds an authentic country charm to your special day and photographs exceptionally well, especially when used to line the wedding aisle.

For further inspiration, Style Me Pretty is a fantastic resource that offers stunning ideas specifically tailored to rustic-themed ceremonies like barn or farm weddings.

Among our favourite outdoor wedding decoration ideas for 2024, this particular suggestion creates a laid-back and informal atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for you and your guests.

Coloured china

coloured china plate outdoor wedding decoration

One popular outdoor wedding decoration idea is the use of coloured china. Many couples choose to incorporate coloured plates, cups, and cutlery into their setup.

This choice can create a visually striking effect, especially when dining outdoors in a marquee.

Pairing these coloured elements with a white tablecloth, which matches the wedding dress, adds to the overall impact.

For a rustic look, consider embracing a mismatched style, combining different patterns and colours.

Alternatively, if you have a specific colour palette for your wedding, you can customise the cutlery to align with that particular theme.

Did you know that our outdoor space can accommodate a marquee for up to 400 guests? This provides an incredible opportunity to host an unforgettable outdoor wedding reception surrounded by your closest family and friends.

Neon signs to brighten up your special day

If you’re aiming for fun and modern wedding decor, incorporating neon signs is an excellent way to infuse your special day with extra sparkle, creating a celebratory and lively atmosphere.

In recent years, neon signs have experienced a rapid surge in popularity. It seems like everyone has an Instagram picture in front of one, and for good reason.

These signs not only look cool but also bring a vibrant burst of colour to any venue.

Furthermore, they can serve as memorable keepsakes, as you can bring them back home to adorn your house or garden after the wedding.

You have options when it comes to neon signs. Generic ones are readily available online, or you can find places that offer custom signs, allowing you to include your names or the wedding date.

Neon signs make fantastic outdoor wedding decoration ideas because they instantly catch the eye and create the perfect backdrop for your guests to capture those highly Instagrammable moments.

Outdoor wedding decoration backdrop ideas

Floral wedding arch

 

floral wedding arch

Without a doubt, one of the top outdoor wedding backdrop ideas is the iconic floral arch. Every outdoor wedding deserves a breathtaking archway that serves as a focal point especially if you’re opting for the boho chic look with a custom flower crown.

After all, no outdoor wedding decorations are complete without fresh flowers, right? You’re getting married in nature. Obviously, you should incorporate some gorgeous wedding flowers into your decor!

You can also hang your wonderful blooms around chairs and tables, or get creative and make flower wreaths.

Check out the below image of a wonderful flower garland used at one of our outdoor weddings!

outdoor wedding decorations

A floral wedding arch provides the perfect backdrop for capturing special moments, and some couples even choose to exchange their vows in front of it.

To decorate an existing arch, consider using fairy lights. Stringing them around the arch will add an extra touch of enchantment and create a magical ambience for your outdoor wedding celebration.

DIY Floral Grid Wedding Backdrop

Why not embrace a unique approach for your backdrop and create a stylish masterpiece using natural materials sourced from your very own garden?

Gather an assortment of flowers and plants, carefully foraged and arranged within a rectangular grid.

To enhance depth, texture, and a vibrant palette, consider adorning the corners with repurposed fabrics or aged materials.

For affordable options, explore budget-friendly grids readily available on platforms like Amazon. This inventive backdrop will undoubtedly infuse your event with a touch of enchantment. For more inspiration for outdoor wedding grid backdrops check out this Pinterest page.

Fairy Lights

No outdoor wedding decoration blog would be complete without mentioning fairy lights.

These charming little devices have the power to instantly illuminate and enhance any space, creating a magical and cool ambiance.

They can be easily hung around various elements, adding a touch of enchantment to your outdoor wedding.

Take advantage of the natural surroundings during your outdoor wedding reception and adorn trees, bushes, and other features with fairy lights.

As the transition from daytime wedding to nighttime reception occurs, these lights create a captivating visual spectacle.

For a more traditional and romantic vibe, candles are an excellent choice. They not only add to the overall ambiance but also contribute to a sense of intimacy.

However, it’s important to consider the wind factor and have backup options to ensure you won’t be left in the dark during your special day.

DIY outdoor wedding decoration ideas

Opting for homemade outdoor wedding decorations adds a touch of quirkiness and infuses your special day with a personal charm.

Not only does it allow you to express your creativity, but it also presents an opportunity to save money without compromising on the decor.

Imagine spending a delightful day with your loved ones, sitting in the garden, crafting handmade table decorations while sipping cocktails, and relishing the wedding cake.

It’s a wonderful pre-wedding activity that brings everyone together and allows for a truly enjoyable experience.

To gather inspiration, raid your store cupboards and explore charity shops. You never know where you might stumble upon the perfect treasure that fits your wedding vision.

Without further ado, here are some of our favorite DIY outdoor wedding decoration ideas that you can easily create and customise to make your wedding day truly unique!

Here are some of our favourite DIY outdoor wedding decoration ideas!

Utilise spare fabric

The great thing about outdoor wedding ideas and decorations is that they suit a more ‘homemade’ appearance.

Make the most of spare fabric in your outdoor wedding decorations. Instead of letting it go to waste, repurpose it creatively to add a special touch to your wedding setup.

Use any materials you have, whether it’s silk, patchwork or cloth, consider using it as table runners, chair sashes, or even as drapes around trees to create a romantic ambiance.

You can also utilise fabric remnants to make DIY bunting, fabric flowers, or decorative bows.

By repurposing spare fabric, you not only add a unique and personalized element to your wedding, but you also minimise waste and make the most of available resources.

A mix of colours and fabrics looks chic and creates a more rustic atmosphere.

Get creative and let your imagination guide you as you transform spare fabric into beautiful and meaningful decorations for your outdoor wedding.

Paper decor

Paper is both cheap and looks great. Get the little ones involved before the wedding and ask them to make decorations.

Paper decorations are not only budget-friendly but also visually appealing.

Engage the little ones before the wedding and encourage them to create paper decorations.

This not only adds a personal touch but also serves as special mementos that remind you of their involvement on your big day.

The children will be thrilled to see their handmade creations displayed throughout the venue.

Paper wedding decorations are particularly well-suited for family-friendly weddings, where the atmosphere is expected to be less formal compared to adult-only extravaganzas.

Embrace the charm and playfulness of paper decor to create a delightful and whimsical ambiance that resonates with both children and adults alike.

Mason jars

Mason jars, those versatile little containers, have gained immense popularity thanks to their frequent appearances on Instagram and Pinterest.

The creative possibilities with mason jars are endless, making them a must-have for your wedding decor.

These jars can be utilised in various imaginative ways. Fill them with sweet treats or repurpose them as charming cutlery holders.

Let your creativity soar as you explore the countless ways to incorporate mason jars into your wedding setup.

Consider using mason jars as accessories to your wedding centerpieces, as vases for beautiful flowers, or even as delightful tealight holders. Their rustic charm adds a touch of elegance and simplicity to your overall decor.

For convenience, you can find packs of 12 Mason jars available for purchase. So, grab a few and unleash your creativity to make your wedding day even more extraordinary.

Photos & polaroids

Photos have the remarkable ability to transform any venue and infuse it with a personal touch. Cherish your journey as a couple by printing out pictures that span the time you’ve spent together.

There are various creative ways to display these special memories. Consider using a corkboard as a photo collage, stringing them around trees for a whimsical touch, or hanging them inside a marquee if you have one.

By incorporating these photos into your wedding decor, you create a visual narrative that resonates with your love story.

To capture the mood of the evening and add a burst of color, include wedding photos taken on the day with a Polaroid camera.

Leave a Polaroid camera on each table and let your guests unleash their creativity.

As numerous corkboards are scattered throughout the outdoor wedding venue, you’ll soon witness a collection of fun and quirky photographs emerging, showcasing the joyous moments shared by everyone.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the popular wedding decor trends of 2024 that adds a personal and lively touch to your special day.

Fruits and trees for outdoor wedding

One of the prevailing trends in wedding decor for 2024 is the incorporation of fruits and trees into outdoor wedding decorations, often achieved through do-it-yourself (DIY) embellishments. It’s an excellent way to infuse a natural and exotic ambience into your outdoor wedding setting. For instance, you can enhance your centrepiece by including small trees adorned with ribbons or draped fabric hanging from the branches.

To add a splash of colour that complements your wedding palette, consider incorporating fruits like oranges, apples, pomegranates, and even vegetables such as carrots or beetroot if you’re opting for a brightly coloured natural and rustic setting, or even better your theme is a farm wedding. These elements can effortlessly be incorporated into your wedding tablescape, either placed in a bowl or mixed with your wedding flowers in a vase. This DIY outdoor wedding decoration idea is budget-friendly and requires minimal time investment.

Dried flowers for tables and marquees

Transform your outdoor wedding into a charming DIY affair by incorporating dried flowers as delightful decorations.

For those seeking a natural and rustic ambience, particularly with a bohemian-inspired theme, dried flowers offer an ideal complement.

Their effortless maintenance and versatility allow for seamless integration with other decorative elements, lending an instant delicate allure.

Scatter them gracefully on tables, intertwine them with fairy lights, or suspend them from marquee poles to beautifully accentuate your wedding’s chosen aesthetic. Discover the art of drying your own flowers with this step-by-step guide.

Outside wedding decoration ideas concluded

We trust that you have found this article on outdoor wedding decoration ideas 2024 enjoyable.

Regardless of the decorations you choose, the natural surroundings will provide a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding.

It’s worth noting that the ideal time for an outdoor wedding is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasantly warm.

However, given the unpredictable nature of British weather, it is wise to have a backup plan in case of inclement conditions.

With proper preparation, an outdoor wedding can be truly memorable and set the stage for a joyous marriage.

We have shared our top 12 outdoor wedding decoration ideas for 2024 based on our experiences at our venue in Oxford.

If you have your own unique ideas, we would love to hear about them! Your creativity and personal touch will undoubtedly add an extra touch of magic to your special day.

As a quick recap, our top 12 outdoor wedding decoration ideas are:

  1. Hay bales
  2. Coloured china
  3. Neon signs
  4. Floral wedding arches
  5. DIY floral grid wedding backdrop
  6. Fairy lights
  7. Utilising spare fabric
  8. Paper decor for a child-friendly event
  9. Mason jars
  10. Photos & polaroids
  11. Fruits and trees
  12. Dried flowers

Outdoor weddings at Milton Hill House

If you’ve just started the wedding planning process and are looking for the perfect venue for your outdoor wedding, look no further than Milton Hill House.

The 22 acres of stunning countryside grounds will be the best ceremony backdrop and set the scene for your fairytale wedding. 

Our team has a wealth of experience which they can draw on to ensure the big day goes off without a hitch. 

We have dedicated coordinators who have intimate knowledge and skills to plan the perfect day. They can also give you even more advice on outdoor wedding decoration ideas that they have sourced over the years.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our team today for further information, queries or to book your wedding day.

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