George Boyle
Planning a backyard wedding can be a fun and intimate experience, but it requires careful consideration and planning. From budgeting and guest lists to rentals and decor, there are many aspects to coordinate. The beauty of a backyard wedding is its flexibility and potential for customisation, allowing couples to tailor the event to their vision and preferences. Whether opting for a small or large gathering, creating a comfortable and memorable experience for guests is key. With thoughtful planning and personal touches, couples can turn their backyard into a magical setting for their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Budget | On average, couples spend anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, but costs can include rental costs (tents, tables, chairs), catering, decor, landscaping, permits, and a backup plan for bad weather. |
| Guest List | Backyard weddings tend to be more intimate, so it's a good idea to keep the guest list small. |
| Date | You have the freedom to choose any date you prefer, which is beneficial if you want to get married during peak wedding season. |
| Space | Ensure you have enough space for the ceremony and/or reception, parking, and vendors. |
| Rentals | Tents, tables, chairs, generators, heating options, table cloths, and flatware can be rented. |
| Catering | You can hire a caterer, organise a potluck, BBQ, or ask a friend/family member to be in charge of the meal. |
| Decor | You can save money on decor by utilising the natural elements of the backyard. |
| Timeline | Work around the light to ensure you get the best photos. Ensure there is no downtime for guests, and be considerate of your neighbours by keeping noise levels down and ending the party at a reasonable hour. |
| Pets | A backyard wedding is a great opportunity to include your pets in the celebration! |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting and saving tips
Backyard weddings can be a beautiful, intimate, and budget-friendly option. Here are some tips to help you plan and save money:
- Keep the guest list small: A backyard wedding is naturally more intimate, so limiting the number of guests can help you save significantly. A smaller guest list means fewer people to accommodate, feed, and entertain, reducing costs across the board.
- Choose a strategic date: Opt for a date during the off-peak wedding season when venues typically have lower rates. You'll have more flexibility with dates and may be able to negotiate better deals with vendors.
- Save on decor: Nature can be your primary inspiration. Use the natural elements in your backyard, such as trees, flowers, or a beautiful view, as your ceremony's focal point. You can also utilize string lights, candles, or natural light to create a romantic and cost-effective ambiance.
- DIY and potluck: Opt for a DIY approach whenever possible. From invitations and decor to food and entertainment, personalize and create things yourself to save money. Enlist the help of family and friends with creative talents. Additionally, consider a potluck-style meal, where each guest contributes a dish, reducing catering costs.
- Compare rental options: If you need to rent tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and other items, compare prices from multiple rental companies. Websites like Higgins Event Rentals offer various options for backyard weddings.
- Prioritize expenses: Decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, if music is a priority, you may opt for a live band or DJ, while choosing a more affordable option for decor.
- Utilize free resources: Look into free entertainment options, such as creating your own music playlist instead of hiring a live band. You can also use a photo booth to capture fun memories without the cost of a professional photographer.
- Shop smart: When purchasing items for the wedding, consider buying things that can be donated or returned afterward. For example, you can buy servingware and then donate it to charity for a tax write-off.
- Plan ahead: Start planning early to take advantage of sales and discounts. Research and compare prices for rentals, catering, and other services to find the best deals.
- Consider permits and hidden costs: Don't forget to factor in the cost of permits, insurance, and other hidden expenses. Contact your city officials, homeowner's association, and insurance company to understand the requirements and potential liabilities.
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Guest lists and invites
One of the benefits of a backyard wedding is that it gives you the freedom to choose a date that works best for you and your partner. It can also be more cost-effective than a traditional venue, as you don't have to pay for venue hire or security deposits. However, you will likely need to rent essential items such as tables, chairs, and a tent, which can be significant costs. Therefore, it's important to set a budget and priorities for your wedding before finalising your guest list and sending out invitations.
The size of your guest list will depend on the amount of space you have available. If you're hosting the ceremony and reception in your backyard, you'll need enough space for both, as well as room for guests to park their cars. A good rule of thumb is to have enough space to park one car for every two guests you plan on inviting, plus room for vendors' vehicles, which may be larger.
Backyard weddings tend to be naturally more intimate than traditional weddings, so it's a perfect reason to keep your guest list small. If you're nervous about how your family will react to a small guest list, remind them that space is the main limiting factor. You may also want to consider a virtual wedding if you're looking to increase your guest count or remove the limitations of a physical event.
When creating your guest list, it's important to be considerate of your neighbours. You might need to ask your guests to leave early or head to an after-party at a bar so that you're not keeping your neighbours awake until the early morning.
Once you've finalised your guest list, it's time to send out invitations. You can design and create your own invitations to add a personal touch to your wedding. Be sure to send them out with plenty of time before your wedding date to give your guests enough notice.
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Catering and drinks
Hiring a caterer can be a convenient option, but it can also be expensive. If you decide to hire a caterer, be sure to choose one that fits your budget and can work within the space constraints of your backyard. Keep in mind that some catering companies may require a separate prep area, which could impact the overall flow of your event.
If you're looking to save money or want a more intimate and personalized experience, you might consider preparing the food yourself or enlisting the help of family and friends. This option requires careful planning, especially if you're cooking for a large number of guests. Make-ahead dishes and crafty delegation can help ensure that you're not overwhelmed on your big day.
For drinks, you have a few options as well. You can hire a bartending service or ask a friend or family member to serve. If you choose the latter, be sure to check the requirements for serving alcohol, as you may need a liquor license depending on your location and the type of event. Another option is to simply buy and supply all the alcohol yourself, which can help cut down on costs.
Don't forget to consider the overall flow of your event when planning your catering and drinks. For example, you might want to set up yard games or activities during the cocktail hour to keep your guests entertained. Additionally, be mindful of your neighbours and try to avoid keeping them up all night with a loud party.
Lastly, rentals for a backyard wedding can be expensive, so it's important to budget accordingly. In addition to tables and chairs, you may also need to rent a tent, heating options, tablecloths, flatware, and other logistics items. Shop around and compare prices from different rental companies to find the best deals.
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Decor and rentals
Rentals:
- Tents: Depending on the size of your wedding and the weather, you may need to rent a tent. Tents can range in price from $1,500 for a small wedding to upwards of $5,000 for a large wedding. Consider adding side walls, drapes, or lighting for additional costs.
- Tables and chairs: You'll need to rent or buy enough tables and chairs for your guests. If you have a small wedding, you may be able to borrow them from someone local or buy them from a department store.
- Generator: Weddings require a lot of electricity, so you'll likely need to rent a generator if you don't already own one.
- Heating and cooling: Depending on the temperature, you may need to rent propane heaters or small fans to keep your guests comfortable.
- Tableware: Consider renting flatware, servingware, and table cloths to match your decor.
Decor:
- Flowers: Flowers are a common feature at weddings, and you can hire a florist to create beautiful arrangements. If you're on a budget, you can opt for just a bridal bouquet or DIY your own floral arrangements.
- Lighting: String lights or lanterns can add a romantic touch to your backyard wedding.
- Personal touches: Consider adding personal touches to your decor, such as photos, handmade signs, or unique centrepieces.
- Comfort: Think of your guests' comfort and offer complimentary flip-flops for those who may need a change of shoes.
Remember that rentals can be the biggest cost of a backyard wedding, so budget accordingly. By combining rentals with decorative elements, you can create a beautiful and intimate setting for your special day.
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Photography and entertainment
When it comes to photography and entertainment for your backyard wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide whether you want to hire a professional photographer or leave it to friends and family. While hiring a professional will likely result in higher-quality images, it can also be more expensive. If you decide to go the DIY route, make sure to communicate your vision clearly to whoever is taking the photos, and consider providing them with a shot list to ensure you get the photos you want.
In terms of timing, it's important to work around the light to ensure you get the best photos. Avoid harsh lighting, and consider doing all your photos before the ceremony so you can join your guests for cocktails. If you'd rather wait until after the ceremony, you can plan an activity or set up yard games to keep your guests entertained. Additionally, don't forget to consider the comfort of your guests, especially if they'll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Offering complimentary flip-flops, for example, can be a thoughtful touch, especially if your wedding is on grass or uneven terrain.
Entertainment-wise, you have a few options. You can hire a professional DJ or band, or you can create your own playlist and have a friend or family member in charge of the music. If you choose to hire a professional, make sure to communicate your music preferences and any noise restrictions, especially if your wedding is in a residential area. Additionally, consider other forms of entertainment, such as yard games or a photo booth, to keep your guests engaged and create memorable moments.
Lastly, don't forget to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. This could include renting a tent or moving the party indoors if your house is large enough. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your backyard wedding is not only beautiful but also fun and comfortable for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of a backyard wedding can vary depending on factors such as rental costs, catering, and decor. Couples typically spend anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 on average, but it can be more affordable if you're willing to DIY certain aspects.
Backyard weddings offer flexibility with dates, vendor selections, and decorative options. They can also be more intimate and allow you to include your pets in the celebration. Additionally, you can save on venue fees and have control over the entire experience.
It's important to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. You'll also need to think about logistics such as parking, bathroom facilities, power supply, and landscaping. Consider hiring a wedding planner to help manage these details.
You can host a backyard wedding in your own backyard, a loved one's backyard, or a venue with a backyard vibe. Consider the amount of space you'll need based on your guest list and whether you plan to have the ceremony and reception in the same place.
