Backyard Fab: Transforming Your Outdoor Space For A Dreamy Wedding

A backyard wedding is a wedding that takes place at the home of the couple or a relative or friend. It is often chosen for its flexibility, sentimentality, and cost-effectiveness. However, it requires careful planning and a team of vendors to execute successfully.

Backyard weddings can range from small, intimate gatherings to larger celebrations with dozens of guests. They can be casual or formal, and often allow couples to get creative with their vision.

One of the benefits of a backyard wedding is the potential cost savings. By avoiding venue rental fees, couples can allocate funds to other areas such as food, drinks, flowers, and entertainment. However, there are also additional costs to consider, such as rentals for tables, chairs, tableware, lighting, and generators.

Logistical considerations are crucial for backyard weddings. Couples need to think about power supply, additional bathroom facilities, parking, and permits. They should also be prepared for unexpected challenges, such as unfavourable weather, and have a Plan B in place.

Overall, backyard weddings offer a unique and intimate experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere, but they require thorough planning and the support of a capable team to ensure a memorable and smooth celebration.

Food and drink

Food Ideas:

• Keep it simple: Opt for simple, fuss-free food options that are easy to prepare and serve, especially if you're catering to a large number of guests. Cucumber sandwiches, shrimp cocktails, and mini grilled cheese sandwiches are some tasty yet straightforward choices.
• Personalise the menu: Infuse your personalities into the menu by including dishes that hold a special meaning to you and your partner. It could be a dish from your first date or a family favourite.
• Interactive food stations: Create interactive food stations to engage your guests and offer a variety of options. Consider a sushi station, a build-your-own pizza bar, or a crostini station with various toppings.
• Seasonal and local ingredients: Source local and seasonal ingredients to showcase the best of what's available. For example, if you're getting married in a region known for its fresh seafood, set up a raw bar with shrimp, oysters, and crab claws.
• Comfort food: Offer comfort food options to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and mini tacos are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
• Cultural cuisine: Incorporate cultural dishes into your menu to represent your heritage. Whether it's traditional Chinese cuisine like fried wontons or Indian cuisine like vegetarian samosas, your guests will appreciate the unique flavours.
• Dietary restrictions: Ensure you have options for guests with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. Vegetable skewers, grilled asparagus, and hummus with cucumber slices are some tasty choices.
• Late-night snacks: Keep your guests energised throughout the night with late-night snacks. Mini burgers, french fries in cups, and flavoured popcorn are fun and portable options.

Drink Ideas:

• Signature cocktails: Create signature cocktails that reflect your and your partner's favourite drinks. If you're known for your love of margaritas, set up a margarita bar with various flavours.
• Local beverages: Similar to the food, showcase local beverages, such as craft beers or wines from nearby vineyards. Your guests will appreciate the regional touch.
• Interactive drink stations: Just like food stations, interactive drink stations can be a fun way to involve your guests. Set up a build-your-own mimosa bar or offer a selection of unique tea blends.
• Non-alcoholic options: Don't forget to provide non-alcoholic options for guests who don't drink alcohol or are designated drivers. Mocktails, fancy lemonade, and flavoured iced tea are some refreshing choices.
• Coffee and tea: Offer a selection of coffee and tea for guests who prefer a warm beverage. Include dairy-free milk options and a variety of sweeteners to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Pairing suggestions: Provide pairing suggestions for food and drinks to enhance your guests' dining experience. For instance, recommend a specific wine to go with the main course or suggest a particular cocktail to complement the dessert.

Decorations

Backyard weddings offer the opportunity to get creative and design a space that is uniquely yours. Here are some ideas to help you decorate your backyard wedding venue:

• Use the natural surroundings: Take advantage of the natural beauty of your backyard by modelling your décor after the surrounding landscape. Highlight beautiful foliage with uplighting and lanterns, or incorporate greenery and flowers from the grounds into your centrepieces and place settings.
• Create a chill lounge area: Pair airy, wicker furniture with light, lush greenery to create an elegant, summery lounge area. You can use outdoor furniture you already own or get creative by repurposing indoor furniture.
• String lights: Illuminate your backyard with string lights or bistro lights. Hang them from trees, wrap them around beams or drape them from tentpoles to create a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.
• Set the mood with candles: Use candles to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Place them in lanterns, cluster pillar candles of various sizes, or use floating candles in water for a magical touch.
• Define the space: Use a tent to create a designated reception area. Tents provide the perfect structure for hanging décor and give you the opportunity to get creative with draped fabrics and interwoven greenery.
• Personalise with signs: Welcome your guests and direct them through the festivities with custom signs. Use lanterns or string lights to illuminate the path and guide your guests to the ceremony or reception area.
• Make an entrance: Elevate the entrance to your reception area with curtains, topiaries, candles, and foliage. If using a tent, attach drapes that can be elegantly pulled back to create a grand entrance.
• Line the aisle with florals: Add a touch of elegance to your ceremony space by lining the aisle with florals. This will instantly elevate your backyard lawn and create a stunning backdrop for photos.
• Choose a focal point: Pick your favourite spot in the backyard, whether it's for sentimental reasons or visual impact, and make it the focal point of your celebration. This could be in front of a beautiful garden, by the pool, or under a majestic tree.
• Bring the indoors out: Use indoor furniture to complete your wedding design. Bookcases, dressers, or tables can be used to display escort cards, favours, or other décor items.
• Add a personal touch: Include nostalgic touches such as getting ready in your childhood bedroom or including your pets in the festivities. These special details will make your wedding day even more meaningful.

Guest comfort

When it comes to guest comfort at a backyard wedding, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to ensure your guests have a pleasant experience:

Weather Considerations

It is important to prepare for varying weather conditions to keep your guests comfortable. Provide insect repellent, sunscreen, hand-held fans, sunglasses, and blankets to ensure your guests are protected from the elements. If there is a chance of rain, have plenty of umbrellas on hand. These items can also double as wedding favours if they are items your guests would want to keep.

Restroom Facilities

If your guest list is larger than 20 people, it is recommended to provide additional toilet facilities. Consider renting upscale portable toilet trailers that offer a comfortable experience with lighting, mirrors, and sinks. You can also add a personal touch by providing a small amenities kit with items such as breath mints, Band-Aids, hand sanitiser, cotton balls, and safety pins.

Seating and Dancing Area

Ensure that the ground is level enough for chairs, tables, and a dance floor. If necessary, lay a foundation to create a stable surface. Consider renting a tent to provide a designated reception space and protection from the weather. The tent can also be used to hang lights or create a whimsical canopy of draped fabrics and greenery for a romantic ambiance.

Lighting and Ambiance

Create a welcoming and intimate atmosphere by incorporating lighting. String lights, lanterns, candles, and chandeliers can add warmth and elegance to your backyard setting. Bistro lights or cafe lights can be wrapped around trees or tent beams to highlight the structural grandeur.

Food and Beverage

Keep your guests well-fed and hydrated throughout the celebration. Consider the number of guests and ensure you have enough food and beverages to accommodate everyone. If you are handling the food preparation yourself, enlist help from friends or family to ensure a smooth and efficient service. Set up a designated drink station with a variety of options, including welcome cocktails and local delicacies.

Guest Flow and Navigation

Pay attention to guest flow and create a clear path for your guests to navigate the celebration. Use lanterns, layered rugs, or signs to guide them from the ceremony to the reception area. This will help prevent confusion and ensure a seamless experience for your guests.

Entertainment

Backyard weddings can be a great way to save on costs, but they also require a lot of planning and preparation. Here are some ideas for entertainment to make your backyard wedding fabulous and memorable:

• Set up a chill lounge area with airy, wicker accents, light furniture, and lush greenery to create an elegant, summer vibe.
• Create a cosy atmosphere by hanging bistro lights or lanterns.
• Design a custom altar with linens, greenery, flower arrangements, rustic accessories, or vintage letter signs.
• Include unique seating options such as love seats, sofas, or rugs and floor cushions for a boho-chic feel.
• Add a DIY photo booth with lighting, fabric, and florals to capture memorable moments.
• Offer a variety of lawn games and activities such as ring toss, cornhole, or giant Jenga to keep guests entertained.
• Set up a dedicated kid's corner with snacks and activities like wedding colouring pages to keep the little ones entertained.
• Turn your wedding reception into a fun outdoor movie night with matrimonial movies like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" or "Bridesmaids".
• Encourage guests to dance the night away by setting up an open-air dance floor or renting a portable dance floor.
• Warm up the evening with a fire pit and s'mores for a cosy and engaging experience.
• Bring in food trucks to cater to your guests' culinary delights. From burgers and hotdogs to food trucks serving full meals and desserts, the options are endless.
• Set up a DIY mimosa bar cart or a self-serve beverage station for guests to enjoy.
• Add a touch of relaxation with reclining lounge chairs and hammocks for a boho feel.
• If you have a pool, transform it into a visual focal point with floating lanterns or flower arrangements. You can even construct an aisle bridge over the pool for a unique entrance.
• For a unique send-off, opt for a smoke bomb exit instead of traditional sparklers or candles.
• For pet lovers, include your furry friends in the festivities! They'll feel right at home and add a special touch to your big day.

Budgeting

Backyard weddings can be a great way to save money on your big day. By choosing to host your wedding at home or at the home of a family member or friend, you can dramatically slash your wedding budget. You won't have to pay for a venue, security deposits, per-person fees, or other hidden charges. You can also save money on decor, as you'll have natural elements to add visual interest.

That being said, there are still a number of costs to consider when planning a backyard wedding. Here are some tips to help you budget for your special day:

• Determine your budget first: Before you start planning, decide on a budget that you're comfortable with. This will help you allocate costs and give you a roadmap to stay on track. Break down your total budget into smaller categories, such as ceremony, reception, food, attire, flowers, decor, and invitations.
• Keep the guest list small: One of the benefits of a backyard wedding is that it tends to be more intimate. Keeping your guest list small can help reduce costs significantly. It's also a good idea to limit the number of guests to close family and friends, which will allow you to spend more time with each of your guests.
• Choose your priorities: Sit down with your partner and make a wish list of your top priorities for the wedding. This could include things like photography, food, decor, or entertainment. Allocate your budget accordingly and be willing to compromise on less important aspects.
• Look for alternative food and drink options: Instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, consider alternative options such as a cocktail reception with finger foods, a potluck buffet, a BBQ, or a grazing table. For drinks, you can offer a limited selection of alcohol, such as a few varieties of wine and beer. You could also set up a 'bar by donation' and invite guests to contribute towards the cost of their drinks.
• DIY and thrift where possible: Get creative and make your own decorations, favours, and wedding party gifts. Shop second-hand or vintage for attire and decor. You can also ask friends and family for help instead of hiring a wedding planner.
• Be mindful of hidden costs: Remember to factor in costs for things like generators, additional toilet facilities, yard maintenance, insurance, permits, and rentals (tables, chairs, etc.). These can add up quickly, so be sure to include them in your budget.
• Ask for help: If you're lucky enough to have a talented network of loved ones, don't be afraid to ask for their help. For example, you could ask a friend who's a photographer to capture your special day, or a friend who's a chef to prepare the food. Not only will this save you money, but it will also add a personal touch to your wedding.

By following these tips and getting creative, you can plan a beautiful and budget-friendly backyard wedding that's unique and special to you.

Frequently asked questions