A backyard wedding is perfect for couples who are looking to create an intimate and sentimental feel, want to plan their dream outdoor wedding on a budget, or who prefer to have their guests gathered outdoors for safety restrictions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefits are endless when it comes to a backyard wedding, however, the task of planning the event can be a bit overwhelming. To keep the worry away, we have compiled this easily attainable list of tips and tricks with everything you need to know about planning the backyard wedding of your dreams.
Why have a backyard wedding?
Save Money:
You can dramatically cut your wedding budget in half by having a backyard wedding at your home or the home of a family member or friend. Not only will your wallet thank you for not paying for a venue, putting down a security deposit, or paying per person, but you can also save money on decor. Backyard weddings add visual interest and natural elements with ease and require little decor to decorate the space.
Freedom to Choose a Date:
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has forced countless couples to change their date and postpone their wedding day. Choosing to have a backyard wedding allows for you to have far more freedom when choosing a date. Not only does a venue make it difficult to pick a date due to COVID-19 but during peak wedding season venues often fully book a year in advance. Backyard weddings allow you to choose which date works best for you and your guests.
Intimate Guest List:
Smaller weddings typically mean a deeper connection between you and your guests. Because a backyard wedding tends to be of smaller scale, your guests will most likely be spending their time in close quarters which will allow for a silent sense of intimacy to flow throughout. A smaller guest list is also extremely helpful when it comes to food selection, renting equipment, and seating arrangements. The devastation with COVID-19 may also encourage you to scale down your guest list in order to keep the interaction with others to a minimum.
Curate As You Wish:
The sentimental factors that come with having a wedding in a place that is close to your heart or in the backyard of a loved one is unmatched. Saying “I Do” in a place that feels like home is a feeling that few get to feel when they choose a venue that is detached from their relationship. Not only is the sentimental factor there, but you have the freedom to design the layout and decor exactly as you wish. You also do not have to be stuck to time restraints and property regulations. Many venues provide a list of rules and regulations of things they do not approve or allow, but having your own space allows you to create the space to fit all your needs and create the wedding you have always envisioned.
What You Need To Pull Off A Backyard Wedding- The Things You Maybe Didn’t Think About:
Restrooms:
There is nothing worse than finding yourself standing with your legs crossed in a long line waiting to use the bathroom after one too many drinks at co*cktail hour. Providing additional bathroom facilities is crucial when hosting a backyard wedding. While this may seem like “just another expense” to add to the list, it will save a lot of future aggravation. Today, there are countless websites and companies where you can rent beautiful and upscale portable bathroom facilities. We even recommend adding a few personal touches to the facilities by making up a basket with small toiletries that includes things such as band-aids, small sewing kit, hairspray, feminine products, deodorant, etc. Having a designated space for your guests to use the restroom and freshen up, allows them to enjoy the perks of being a guest at a venue.
Yard Aesthetics:
When it comes to hosting a backyard wedding not only do you want to be sure you have the space to hold your guest list, but you also want to be sure to provide a space that is visually appealing. This may require some yard work, diy projects, hiring a landscaper or planting some flowers and plants to give your yard a little TLC. You don’t have to empty your pockets to make your yard look presentable, just clean it up a bit, carve out a flat area for your seating arrangements, add some lighting, a few flowers, and you have yourself a venue!
Neighbors:
A few months before your wedding, notify your neighbors out of consideration. Give them whatever details you have as far as a start and end time, how many guests, etc. This way there is less likely of a reason for them to complain or cause a fuss when it comes to noise or lack of parking if you share any common ground. You may also consider inviting them to stop over for some food or a drink or maybe even writing them a small thank you card to thank them for their patience. Let them know you appreciate them being so understanding of any inconvenience that may come along with the day.
Plan B:
One of the biggest concerns that come with having an outdoor wedding is weather. It is always smart to have a plan B if it chooses to rain or become unbearably hot or cold on your special day. Plan B could be something as simple as having a tent on stand by, ordering some heaters, or moving the event indoors. Whatever it is that works best for you, just be sure to always have a plan B.
Keep It Clean:
As the day progresses into night, you will start to collect a hefty amount of trash with all your guests eating and drinking all day. Be sure to have designated trash cans and recycling bins throughout the space. You may even choose to hire a caterer that provides servers and bussers to keep the tables neat and the trash to a minimum. If you choose to not hire a caterer, be sure to make everything easily accessible for your guests. Consider using plastic utensils and plates so your guests can easily dispose of them, do whatever you can to make the clean up as easy as possible.
Layout Tips
Ceremony:
When it comes to your ceremony you want to have a simple backdrop but still offer some type of visual for your guests. Create a walkway/aisle with lights, flowers, rocks, throw rugs, flower pedals, fabric, etc. Find a spot in your yard that would make for a great backdrop such as stairs, brick wall, a porch, or in front of a fence or set of doors. If you do not have anything in your yard for a backdrop consider using a flower arch or flower wall to provide a unique and special place to say “I do.”
Our florist, Infiniti Floral Design, has done an incredible job over the years creating floral arches and floral walls for the perfect backyard wedding. Book our talented florist for a constellation to learn all the ways you can recreate these stunning designs and add some floral flare to your backyard space.
Reception:
When it comes to your reception there are three major factors. Food, music, space.
- Food. Be sure to have a variety of options for your food and provide a vegetarian option as well. Whether you are using a caterer or cooking yourself, be sure to have some sort of appetizer, dinner, and small dessert. You do not need to go overboard with the food. Just provide options and cover the four main food groups.
- Music. You can hire a band, DJ, or make a playlist yourself. Whatever you do just be sure your guests can clearly hear your music and have a spot to dance. Consider looking into a renting company to rent speakers if you decide to not hire a DJ. Keep your music balanced with slow songs, upbeat party songs, and the classic sing-alongs. Save the slower mundane songs for the dinner and then save the good stuff for when it’s time to dance and party!
- Space. When you have both your ceremony and reception in one area it is a good idea to divide the space up accordingly. For example, you may want to designate where the aisle and the dance floor start and end. You also want to ensure that your guests have plenty of space to dance and mingle with others. Stay away from placing tables and chairs too close to each other. Overall, you want to create a space that is accommodating to all your guests. A flat space is always best because it gives you more freedom to place chairs and tables as you wish, it also allows for an easy diy dance floor. Look into renting things like string lights, tables, chairs, speakers, and other outdoor furniture to make the space feel inviting and intimate.
Let’s Talk Decorations
Tabletop:
Tabletop is an art that can be super inexpensive and still create an elegant and beautiful feature to your reception. Flowers, greenery, candles, and home decor from your local thrift store or HomeGoods all make for excellent centerpieces. Adding table numbers (easy DIY project) also will elevate your table scene and be extremely helpful for your guests to find their seats. Get creative with your tabletop and make it personalized to you and your style. Less is more when it comes to tabletop, and when in doubt add some flowers and tealight candles and you are good to go!
Lighting:
Lighting is so important when it comes to elevating a space or setting the tone for the night. There are countless inexpensive ways you can add lighting to your outdoor space. String lights, tealight candles, tiki torches, lanterns, fire pits, etc. Start with your tables, be sure each table has enough lighting so your guests can see each other, their food and drinks, and their belongings. Then work your way to the dance floor and other entertaining spaces. Be sure the dance floor is well lit, the lighting in a space can truly affect the mood and can push people to want to party and dance or it can have them starting to yawn. Lastly, be sure all your walkways are well lit to avoid any injuries or accidents. Be sure that there are clear paths for your guests to walk so they can easily function in the space once the sun goes down.
Yes to co*cktail Hour and Yes I’ll Take Another Drink:
Although your guests may not be leaving the backyard, a co*cktail hour is always a great feature to have before your reception. This period of time allows for your guests to connect and it allows for the space to then feel more inviting and relaxed. And don’t worry, having a co*cktail hour doesn’t mean you need to hire a bartender. Have all your alcohol in easily accessible areas, a table with assorted liquors, mixers, and sliced fruit. Chalkboard signs are also a nice touch to display a drink menu of what is available or even some co*cktail suggestions.
Be sure to have appropriate glasses for whatever drinks you will be serving. Wine glasses for wine, rocks glasses for whiskey, martini glasses for martinis, etc. Self serve dispensers for things like iced tea, lemonade and water also make for an easily accessible station and they look really cute too!
Rental Checklist:
- Tent
- Tables and chairs for reception
- Ceremony chairs
- Speakers/ DJ equipment
- Serving tables for food
- Catering supplies
- Linens
- Table decor
- Dinner plates and utensils
- Lighting
- Portable restrooms
- Trash cans and recycling bins
- Dance floor
- Guestbook table
- Gift Table
- Bar
- Coolers
Signs:
A welcome sign is always an important element to a backyard wedding because it allows for an inviting atmosphere and it also better directs guests where to enter. We also suggest having signs for parking, ceremony, reception, restrooms, menu, etc. The more directory, the better. The more signs you have, the more organized the event will be. Signs can also be super inexpensive, planks of wood, chalkboards, and arrows are all great uses of signage.
Elements of fun:
When having a backyard wedding there is often more room and freedom to incorporate other elements to entertain your guests. Yard games are a wonderful touch. We have seen countless backyard weddings with things like, jenga, baggo, ring toss and other yard games. Get creative and have FUN. Think about your guests and what they would like to play while enjoying co*cktail hour or before the ceremony. If you don’t have room for yard games think about implementing a phot booth, bonfire, sparklers, or old fashion drinking games.
But What Do I Wear?
Wedding Dress:
When we think of a “backyard wedding” we have a few things that come to mind. Our ideal backyard wedding dress is simple, moveable, with a touch of whimsical and boho-chic.
Lillian West is the epitome of “boho- chic.” This collection is stunning with vintage feels, lace detailing, and touches of whimsical and romantic.
At Le Bella Donna, we have countless options for the perfect wedding dress for your backyard wedding, no matter what style you are looking for. We offer many different designers to choose from that showcase all different styles, colors, and designs in all sizes. We believe in helping every bride find their dream dress no matter how big or small the wedding may be.
Shop Lillian West and all other designers now: https://www.lebelladonna.com/lillian-west-wedding-dresses/
Tuxedo:
Okay so now you have your dress, let’s talk about tuxedos. We provide full service tuxedo appointments. Le Bella Donna offers multiple tuxedo styles and colors to fit the aesthetic of your backyard wedding. Personally, we love a tan color tux or blue tux for backyard weddings. They offer a simple and more casual element to a tux. Be that as it may, whatever color and style you choose, we have you covered.
Shop out Tuxedos now:https://www.lebelladonna.com/men/
Bridesmaids:
When it comes to bridesmaid dresses choosing a color scheme and style can be tricky, with our wide selection, you are sure to find a dress for each bridesmaid! Your backyard bridesmaids will probably want to mimic the aesthetic of your wedding and emulate comfortable and whimsical. Your backyard bridesmaids should be in dresses that are moveable and fit comfortably because most backyard weddings tend to be a bit more relaxed than a ballroom venue. Whether you want your girls in something romantic and comfortable or classy and top notch elegant, we have what you are looking for.
Shop our Bridesmaid Dresses now:
What to take away from this blog post:
- A backyard wedding is ideal if you are looking to save money and stay on a tight budget.
- Curate your decor and set up as you wish! Put your personal style and spin on your decor, table setup, seating arrangements, and event details.
- Book an appointment with our florist to design your tabletop flowers and a flower arch to add decor elements to your ceremony backdrop.
- Decorations do not have to be expensive. Get creative and add small touches throughout the space and on the tables. Simple is better, when in doubt add tea light candles and flowers.
- Be sure to incorporate lighting throughout the backyard to be sure your guests can see what they are doing and where they are going. Remember that lighting sets a mood, keep it well lit but set the ambiance.
- YES co*cktail hour.
- Add fun elements- games, photo booths, activities, etc.
- Make a rental checklist.
- Be sure to have a Plan B set in place.
- We have you covered when it comes to dresses and tuxes. Think about the weather, the aesthetic, color pallet, and time of year. Whatever dress you are looking for, we have it!
