Backyard Wedding Bliss: Planning In Just 3 Months

Planning a backyard wedding in three months may seem daunting, but it's entirely possible. The key to success is keeping your planning basic, staying flexible, and prioritising what's most important to you. You can create a beautiful and meaningful celebration in just 12 weeks, but you'll need to get organised. Start by researching vendors and deciding on your must-haves. You'll need to consider things like photographers, florists, cake bakers, caterers, decor, rentals, DJs, and make-up artists. Don't forget to think about practicalities like tents, tables, and serving stations. With the right approach and a comprehensive checklist, you can plan the backyard wedding of your dreams in no time!

Budgeting and prioritising

Planning a wedding in three months may seem daunting, but it is entirely possible. The key is to keep your planning basic, be flexible, and prioritise what's most important to you.

The first step is to set a clear budget. This will help you to understand what is feasible within your means and what you may need to compromise on. Once you have a budget, you can start prioritising your must-haves. For example, if you want a live band, you may need to cut costs elsewhere, such as by reducing the number of guests or opting for a simpler menu.

When it comes to backyard weddings, there are a few key areas that you will need to budget for. These include:

• Tent rental: Tents are perfect for designating a reception space and make space planning a breeze. Work with your wedding planner to decide how many tables and food/drink serving stations you need, as well as the size of your dance floor.
• Vendors: Start researching wedding vendors as soon as possible. This includes photographers, florists, cake bakers, caterers, decor, rentals, DJs, and make-up artists. Be flexible, as certain vendors may be booked up, but you will definitely be able to find what you need and get creative if your first choice is unavailable.
• Stationery: Save-the-dates and invitations are an important part of your wedding planning. Send out save-the-dates as soon as possible, followed by formal invitations closer to the date.

Remember, flexibility is key when planning a wedding on a short timeline. By setting a clear budget and prioritising your must-haves, you can create a beautiful and meaningful celebration in just 12 weeks.

Finding vendors

When it comes to finding vendors, flexibility is key. With less planning time, you may have fewer options, but you'll be able to find what you need and get creative. Start by researching wedding vendors in your area, including photographers, florists, cake bakers, caterers, decor, rentals, DJs, and make-up artists.

To save time, use an online wedding vendor manager or planner. This will help you stay organised and on track. You can also sign up for Loverly, which is a great way to stay on top of your planning timeline.

When it comes to securing vendors, be prepared to prioritise. With a shorter planning timeline, some vendors may be booked up. Decide on your must-haves and be ready to compromise on other aspects. For example, if you're set on a specific photographer, you might need to be flexible with your caterer.

If you're planning a backyard wedding, consider renting a tent to designate a reception space. Work with your wedding planner to decide on the layout, including the number of tables, food and drink stations, and the size of the dance floor. You don't want to overcrowd the space, so be mindful of that when deciding on rentals and decor.

Stationery and save-the-dates

Planning a wedding in three months may seem daunting, but it's entirely possible to create a beautiful celebration of your love.

Start researching wedding vendors and get creative with your stationery. Begin looking into photographers, florists, cake bakers, caterers, decor, rentals, DJs, and make-up artists. Flexibility is key here as certain vendors may be booked up, but you'll definitely be able to find what you need.

Send out save-the-dates as soon as possible, so your guests can mark their calendars and make travel arrangements if necessary. You can also include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more information about the event and accommodation options.

If you're planning a backyard wedding, consider including a note on the save-the-date about the dress code and any practical considerations, such as bug spray or sun protection. You may also want to mention if there will be a tent set up, so guests know what to expect in terms of shade and weather protection.

Tent and space planning

Tents are perfect for designating a reception space in a backyard and make space planning a breeze. Before you rent a tent, work with your wedding planner to decide how many tables and food/drink serving stations you need and how large your dance floor should be. You don't want to overcrowd the space and you want to ensure your guests have plenty of space to dance – even if that means you'll need to move tables/chairs at certain points of the day. If you're getting married in the cooler months, you might consider setting up your ceremony in a non-shaded spot so you and your guests can enjoy some natural warmth.

If you're planning a wedding in three months, flexibility is key. You'll need to be ready to adapt and prioritise what's most important to you. It's also crucial to have a clear budget and the right tools to move forward. You can use an online wedding planner to keep everything organised and on track.

Catering and serving stations

Planning a wedding in three months is entirely possible, but it's important to stay organised and flexible. When it comes to catering and serving stations, you'll want to start by deciding how many tables and food/drink stations you need, and how large your dance floor will be. You don't want to overcrowd the space, so it's worth considering whether you'll need to move tables and chairs at certain points in the day.

Tents are perfect for designating a reception space in a backyard and make space planning a breeze. Before you rent a tent, work with your wedding planner to decide on the number of tables and serving stations you'll need.

Now is the time to start researching caterers and deciding on the type of food you want to serve. You might also want to look into rentals, such as tables and chairs, if you don't have enough for your guest list.

With less planning time, you may find that certain vendors are booked up, but you'll definitely be able to find what you need and get creative if your first choice isn't available.

Frequently asked questions