Backyard movie night: the perfect summer date
Take your date night movie to the next level by creating your own outdoor cinema. Here’s how to create your own backyard movie night – the perfect summer date night idea for couples!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
Having a regular date night is one way of bringing fun, romance and connection to your marriage.
Date nights don’t have to involve leaving the house though.
For many reasons, such as expenses, childcare, or simply wanting to stay in, date night at home is the easiest and most flexible choice.
And one of the most fun way to spend date night at home is to watch a date night movie.
With the warm weather of summer, you have the chance to do something pretty special, and that’s to take your movie watching outdoors.
Yes, I’m talking about creating your own outdoor movie theater for a backyard movie date.
Imagine it now – snuggled up next to each other, maybe cuddled under a blanket as the temperature drops, listening to the sounds of the movie mixed in with the sounds of summer – sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Heck, you can even make a family night or party of it if you want.
Anyway, enough on the intro – here’s how to make your own backyard movie night – from what you use to play your movies on to the decor to add that extra atmosphere.
Your outdoor movie date is coming soon!
Contents
Outdoor movie projectors
When you’re looking for an outdoor movie projector for your backyard movie night, there are a few requirements you should check.
These include:
- a brightness of 3000 or higher so you can start watching earlier
- a resolution of HD (720p or 1080p – the cheaper ones will say “supported” so be aware the quality of these may not be as good)
- HDMI and /or wireless connectivity
Note – portability is also a bonus.
These projectors are outdoor movie night approved.
Backyard movie screen
Okay, so now you have the projector sorted for your outdoor movie date, it’s time to work out what you’re going to project it on.
You have three main options for an outdoor movie screen:
- DIY your screen
- Purchase an inflatable screen
- Purchase a fixed frame screen
If you have both DIY skills and inclination, there’s a slew of You Tube videos you can watch to help you construct your own screen.
If, like me, you’d prefer to buy something fit for purpose, here’s my top five picks. These movie screens all have a 16:9 aspect ratio to match your movie projector.
Top 5 backyard movie screen choices
It’s having a big screen which takes your backyard movie date from the ordinary into the magical.
Speakers for outdoor movie night
While some of the projectors come with inbuilt speakers, there’s nothing worse than your backyard movie not being loud enough.
I recommend a Bluetooth speaker that you can pair with either your laptop or your projector.
Here’s the best speakers for outdoor movies.
(and here’s how to pair your laptop to a Bluetooth speaker).
Backyard movie night decor
Now all the practicalities are taken care of, it’s time to create the perfect backyard movie date atmosphere!
Movie night decor
Your outdoor movie date deserves to have a cute, romantic ambiance.
These accessories help to create that: from vintage inspired lights to a blanket to cuddle up under!
Movie night food ideas
Finally, no outdoor movie date would be complete without food and drink.
It goes without saying that popcorn is the number one movie food of all time. I’m a fan of the salted, buttered kind.
Add this Amish country popcorn gift set to complete your vintage vibe.
Of course, with all that popcorn, you’ll need something to wash it down. Any of these summer mocktail recipes will be perfect!
Alternatively, why not try one of these easy romantic desserts for two?
Your date night movie will never be the same once you bring in your backyard movie theater! This backyard movie night really is the best summer date you can have at home this year.
You might also like: Summer bucket list for couples.