The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1369261
Flowers Flowers and weddings go hand and hand, and for backyard weddings , flowers can help transform the space into a romantic and magical setting. Use plants and flowers that already adorn the yard. Hedges can serve as handy dividers between ceremony and party, or can simply define the wedding area. Climbing wisteria and puffy magnolia tree blossoms add romance and heady aroma. Choose large floral centerpieces for the tables, choosing roses for a traditional look, or sunflowers for a touch of whimsy. Calla lliliesillies offer class, and Gerber daisies can provide brilliant pops of color. Consider the display as well. Tall glass vases are elegant, while individual flower pots reflect a more rustic feel. Stick with a theme or mix and match, the choice is truly yours. Tents Any wedding planner knows that for an outside affair there must be a backup plan in case of bad weather. That plan generally calls for a tent. But a tent does not have to detract from the beautiful scenery, it can play into it. Several tents of various sizes can be installed to separate event spaces. One large tent can cover the dining area, while a smaller tent can serve as a bar or lounge area. Tents today come in many sizes, colors, and shapes, and can even be personalized. Add some flower displays, bring in small trees, and string lights to give character and ambiance. Don't forget to order the dance floor! Seating Often the largest challenge in wedding planning is the seating chart. How do you strategically put your single roommate next to your spouseless cousin? Where can you seat Aunt Edna so she's far away from the DJ's speakers? With a backyard wedding , these decisions are all yours and not based on the confines and requirements of a rented indoor venue. Long tables where guests eat family style, small intimate circle seating for guests to gather with their cocktails, and split aisle seating for the ceremony are all possibilities. The choice of chairs is also yours. A basic folding chair can be transformed with cushions or skirting. Seating can also come from loveseats, rocking chairs, benches or even poufs. Get creative and deliver comfort with character. V U E N J .C O M 52