Lyla Dejesus
Backyard weddings are a great option for couples who want a unique, intimate, and sentimental feel to their wedding. They are also perfect for couples who love the outdoors and want to stick to a budget. While they can be very beautiful and special, they do come with a unique set of challenges and considerations. From permits and insurance to decor and logistics, there are many aspects to planning a backyard wedding that couples may not have considered. In this discussion, we will delve into the various factors that go into creating a memorable backyard wedding, ensuring that it is not only a dream come true for the couple but also a pleasant and comfortable experience for their guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Less costly compared to renting a venue, but expenses can add up with decor rentals, lighting, sound equipment, and catering supplies |
| Guest List | Small and intimate, with limited space for a large guest list |
| Flexibility | High flexibility in terms of wedding date, vendor selection, and decorative options |
| Logistics | Requires careful planning and attention to details such as parking, bathrooms, power supply, and permits |
| Weather | A "'Plan B'" is crucial in case of inclement weather |
| Sentimentality | Can be highly sentimental and comfortable, with a unique and special feel |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting and costs
Backyard weddings are a great way to save money on your wedding day budget. By hosting your wedding in your backyard or a family member's backyard, you can eliminate the cost of renting a venue, which can save you a significant amount of money. However, it's important to keep in mind that you may need to rent or purchase various items for your backyard wedding that would typically be provided by a venue, such as tables, chairs, plates, cutlery, glasses, and bathrooms.
To keep costs down, consider the following:
- Keep the guest list small and intimate. This will not only make your wedding feel more personal but also reduce costs per person.
- Source items from thrift stores. Visit your local thrift stores for economical selections and create an artfully mismatched look, or rent items for a more unified appearance.
- Choose entertainment wisely. Instead of a DJ, consider creating a wedding playlist and renting a small sound system. You can also set up lawn and yard games, such as corn hole, ladder golf, and outdoor Jenga. These can be personalised with your wedding colours or initials for a special touch.
- Get creative with food and drinks. Food trucks are a fun and cost-effective way to feed your guests, and mobile bars can take care of the drinks. Alternatively, you can opt for delivered catering or on-site catering.
- Decorate with string lights. String lights are relatively inexpensive and add a gorgeous, ethereal touch to your wedding reception area.
- Be flexible with the date. Backyard weddings give you the freedom to choose any date you want, even on short notice, without worrying about venue availability.
- Have a plan B for inclement weather. Renting a tent can cost $1000 or more, so consider whether you can use a covered patio or indoor space in case of bad weather.
- Wedding insurance: $250 or more.
- Rentals (tables, chairs, plates, flatware, barware, decor): $30 per person or more.
- Planner (day-of coordinator or full-service wedding planner): $2500 or more.
- Catering and bar: $50 per person or more.
- Photographer: $2500 or more.
- Videographer: $3500 or more.
While backyard weddings can be a great way to save money, it's important to carefully consider all the costs and logistics involved. The stress and cost of a backyard wedding can increase with the number of guests, so keep that in mind when creating your guest list.
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Logistics and planning
Backyard weddings are a great way to create a unique, intimate, and sentimental experience for you and your guests. However, they can also be a logistical challenge, so careful planning is essential. Here are some key considerations for the logistics and planning of your backyard wedding:
Permits and Insurance:
Check your local guidelines and regulations. You may need permits for noise ordinances, events, and parking. Also, consider investing in wedding insurance to protect yourself financially in case of any injuries or property damage.
Guest List and Space:
Backyard weddings tend to be naturally intimate, so it's a perfect opportunity to keep your guest list small. Consider the space available and ensure there's enough room for seating, dining, and dancing. If you're expecting a larger group, you may need to rent a tent or additional structures.
Rentals and Vendors:
You'll likely need to rent essential items such as tables, chairs, and a dance floor. Consider the power supply and lighting, especially if you're having a DJ or using electronic equipment. Research and select reputable vendors for catering, decorations, and other services.
Weather and Plan B:
Always have a backup plan for inclement weather. This could include renting tents or other structures to provide shelter. Consider providing items like sunscreen, bug spray, pashmina wraps, or blankets to keep your guests comfortable.
Parking and Bathrooms:
Don't overlook the importance of parking and bathroom facilities. Ensure there's enough parking space nearby or consider providing alternative transportation for your guests. If your indoor bathrooms can't accommodate a large number of guests, consider renting portable bathrooms to ensure comfort and hygiene.
Landscaping and Decor:
Think about the landscaping and wear and tear on the yard. You may want to add some extra touches, such as flowers, lighting, or home-inspired décor, to create a dreamy and cohesive setting.
Logistics and Clean-up:
Designate someone to monitor trash and recycling bins throughout the event. Communicate your plans and expectations clearly to all your vendors, and consider hiring a professional planner to help with the logistics and ensure a smooth and relaxed experience on your wedding day.
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Guest list and seating
A backyard wedding is a great option for couples who want to create an intimate and sentimental feel, plan their dream wedding on a budget, or have their guests gathered outdoors for safety restrictions. It also allows couples to maximise flexibility in terms of the wedding date, vendor selections, and decorative options.
The number of guests you can invite depends on the size of your backyard. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 6-8 sq. ft per person for the ceremony. For a seated and served meal with a dance floor, you should have 13-15 sq. ft per person. For example, if your space is a 20'x20' area (400 sq. ft), you can fit 65 chairs in a cathedral-style seating arrangement with a 4' aisle. If you want to have long banquet tables, you will need tables that are approximately 3 ft x 8 ft, and you should add an extra 2 feet on each side to accommodate walking space, so each table will need a 5 ft x 10 ft area. With 65 guests, you will need 9 tables seating 8 people each, plus tables for food, escort cards, cake, and anything else you want to display.
If you are having a very small wedding where everyone can sit around one table, you can consider a huge circular table or place 3 rectangular tables in a "U" shape. If you are having a small wedding but don't want everyone at the same table, you can have 2 large communal tables and 1 additional table for dining with a lot of "casual" seating scattered about.
If you are having a larger wedding, you will most likely need to rent basic event items such as tables, chairs, plates, cutlery, glassware, napkins/table linens, and lounge-style seating for cocktails or dessert on the lawn. You can work with a rental company directly or through your wedding planner or caterer.
Be sure to also consider the following:
- Where will all the guests park? Will you need to set up a no-parking area so older guests can be dropped off before parking?
- Will your home be open to guests to use the bathroom facilities? If so, it is best to have two bathrooms available. If you prefer to keep guests outside, you should plan to rent portable restrooms. You should have two available for the first 100 guests.
- Will your kitchen be able to cook enough food for all of your guests?
- Will your dining room or living room be able to fit all of your guests?
- Will your electrical outlets be able to handle the addition of lights, a DJ system, portable bathrooms, and caterer's trailer? You may need to consider running a new circuit or renting a small generator.
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Weather and lighting
First and foremost, it is crucial to have a "Plan B" in case of unfavourable weather conditions. This could include renting a tent or other structures to provide shelter for your guests if rain is in the forecast. Alternatively, if your home cannot accommodate all your guests, you may need to consider an indoor venue as a backup plan.
Lighting can be a powerful tool to transform your backyard wedding and create a magical experience for you and your guests. It can add extra sparkle and romance to your ceremony, illuminating the space and encouraging your guests to dance the night away.
There are numerous lighting options available to choose from, depending on the vibe you want to create. String lights, fairy lights, and twinkle lights can add brightness and delineation to your space. They can be draped over trees, incorporated into centrepieces, or used to break up large spaces. For a more elegant and rustic feel, consider chandeliers, whether they be made of crystal, reclaimed wood, or even multicoloured. For a whimsical touch, try hanging lanterns with lit candles inside from low-hanging tree limbs, or for a bold statement, hang industrial-chic bulbs along your tables. Disco balls and mirrored tiles will reflect the light and add a fun element to your lighting design.
Don't forget the practical aspects of lighting, such as ensuring your bartender has sufficient light to work by or preventing your grandmother from tripping on her way back to her car!
Lastly, consider the power supply for your lighting. If you are hosting the wedding at your own home, you may need to rent generators to ensure you have enough power for all your lighting and other electrical needs.
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Decor and landscaping
Flowers and Greenery:
Flowers and greenery can add a touch of elegance and romance to your backyard wedding. Consider using flowers that complement the existing landscaping, creating floral arrangements that appear to be growing directly from the lawn. For example, you can line the aisle with floral arches or create a golden arch of burnt orange and brown-hued blooms around the couple's altar. If your backyard has stunning views, a floral arch can also serve as a chic backdrop for your ceremony photos.
Lighting:
The pre-existing landscape lighting in your backyard may not be sufficient for your wedding, so consider renting additional lighting to create the right ambiance. You can use string lights, lanterns, or candles to illuminate the space and create a magical atmosphere.
Tables and Place Settings:
Depending on your guest count, you may need to rent tables and chairs. To create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, consider using a long table or multiple smaller tables with floral arrangements and candles. Enhance the tablescape with textural place settings, such as ornate chargers, gilded china, and elegant glassware.
Comfort and Convenience:
Ensure your guests are comfortable by providing items such as sunscreen, bug spray, and pashmina wraps. Keep mosquitoes at bay with citronella candles and torches placed throughout the yard. Also, don't forget to provide ample trash and recycling bins to maintain a pleasant environment throughout the event.
Creative Freedom:
One of the greatest advantages of a backyard wedding is the creative freedom it offers. You can let your creativity run wild and transform your backyard into a blank canvas. Consider unique decor elements such as squiggly frames for table numbers, day-of signage, and menus. Hang pretty balloons in your wedding colours, which can double as a work of art.
Cleanup and Maintenance:
Don't forget to consider the post-nuptial cleanup. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives like flower petals, leaves, birdseed, or herbs, which can be left on the ground after the event. Also, be mindful of the wear and tear on the yard during the wedding, and ensure you have a sufficient power supply.
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Frequently asked questions
A backyard wedding can be a budget-friendly option as you save on venue fees. However, the overall cost depends on factors like rental costs (tents, tables, chairs), catering, decor, and landscaping. Couples can spend anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 on average, but the number can vary.
Backyard weddings offer flexibility with dates, vendors, and decorations. They are perfect for creating a uniquely sentimental and intimate atmosphere. You can also save money and choose any dress code you like.
Some crucial aspects to consider are permits, insurance, parking, power supply, and bathroom facilities. It's also essential to plan for weather contingencies and have a ""Plan B"" in case of rain or extreme temperatures.
Providing items to protect against the elements, such as sunscreen, bug spray, parasols, and blankets, is essential. Ensure adequate lighting and comfortable lounge areas. Consider offering welcome bags with essentials and transportation options for guests' convenience.
Backyard weddings tend to be more intimate due to space constraints. While you can still have a large guest list, it may require additional rentals, such as port-a-potties, and careful planning to manage parking and other logistics.
