Introduction
When talking about the wedding, people will think of a formal venue. Of course, it is so luxurious and professionally organized. However, that’s also what everyone is doing. Why not try something different?
How about tying the knot at the place where you are living together in the future? Why not try a backyard wedding? This article will explain why a backyard wedding should be your top choice and how to plan it.
Are Backyard Weddings Worth It?
Hosting a backyard wedding gives you more control over the ceremony, including the style of decorations and the process. Not only that, but elderly guests with limited mobility and your pets can also attend. Lastly, you can control the budget from beginning to end instead of letting a wedding planner do it for you.
You might argue that a wedding planner knows what to do, whereas you don’t. But don’t worry! Here are some steps you can follow to quickly learn how to plan a backyard wedding.
Backyard Wedding Planning Basics: What to Do First
Before you start setting up the tables and chairs, you should prepare first. Let’s review what you need to do.
- Select a proper backyard: The venue should be spacious, flat, and open to accommodate all your guests and fit the tents and tables.
- Calculate your budget: Talk to your partner about how much you want to spend. Leave some room for unexpected expenses.
- Comply with laws and regulations: There are regulations you should familiarize yourself with in advance, such as local permits, fire codes, noise requirements, and alcohol serving permits.
- Find the vendors: They can be coordinators, caterers, bartenders, cleaners, MCs, photographers, hair stylists, and makeup artists.
- Make a guest list: Decide who you want to invite. This will influence many things, such as the budget and parking lot preparation.
- Tell your neighbors: It will be a big day, but also a noisy one. Let them know in advance which day it will be.
Creating the Perfect Setting of Backyard Wedding Venues
Now that you’ve taken care of the preliminary tasks, you can focus on backyard wedding venues. What should you take into consideration when planning it? Let’s take a look at the following section.
Set up Space in a Smart Way
First, you must decide how to zone your space. It can basically be divided into a dining area, a dance floor, a mingling area, restrooms, a parking area, and a trash disposal area.
Then, consider how to make these areas functional. The dining area should be easily reachable. A noisy dance floor should be set away from a mingling area so people can hear each other. Accessible restrooms are highly recommended, especially if you have limited-mobility guests.
Additionally, to ensure sufficient parking, allocate one parking space for every two guests. What’s more, designate a temporary trash disposal area for the cleaners, as the limited trash cans will be filled up soon.
Get the Essentials Ready
You will need several sets of tables, chairs, and cutlery for the wedding banquet. For the rest of the day, a long table for a buffet can provide hospitality to your guests and a space for them to talk. Moreover, you must use a sound system if you want to address all guests or play music.
For all of the areas, lighting, electricity, and water supply are essential, or these areas wouldn’t work at all.
Have a Backup Plan for Bad Weather
A sudden, unwelcome heavy rain would destroy everything about the backyard wedding. Preparing yourself for a wedding tent is never a bad idea.
There are two main types: frame tents, which are better suited for smaller weddings, and A-frame tents, which are ideal for larger weddings. The A-frame tent has a clear span of up to 80 meters. It can also be designed as a smaller tent with a clear span of 3-12 meters. Despite its varied sizes, which can adapt to any backyard wedding venue, it is cheaper than other clear-span tents.
Pick Outfits You Feel Good in
Of course you want to look your best on your big day! The appropriate attire depends on your wedding theme. Is it formal or casual? You can also choose a color scheme that matches your backyard to create a cohesive look. Also, try on your outfits in advance to make sure they fit properly.
Get Creative with Decorations
Try merging your style and taste into your backyard wedding decorations! For example, you could use plant decorations with photos of you and your partner on them. A handwritten welcome sign would also add a personal touch. You can also consider decorating with flowers, lights, and arches.
If you need inspiration, check out our blog for backyard wedding ideas.
Get Creative with Decorations
A run-through will help you familiarize yourself with the entire process and prepare for emergencies, like someone fainting. It is also a chance to check that your equipment, such as acoustics and lighting, works well.
Making It Memorable for Everyone
Having a clean and nice setup is not enough to make your backyard wedding memorable. It’s the activities themselves that make it unforgettable. You should decide what experiences you want yourself and your guests to have on your big day.
The most important part is the banquet. An excellent meal with good wine is a must and will bring back memories of the good old days. In addition to the food and drinks, consider hiring a band to play music that your guests will remember for a long time.
To get everyone involved, you can also prepare some fun games for your guests, such as wedding guest bingo, to boost the atmosphere.
Conclusion
By now, you should know the advantages of a backyard wedding and how to plan one. You also know that it’s best to have shelter in case of bad weather. Shelter Structures provides various wedding tents in different sizes suitable for every wedding. Made of high-quality aluminum alloy and PVC, the tents are durable, waterproof, and UV-proof.
Contact us now to start planning your backyard wedding!
FAQs about Backyard Wedding
Is It Legal to Have a Backyard Wedding?
Yes, it is generally legal to have a backyard wedding. However, be sure to pay attention to local regulations regarding noise, alcohol, permits, etc.
How Much Does a Backyard Wedding Cost?
It’s entirely possible to have an exquisite backyard wedding on a budget of $10,000-$30,000 for 50-100 guests. Please check our blog about the backyard wedding cost.
