We can just get married in the backyard! That'll be easier, that'll be cheaper. Famous last words.
If you’re dreaming of a more intimate and personal setting, a backyard wedding might be the perfect solution. It offers a unique blend of comfort, charm, and flexibility that many couples desire for their big day. However, it does come with it's fair share of leg work and carefullly thought out planning with lots and lots of moving parts.
Whether you’re tying the knot in your own backyard or someone else’s, here’s how to plan the perfect backyard wedding, from start to finish.
1. Set a Budget
The first step to any wedding planning is determining your budget. A backyard wedding can be more affordable than a traditional venue, but costs can still add up, especially when considering rentals, decor, and catering.
Estimate your guest list size : The number of guests will directly impact the cost of catering, rentals, and entertainment.
Prioritize expenses : Since you’re already saving on venue costs, you may want to invest in elements like decor, food, or a high-quality photographer.
Add a cushion for unexpected costs : Make sure to allocate some funds for contingency costs like inclement weather solutions, extra rentals, or last-minute decor needs.
2. Get Permits and Check Local Regulations
A backyard wedding, especially in an urban area, may require permits. Research local regulations to ensure you're in compliance.
Noise ordinances : If you’re planning a late-night celebration with music, check noise restrictions. Also, check in with your surrounding neighbors. Send gift baskets. Send wine...
Tents and structures : If you plan to rent a tent or a dance floor, check if there are any restrictions or permit requirements for temporary structures in your area.
Parking : Ensure there is adequate parking for your guests. If not, consider arranging a shuttle service. You can either shuttle from your hotel block or find a lot close to the property. Sometimes there are lots that are city owned, or a church or school parking lot that is vacant on the weekendds.
3. Create a Guest List
The intimacy of a backyard wedding often lends itself to a smaller guest list, which can make the event feel more personal and meaningful.
Decide on the size : The size of your guest list will affect how you lay out the space and what rentals you'll need (chairs, tables, etc.).
Consider the space : Make sure there’s enough room for seating, dining, dancing, and any other activities you plan. If your backyard is small, it might be best to keep the guest list intimate.
4. Rent Essential Equipment
Although a backyard setting provides a beautiful canvas, you’ll likely need to rent a few key items to make the day seamless and comfortable.
Tents : If there’s any chance of rain, a tent is essential. It also helps to provide shade if your wedding is in the summer. For a seated event, a general rule of thumb is to plan for 10-12 square feet per guest when choosing a tent size, ensuring comfortable seating and movement space; for a cocktail party with standing guests, you can plan for 6-8 square feet per person.
Lighting : String lights, lanterns, or chandeliers can create a magical atmosphere. If the wedding runs into the evening, you'll need additional lighting to ensure the space is safe and well-lit. Check with. the property to ensure you have adequate electricity, you may need to rent a generator.
Restrooms : If you’re hosting a large event, you may need to rent luxury restrooms or portable toilets for the comfort of your guests. A good rule of thumb is to have one restroom for every 50 people. You will also need to consider the placement of the restrooms. Is there a power or water source nearby? Is it close enough for guests to access, but also out of sight?
5. Plan the Layout and Flow
Designing the layout for your backyard wedding is one of the most important steps. Consider how you want your ceremony and reception to flow.
Catering/Kitchen : Make sure your caterer has experience with outdoor events. You may need to rent kitchen equipment or a food prep tent if there’s no indoor kitchen. I've seen caterers set up kitchens in a garage or empty barn.
DJ : Whether you hire a DJ or a live band, make sure they can accommodate the outdoor environment with proper sound equipment. Check with their electrical requirements, you may need to rent a generator.
Dance floor : Your dance floor will need a level area. Some bumps are ok (ie. grassy area), but the flatter, the better!
Pathways and accessibility : Make sure there are clear, easy-to-navigate paths for guests to walk around. Ensure that older guests or those with mobility issues can comfortably access all areas. Get solar stake lights to ensure paths are well-lit.
6. Consider the Weather and Backup Plans
While the idea of an outdoor wedding is lovely, you should always have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Set a date : Choosing the right date is critical, especially for a backyard wedding. You’ll want to pick a time when the weather is ideal, but you’ll also need to consider seasonal factors.
Sunset timing : For outdoor weddings, it's important to know when the sun sets so you can plan your ceremony accordingly.
Tent for rain or wind : You can choose to have a tent with open or closed sides. For a November outdoor wedding, we chose a tent that was closed on one side to block the wind to keep guests cozy inside.
Heaters or fans : If you’re hosting your wedding in a cooler or hotter month, ensure that you have the right equipment to keep your guests comfortable.
Keep your guests comfortable : If you're getting married in the summer, consider popsicles during cocktail hour. Winter or Fall wedding? Keep a basket of blankets or shawls handy for the evening.
Featured Real Wedding :
K + A came to me in December of 2020 after deciding to postpone AND pivot their original wedding plans of getting married indoors at theatre-style venue to an outdoor location at a family's private residence. They instantly knew there would be a lot of moving parts and were unsure of where to start. We did an initial site visit to determine the overall flow of the event and where things would take place. Then, scheduled additional visits with the caterer and the rental company to ensure our ideas would actually work. Our only hiccup was the area where the tent and dance floor would go would need to be leveled out here and there and we needed to determine the water line so that the tent stakes didn't cause any damage.
We couldn't have pulled everything off without the help of the friends and family couple. The property owner was able to level out the lawn in the spring and he was just ready for anything you threw at him, batteries, fishing line, a different ladder - he has it. K's dad built (and carpeted) and stage for the ceremony site. He also made me realize that dads make the best wedding assistants, not only was he incredibly helpful, but rather than me passing off a task, he would say "I think you can do it" and then proceed to give me a motivational speech while I'm doing it. I love when a vendor team feels like family, and in this case, it really did.
Every wedding is a learning experience, and this one will always be marked as a big chapter in my book. I feel like we were able to bring the indoors out (if that makes sense) and still execute K+A's starry, dark, moody vision to life in a rather rustic location. The day flowed naturally, everyone was happy and had the best time - simply the best! (there was an epic moment on the dance floor to that song) Huge thank you to the couple for including me in this journey and trusting me to pull this off, teamwork makes the dream work!
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