Going from a venue to a backyard can be stressful, but these tips will help.
Backyard weddings have always been an option, but during COVID-19, more and more brides considered hosting a backyard wedding. And that trend has continued to increase.
Many BOLIs have been going this route, and most say they are happy they did.
Here are some tips to help you plan a backyard wedding.
Pick a Location
You need to know approximately how many people will be attending. Once you know how many people, then you can figure out a good location. For some, their own backyards are perfect. For others, they are opting for their parents or future in-laws’ yards, or even a friend’s. Whatever you decide, you want to make sure you can comfortably fit all of your guests, all while still social distancing.
Set a Date
Since everything will be outside – you’ll want to take weather into consideration. For cooler months, there are plenty of options to stay warm (we’ll get into that later)!
Find Your Vendors
Just as with any other wedding venue, you’ll want to start looking at vendors as soon as your have your date picked. It’s best to start looking sooner rather than later. Remember with vendors, you’ll need more than just the typical photographer, florist and DJ. Think tent rentals, décor rentals, tables/chairs. Make sure to ask if they will be set up and taken down by whoever you hire, or if you’ll have to do it yourself.
Set a Budget
You’ll want to set a budget for your backyard wedding. With a do-it-yourself backyard wedding, you’ll be starting from a clean slate – so you’ll need to budget everything from the bigger items like tents, tables and chairs to plates and silverware (Party City has great high-end plasticware that looks like the real thing!) Everything adds up quickly.
Assess Your Space
Before you start buying, reserving and renting items, really take a look at the space you’ll be using and envision how you want the day to be. Where will the sweetheart table be? Will you be holding the ceremony in the same location? If so, how will that look, and how will guests transition from ceremony to reception space? Will you have a dance floor (if dancing is allowed)? Map it all out on paper of how everything would be laid out, and make sure everything you want will fit.
Hire Help
Yes. You will need help. Think of every party you’ve ever thrown. You were probably running around, making sure you fed everyone, cleaning up, etc. You do NOT want to be doing that on your wedding day. Think servers, bartenders, etc. For smaller parties, one or two servers should be good. And if you’re not very organized by nature, hire a day of coordinator to help plan the timeline and keep you on schedule. Even though it will be a laid-back wedding in your yard, if you still want to have the signature wedding-day events like first reveal, photos, first dance, etc., you will need a timeline and you’ll want to stick to it.
Food
Pick a place that does catering. Maybe it’s a favorite local place you and your significant other frequent. And make sure you have enough. Check with whoever you choose and ask for their advice. They’ll be able to guide you how much to order based on the size of the party. If you like to cook or bake, and have the time, then go for it!
Remember the ‘Extras’
Some things you’ll want to remember when planning.
Facilities – do you want people coming in and out of your house to use the restroom? If not, invest in renting Port O’Potties.
Parking – is there enough parking on your street? You may want to consider having a ‘valet’ or someone to park guests’ cars so they don’t have to walk far to get to your house. If street parking is limited or has restrictions, consider a nearby parking lot, just get permission.
Noise level – does your neighborhood have rules about music or noise after a certain hour? Keep that in mind when planning music or entertainment.
Heaters or fans? What time of year will it be? In the cooler or colder months, you will want to rent or buy heaters. In the warmer months, consider fans. You want your guests to be comfortable. Watch the weather – is rain the forecast? Make sure you have a backup or that the tents are able to be out in the rain.
Transportation – are you holding the ceremony in a different location? Make sure you have transportation planned to get you to and from where are you holding the reception.
Lighting – do you want lamps? Candles? Lanterns? Stringed up lights? If it’s a night wedding, you’ll want to make sure people can see around the yard.
Your backyard wedding can be as big or as small as you want it to be. You’ll be starting from scratch, so the sky is really the limit with how you want to decorate and what you want the day to be. While the day might not be how you envisioned it, you will still be getting married and celebrating with the ones you love. And that’s all that really matters in the end.
