Planning The Perfect Outdoor Wedding: Mastering The Lawn Size

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to deciding on a venue. If you're thinking of hosting a wedding in your backyard, there are a few things to consider when it comes to space. Firstly, it's important to know your guest list and approximate attendance to plan wisely. This will help you determine if your backyard is big enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. You'll need to allocate space not just for guests but also for essentials like tables, a dance floor, food serving areas, and even parking.

Another factor to keep in mind is the layout and landscaping of your lawn. You might want to consider trimming and beautifying your lawn to create a pleasant atmosphere for your special day. Additionally, think about the practical aspects, such as electricity requirements, bug control, and bathroom facilities.

While a backyard wedding can be a great way to save money and incorporate a personal touch, it's essential to plan carefully and consider all the logistics to ensure your big day goes smoothly.

The lawn size depends on the number of guests

The lawn size for your wedding depends on how many guests you plan to invite, and how you want them to be accommodated.

If you're planning a small wedding with around 80 guests, you'll need at least 1,000 square feet of space for a sit-down dinner. If you're expecting 160 guests, you'll need to double that to 2,000 square feet. A venue of 3,000 square feet can accommodate around 250 guests, while a 3,700 square foot venue is perfect for about 300 guests.

If you're planning a standing reception, you'll need to allow for about six square feet per person. So, for 100 people, you'll need 600 square feet of space. For a mixed seated and standing crowd, increase the space to eight square feet per person. For a seated dinner, you'll need between nine and 15 square feet per person.

Don't forget to consider the space you'll need for other activities, like a dance floor, band or DJ, cake table, gift table, bars, and buffet and food stations. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 400 square feet for a head table, 200 square feet for a DJ booth, 100 square feet for a bar, and 150 to 225 square feet for a dance floor, depending on the number of guests.

It's important to get the right-sized venue for your wedding. A venue that's too small will feel crowded and claustrophobic, while a venue that's too large might feel empty and awkward.

Consider parking availability

Parking availability is an important consideration when planning a wedding, especially if you're hosting it at a private residence. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Number of Guests and Staff

First, you need to consider the number of guests you're inviting and how many cars they will bring. For example, if you're inviting 150 guests and not providing shuttle buses, you can expect around 75 cars that will need parking spaces. This is a significant number and should be planned for accordingly.

On-Site Parking

If you have the option to use on-site parking, such as a large field or driveway, this can be a convenient choice. Ensure that the area is well-lit at night and have a backup plan in case the field becomes wet or muddy due to weather conditions. If on-site parking is tricky or limited, consider offering a valet service as a convenient option for your guests.

Street Parking

If you're relying on street parking, make sure the neighbourhood streets are well-lit and have sidewalks for your guests' safety and convenience.

Off-Site Parking

If on-site parking is not feasible, you can direct guests to self-park at a nearby location, such as a church or school parking lot, and then walk or take a shuttle to the wedding venue. Always check with the church or school first and ensure that there are navigable sidewalks between the parking lot and the venue. Alternatively, you can hire a mini-bus or shuttle to transport guests between the off-site parking lot and the wedding venue.

Parking for Wedding Staff

Don't forget to include parking spaces for your wedding staff, such as photographers, planners, catering staff, band or DJ, and delivery crews. They will also need a designated area to park their vehicles.

Clear Instructions for Guests

Provide clear parking instructions or a simple map to your guests, especially if the venue is difficult to find or has unique parking arrangements. This information can be included with the invitation or on your wedding website.

Check if the lawn needs trimming and landscaping

When preparing for a wedding, it's important to ensure that the lawn is well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some detailed instructions to help you check if the lawn needs trimming and landscaping:

Step 1: Assess the Lawn's Condition

Begin by evaluating the current state of the lawn. Look for any bare spots, overgrowth, or uneven areas. Pay attention to the grass length and check if it needs to be mowed or trimmed. Identify any areas that require special attention, such as around trees, shrubs, or garden beds.

Step 2: Determine the Ideal Grass Height

Different grass types have specific height ranges that are ideal for their health and appearance. Here are some general guidelines for common grass types:

• Bahia, Blue Gramma, and Buffalo grasses: 2 to 3 inches.
• Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and St. Augustine grasses: 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
• Common Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia grasses: 1 to 2 inches.
• Hybrid Bermuda: about 1 inch.

Step 3: Trim the Lawn

Use a string trimmer before mowing to shape the lawn and prevent overgrowth. Avoid using a line trimmer against the bark of trees as it can cause severe damage. Instead, create a grass-free, mulched area around the tree. Mow the lawn when the grass blades are about one-third taller than the recommended height, following the one-third rule to prevent damage and stress to the lawn.

Step 4: Mow at the Right Height

Adjust the blade height of your mower to match the ideal height for your grass type. Place the mower on a hard surface, disconnect the spark plug, and use a tape measure to set the desired height. Test the setting by mowing a patch of grass and adjust as needed. Mowing on the higher side of the range improves drought resistance and root health.

Step 5: Keep the Blades Sharp

Sharpen the blades of rotary mowers at least once a season to ensure clean cuts and prevent damage to the grass blades. Remove the blade, sharpen it using a bench grinder or heavy-duty mill file, and check the blade balance afterward. Alternatively, take the blade to a mower repair shop for sharpening.

Step 6: Landscape Maintenance

Trimming and pruning are different practices. Trimming controls the shape of plants, shrubs, and hedges, while pruning maintains their health by removing dead, injured, or diseased branches. Trimming is typically done a few times a year, while pruning is usually done annually during the late winter or early spring dormant period.

Step 7: Fertilize the Lawn

Fertilization is vital to maintaining a healthy lawn. Apply fertilizer and weed control treatments four to six times a year to retain a green and lush lawn. Spring fertilization includes pre-emergent herbicide treatments to minimize weed invasions. Summer fertilization includes post-emergent herbicide treatments to kill existing weeds. Late summer and fall fertilization help prepare the turf for the winter dormant period.

Step 8: Refresh Mulch and Weed Regularly

Mulch provides multiple benefits, including promoting plant growth, regulating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion. Refresh dyed hardwood mulch annually and rock or decorative stone coverings every other year. Regularly check for weeds and pull them out to treat the affected areas.

Step 9: Reshape Landscape Beds

Landscape beds enhance the overall look of the yard. Reshape them once a year during spring cleanup to keep them looking fresh and well-defined. Consider planting annual flowers to add a pop of color.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding lawn is well-maintained, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing for your special day.

Rent tables, chairs, and portable restrooms

Renting tables, chairs, and portable restrooms is an essential part of planning a wedding, especially if you're hosting it in a non-traditional venue like a backyard or a public space. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

Determine Your Needs:

Before reaching out to rental companies, it's important to have a clear idea of your needs. Consider the number of guests you're inviting, the layout of the space, and the type of seating arrangement you prefer (round tables, rectangular tables, etc.). This will help you estimate the number of tables and chairs required.

Contact Rental Companies:

Look for reputable rental companies in your area that offer wedding rentals. You can search online or ask for recommendations from friends and family. Contact several companies to inquire about their inventory, pricing, and availability. Be sure to provide them with details about your event, including the date, location, and the number of guests.

Compare Prices and Services:

Different rental companies will offer varying packages and prices. Compare their quotes to find the best value for your budget. Consider factors such as delivery, setup, and pickup services. Some companies may also offer additional items like linens, tableware, and décor, which can enhance your wedding theme.

Reserve Your Rentals:

Once you've found a rental company that meets your needs and budget, it's important to reserve your items as early as possible, especially during peak wedding season. Confirm the delivery and pickup dates and times, and ensure you understand the rental company's policies regarding cancellations, damages, and returns.

Portable Restrooms:

If your wedding venue doesn't have adequate restroom facilities, consider renting portable restrooms to ensure your guests' comfort. There are companies that specialize in providing luxury portable restrooms for weddings and events, often equipped with amenities like running water, mirrors, and lighting. These can be a convenient and elegant solution to ensure your guests have a positive experience.

Remember to read reviews, ask for references, and carefully review contracts and policies before finalizing any rental agreements. By planning ahead and choosing reputable rental companies, you can ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and beautifully.

Create a dance floor

When it comes to creating a dance floor for a wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the dance floor will depend on the number of guests and the expected number of dancers. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 3 square feet (0.28 square metres) for 30% of your guest list. This means that for every 100 guests, you can expect 30 people to be dancing at any given time, and each dancer will need enough space to move around comfortably.

If you're setting up the dance floor on grass, it's important to choose a flat area to ensure the safety of your guests as they dance. Mow the grass short, and consider offering alternative footwear such as flip-flops or slippers for those dancing barefoot or in heels.

Now, let's get into the different ways you can create a dance floor:

Natural Dance Floor

If you're going for a rustic or informal wedding, you can simply use a grassy area as your dance floor. Mark out a level area of grass and mow it short. You can hammer in wooden, metal, or strong plastic poles around three sides of the dance floor and hang lights or lanterns between the poles to define the space. Solar-powered lights are a great option, as they store sunlight during the day and automatically come on at dusk.

Carpeted Dance Floor

For a more comfortable and rustic look, you can lay down a large area rug or cheap floor coverings made of jute or bamboo. Secure the edges of the carpet with tent pegs and lights to prevent tripping hazards. This option is perfect for guests who want to dance barefoot or in flat shoes.

Modular Dance Floor

For a more professional look, you can purchase modular tiles that fit together like puzzle pieces. These tiles come in wood, vinyl, or foam, with wood being the best option for a classy wedding. Simply push the tiles together to cover your desired dance floor area, and add ramp pieces to the exposed edges.

Anti-Fatigue Floor Mats

For an extremely comfortable dance floor, you can use anti-fatigue floor mats, which are soft and plushy mats commonly found in the kitchen section of home goods stores. These mats are slip-resistant and typically have padding on the bottom to prevent sliding. They are also waterproof, making them a good option for outdoor use.

MDF Boards

Another option is to use large sheets of MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) boards. These can be purchased from construction supply stores and covered with a tarp or waterproof cover to protect them from getting wet. You can paint or stain the MDF boards and finish them with a transparent PVC glaze to keep them looking their best throughout the event.

Plywood Dance Floor

If you're feeling handy, you can build your own dance floor using plywood sheets and joists. Here's how:

• Purchase plywood sheets and 2x3-inch joists to create a frame. Standard plywood sheets are 4x8 feet, so plan your dance floor size accordingly.
• Get half of the joists cut into 45-inch pieces to be used as support beams.
• Build a rectangle out of joists for each plywood sheet. Use two 8-foot joists for the longer sides and two 45-inch joists for the shorter sides. Nail them together to create a frame.
• Install four support beams inside each frame using the shorter joists. Space them evenly and nail them into place.
• Nail the frames together to form the base of your dance floor. Line up the exterior edges and add nails every 6-12 inches to reinforce the structure.
• Place the plywood sheets on top of the frames and nail them into place. Ensure the nails are flush with the plywood surface to prevent injuries.
• Join the exterior seams of the frames with mending plates. These are small metal sheets with nail slots that help hold the frames together.
• Paint the dance floor with floor paint to give it a polished look. You can use painter's tape to create a checkerboard pattern or add stencilled messages.

Frequently asked questions