Backyard weddings are very popular because of the intimate, homey atmosphere and cost savings that can be made if you organize well. Depending on the available space and the number of people on your guest list, you can either choose to host your special day in your own yard or in the backyard of a close friend or a family member. Either way, you can use this backyard wedding checklist as a reminder of the most important to-dos when planning your big day.
Check if you need any permits
First, check with local ordinances if any permits are required for your celebration and ensure that you're in compliance with your residential area. Also, keep in mind that some wedding vendors may offer to take care of the paperwork needed for their rentals or services, so the whole process will be much easier.
Set your budget
When you decide to have a backyard wedding, you automatically free up your budget since you won't have to pay for a wedding venue, security deposits, per-person fees, or other standard charges. You'll also be able to save some money on decor since you'll have the natural elements in the yard. Even though you'll need to rent a lot of items, those rentals may not be as expensive as a venue. However, you need to set a budget and stick to it as much as possible, meaning that you'll still have to make some compromises along the way.
Make your guest list
One of the most important tasks when organizing a wedding is deciding how many guests you are going to invite. No matter how tiny or big your backyard is, you need to think about comfort and functionality when making a wedding guest list. Your guests will need space to sit, walk, and dance. So, be realistic about how many people you can comfortably accommodate in the given area.
When making a guest list, think about whether you want an intimate backyard wedding or a big party.
Photo by Markus Winkler via Unsplash
Find reliable wedding vendors
Couples that choose all-inclusive wedding venues may not have to hire every vendor category themselves because the venue has them covered (such as catering, decor, bakery, and coordinator). However, when hosting a wedding in your backyard, you need to hire every vendor individually. So, consider hiring the following professionals if you want your celebration to be complete:
Live band
DJ
Bartenders
Caterer
Bakery
Florist
Hairstylist
Makeup artist
Photographer and videographer
Officiant
Rental company
Furthermore, you should hire a landscaper to take care of all the design and maintenance of the yard.
Rent the essential items
When you know the headcount, you can start planning out the necessary rentals, such as:
Tables (for dinner and appetizers, cocktails, dessert, cake, gift, guest book, etc.)
Chairs
Linens
Dishes, flatware, and glassware
Party tents
Bar
Dance floor
Decorations
Photo Booth
Electric fans
Extension cords
Generators
Trash and recycling bins
Choose the right catering option
One of the best things about the backyard wedding is that you can get really creative with food. So, consider these options for your big day:
Fully catered
Various food trucks
DIY style - you and your family members can make everything in advance
A potluck – ask everyone to bring their favorite dish that can be shared
BBQ
Only light soups, appetizers, and fruits for a hot day
Light food is an excellent choice if your wedding day is in the summer months.
Photo by Kelly Jean via Unsplash
Prepare for nature and weather
Nobody has superpowers to control nature and the weather, so you must prepare for all scenarios. If you organize your wedding on a hot summer day, make sure to provide insect repellents and sunscreens for each table so your guests can apply them when needed. Another easy way to deal with insects is placing citronella candles at tables. They are highly practical and also stylish. To help your guests beat the heat, provide hand-held fans and make sure you have enough sunglasses to offer if they forget to bring their own. If it will be chilly in the evening, provide blankets. And, finally, if there's a chance of rain, make sure to have plenty of umbrellas at the ready, as well.
Think about parking
One of the main things to consider is where all of your guests are going to park. In the best-case scenario, you may have a street in your neighborhood that allows ample parking. Then, you only need to check if street parking is permitted during the hours of your celebration. Otherwise, you may consider hiring a valet service. A parking valet will park the cars at a nearby open lot, but in that case, make sure to remind your guests not to leave any valuables in their vehicles. Whichever parking solution you settle on, communicate it to your guests before the wedding day. You can also suggest your guests take an Uber or taxi and avoid any problems.
Check whether street parking is available near your home and if it’s permitted during the time of your celebration.
Photo by Jonathan J. Castellon via Unsplash
Notify your neighbors
When organizing a backyard wedding, you need to be considerate of the neighbors and provide them with ample notice of important details. Inform them of the event's timeline and give them a number to call if they need to get a hold of someone. Thank them in advance for their understanding, and send each neighbor a thank you note to express your sincere gratitude after the event.
Move to another home without any stress
As we already mentioned before, organizing a backyard wedding means saving some money. One of the reasons for this scenario might be the fact that many couples plan to relocate soon after their wedding. Just like with a wedding celebration, an affordable process is possible, and you can relocate on the budget if you avoid things that can make your move expensive.
For example, don't buy new moving boxes, but use free, reusable ones instead. You probably have some of them already at your disposal, and you can find the rest quickly and easily if you know where to look for them - ask politely in large grocery stores or ask your friends on social media platforms. Do whatever you can on your own, such as packing your belongings with the help of friends and family. Then, find an affordable but reliable moving company for the transport of those items to your new home and unpack step by step. Finally, you deserve to relax and enjoy a new life chapter with your loved one.
Final thoughts
If you follow this backyard wedding checklist and use the given tips, you'll be covered and able to have peace of mind on your big day. We wish you the best of luck!
This is a guest post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship with any external companies linked in this post.