Backyard Weddings: Making The Most Of Your Space

Planning a wedding in your backyard? There are a few things to consider.

First, you'll need to decide on the guest list. This will help you plan the space. You'll need to ensure there's enough room for tables and chairs, a dance floor, and a food serving area. Don't forget about parking, too! It's a good idea to let your neighbours know about the event in advance, and to keep a parking area close to the reception for vendors to drop things off.

You'll also need to think about power and electricals. Will you need to rent generators? What about lighting? And don't forget about the music!

Another important consideration is bathrooms. You'll likely need to rent portable restrooms to avoid having guests traipsing through your home.

Finally, don't forget to check local permit guidelines and inform your homeowner's insurance. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Guest list and space requirements

The guest list is a major factor in determining whether your backyard is big enough for a wedding. The number of guests will dictate the space required and the overall layout, including tables, chairs, dance floor, food serving areas, and more.

As a general rule, for a seated and served meal with a dance floor, you should aim for 13-15 square feet of space per person. This means that for 100 guests, you would need approximately 1300-1500 square feet of usable space. Keep in mind that this number can vary depending on the furniture and amenities you choose.

When creating your guest list, consider the available space in your backyard and the layout you envision for the wedding. You may need to make adjustments to the guest list to ensure everyone can fit comfortably. It is important to be mindful of the space constraints and not overcrowd the area.

In addition to the guest list, here are some other space requirements and considerations to keep in mind:

• Food serving area: Allow enough room for separate areas for food, dessert, beverages, and a bar if you plan to have one. This will ensure guests have room to move around without congestion.
• Table and chair arrangement: Allow sufficient space for guests to move their chairs without disturbing their neighbors. If you plan to have a dance floor, make sure to include that in your layout and mark off the area before setting up the tables.
• Parking: Consider where guests will park their cars. Safe parking is crucial, ensuring there is enough room for car doors to open and guests to back out without causing any congestion.
• Vendor access: Designate an area close to the reception for vendors (caterers, photographers, etc.) to drop off their equipment and set up.
• Restrooms: Determine whether guests will use your home restrooms or if you will provide portable restrooms. If using portable restrooms, place them in a convenient location, not too far away but also not in the direct line of photos.
• Garbage disposal: Plan for garbage receptacles and ensure you have enough to accommodate the waste produced by a large group. Contact your garbage collection company to arrange for a pick-up after the event, as there will likely be additional fees for the increased amount of trash.

By considering these space requirements and creating a thoughtful layout, you can ensure that your backyard is big enough to accommodate your wedding guest list and provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Catering and serving area

Catering and serving food at a backyard wedding requires careful planning. Here are some things to consider:

Space and Layout

Firstly, you need to decide how much space you can dedicate to the catering area. It is recommended to have separate areas for food, dessert, and beverages/bar to avoid congestion and inconvenience. This will also allow guests to move around without bumping into each other. Consider the number of guests you will be hosting and the format of the meal (seated, buffet, or cocktail-style) to determine the required space for tables and chairs. If you plan to have a dance floor, be sure to include that in your calculations as well.

Catering Options

You have several options when it comes to catering for a backyard wedding:

• Local restaurants: Contact local restaurants, especially those you and your family enjoy, to see if they offer catering services.
• Professional caterers: Hire a professional catering company that can provide the desired cuisine and service style (e.g., buffet, food stations, plated meals). Discuss their equipment setup, power requirements, timeline, and staff needs.
• Food trucks: If you have the space, hiring food trucks can be a fun and entertaining option. They usually have built-in equipment, so you won't need extra power or tents.
• Potluck: You can ask your guests to bring a dish, especially if they are not travelling far. This option may require less staff and can be more cost-effective.

Food Choices

The type of food you choose for your backyard wedding can vary depending on your preferences and the theme of your wedding. Here are some ideas:

• Classic barbecue: This option includes items like ribs, chicken, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and kebabs. Classic summer sides such as potato and pasta salads, grilled vegetables, mac and cheese, and coleslaw can accompany the main dishes.
• Sandwiches and wraps: A simpler menu of sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads, fruit, cheese, and crackers can be prepared and set up easily, requiring less staff and space.
• Pasta: For cooler days, consider a pasta-centric menu with dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, ravioli, and chicken parmigiana. Balance the heavy dishes with light side salads and fruit-based desserts.

Other Considerations

• Power requirements: Determine the power needs of your caterers and other vendors. You may need to rent generators to ensure a stable power supply.
• Kitchen access: Decide if your caterers will require access to your kitchen for preparation or warming dishes.
• Health regulations: Check local health department regulations, especially if you plan to serve food prepared at home rather than by a professional caterer.
• Waste disposal: Plan for waste disposal by providing enough trash receptacles and coordinating with your garbage collection company for a possible extra pickup after the event.

Remember to plan carefully, consider all the logistics, and don't be afraid to seek professional help to ensure your backyard wedding catering runs smoothly.

Restroom facilities

Number of Guests

The number of guests you plan to invite will impact the number of restrooms you need. A good rule of thumb is to have one bathroom per 25 guests. For example, if you're having a 150-to-175-person wedding, you'll want three to four stalls for women and three stalls for men.

Type of Restroom

You can choose between individual porta-cabins or restroom trailers. Porta-cabins are a more affordable option, typically costing around $300 each, but they offer less comfort and convenience than trailers. Restroom trailers, on the other hand, are like regular bathrooms with running water, ample lighting, climate-controlled interiors, flushing toilets, and plenty of space. They are more expensive, ranging from $2,500 to over $15,000, but they provide a much better experience for your guests.

Placement

When placing the restrooms, make sure they are not in full view of the guests or near the dining area. Try to tuck them away behind a barn, outbuilding, or a grove of trees. Ensure there is enough space around the restrooms for a line, and consider the path guests will take to get there—it should be covered in case of rain.

Amenities

To make the restrooms more comfortable and inviting, consider adding some extra amenities. You can decorate the interiors with flowers, toiletry baskets, pretty soaps, and candles. You could also hire a restroom attendant to assist guests. If you're using porta-cabins, make sure they have flush units and sinks—non-flush options are not ideal for a wedding.

Alcohol Consumption

If you're serving alcohol at your wedding, expect the restrooms to get a lot of use. The consumption of alcohol increases restroom use by three times, so make sure you have enough facilities to accommodate this.

Cost

The cost of renting restrooms will depend on the type and number you choose. For a small wedding with 50-100 guests, you may need a two-station restroom trailer, which can cost between $500 and $1,500. For larger weddings or more luxurious options, expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

Clean-up and Removal

When budgeting for restroom rentals, remember to factor in the cost of clean-up and removal services. These services are usually included in the rental price, but it's good to confirm this with the rental company.

Alternative Options

If you're having a very small, intimate backyard wedding, you may consider allowing guests to use the restrooms in your home. However, keep in mind that your home facilities may not be equipped to handle a large number of guests, and it may be inconvenient for you to have people constantly going in and out of your house.

In conclusion, when planning restroom facilities for your backyard wedding, consider the number of guests, the type of restrooms, their placement, the amenities you want to provide, the impact of alcohol consumption, the cost, and clean-up and removal services. By planning ahead and choosing the right options, you can ensure your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Parking availability

Number of Guests and Vendors:

The number of expected guests and vendors will significantly impact your parking plan. For example, if you anticipate 150 guests, you can expect approximately 75 cars that will need parking spaces. This number can be a challenge to accommodate, especially if you don't have a large property or nearby parking options.

On-Site Self-Parking:

If you opt for on-site self-parking, carefully plan where your guests will park their cars. Consider a large field on your property, ensuring it is well-lit at night and has a backup plan for wet or muddy conditions. Friendly neighbours who can offer their driveways or parking spaces can also be a great help. If street parking is the only option, ensure that the streets are well-lit and have sidewalks for your guests' safety and convenience.

Valet Parking:

Offering valet parking can be a convenient solution for your guests, especially if on-site parking is limited or tricky. A reputable valet service will survey the site beforehand and advise you on any concerns. Remember to schedule their arrival before the event starts and their stay beyond the official end time to accommodate all your guests.

Off-Site Parking with Shuttle Service:

If on-site parking is not feasible, consider directing guests to self-park at a nearby location, such as a church or school parking lot, with a shuttle service to and from the wedding venue. Always check with the lot owners and ensure navigable sidewalks between the parking area and your home. Alternatively, you can suggest a nearby parking lot and provide guests with information on walking or shuttle options.

Parking for Wedding Vendors and Staff:

Don't forget to include parking arrangements for your wedding vendors and staff, such as photographers, planners, catering staff, band or DJ, tent staff, and delivery crews. They will also need access to parking spaces near the venue or a designated drop-off area for their equipment.

Permits and Regulations:

Research local regulations and permits required for parking, especially if you plan to use street parking or public lots. Some areas may have restrictions on commercial vehicles or parking regulations that could impact your plans. It is essential to apply for any necessary permits early in your planning process to avoid last-minute changes.

In conclusion, parking availability is a critical aspect of hosting a backyard wedding. By considering the number of guests and vendors, exploring on-site and off-site parking options, providing valet services, and planning for vendor parking and permits, you can ensure a smooth experience for your guests and vendors alike.

Power and electrical supply

Power Requirements:

First, determine all the elements that will require power during your wedding. This includes lighting, music/DJ equipment, food warmers, coffee makers, photobooths, portable AC units, and any other special features you plan to include. Contact your vendors, especially the DJ, to get accurate power requirements for their equipment.

Power Sources:

Generators:

Renting a generator is typically necessary for outdoor weddings. The type and size of the generator will depend on your power requirements.

• Inverter Generators: These are generally more efficient, quieter, and fuel-saving compared to traditional generators. Inverter generators adjust their engine speed according to the load, optimising fuel consumption while maintaining a stable 240V supply. They are also smaller in size, making them a better fit for a backyard setting.
• Non-Inverter Generators: These compact generators are commonly used for small appliances and are typically inadequate for powering an entire wedding. They have limited runtime and may not have the power capacity to support all your equipment, so use with caution.

When renting a generator, opt for one with at least double the power you need to avoid overloading and unexpected power cuts. Industrial-style inverter generators with multi-circuits and breakout panels are ideal, as they can provide uninterrupted power for 8-12 hours.

Land Power:

If you have access to land power, you may want to utilise it to minimise the number of extension cords needed. However, be cautious when using extension cords:

• Avoid using cords longer than a couple of hundred feet and always use safety-checked cables.
• Do not use 16 or 18-gauge extension cords, as they can cause voltage drops and damage electrical gear.
• Ensure multiple circuits are used, and do not connect everything to a single power strip.
• Keep an eye on the cords during the event; if they start to get hot, it's a sign of overloading.

Lighting:

Adequate lighting is essential for both the comfort and safety of your guests. Consider the following:

• Ambient lighting: Ensure you have enough lighting after sunset, especially in service areas for your vendors.
• Stylised lighting: You may want to create a romantic atmosphere with string lights, chandeliers, lanterns, or custom fixtures.
• Open flames: Check local regulations before using candles, as some areas prohibit them for safety reasons.

In conclusion, carefully assess your power needs, rent an appropriately sized generator, and supplement it with land power if possible. Prioritise safety by using the correct extension cords and circuits, and always have a backup plan in case of power-related emergencies.

Frequently asked questions