Spacious Yards For A Wedding Of 50: Creating The Perfect Outdoor Setting

Planning a wedding in your backyard? It's a great way to save money on a venue and create a unique, intimate, and sentimental experience for you and your guests. But how much space do you need for 50 guests?

Well, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, consider how much space you'll need for tables and chairs, a dance floor, a buffet or food serving area, and any other features you plan to include. You'll want to ensure there's enough room for guests to move around comfortably without feeling cramped. It's recommended to allow for 13-15 square feet per person for a seated and served meal with a dance floor. So, for 50 guests, you'd need approximately 650-750 square feet of space.

Additionally, don't forget to account for parking and bathroom facilities. You may need to rent portable restrooms if your home bathrooms cannot accommodate a large number of guests. It's also a good idea to inform your neighbours about the event and consider the impact on your surrounding area.

By carefully planning the layout and considering all the necessary elements, you can create a wonderful backyard wedding experience for you and your guests.

Space planning

Assess the Available Space:

Begin by measuring the dimensions of your yard to determine the total square footage available. Consider any obstacles or unusable areas within the space and calculate the effective space you have to work with. This will give you an idea of how many guests you can comfortably accommodate.

Determine Guest Count:

Decide on the number of guests you plan to invite. For a wedding of 50, you will need to ensure that your yard can accommodate that number comfortably while also accounting for other elements such as tables, a dance floor, and other amenities.

Create a Layout:

Draw a scale map of your yard and start allocating spaces for different functions. Consider the placement of tables, a dance floor, food buffets or stations, a bar, and any other special areas you wish to include. Keep in mind that you will need to allow for a certain amount of square footage per person to ensure comfort and ease of movement.

Choose Table Shape:

The shape of the tables you use can impact space utilisation. Rectangular tables tend to be more space-efficient than round tables, allowing for better utilisation of the available area.

Consider a Tent:

Depending on the weather and your preferences, you may want to consider renting a tent. Tents can provide a designated space for the reception and protect guests from the elements. They also allow for hanging decor and lighting, adding to the ambiance.

Account for Service Areas:

Don't forget to allocate space for caterers, bartenders, and other service staff. They will need room to set up, prepare, and serve food and drinks. Additionally, consider the placement of trash and recycling bins to maintain a tidy space throughout the event.

Additional Facilities:

For a guest list of 50 or more, it is advisable to provide additional toilet facilities. Consider renting upscale portable toilet trailers, which offer a more comfortable and spacious option than traditional port-o-potties.

Power and Electrical:

Weddings often require extra power for lighting, sound systems, and food prep equipment. Assess your power needs and consider renting generators to ensure you have sufficient power without overloading the home's electrical system.

Yard Maintenance:

Plan ahead for yard maintenance to ensure the space is in pristine condition for the wedding. Give plants time to fill out, flowers to bloom, and any necessary clearing or levelling to be done. You may also want to hire a landscaper to handle the design and maintenance, ensuring a beautiful and functional space.

Permits and Regulations:

Don't forget to check with your local guidelines and regulations regarding permits, noise ordinances, and HOA rules. You may need to obtain special permits for hosting a large event, and there may be restrictions on music volume and duration, as well as parking considerations.

Catering and alcohol

Catering

Catering is a significant expense for any wedding, and it's important to set a budget and plan accordingly. The average wedding catering cost is around $85 per person, and this can vary depending on the number of guests, the wedding venue, and the type of food service. For a more intimate wedding of 50 people, you may want to consider a backyard wedding, which can be a cost-effective option while still allowing for an elegant and romantic setting.

When choosing a caterer, it's essential to consider what's included in their package. Most caterers will provide food, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and waitstaff. Waitstaff duties can vary, from setting up and tending the bar to clearing tables and assisting with special moments like a champagne toast or cake-cutting ceremony. Rentals like dinnerware, tables, and chairs may also be included in the total wedding catering price.

Be sure to communicate your vision and expectations clearly with your caterer. Discuss options for a custom or fixed menu, and don't forget to include menu tastings, which are crucial for ensuring your satisfaction with the food. If you're planning an interactive food experience, such as a make-your-own taco bar or food station, or if you want to incorporate food trucks, be sure to factor that into the overall cost.

Additionally, consider the dietary restrictions of your guests. More couples are accommodating guests with restrictive diets, offering options like gluten-free desserts or even entire vegan menus. Late-night snacks are another popular trend, so you may want to include options like mini burgers or chicken and waffles to satisfy those after-party cravings.

Alcohol

When it comes to alcohol, there are a few key factors to consider: the number of guests, the duration of the reception, the mix of drinks, and the type of bar you want to have.

For a wedding of 50 people, it is recommended to have one bartender to ensure efficient service. As for the amount of alcohol, a good rule of thumb is to estimate one drink per person per hour. This may vary depending on the drinking habits of your guests, but it's always better to overestimate than run out of drinks.

The type of bar you choose will depend on your preferences and budget. Here are the four main types of wedding bars:

• Open bar: The hosts cover all drink costs, and guests can order any drink they like. While this is the most gracious option, it is also the most expensive, and guests may tend to overindulge.
• Limited bar: Hosts cover the cost but offer a limited selection of drinks, often during specific consumption times like cocktail hours and toasts.
• Cash bar: Guests pay for their drinks. While this is a controversial option, it can be a way to manage costs.
• Non-alcoholic bar: Also known as a "dry bar," this option serves only non-alcoholic drinks, including mocktails, sparkling water, and soda.

When deciding on the mix of drinks, the recommended ratio is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. Typically, it's a 50/50 split between red and white wine. You can also offer signature cocktails (2-3 options) to add a personal touch to your wedding.

Don't forget to consider the time of day, season, and climate when customizing your bar menu. For example, a summer wedding may call for more white wine, beer, and refreshing cocktails. And if you're planning a brunch or lunch wedding, you can reduce the total drinks served by 15%.

Lastly, be mindful of any corkage fees charged by the venue if you bring your own alcohol, and always have a Plan B in case of bad weather, especially for outdoor weddings.

Vendors

When it comes to vendors, there are many to consider for a wedding of 50. Here are some key vendors to think about:

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can be a huge help in organising your big day and ensuring it runs smoothly. They can help with everything from budgeting and staying organised to handling any issues that may arise. If a full-service planner is out of your budget, consider hiring a day-of coordinator instead.

Caterer

Food and drink are essential to any wedding celebration, and hiring a caterer will ensure your guests are well fed. They can also provide staff to serve food and drinks, and some may even handle the cleanup as well. If your wedding is in a backyard setting, make sure the caterer has access to a kitchen or another food prep area.

Rentals Company

A rentals company can provide essential items such as tables, chairs, dinnerware, and décor. They tend to have a wide variety of options to choose from, so you can find items that fit your wedding style and theme. If your wedding is outdoors, be sure to also hire a tent rental company to provide a tent and any other necessary equipment.

Photographer and Videographer

A photographer will capture the memories of your wedding day, and a videographer will create a film that allows you to relive the day. These professionals are well worth the investment, as you'll want to remember your special day for years to come.

Stationer

An experienced stationer can help you with all your stationery needs, from save-the-dates and invitations to escort cards and other paper products. They can also ensure that everything is prepared and sent out in a timely manner.

Officiant

An officiant is a must-have on your wedding vendor list. You'll need to decide whether you want a religious or secular ceremony and then find an officiant who can perform a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful to you.

Florist

A florist will bring your wedding theme and colour scheme to life through flowers. They can create beautiful bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony arrangements, and centrepieces.

Hair and Makeup Artists

You'll want to look and feel your best on your wedding day, so hiring professionals for hair and makeup is essential. They will enhance your natural beauty and ensure you look flawless in all your photos.

Entertainment

Whether you choose a band, a DJ, or live musicians, having some form of entertainment will keep your guests entertained and the dance floor rocking all night.

Lighting Designer

Good lighting can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your wedding. A lighting designer can make your flower arrangements look even more spectacular and ensure your wedding photos are well-lit and beautiful.

Yard prep

Space Planning:

• Determine the feasibility of hosting the wedding in your yard by considering the number of guests and the available space. Ensure there is enough room for the ceremony, reception, parking, and other activities.
• Create a layout that defines spaces for different activities, such as the dance floor, dining area, and bar.
• Consider accessibility for elderly guests or those with disabilities when designing the layout.

Rentals and Vendors:

• Rent tables, chairs, and other necessary items such as a generator, lighting, and bathroom trailers or portable restrooms if your home bathrooms cannot accommodate all guests.
• Source a caterer and discuss space and electrical limitations.
• Book other vendors, including a wedding planner or coordinator, photographer, videographer, florist, hair and makeup artists, DJ or band, bakery, and transportation for guests.

Yard Maintenance and Setup:

• Plan yard maintenance in advance, allowing time for plants to grow and flowers to bloom. Consider hiring a landscaper to ensure the yard is well-maintained.
• Check that the ground is level for chairs, tables, and the dance floor. If not, you may need to lay a foundation.
• Decorate the yard with string lights, lanterns, or twinkle lights to create a romantic ambiance.
• Build or rent a dance floor if you want to avoid having guests dance on the grass, especially if they are wearing heels.
• Create a cohesive landscape design that complements the wedding colour scheme or theme.

Permits and Insurance:

• Check with your city officials to see if you need permits for hosting a large gathering, and inquire about noise ordinances, fire codes, health regulations, and zoning issues.
• Consult your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for the event, and consider purchasing additional event or wedding insurance, including liquor liability insurance if alcohol will be served.

Guest Comfort:

• Provide sunscreen, insect repellent, and blankets or shawls for guest comfort.
• Ensure there are sufficient trash and recycling bins placed around the yard.
• If the weather is expected to be cold, consider renting heaters or providing fans for warm weather.

Guest comfort

Ensuring your guests are comfortable is a key part of hosting a successful wedding. Here are some tips to ensure your guests are comfortable at your wedding:

Seating

If your budget allows, it is worth investing in comfortable seating for your guests. This will be appreciated, especially by older guests or those with mobility issues. Make sure there is enough seating for all your guests, especially during the reception when your guests will need a break from dancing!

Weather

It is important to consider the weather when planning your wedding. If your wedding is outdoors, provide guests with parasols or sunglasses if it is sunny, or blankets if it is cold. If your wedding is indoors, ensure the space is well-ventilated and not too hot.

Footwear

Encourage guests to bring comfortable footwear, especially if your wedding is outdoors. You could provide flip-flops for guests to dance in, or if your wedding is on grass, suggest block heels or flat shoes so that guests don't sink into the ground.

Accessibility

If any of your guests have disabilities, ensure that the venue is accessible for them. Point out accessible entrances and elevators in advance, and consider asking a family member to help the guest get from place to place.

Children

If children are invited to your wedding, consider providing some entertainment for them such as colouring stations or games. You could also ask the DJ to play radio-friendly versions of songs, or switch to adult-only songs at a certain time so that parents can be sure their children aren't hearing inappropriate language.

Space

Make sure there is enough space for your guests to move around and socialise. A cramped space will be uncomfortable for your guests. If you are setting up the space yourself, ask a professional for advice on how much space you will need.

Toilets

Make sure there are enough toilets for your guests. If your guest list is larger than 20 people, you will need to provide additional toilet facilities. You could hire portable toilets or upscale portable toilet trailers, which provide a more comfortable experience.

Food and Drink

Offer guests a refreshing beverage when they arrive to help them relax and get into the mood to celebrate. Provide non-alcoholic options for those who don't drink alcohol. Ensure there is enough food for all your guests, and consider any dietary requirements they may have.

Tables

When planning your table setup, be mindful of who is sitting next to who. Seat guests next to someone they know, or someone they will have something in common with. Also, consider the table design: a round table ensures all guests can see each other, but a tall floral arrangement in the middle may block people's view. Experiment with different table sizes and configurations to find what works best.

Frequently asked questions