Backyard Wedding Bliss: Small But Mighty Nuptials

Planning a wedding in your backyard can be a great way to save money and have more freedom in your planning decisions. However, there are a few things you should consider before deciding on a backyard wedding. Firstly, determine if a backyard wedding is feasible and plan out the spacing. Consider the number of guests you'll be inviting and make sure there's enough space in your backyard for the ceremony and reception. You'll also need a space for parking and ensure that it's accessible for elderly guests or those with disabilities.

Another thing to keep in mind is the cost. While a backyard wedding can be more affordable than a traditional venue, you'll still need to factor in the cost of rentals, catering, and staff. You may also need to bring in additional power or water supplies and consider tenting as a backup plan in case of inclement weather.

If you decide to go ahead with a backyard wedding, here are some tips to make it a success:

- Choose a date that works for you and your fiancé, especially if you want to get married during peak wedding season.

- Keep the guest list small, as a backyard wedding tends to be more intimate.

- Include your pets in the celebration!

- Add additional restrooms if you're expecting more than 20 guests.

- Plan yard maintenance in advance and ensure the ground is level for chairs, tables, and a dance floor.

- Check with your city officials to see if you need any permits for hosting a large party.

- Notify your neighbors about your wedding plans and provide them with a schedule.

- Rent plenty of trash and recycling bins for your guests.

- Have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

- Choose colours and décor that complement the natural elements of your backyard.

- Provide insect repellent, sunscreen, blankets, and fans to keep your guests comfortable.

- Rent any necessary equipment such as food prep/storage items, tables, chairs, and a dance floor.

Catering and alcohol

Catering Options:

• Hiring a Caterer: When hiring a caterer for a backyard wedding, it is crucial to ensure they are aware of any limitations regarding space and electrical outlets. The caterer should also be informed about the number of guests to ensure they have adequate equipment and staff.
• Potluck, BBQ, or Friend/Family-Prepared Meals: For smaller weddings, you may opt for a potluck, BBQ, or ask a friend or family member to handle the meal. This can be a more affordable option and allows for greater customization.
• Food Trucks: Consider hiring a food truck to cater your wedding. This option can add a unique and fun element to your celebration.
• Outdoor Grills: If you want to delight your guests' senses, consider setting up outdoor grills and having your catering team or a skilled grill-master cook the meal on-site.

Alcohol Options:

• Open Bar: You can hire a professional bartender or bar service to handle the alcohol service. This ensures a safe and well-managed bar experience for your guests.
• BYOB: You may also consider a "bring your own beverage" option, although this may not be the most suitable choice for a formal wedding.
• Cash Bar: Another option is to contact a local bar and inquire about providing alcohol and bartending services. This can help avoid legal issues and ensure compliance with permits and regulations.
• Hire a Bartender: If you decide to supply your own alcohol, you can hire a professional bartender or even ask a friend or family member to serve. Just be sure to check the requirements and permits needed for serving alcohol.
• Specialty Drinks: Whether you opt for a professional bartender or a self-serve setup, consider offering welcome cocktails or creating a special drink station for your guests.
• Local Delicacies: Incorporate local favorites into your celebration by having a beloved local business cater or set up a food cart. This can add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding.

Decorations

Backyard weddings offer a lot of freedom when it comes to decorations. You can choose any colour palette you like and draw inspiration from the natural elements of the backyard. If you want to keep things simple, the natural elements of the backyard will add visual interest.

If you're looking to create a romantic setting, string lights or lanterns can transform the space. You can also add candles in hurricane lanterns or small votives to create a magical atmosphere.

To create a more glamorous look, consider adding metallic decor elements or building a dance floor over the pool. You can also bring in extra lighting to highlight the beautiful gardens and design elements of the space.

If you want to create a cosy atmosphere, consider creating lounge areas with blankets and pillows or bringing in a vintage lounge set.

For a unique and personal touch, you can create handmade signage or photo displays. You can also involve your pets in the ceremony or use flowers from your own garden for centrepieces or bouquets.

• Food prep/storage equipment
• Tables
• Chairs
• Linens
• Plates
• Cutlery
• Glassware
• Trash and recycling bins

Budgeting

Backyard weddings can be a great way to save money on your wedding, but they still require careful budgeting and planning. Here are some tips to help you plan a budget-friendly backyard wedding:

Set a Realistic Budget

Before you start planning, it's important to set a realistic budget that you can stick to. Consider your financial situation and decide how much you can comfortably spend on the wedding. Be sure to account for all the costs, including rentals, catering, decor, and any other expenses.

Prioritize Your Spending

Not everything has to be expensive. Decide on the areas where you want to splurge and where you can save. For example, you might prioritize spending more on food and photography while opting for more affordable options for decor and entertainment.

Choose an Intimate Guest List

Backyard weddings are typically more intimate affairs. Keeping your guest list small can help you save money on food, drinks, and rentals. It also creates a more relaxed and personal atmosphere.

DIY and Thrift

One of the best ways to save money is to do it yourself! From invitations and decor to food and entertainment, there are many aspects of your wedding that you can DIY. You can also thrift for items like plates, cutlery, and glasses, or rent them to save money.

Ask for Help

Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. They may have skills or resources that can save you money. For example, a friend might be a talented baker who can make your wedding cake, or a family member could be a photographer who can capture your special day.

Choose Affordable Decor

Decor can add up quickly, but there are ways to keep costs down. Use your natural surroundings to your advantage and incorporate elements from your garden, such as flowers, leaves, or plants. You can also DIY your decor or thrift for second-hand items. String lights, lanterns, and candles can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Keep Food and Drinks Simple

Catering can be one of the biggest expenses. Consider simplifying your food and drink options to save money. Potluck-style meals, BBQs, or food trucks can be more affordable and create a relaxed and fun atmosphere. For drinks, you can set up a self-serve bar or create a signature cocktail instead of offering a full bar.

Rent Essentials

When it comes to essentials like tables, chairs, and linens, renting is often more cost-effective than buying. Look for rental companies that offer packages or discounts for bulk rentals. You can also ask family and friends to bring their own chairs or tables if possible.

Choose Inexpensive Entertainment

Entertainment doesn't have to be expensive. Create a wedding playlist instead of hiring a DJ, or ask a musically inclined friend to perform. Lawn games, photo booths, and interactive food stations are also affordable ways to entertain your guests.

Plan Ahead

Start planning early to take advantage of sales and discounts. Look for rental companies that offer early bird specials or package deals. You can also save money on decor and supplies by shopping during off-season sales or at thrift stores.

Remember, your backyard wedding should reflect your personality and style. Get creative, think outside the box, and don't be afraid to break tradition. With careful planning and budgeting, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

Guest list

The number of guests you invite will depend on the size of your backyard and the space available. If you have a large backyard, you can invite more guests, but if your space is limited, you may need to keep the guest list small and intimate.

When deciding on the guest list, consider the comfort of your guests and ensure there is enough space for them to move around, mingle, and dance. You may also need to provide additional toilet facilities if your guest list is larger than 20 people.

Another factor to consider is the impact on your neighbours. Inform your neighbours about your wedding plans in advance, especially if you are expecting a large number of guests and there will be music or noise. You may also need to check local permit guidelines and noise restrictions, as these may impact the number of guests you can invite.

Creating a guest list can be challenging, and you may need to make tough decisions about who to include. If you are having a small backyard wedding, you may need to limit the guest list to immediate family and close friends.

Once you have determined the number of guests, you can start planning the other details of your wedding, such as catering, rentals, and decorations.

Logistics

Backyard weddings offer a lot of freedom in planning, but they also come with their own set of challenges. Here are some key logistical considerations for your small backyard wedding:

Space and Guest List:

The amount of space you need will depend on the number of guests you plan to invite. Consider whether you'll be hosting the ceremony, reception, or both in your backyard. Ensure you have enough space for tables, chairs, a dance floor, and other rentals. Don't forget to include space for parking and vendors' vehicles, such as a van for the DJ or caterer.

Permits and Insurance:

Check with your local authorities about any permits or regulations you need to comply with. This may include noise restrictions, fire codes, health department regulations, and zoning issues. Also, review your homeowner's insurance policy and consider supplemental insurance to cover any potential liabilities.

Power and Electrical:

Weddings require a lot of power for lighting, sound systems, and food preparation equipment. Rent generators to ensure you have sufficient power and avoid overloading your home's electrical system.

Toilet Facilities:

If your guest list is larger than 20 people, provide additional toilet facilities. Consider renting upscale portable toilet trailers, which offer more comfort and amenities than standard port-o-potties.

Yard Maintenance and Setup:

Plan yard maintenance in advance to ensure the space is well-maintained and presentable. You may want to hire a landscaper to take care of the design and maintenance. Check that the ground is level enough for chairs, tables, and a dance floor. If not, you may need to lay a foundation.

Catering and Food Prep:

Discuss the space and electrical limitations with your caterer. If your kitchen is too small, set up an additional food preparation area. Consider the impact of catering on your power supply and plan accordingly.

Rentals:

Create a detailed rentals checklist to ensure you have everything you need. This includes tables, chairs, linens, dishes, candles, arches, and more. Compare prices from multiple rental companies, and don't forget to include delivery and setup costs in your budget.

Parking:

Inform your neighbours about your wedding plans and provide them with a schedule. Consider the impact on street parking and whether you need to arrange valet services or alternative parking options.

Trash and Recycling:

Rent plenty of trash and recycling bins to accommodate the waste generated by your guests. Discuss with your caterer whether they can provide a service to empty the bins throughout the event.

Weather Plan:

Always have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. If possible, plan to move the event indoors. Alternatively, rent a tent and ensure it's properly covered and equipped with fans or heaters to provide comfort in any weather.

Frequently asked questions