How To Plan A Backyard Wedding

Getting married is a major life event that you’ll never forget. If you’re planning to walk down the aisle with that special someone, a backyard wedding is a great way to say your vows and tie the knot on a budget. Whether your outdoor space is large or small, it’s easy to plan a backyard wedding if you know where to start. From summer celebrations, elopements, adventures, to a beautiful autumn ceremony, read on to learn how you can plan your wedding for a special moment right in your own backyard.

To effectively plan a backyard wedding, consider all elements like seating arrangements, lighting, and decorations that enhance the beauty of your space.

How to Get Started: Review the Logistics

When you plan a backyard wedding, it’s essential to think about the overall experience for your guests.

Before you pick out favors and décor, start with the logistics. How successful your wedding is will depend on where you live, the time of year, and the weather. Try to nail down a date where you feel confident the weather will hold out for a glorious day.

Weather considerations are crucial when you plan a backyard wedding, so have a backup option ready.

Red tape. Determine whether or not you need a special license to get married in your backyard, as some locations still require a permit to perform official ceremonies in a private space.

Compliance is vital as you plan a backyard wedding; know the local regulations that may apply.

Electrical power. Figure out how to get the right amount of power for music, lighting, and more. An extension cord might do the trick, but be aware that it also poses a tripping hazard. Determine how much equipment will be needed for the wedding so you can get the proper power source set up. You’ll likely need a generator to create power for things like speakers and catering equipment.

Make sure you have enough electrical supply, as you plan a backyard wedding with lights and sound systems.

Yard prep. Start early getting your yard ready for the big day. Get rid of old dead plants, tree branches, and weeds to create a clean slate for your ceremony and reception. Come up with a layout for seating and the stage now so it’ll be easy to set everything up when the time comes.

Insurance. Another crucial thing to keep in mind is wedding insurance. You might not think you need it in your own backyard, but it’s good to see what’s covered in case a guest gets injured on your property.

Little practical details. Other things to consider include parking, notifying your neighbors in advance, creating your official wedding program, and having a plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Special features. Think about the special features you’ll want to include in your backyard wedding. From a specific theme to your flowers, write down a list of ideas, and tweak them as you go. Do you want an outdoor dance floor or stage? Separate tables and chairs for the reception? An arch to get married under? Think of planning your backyard wedding the same way you would in any other venue. Brainstorm several different features you’d like to see so you can start planning ahead as early as possible.

Incorporating personal touches is key when you plan a backyard wedding, making the day memorable.

Plan B. There’s no way you can predict the weather to a T, so be sure you have an alternate “Plan B” in place just in case a storm rolls in. Weather can change in an instant which means you might end up dealing with a dangerous storm. Reserve a tent that you can use in case of an emergency. Ensure that the sides of the tent are covered to protect everyone from the rain. If the weather happens to be unseasonably hot, have plenty of fans available. If it’s cold, stock up on outdoor heaters. Having these safeguards in place will keep your stress level low and the wedding moving along.

Alternatives are necessary when you plan a backyard wedding to ensure comfort regardless of weather changes.

Timeline. Wedding planners are experts at creating the perfect timeline, but if you’re doing everything on your own, you’ll need to create a timeline that works. I have created a helpful wedding planning guide that can help you with how to plan the perfect timeline.

Also, try to schedule your wedding photos before the ceremony begins so you can mingle and visit with guests after the ceremony is over. If you can’t get pictures beforehand, consider a few fun backyard games or activities to keep everyone entertained while they wait. Finally, remember to be mindful of your neighbors and try to agree on an official time when the reception will be over. You can always move the party to a local bar or another hot spot later in the night.

Your timeline will be unique when you plan a backyard wedding, allowing flexibility in scheduling.

Benefits of a Backyard Wedding

Explore the benefits as you plan a backyard wedding, from cost savings to personal significance.

While a formal venue is always nice, there are plenty of awesome benefits to getting married in your backyard. First and foremost, you’ll save a ton of money on the cost to rent a venue which can run you into the thousands of dollars. That fact alone makes considering a backyard wedding worth the effort! Aside from saving money, here are some other benefits and tips of hosting a backyard wedding:

Your pets can attend. If your pets are part of the family, you can enjoy their company at the wedding. Most venues won’t allow pets, but you can certainly enlist your pooch to be the best man if you decide to get married DIY.

Pets are welcome when you plan a backyard wedding, adding joy to the celebration.

You can host the rehearsal dinner, too. Aside from the wedding itself, you can also host a backyard rehearsal dinner. Have casual food like barbecue catered in, or just cook some food on the grill for your wedding party to enjoy.

You can create a cozy atmosphere when you plan a backyard wedding by hosting the rehearsal dinner there.

A smaller guest list means less money. Since your backyard probably has limited space, that means you can keep your guest list small, too. The fewer guests you have, the less money you’ll need to spend on things like food and entertainment.

Keeping your guest list small is easier when you plan a backyard wedding, ensuring a more intimate event.

Flexibility with dates. Backyard weddings give you the flexibility to choose any date you want to get married. Instead of planning around the “wedding season” to find an open slot, you can pick any day you like to host your own backyard wedding.

Flexibility is a huge advantage when you plan a backyard wedding compared to traditional venues.

Sentimentality. Besides saving money and enjoying a smaller guest list, having a backyard wedding carries a bit of sentimental value, too. Imagine saying your vows right in the place where you have wonderful memories. Your guests will probably feel sentimental as well, especially if they’ve spent a lot of time at your home and in your backyard.

Sentimental value grows as you plan a backyard wedding, creating lifelong memories in a familiar setting.

DIY Décor and Inspiration

• • If you’re planning a backyard wedding, you’re likely already working on other DIY ideas for the theme and décor. Doing everything yourself gives you the freedom to create almost any style of décor using any theme imaginable. Here are some suggestions to inspire you to create a memorable theme with beautiful DIY decorations.

DIY ideas will flourish when you plan a backyard wedding, allowing you to express your creativity.

• • Hang outdoor string lights throughout your backyard to create a warm, magical glow when the sun goes down.
  • Laminate some of your favorite photos of you and your better half to protect them from the weather, then display them on rope or string with clothespins, hang them from a tree like a mobile, or turn the fence into a photo gallery.

Your love story can be showcased beautifully when you plan a backyard wedding through personalized decorations.

• • Use texture and patterns outdoors by adding beautiful printed tablecloths or runners over tables. Sheer curtains add a gorgeous, romantic touch to the stage.
  • Get creative with seating, and place a few vintage sofas and chairs outside. If it’s a very casual affair, toss some picnic blankets on the lawn for guests — but make sure you have chairs for the older folks or those who don’t want to sit on the ground.

Creative seating arrangements are a must when you plan a backyard wedding, making the event unique.

• • Instead of spending tons of money for custom printed invitations, consider printing them at home or through a local printing service. Create the layout and design using a simple program, then print them in full color on heavy card stock paper.

Invitations can stand out when you plan a backyard wedding through custom designs that reflect your style.

By following these tips, you can successfully plan a backyard wedding that you and your guests will cherish.