Backyard Wedding Magic: Making Your Special Day Unique

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. From finding the right venue to choosing the perfect caterer, there are a lot of details to consider. But one way to make the process a little easier is to opt for a backyard wedding. Backyard weddings offer a unique and personal touch to your special day, allowing you to exchange vows in a place filled with loving memories. Here are some tips and ideas to make your backyard wedding truly special:

- Add romance with florals and candles: Create a romantic atmosphere by incorporating flowers and candles into your decor. Consider a wedding arch or florals around the space where you'll exchange vows, and add lots of candles to your dinner or reception tables for a twinkly-lit evening.

- Provide ample lighting: Ensure your backyard is well-lit to create a warm and inviting ambiance. String lights or assorted candles can open up the space and make it feel less informal.

- Hire a landscaping company: Invest in professional landscaping services to trim greenery, add flowers and bushes, and highlight the beauty of your backyard. Not only will this make your wedding day lovely, but you'll also get to enjoy the enhanced space afterward.

- Use a tent: Rent a tent to ensure your wedding can go on regardless of the weather. Sailcloth tents, in particular, will add a special and romantic touch to your celebration.

- Consider the size of your backyard: The number of guests you can invite will depend on the size of your yard. For a small backyard, you may want to limit the guest list to around 10 to 40 people. For larger backyards, you can accommodate 50 or more guests.

- Incorporate pampas grass: Pampas grass adds a boho-chic vibe to your backyard wedding decor. It complements the natural landscaping and becomes fluffier when left in the sun.

- Use aisle runner rugs: Elevate plain grass with boho-style aisle runner rugs, adding warmth and a unique touch to your ceremony.

- Opt for dried floral centerpieces: Dried floral arrangements complement any color scheme and season. They can also be reused, gifted, or donated after the wedding.

- Include lawn games: Lawn games are a fun way to entertain your guests and add a personal touch to your celebration.

- Hang string lights: String lights are a staple for backyard weddings. They provide lighting and create a romantic atmosphere.

- Try a circular seating arrangement: Instead of a traditional aisle, consider a ceremony in the round, where your guests surround you and your partner as you exchange vows.

- Use mismatched pillars for your wedding arch: Instead of a traditional connected arch, try using mismatched pillars to create a unique and creative focal point for your ceremony.

- Set up a s'mores station: Add a touch of nostalgia and keep your guests warm with a campfire and s'mores station. It's a sweet treat that everyone will enjoy.

- Create a cozy lounge area: Bring the comfort of your home outdoors by setting up a lounge area with plush furniture. Contact a rental company to get pieces that will make your backyard wedding warm and inviting.

Add romantic touches like flowers and candles

Flowers and candles are a great way to add a romantic touch to your backyard wedding. Here are some ideas to incorporate them into your special day:

Flowers

• Line the aisle with "growing" floral arrangements that appear to be sprouting from the lawn.
• Create a floral arch or drape greenery over a pergola to serve as a backdrop for the ceremony.
• Decorate the chairs with pew flowers or floral swags.
• Add a touch of nature to your tables with centrepieces made from tree stumps or potted plants.
• Hang chandeliers from trees and accent them with blooms and greenery.
• Upgrade your photo backdrop with a lush garland of flowers and greenery.
• Create a whimsical photo display by hanging old picture frames from trees.

Candles

• Add lots of candles to your dinner or reception tables to create a romantic, twinkly-lit evening.
• Hang tea candles from trees or place them in glass circles for a magical lighting scheme.
• Place candles in textured glasses or gold-rimmed containers to add a glamorous touch.
• Create a dreamy glow by lighting candles inside lanterns or hanging them from a chandelier.
• Mix and match metallic containers filled with votive candles or tea lights for a simple yet modern display.
• For a unique touch, hang glass orbs filled with tea lights from trees to create a sky of stars.

Ensure there's plenty of lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements of your wedding, and it's crucial to get it right. Not only will it help create the right atmosphere, but it will also ensure that your guests can see and move around safely. Here are some tips to make sure your backyard wedding is well-lit:

• Start with the essentials: Make sure you have enough lighting to illuminate the entire space, including the ceremony area, reception tables, and dance floor. You don't want your guests stumbling around in the dark!
• Create a romantic ambiance: String lights, lanterns, and candles are a great way to add a touch of romance to your wedding. Hang string lights in trees or drape them across the ceiling to create a magical atmosphere. Lanterns with candles can be placed on tables or hung from trees, adding a soft glow to the surroundings.
• Highlight key features: If you have a favourite feature in your backyard, such as a beautiful tree or a garden path, make sure to light it up! This will create a focal point for your guests and add interest to your wedding decor.
• Consider different types of lighting: Variety is the spice of life, and this applies to lighting too! Mix and match different types of lighting to create a unique and captivating atmosphere. Try combining string lights with lanterns, or fairy lights with candles, to create a warm and inviting space.
• Think about power sources: Depending on the scale of your lighting setup, you may need to consider power sources. Renting generators can be a good option to ensure you have enough power for all your lighting needs without overloading the electrical system.
• Plan for different times of the day: The lighting requirements will change as the day turns to night. Make sure you have a mix of lighting options that work for both daylight and after dark. For example, fairy lights might be enough during the day, but you'll need something brighter for when the sun goes down.
• Add some sparkle: Lighting can be a great way to add some glamour to your wedding. Consider hanging chandeliers from trees or using illuminated globes to create a luxurious and elegant atmosphere.
• Don't forget the details: Lighting is also about the little things. Think about providing lighting for areas like the buffet table, the bar, and any other key areas that your guests will need to access. You could use smaller lights or lanterns to create a subtle glow in these areas.
• Be creative: Lighting doesn't have to be boring! Get creative with your lighting choices and think outside the box. For example, you could use light-up letters to spell out your names or a fun message.
• Keep it safe: While you want your lighting to look great, it's also important to consider safety. Make sure any lighting setups are secure and won't pose a hazard to your guests. Also, be mindful of fire risks, especially if using candles or other open flames.

Hire a landscaping company

Hiring a landscaping company is a great way to ensure your backyard wedding is special. Here are some tips and things to consider when hiring a landscaping company for your big day:

• Start with a plan: Determine whether you need a full-service landscape company or a maintenance company. Full-service companies typically provide design, installation, and maintenance services, while maintenance companies usually only offer lawn services such as mowing, weed-eating, edging, and leaf clean-up.
• Research and referrals: Start your search by reading online reviews from reputable sources. You can also ask friends and family for personal referrals, especially if they have recently had landscape work done. Local online community boards can also be a great place to find recommendations.
• Interview and estimates: Create a shortlist of potential landscaping companies and conduct interviews via email or phone. Ask about their experience, licensing, insurance, and whether they use subcontractors. Get cost estimates from at least three contractors, ensuring they provide a detailed scope of the project, plant specifications, maintenance schedule, and payment terms.
• Vet your top choices: Contact the references provided by your shortlisted landscaping companies. Ask about their experience with the company, including whether the project was completed on time, within budget, and if the quality met their expectations.
• Special considerations for weddings: When hiring a landscaping company for a wedding, communicate your specific needs and timeline. Ensure they have experience with event set-up and can work within your budget. Ask for pictures of previous events they have worked on, and don't be afraid to request modifications to their usual services to meet your vision.
• Book in advance: Landscapers can be in high demand, especially during peak wedding season. It is advisable to book your chosen landscaping company well in advance to secure their services for your wedding date.

Get a tent

A tent is a must-have for a backyard wedding, providing shelter from the elements and creating a designated space for the reception. Here are some tips and considerations for choosing the right tent for your special day:

Choose the Right Size

When selecting a tent, it's important to consider the number of guests you plan to invite. The tent should be large enough to accommodate your guest list comfortably, with enough space for tables, a dance floor, and any other activities you have planned. Make sure to measure the available space in your backyard to ensure the tent will fit, keeping in mind that you may need a permit for a structure that exceeds a certain size.

Consider the Weather

One of the primary purposes of a tent is to provide protection from the weather. When choosing a tent, consider the season and the likelihood of rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. Opt for a tent with removable sidewalls, which can provide shelter from the wind, rain, or cold while still allowing for a pleasant outdoor experience if the weather is favourable.

Lighting and Decorations

Think about how you want your tent to look and feel. Consider adding string lights or lanterns to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. You can drape lights across the ceiling of the tent or wrap them around its beams. Fairy lights or bistro lights can add a touch of magic to your special day. If you're looking for something more elegant, chandeliers or hanging floral installations can make a stunning statement.

Power Sources

Don't forget about power sources for your tent. You'll likely need electricity for lighting, music, and any other entertainment or amenities you plan to have. Consider renting generators to accommodate the extra power you'll need. Consult with your caterers and other vendors to determine the total power requirements and plan accordingly.

Dance Floor and Seating

If you're planning on having a dance floor, make sure the tent is large enough to accommodate it comfortably. Consider the layout of the space, ensuring there is enough room for tables, a buffet or food stations, and a designated area for dancing. You may also want to create lounge areas with comfortable seating to give your guests a place to relax and socialise.

Work with a Professional

Consider working with a wedding planner or event rental company that specialises in backyard weddings. They can help you select the right size and type of tent for your needs and guide you through any permits or regulations you need to comply with. They can also assist with other rentals, such as tables, chairs, and decorations, ensuring your special day goes off without a hitch.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable backyard wedding with a tent that provides both function and style.

Create a dance floor

If you can accommodate a full dance floor, do it. You can forget about your shoes and dance the night away without worrying about grass or dirt getting on your wedding outfit. If your backyard has a patio or deck, use it as the dance floor for your first dance. Firm ground will make it easier for you and your guests to dance, but it'll also serve as a photo-worthy backdrop.

If you're looking for something a little more traditional, consider installing a temporary dance floor that'll make you forget you're in your backyard.

If your backyard has a patio, there's no need to create a special setup. Just arrange your seating to allow for an open area for your guests to dance.

Frequently asked questions