Backyard Nuptials: Keeping It Casual And Intimate

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but opting for a low-key backyard wedding can make the process a lot more relaxed. Backyard weddings are a great way to save money, create a homely and intimate atmosphere, and be creative with your space. From DIY decor to homemade food, there are plenty of ways to make your backyard wedding unique and memorable. Whether you're prioritising food, photos, or entertainment, with careful planning and a little help from friends and family, you can create a special day that's truly personalised to you.

Keep costs low by asking for help instead of gifts

Backyard weddings can be a great way to save money by skipping the cost of booking a venue. However, they often end up costing just as much as traditional weddings due to the need for rentals, catering, staff, and other expenses. One way to keep costs low is to ask for help from friends and family instead of traditional wedding gifts. Here are some tips to navigate this potentially sensitive topic with grace:

Highlight the Purpose

Explain how you plan to use the funds to add a layer of personalization and justification to your request. For example, if the money is for a honeymoon, share details about your dream destination and any specific experiences or activities you're hoping to enjoy. This creates a sense of connection between your contributors and the purpose they are supporting.

Politely Communicate Your Request

When asking for cash, it's essential to convey your message with warmth and appreciation. Emphasize that your guests' attendance is the primary gift, and any additional contribution is entirely at their discretion. Here are some examples of how to phrase your request:

• "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. Should you wish to honor us with a gift, a contribution toward our future together would be sincerely appreciated."
• "As we embark on this incredible journey together, your love and support mean the world to us. If you'd like to contribute to our dreams, a monetary gift would be cherished as we build our life together."
• "In lieu of a traditional registry, we've decided to create a honeymoon fund. Your generous contributions will help us create unforgettable memories as we start this new chapter of our lives."

Avoid Putting Your Request on the Invitation

Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that invitations should convey information about the event rather than making direct requests for gifts. Instead, consider creating a wedding website to share your registry details. Include the website link on your save-the-date cards or invitations, making it easy for guests to access all the necessary information.

Create a Wedding Website

A wedding website is a discreet and thoughtful way to communicate your preference for cash gifts. Choose a user-friendly platform with templates that suit your style and preferences. Populate the site with essential details such as your names, wedding date, venue, and a brief story of your relationship. Then, delicately express your preference for monetary contributions and explain how the funds will be used.

Offer Other Ways to Give Offline

Consider the preferences of guests who may not be comfortable with online platforms. You can send personalized notes expressing your gratitude for their presence and explaining that you are saving for a specific aspect of your future together. You can also enlist the help of close family members or friends to spread the word discreetly among the guests.

Make it pet-friendly

A backyard wedding is a great opportunity to include your furry friends in the festivities. Here are some ideas to make your special day pet-friendly:

Involve Them in the Ceremony

If your pet has a calm temperament, consider including them in the wedding ceremony. They can walk down the aisle with the wedding party or stand with the groomsmen or bridesmaids during the vows. You can even have a special outfit made for them, such as a bow tie or a dress to match the wedding theme.

Create Pet-Themed Stationery and Decor

Incorporate your pet's likeness into your wedding stationery, such as invitations, escort cards, and table numbers. You can also add pet-themed elements to your decor, like cocktail napkins with their photo or illustration, custom stickers on take-home bags, or koozies with their image.

Serve Pet-Inspired Beverages and Food

Create a signature drink in honour of your pet and serve it during the cocktail hour. You can also offer multiple pet-themed beverages with clever names that will delight your guests. If you're serving dessert, include some treats that are safe for both humans and pets to enjoy.

Keep Them Comfortable

If you do decide to include your pet in the wedding, ensure their comfort throughout the day. Provide them with a dedicated space to relax if they need a break from the crowd, and assign a pet sitter to look after them during the event.

Capture Them in Photos

Whether your pet attends the wedding or not, find ways to include them in your wedding photos. You can take photos with them during the getting-ready portion of the day, or schedule a separate engagement or bridal shoot beforehand. These photos will be a cherished memory of your pet being part of your special day.

Make Them the Ring Bearer

If your pet is well-trained and obedient, you can get creative with your wedding photos by capturing a well-timed shot of your wedding ring resting on their paw.

Don't Forget the Details

There are endless ways to incorporate your pet into the smaller details of your wedding. From ring boxes shaped like their likeness to custom stamps or wax seals featuring their silhouette, these touches will showcase your love for your furry companion.

Remember to notify all your vendors about your plans to include your pet so they can help you create a pet-friendly environment and ensure your furry friend has a memorable role in your backyard wedding.

Create a cosy atmosphere with lighting

Lighting is a key element in creating the perfect atmosphere for your wedding. It can transform a space, enhance decor, and create a mood. To achieve a magical, cosy atmosphere, consider the following:

Types of Lighting

There are several types of lighting to consider, each serving a unique purpose:

• Ambient Lighting: This is the main source of light for your event and sets the overall mood. It can include chandeliers, overhead lights, or natural light.
• Accent Lighting: Used to highlight specific features like a wedding cake or flower arrangement. Spotlights or uplights are commonly used.
• Task Lighting: Essential for areas where specific activities will take place, such as dining tables or a bar.
• Decorative Lighting: Adds visual interest and enhances the theme. Fairy lights, lanterns, and light-up letters are examples.

Creating Zones with Lighting

Dividing your backyard into different zones with lighting can make the space feel more intimate and organised. For example, the dance floor might feature dynamic, colourful lights, while the dining area could have softer, more subdued lighting.

Outdoor Lighting Considerations

As the sun sets, artificial lighting becomes essential for outdoor events. String lights, lanterns, and torches are popular choices as they provide illumination and add charm. Ensure all outdoor lighting is weatherproof.

Specific Lighting Ideas

• String lights or fairy lights: These create a balanced illumination and are versatile, coming in many forms, colours, and shapes. They can be wrapped around bannisters, mirrors, picture frames, or shelves.
• Candles: The gentle flickering glow of candles enhances cosiness and intimate ambiance. Scented candles can also elevate the ambiance by offering a delightful fragrance.
• Light-up letters: Spell out the couple's initials or a significant word, adding a personal touch.
• Bistro lights: Hang a few overhead bistro lights to illuminate an al fresco dinner and dance floor.
• Light-up the tent: If you're using a tent, wrap string lights or fairy lights around the beams to highlight the structure.
• Lanterns and candles: These can help create clear paths for guests to navigate your backyard, especially if it wasn't designed with events in mind.
• Uplighting: Use uplighting to highlight trees or architectural features in your backyard.
• Pathway lights: These will guide guests and ensure safety.

Get creative with entertainment

Backyard weddings are a great opportunity to get creative with entertainment. Here are some ideas to make your special day fun and memorable for you and your guests:

• Set up classic party games such as Jenga, croquet, and corn hole to entertain guests of all ages.
• Create a dance floor by laying a dense sheet of plywood over cinder blocks or using wooden pallets to create a base. You can also simply level the grass to make a makeshift dance floor.
• Hire eccentric photo booths, palm readers, and interactive food stations to delight your guests.
• Bring out the child in your guests with full-fledged yard games like ladder golf and outdoor Jenga.
• Create a cosy lounge area with furniture that complements your backyard.
• If you have a pool, transform it into a visual focal point. You can build a dance floor over it or use it as an entrance to the reception.
• Set up a drink station with a fun, self-serve setup.
• Add a coffee bar for guests who prefer caffeine over cocktails.
• Incorporate a sparkler send-off as a grand finale to your celebration.
• For a unique touch, ask your guests to send in their favourite songs to include in a special wedding playlist.

Ask guests to BYOB (bring their own blankets)

If you're looking to make your backyard wedding low-key, why not ask your guests to bring their own blankets (BYOB)? This is a great way to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, allowing your guests to get cosy and comfortable as they celebrate your special day. Here are some tips to help you plan:

Choose the Right Blankets:

Suggest that your guests bring soft, lightweight blankets that are easy to carry and transport. You could even include a note with the invitations, recommending specific types or colours of blankets to complement your wedding theme. For example, you might suggest cosy fleece blankets for a winter wedding or lightweight cotton throws for a summer evening celebration.

Create a Cosy Lounge Area:

Encourage guests to snuggle up with their blankets by setting up a dedicated lounge area in your backyard. Arrange comfortable seating, such as sofas, bean bags, or floor cushions, to create a relaxed space. This area can be separate from the dance floor, providing a quiet spot for guests to chat and relax.

Prepare for Different Weather Scenarios:

Depending on the time of year, your guests may need blankets to keep warm, or they might want something lightweight to shield them from the sun. If your wedding is outdoors, consider the possibility of changing weather conditions. Provide a covered area or a marquee to protect your guests from unexpected rain or strong sun.

Add a Personal Touch:

You can incorporate the BYOB theme into your wedding decorations and favours. For example, you could provide personalised blankets as gifts for your bridal party or display a basket of extra blankets with a sign inviting guests to wrap up. If you're feeling creative, you might even suggest that guests bring their own unique blankets, which can double as a fun ice-breaker, sparking conversations about each other's blanket choices.

Plan for Practicalities:

Remember to consider the practical aspects of having guests bring their own blankets. Ensure there is enough space for guests to store their blankets when not in use, and communicate your plan to your caterers and wedding venue staff so they can assist with any blanket-related logistics on the day.

Frequently asked questions