Backyard reception

[stephy_qutieebfe]

My mom wants to throw us a backyard reception and I need ideas of how to decorate. My parents already have a gorgeous garden, so it's filled with flowers, especially with my dad's prized holly hocks. Also I thought it would be cute to use wheel barrels filled with ice and drinks. Do you guys have any other cute ideas?

[alielizadubois]

I am currently planning a backyard wedding also!

I, too, plan to have a lot of the "decoration" be the gardens in my parents backyard.

I have decided to go with potted orchids as the centerpieces, but I had previously considered various potted herbs (lemon verbena is heavenly scented!) and flowers (some of my favorites are dahlias!). I had thought about painting the pots with "chalkboard paint" so that I could (in a pretty color chalk) write the date of our wedding on it, but it wouldn't have to stay on forever.

I've also seen the idea to use pretty watering cans as centerpieces, filled with flowers.

I am considering giving tulip bulbs (boxed with a pretty ribbon) as favors.

I plan to use paper lanterns as decoration, either hanging from trees or the ceiling of a tent (if thats what you're going with). I found an idea on Martha Stewart's site to make your own:

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=56421151cf273110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCR D&autonomy_kw=paper%20lanterns&rsc=image_1

My brother had an outdoor wedding in which they used mason jars with candles inside as lanterns along the ground.

[wktuckerbbec]

I am having my reception outside and the decorating has been the hardest thus far. I ordered clear containers and am going to put floating candles and flowers in them. They will be placed on the outside of the sitting area. Hopefully it'll work!