With the weather growing warmer and coronavirus restrictions still in place, more and more couples are considering having a backyard wedding. While overall this seems like a simple and cost-effective plan, there are several things to consider to make a backyard wedding successful. In order for the wedding day to flow correctly, you need to have all of the essentials of a wedding venue at your home.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SAYING YES! TO A BACKYARD WEDDING
Determine your guest count. Depending on the size of the property where you are hosting your backyard wedding, how many guests can you accommodate? Typically, wedding professionals estimate 15 sqft per person.
Events of the Day. Will your backyard event include ceremony and reception? Will there be dancing? Dinner? Bar? Be creative with your layout to accommodate not only your guest count, but the activities of the day.
Consider the Weather. Be sure that you have accounted for weather concerns. With heat, cold, wind or rain, a tent can offer relief from the elements. Your vendors will want to know what Plan B is should you have to implement one.
Comfortable Accommodations. With a significant amount of guests joining the celebration, consider all of their needs including restrooms, trash receptacles, and parking.
Parking. Consider hiring a valet company to assist with easy parking for guests or be sure to mark clearly where guests will (and can!) park.
Vendor Accommodations. DJs will need power for the speakers and sound system equipment. Caterers will need prep space to prepare and plate meals. Inform your vendors of the backyard wedding location so they can give you a list of their requirements.
Wedding Party Accomodations. Be sure you and your significant other (plus your bridal party) have dressing areas or have acquired a space elsewhere to get ready.
Logistics. Consider the flow of events from when guests arrive, through how they will be seated at the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Even for backyard weddings, we still suggest hiring a wedding planner.
Effects on Budget. With the need to bring in so much equipment, the overall cost savings of having a backyard wedding may end up not differing as greatly as you might expect from a typical wedding venue. Your budget, just like any wedding, depends primarily on your guest count.
Wedding Insurance. When hosting a wedding on your property, we strongly encourage wedding/event insurance. There is no need to take on extra risk on your wedding day.
Rentals a Plenty. The key to making a backyard wedding successful is the specialty and traditional event rentals brought in to assist in the logistics and design of the wedding. This list can be intimidating. Consider all of these rental options:
Event Rentals – larger, basic and generic rentals
- Tent
- Dance floor
- Tables
- Chairs
- A/C or Heating units
- Restroom Facilities
- Servicewear, Dishware, Glassware, Flatware
Specialty Rentals – unique furniture, backdrops and decor rentals
- Ceremony Seating
- Ceremony backdrop/altar decor
- Reception tables and seating such as farm tables
- Linens
- Decor
- Lounge Seating
- Sweetheart Table
- Cake table, Gift Table
- Escort Wall/Seating Arrangements
- Photobooth
- Lighting
Once you’ve compared costs to hosting a backyard wedding vs renting an event venue plus and taken in consideration the notes above, you’ll know for sure whether or not a Backyard Wedding is for you!
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Photography Credit: Matt Allen Photography