F L A U N T
Backyard weddings are uniquely sentimental, innately cozy, and more affordable than traditional wedding venues. Whether you chose the backyard of your childhood home, a family vacation property, or the current place of your residence, a familiar place brings a sense of comfort to your wedding day that any other venue option. You also have a huge benefit to pick any wedding date you want without worrying about the additional expenses that come with the peak wedding season. They are also incredibly versatile; from a rustic wedding palette to a modern garden theme, they can accommodate it all. Below, find our 10-pointer step-by-step guide to making the backyard wedding process as seamless as possible.
At first glance, the backyard will look perfect for your special day. But slow down and put things into perspective. Can the backyard comfortably fit the number of guests you’re planning to host? Is there enough parking available for guests? Will you get the permits for the outdoor reception party? Will the vision of your backyard wedding fit into the budget? Finding a space that meets your priorities is the goal and not the other way around.
A backyard falls under a residential setting and a wedding celebration requires special permits for the day. You will need a permit to park all the cars on the street. There may be some noise limits and restrictions on loud music after a certain time. You will need permits if an extension is available. You also have to apply for fire codes for the number of people you have together. Certainly don’t want the fire chief to stop the celebration in the middle. Further, you will need alcohol permits to serve alcohol during the reception hours. A planner with experience in local backyard weddings will be able to guide you through the processes of each permit.
You don’t want to plan for the worst because you don’t want to think about the worst. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, in case accidents (like fire or unaccounted damage) do happen. See what your homeowner’s insurance covers and ask if there’s an umbrella policy for the day. You might have to purchase it for an extra amount, which is well worth it for you, your guests, and your home. Also, contact your vendors to check what insurance policies they offer. Sometimes, your vendor has insurance that can cover whatever area they’re serving, which is your backyard at the time!
Venue accounts for a big chunk of your wedding budget and you do save that amount when you opt for a backyard wedding. But, the final cost depends on a lot of factors like the rentals, catering, decor, and landscaping. A simple backyard wedding with a few elements to elevate the aesthetic will cost considerably less than a traditional wedding venue. But if a grand outdoor celebration with unique details is what you wanted in the first place, then a backyard wedding is an affordable option. Overall, a backyard wedding can cost anywhere between $3000 to $15,000 for a 100-person celebration.
When the whole backyard is your oyster, the choices are endless. Figure out the best layout for your nuptials by envisioning your big day. Take help from a professional wedding planner or decorator and decide what place will be best for the ceremony backdrop, entry/ exit, dance floor, lounge space, etc. You can also highlight the sentimental landmarks and personalize the layout for a meaningful celebration. Once the layout is decided, you might have to give some time to landscape the area like for the grass or blooms to grow. A professional landscaper can do this task with ease.
Weather can be an issue for backyard weddings, especially if the indoor area can’t accommodate all your guests. Plan for rain and windy weather by installing tents covered on all sides. Talk to the rental company about extra-time charges and reinforcements for any last-minute weather updates. It’s also a good idea to ask your prospective vendors about the inclement weather conditions and make your decision on how well they’re accustomed to handling Plan B’s on such momentous occasions.
Are you planning hors d’oeuvres if there’s a significant time difference between the ceremony and reception? Is there a lounge area for the guests to rest between rounds on the dance floor? Is there a plan to help guests deal with the weather conditions? The idea is to think from your guests’ perspective when you plan the entire day. Suppose the forecast calls for hot weather, sunglasses and easily accessible water bottles go a long way. Similarly, have some extra blankets and heating lamps in the area for chilly weather. If it is spring or rainy season, bug spray can protect from pesky mosquito bites. On the same lines, keep bathroom spaces nearby, have snacks to keep the party going, and plan dedicated areas for the elderly & kids.
A backyard wedding requires vendors who have experience in crafting them. You don’t need a venue coordinator, but you do need to hire decorators, rentals, lighting designers, and entertainment in this niche. You also need to hire elegant bathroom rentals and a transportation company to handle parking for guests. A designated day-of coordinator is a huge game changer to reduce the stress on the main day, and a must-have on your wedding team if your guest list is larger than 50 people!
The large garbage cans in your home won’t work for the amount of waste your wedding will generate (unless it’s just 15 to 20 people). Hire a cleaning service to handle the aftermath of the celebration and check with your local disposal company to see what options they have for you. If it's an intimate celebration, you can designate a few of your close friends or family to clean up after the event. Time for the final clean-up to coincide with the rental company pick-up so the entire place is back to where it was without any hassles.
Your backyard wedding is yours, so let it reflect that emotion. Put on your creativity hat and infuse elements that align with your personality statement. Be it string lights to create a romantic atmosphere, handmade signs to add a personal touch, or a BBQ-style dinner for a cozy reception meal. Don’t forget to include entertainment for a ball of a time. Lawn games, bonfires, giant Jenga, etc. elevate the guest experience when you’re off for portrait sessions. Remember, the only rule to getting married in your backyard is there are no rules at all.
Planning a backyard wedding can feel overwhelming at times, as it’s a non-traditional way to host your nuptials. But with the right planning tools, necessary information, and an experienced set of vendors, you can bring your vision to life. This guide covers a step-by-step approach to planning a backyard celebration to make the process easier and result worth it in the end!
Stay up-to-date with exclusive events and content.
