11 Tips For A
Backyard Wedding Idea

A backyard wedding idea can be the perfect way to exchange your vows. Perhaps you have always wanted to get married in your parent’s backyard. Or, maybe you want a small, intimate affair with a few close friends.

Whatever the reason, there are several benefits that come along with having a backyard wedding including not having to search for a wedding location and possibly saving some money.

Another benefit is that you can have full creative control over designing your wedding day. There are few limits when you will have when making wedding planning decisions, and you will also know the space very well. One drawback is that as with any outdoor wedding, you will have a lot of planning and coordinating to do. Instead of going to a wedding reception space that provides everything in a package you will have to be responsible for finding things like a caterer and rental company for the tent, silverware, glassware, etc.

Logistics can be another challenge with a backyard wedding idea. Not every backyard is set up to host a wedding, and you may possibly have to work around space limitations and other obstacles.

Here are 11 tips to make sure everything goes off without a hitch:

Create A Realistic Budget

While a backyard wedding idea can save you money, be careful with your budget. Realize early that you will have to pay for things like a tent, a caterer that specializes in outdoor events and rentals like glassware, dishes, linens and more.

Survey The Backyard

Ask the tenting or rental company to survey the backyard before committing to any contracts. Make sure they see the space where you plan to have the ceremony and reception, and have them verify that there is enough room and access to electricity for the wedding.

Obtain Permits

Check with the local town about any permits that might be required. Also, you will want to know if there are any noise ordinances so your reception doesn't get shut down by the local authorities.

Plan For Parking

Parking can be another concern depending on the size of your guest list. Consider hiring someone to park cars if you think your guests will have trouble finding a parking space.

Size Of The Backyard

Determine if the backyard can handle your wedding. How many people are you inviting? If you have a small backyard, be realistic about how many people you can invite.

A Good Caterer

Search for a caterer that specializes in outdoor events. Outdoor weddings require different cooking equipment and organization that a regular caterer may not be able to handle.

Add A Theme

Consider choosing a wedding theme like a garden party, a flower theme like Daisy or a seasonal theme like fall or spring.

Restrooms

Rent a portable restroom if you are having a large wedding. You will not want people walking in and out of the house to use the restroom.

Backup Plan

Have a backup plan! If you are planning to have your ceremony outside and not under a tent, make sure you have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

Choose The Right Season

Depending on the time of year for your wedding, consider renting heaters or air conditioners. A bad situation would be to have a summer wedding when it is 100 degrees without any air conditioners to cool off the guests.

Get Planning Help

Don't try to do it all yourself. If you are choosing a backyard wedding idea to save money, don't kill yourself trying to do all the planning, cooking and other details. Ask family members or friends for help, or consider hiring a wedding planner for the day.