Backyard Wedding Rentals: A Private, Intimate Affair

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and expensive affair, so it's no surprise that many couples are now considering backyard weddings as a more budget-friendly option. Backyard weddings can be a great way to save money on venue fees, and they offer a unique, intimate setting for your special day. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering renting a backyard for your wedding.

Firstly, it's important to consider the size of the backyard and whether it can accommodate your guest list. You'll also need to think about parking, with a good rule of thumb being to have enough space for one car for every two guests. In addition, you'll need to ensure that the ground is level enough for chairs, tables, and a dance floor, and that there is access to power and electrical supplies for lighting, music, and catering equipment.

Another important consideration is bathroom facilities. If your guest list is larger than 20 people, you will likely need to provide additional toilets, such as portable restroom trailers, to ensure a comfortable experience for your guests.

While a backyard wedding can save you money on venue hire, there are still costs to consider, such as rental fees for tables, chairs, and a tent, as well as catering and décor. It's also worth checking with local authorities about any permits or regulations you may need to comply with, such as noise restrictions or zoning issues.

Overall, a backyard wedding can be a beautiful and budget-friendly option, but careful planning is required to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch!

Backyard weddings can be expensive

Firstly, if you're renting a backyard, you'll need to factor in the cost of that. If you're using your own or a friend or family member's backyard, you'll still need to rent tables, chairs, linens, flatware, glassware, and possibly even portable bathrooms and a dance floor. These costs can add up quickly, especially if you have a large guest list.

Another thing to keep in mind is the setup and cleanup. You may need to invest in landscaping or hire someone to help with setup and cleanup, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Additionally, you'll need to consider other rentals such as a tent, lighting, and possibly a generator, depending on your power needs. These items are essential for ensuring your guests' comfort, especially if the weather is unpredictable.

Don't forget about decorations and flowers, which can also add to the expense. While you can save money by choosing fruit over flowers or creating your own centrepieces, it will still cost you something.

Finally, there are the costs of catering, photography, entertainment, and other wedding essentials. These expenses can quickly add up, and if you're not careful, your backyard wedding could end up costing as much as, if not more than, a traditional venue wedding.

While backyard weddings can be expensive, with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to create a beautiful and memorable celebration within your means.

You may need to rent a tent

Renting a backyard for a wedding can be a great way to save money and have an intimate setting for your special day. However, there are many things to consider and expenses to keep in mind, such as renting a wedding tent.

While it may be tempting to skip the tent and hope for good weather, this can be a risky move. Tents provide shelter from rain, wind, and even harsh sunlight. They also offer a designated space for dining, dancing, and other activities, ensuring your guests are comfortable and protected from the elements.

When deciding on a wedding tent, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, determine the size of the tent you'll need based on the number of guests and the style of event (seated dinner, cocktail party, etc.). You'll want to choose a tent with a square shape as it offers taller ceilings and a more inclusive atmosphere.

Next, decide on the type of tent that best suits your needs. Frame tents can be erected on any surface and offer more configuration options, but they are usually more expensive. Pole tents, on the other hand, are more aesthetically pleasing with their swooping roofs, less costly, and require shorter setup times. However, they must be staked into the ground and have centre poles that may obstruct the event space.

In addition to the tent itself, you may need to rent various extras, including:

• Walls: Depending on the temperature and weather conditions, you may want solid, clear, cathedral, or fabric walls.
• Flooring: Consider the condition of the ground and whether you need a full floor or just a dance floor to make it easier for guests in heels.
• Lighting: If your event is at night, you'll need adequate lighting inside the tent. Bistro lights, lanterns, twinkle lights, and can lights are all popular options.
• Heating and cooling: Fans or air conditioning may be necessary to ensure your guests' comfort, depending on the climate and time of year.
• Catering tent: Your caterer may require a separate tent for food preparation, plating, and trash disposal.

When budgeting for a wedding tent, don't forget to include the cost of labour/setup, fire/zoning permits, and possible changes or cancellations. It's also a good idea to get multiple quotes from rental companies and choose one that offers a wide range of services to simplify the process.

By carefully considering your needs and exploring your options, you can create a comfortable and memorable wedding venue, even in a rented backyard!

You'll need to consider power and electricals

When it comes to power and electricals, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your backyard wedding goes off without a hitch.

First, you'll need to determine how much power you'll need. Between lighting, sound systems, and food prep equipment, you'll likely require more electricity than most homes can handle. To avoid blowing a fuse or causing a power outage, consider renting generators. Consult your caterer and DJ about their power requirements, and ask your wedding planner and the generator rental company for help in choosing the right power sources.

If you're planning on having music and lighting for your wedding, you'll need to decide on a power source. One option is to rent an inverter-style generator, which is ideal for electronics and can be rented at a fairly low cost. Be sure to choose a generator with at least double the capacity you need, and have enough fuel on hand to last twice as long as your event. Alternatively, you could use a marine battery with a deep-cell and an inverter to run a laptop, powered speaker, and mixer. However, this may not be sufficient for a reception lasting multiple hours.

In addition to power sources, you'll also need to consider lighting for your event. Even if your wedding takes place before sunset, it's important to have ambient lighting as it gets darker. For a 50x100 ft space, consider using a couple of 600-watt par64 cans or strands of Italian string lights.

By carefully considering your power and electrical needs, you can ensure that your backyard wedding is not only beautiful but also functional and safe.

Check if you need permits

If you're planning a wedding in your backyard or someone else's, there are a few permits you may need to obtain. The requirements vary depending on your location, so it's essential to check with your local authorities. Here are some key points to consider:

Local Regulations:

Check with your county or city hall to understand the specific requirements for your area. The big three restrictions to look out for are usually parking, noise, and fire regulations. If you're using a tent, there may be additional rules as they are often considered temporary structures.

Liquor Licenses:

If you plan to serve alcohol at your wedding, you will likely need a liquor license. This may also be influenced by the time of day you plan to serve alcohol, as some areas have cutoff times for liquor service. Make sure to abide by these regulations to avoid any legal issues.

Fire Permits:

If you're using a tent, you will likely need a fire permit. The fire department may send a fire marshal to inspect the setup once it's ready. They will check for marked exits, fire extinguishers, and the proper handling of candles or open flames.

Health Permits:

In some counties, you may need health permits if you're bringing in portable restrooms. The company you rent from should be able to advise you on this, so be sure to ask them about any necessary permits.

Noise Ordinances:

Even if your county doesn't have strict noise restrictions, it's essential to be respectful of your neighbours. Let them know about your plans in advance, and consider inviting them or offering a hotel stay if you think noise might be an issue.

Parking and Traffic:

Ensure that your guests know where to park to avoid fines and maintain good relations with your neighbours. If you anticipate a high number of guests, you may need to arrange for additional parking spaces or a shuttle service.

Insurance:

Review your home insurance policy to ensure it covers any liabilities that may arise, such as accidents or property damage. Some insurance companies offer specific wedding insurance policies to give you extra peace of mind.

Covid-19 Protocols:

Check for any local Covid-19 restrictions that may impact your guest count or require social distancing. Stay up to date with the latest guidelines from your local and state governments to avoid fines and ensure a safe event for all.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Reach out to the relevant authorities and vendors well in advance to ensure you have all the necessary permits and are aware of any regulations that may impact your special day.

You may need to hire a wedding planner

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and time-consuming task, so you may need to hire a wedding planner to help you create your dream wedding. Wedding planners can help you find vendors to hire and ensure that everyone has a great time without damaging your home. They can also help you find a suitable backyard venue, whether that's your own backyard, a friend or family member's backyard, an Airbnb, or a venue that has a backyard vibe.

If you're planning to host a backyard wedding, there are many things to consider, such as permits, parking, bathrooms, decor, and more. A wedding planner can help you navigate these considerations and ensure that nothing is overlooked. They can also help you create a timeline for the wedding, which is especially important if you're planning to have the ceremony and reception in the same location.

Additionally, a wedding planner can help you create a budget and connect you with vendors that fit within that budget. They can also assist with coordinating rentals, such as tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, lighting, and more. If you're planning to serve food, a wedding planner can help you find a caterer and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to prepare and serve the food.

Overall, hiring a wedding planner can help you create a stress-free and well-organized wedding that you and your guests will enjoy. They can take care of the logistics and planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

Frequently asked questions