How to plan your backyard wedding
For couples who value the outdoors, a more sentimental family-style vibe, and doing things the way they want to, here are some things to think about when planning your backyard wedding.
You’re going to need more than a garden gnome and some booze.
Set your budget.
This is the first thing you want to do when planning your backyard wedding. What are your priorities? Jot them down and decide what is most important to you. Plan to spend the biggest amount of your budget on the things that are most important.
Take advantage of the fact that you’ll be at home.
Who needs to rent a room when you can get ready in the comfort of your own home. You might even think about getting ready together to keep one another calm. This is one of the best things about an “at home” wedding.
Guest list.
Whether you’re planning your wedding in your backyard, or at a venue, this is one of the most challenging parts of planning a wedding for most couples.
Firstly, how many people can your backyard accommodate? How many people does your budget allow you to feed? Remember, this is your wedding and obviously you want to do it your way. Invite only those who are most important to you. You can also invite dogs, which would probably be more fun than a lot of those “plus one” folks.
Plan your Plan B.
Hope for sun, but plan for rain. Be sure you have a space set aside in case of rain or be sure to purchase umbrellas and inflatable kayaks for your guests. If your home can’t accommodate your guest list, it’s best to have a tent or an out-building that can. Heat or cold weather is another thing to think about. Are there enough shady areas to ensure you don’t have to listen to your Aunt Karen letting you know it’s SO HOT all day? Set out a basket of blankets or randomly drape them here and there in case it gets chilly out.
Food.
A plated dinner may be expensive and hard to plan for with a backyard wedding. Unless it’s a hot dog eating contest. A “serve yourself” may be your best bet.
Rentals.
Check out local rental companies for tents, tables, chairs, linens, specialty lighting, plates, utensils, port-a-potties, extra trash cans, a dancefloor if needed, and glassware. You may be able to borrow some of these items from friends and family. If you borrow, make sure to check the items out in time to rent if they’re not in great condition or don’t suit your taste.
Secure all services.
Officiant, flowers, DJ, caterers, florist, bar tenders, servers, rentals for the items listed above, a day of coordinator (worth their weight in gold), hair and makeup if you’re not doing it yourself, your photographer!
Also, organize a team of helpers if you’re going to do much of the set-up yourself. Be sure they know exactly what to do and when they’re needed.
Decor.
Less is more. Let nature be the main event. You don’t need to scatter everything you’ve ever seen on Pinterest all over the yard. Dress your tables, then choose one or two areas of the yard and style those to suit your vibe. This will stand out a lot more than signs all over the yard that let people know you’re all friends and where they can sit. You may have a family member or friend to borrow decor from, ask around before you buy. Might save you a buck or two. (Again, check them out first to make sure they’re perfect for you.) A cool loungey or dessert area are always a big hit. Be sure you have enough chairs around the fire pit if you plan on having one.
Bugs.
Back to the guest list. Not invited, but they come anyway. Think about having your backyard treated for pests. There are many organic options for this. If you love nature so much, why kill it with harmful pesticides? Personal sized bottles of organic but repellant are perfect favors for a backyard wedding. Or, create a “bug station” where guests can find wipes or sprays to ward off the beasts. It’s that, or providing netted bonnets for your guests, and your Mom will frown on that. And don’t forget the sunscreen, guests will appreciate that, too.
Have a chat across the fence with the neighbors.
Let your neighbors know what you’re up to. Kindly let them know the time of your ceremony so they don’t decide to mow their lawn during your vows. Give them enough time to make a plan to get the hell out of dodge for the night or expect a bit of noise. If you’re chummy with these folks, but they don’t make your guest list, you might extend an offer for them to stop by after dinner to share a cocktail and have a little twist on the dancefloor. Either way, make sure they get the head’s up. It’s the neighborly thing to do.
Power.
Make sure you have enough power. Additional lighting and DJ stands might take more electricity than your home can give. Be sure to have a generator, just in case.
Parking.
If your street can accommodate parking for your guests, great! If not, organize a shuttle to do the pick ups and drop offs.
Restrooms.
You’ll probably need to rent port-a-potties if there are more than 20 guests. There are some pretty swanky ones out there in the world now. Portable toilet trailers complete with lighting and mirrors. Like the Taj Mahal, but the port-a-potty version.
Clean up.
There’s gonna be a big mess. Choose your clean-up team well in advance so you’re not dealing with it alone. Bribe some of your friends with Bloody Mary’s and breakfast and have a Morning After Clean Up Banger.
Do it your way.
Why in the world would you plan a backyard wedding if you’re going to stick to traditions? Who says Grandma can’t be the one to cut the cake?
