How To Plan A Backyard Wedding & Stay Sane: A 2024 Guide
If you are wondering how to plan a backyard wedding, you are not alone. Garden weddings were the biggest wedding trend of 2023.
Backyard weddings are often more sentimental and intimate. It may be a long-held dream to marry your soul mate surrounded by happy memories and loved ones in the home you grew up in. Or, it's a second marriage for you and your partner, and you want a low-key, intimate ceremony.
Planning any wedding can be overwhelming if not prepared.
This guide walks you through everything you need to think about. It covers logistics, vendors, permits, Mother Nature, and much more.
So, grab a pen and paper, and let's dive in.
Is a Backyard Wedding a Good Idea?
Many couples love the idea of a garden wedding but don’t know where to start.
But, for many, the pros of getting married at home far outweigh the cons.
Customizable
One of the biggest luxuries is that the event is customizable to your vision for the day. You have none of the rules or restrictions a venue may have. You can have any color scheme, any lighting, and any theme you want.
Pizza delivery at midnight? Done!
A dance party into the early hours? You betcha!
Your four-legged fur babies walking you down the aisle? Absolutely!
Remember, your house, your rules.
"One of the biggest bonuses of having the wedding at home was our two dogs, Arlo and Murphy, being there. They are such a big part of our lives it meant a lot to have them not only there but involved. One of my best memories is them walking ahead of me down the aisle."
Budget
With the average cost of a wedding is now an eye watering $29,000, it's no surprise that budget hovers near the top of reasons couples get married at home.
With a sizable chunk of the budget going to the venue, having a backyard wedding can keep those costs down.
This is a huge plus for couples in the current economic climate.
Flexible On Dates
Many venues book out a year in advance, meaning you cannot secure your desired wedding date. But a backyard wedding gives you complete control over when you choose to get married.
Be thoughtful in your choice. Think about where you live, the climate, and what seasons have special meaning to you and your partner.
Logistics are Everything
You are responsible for everything when you plan a backyard wedding.
If you have the budget, consider hiring a wedding planner to take over the primary logistics of the event. If this is not an option, try and hire a 'day-of' coordinator to take pressure off you.
Yet, whether you take full control or have a team of planners, you need to consider several logistics specific to a backyard wedding.
Space
The biggest factor in how large your wedding will be is the amount of available space you have.
Make a mock-up drawing of your dream backyard wedding.
Think about the area as a whole, including the front yard. Is there a natural focal point to hold the ceremony? Is one part of the yard more atmospheric, or do you have a favorite area?
Go outside and explore the space, thinking about the time of day and season you want to get married. Remember, the sun sets at different times, so pay attention to where shadows fall and how the sun sits in the sky.
Restrooms
No bride wants to take a plunger to the toilet on her wedding day, regardless of whether she is at home.
Unless you have an intimate wedding of less than 20 people, you should consider renting portable restrooms.
Gone are the days of single-use, non-flushing port-a-potties. You can rent portable restrooms on trailers complete with vanities and running water.
Jazz up the interior of the bathrooms with a personal touch. Flowers, framed photos, and candles go well together, while a basket of hygiene essentials allows guests to freshen up.
As a general rule of thumb, it's one restroom/25 guests.Remember to consider your female-to-male ratio and adjust the number as needed.
Power and Electrical
Does your home carry enough power?
This is an often overlooked question when planning a backyard wedding.
Where are the outlets in your home? What power requirements do any onsite vendors need? Will you have a DJ, sound and PA system, and lights?
If you are unsure if your house can handle the extra power needs, get an electrician to review things. If in doubt, hire a generator for the temporary appliances.
Parking
If you live on a property with ample space, this is a moot point, but if you don't, think about where your guests will park.
Is there free parking nearby? Could you hire buses to ferry people from the designated parking area to your home or arrange a fleet of cars?
Nothing will irritate your neighbors more than having a guest's car blocking their driveway - guaranteed.
Neighbors
You may think your wedding is the most important day of your life, but you cannot say the same of your neighbors.
If you are not inviting your neighbors, be courteous and let them know your plans well in advance. If you want to go the extra mile, pop around with a handwritten note, a small gift, or a bunch of flowers.
Give timings for the day, when the music will stop, and names and numbers of who to contact if they have any issues. Let them know when things will be winding down and what they can expect in the days leading up to and after the wedding.
Many people are very reasonable, especially if they know what to expect. You never know; they may well offer up their driveway for parking!
Landscaping
No matter the size of your nuptials, there will need to be some work to get your yard looking wedding-ready. It may be a simple haircut for the lawn and tidying up the flower beds.
But if you want specific flowers and plants in bloom, you must start well in advance. Talk with a local landscaper or florist; they can tell you what's needed.
Finally, you will need to walk the lawn. You should put a foundation down if it's uneven, especially if there will be dancing. Lawns and high heels are not a great combo, so give guests flip-flops to dance the night away. Your lawn will be very grateful, and flip-flops will make a lovely wedding favor.
Don't Forget The Legalities
Many couples don't give a second thought to permits and insurance requirements when booking a venue. It's assumed it's all covered.
But, when your backyard is the venue, you must be on top of any legalities that could derail your special day.
Permits
Once you know you will have a backyard wedding, you must understand what permits you need.
The big three to be aware of are noise, fire, and parking.
Check your county and town laws if you have a DJ or music. For example, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., outside noise has to be below 50 decibels in Boston, Massachusetts. Make sure you apply for a permit in plenty of time. No one wants the party cut short.
If you plan to have fire pits burning, check in with your local fire department to see if you need a temporary permit. If you are erecting a tent, you might need a permit and to present a Flame Retardant Certificate. Talk with the vendor, as they will know exactly what's needed. If you need a fire inspection, ensure a company representative is onsite at the time of the visit
Depending on parking availability, you may need permits. The last thing you want is guests returning to find their car towed. That's guaranteed to put a dampener on anyone's evening.
If you have caterers and bartenders, double-check they have the correct licensing and permits. If food is being prepped and served, contact your local health board to see if they need to carry out an inspection.
If in doubt, reach out to your vendors and ask them. They should be aware of any local restrictions or legalities.
Officiant
Many couples opt to have family or friends perform their backyard wedding ceremony. Check your State laws to ensure it's legal to have the officiate and that they have the correct licensing.
If unsure, contact your local town clerk. They have all the information about who can and cannot marry you at home.
Apply in plenty of time for a marriage license and double-check whether you need witnesses on the day.
It would be heartbreaking to find out your marriage was illegal due to an oversight.
What Do I Need As A Minimum?
You are responsible for everything when planning your backyard wedding, and many brides go in one of two directions when faced with this task.
They get decision paralysis, panic buying at the last minute, or go overboard and rent things they don't need.
Here at Backyard Weddings, we offer a range of packages to suit your style and budget.
No stress, no panic buying. All you need to do is add your personal flair to make your wedding day shine from start to finish.
Read on to find out what you need for your dream day.
Caterers
It's your wedding day! You will want to soak up every minute of it, not worrying about melting desserts.
So, unless you are having a very small gathering or want to cook, get a caterer.
Depending on your vision, reach out to local restaurants and companies. Many local produce shops offer farm-to-table catering at very reasonable prices. Or, catering companies can work with you to create a bespoke menu.
When you decide on a caterer, understand what they will provide. For example, will they cook the food beforehand, or need a preparation and serving area onsite?
Most large catering companies have serving staff. Clarify if that is the case and, if so, how many staff will be present and for how long.
Be sure to ask how far in advance they would need access to your backyard to set up and prepare. That will help you when you are planning the timings of the day.
Table And Chairs
Whether you are having a formal meal or a pig roast, you will need extra tables and seating.
Think about the look you want for your day. Do you want formal elegance with a Tiffany chair or a more rustic feel with a cross back? Benches offer a more relaxed vibe, while hay bales are a 100% natural seating option.
This is the beauty of having a backyard wedding. You can have complete control over what you want.
The number you need will depend on the guest list and if you are flipping the space from ceremony to reception.
Wedding Arch and Backdrop
Using an arch or backdrop centers the ceremony and ensures all eyes are on the happy couple!
You can rent a variety of arches depending on the style of your wedding. If you are hiring, check with the vendor if they will assemble the arch for you and take it down.
Again, check when they will need to be onsite and when they will come and dismantle the following day.
Tent
While not necessary, having a covered area gives you options if the weather turns.
You could choose to hold your reception undercover or create an intimate lounge bar. Flip the space to hold a band and dancing as the evening progresses.
Glass, Tableware, and Linens
Booking a traditional venue usually includes all glass, tableware, and linens. But this will fall to you when you have a backyard wedding.
Check with your caterer to see if they provide these, as most do.
Clarify any breakage charges and who will pick up and drop off the items.
If you want to put your personal touch on the festivities, you can rent or buy your own that fits your theme. Social media sites and charity shops are good places to start.
Check out Buy/Sell wedding groups on Facebook and your local Goodwill. They are treasure troves of all things linen, table, and glassware.
If you want a vintage theme, pick up a few mismatched items to make your tables a talking point for the evening.
Flowers
You will need a bridal party bouquet and buttonholes at a minimum. If you are using flowers from your yard, consider where to cut them to avoid gaps in the aesthetic.
If using a florist, check beforehand if they will drop off arrangements and bouquets on the day. If delivered beforehand, ensure you have somewhere appropriate to store the flowers. You want them in perfect condition, ready for your big entrance.
Considerations For The Big Day
As you get closer to your wedding day, excitement will set in, as well as a few nerves.
You might be worrying about how to avoid things going wrong on the day.
Luckily, the answer is simple. Read on to find out how to ensure your day goes off without a hitch.
Scheduling
In the final weeks before the wedding, decide when your vendors must be at your property to set up and drop off items.
As far as possible, try to schedule vendors in the days leading up to the wedding. The last thing you want is everyone descending on your house while you're trying to get ready.
Think about the time of day you are having your wedding, as this will impact photographs. If you are getting married later in the day, when is sunset? Will the low horizon sun be in your eyes as you say your vows?
Make a detailed schedule. If you're having a day of coordinator, you can give them the plan and let them run the show. If there is no planner or co-ordinator, give a member of the bridal party the schedule. They can liaise with vendors, take control of moving furniture, ensure guests are where they need to be, and answering questions.
Seasons
Having a backyard wedding around Boston gives you several options whether you want a warm summer soiree or beautiful ceremony with fall foliage. But you will need to make a few adjustments depending on the season.
If it's winter, remember heaters and blankets, including inside any tents. If it's the height of summer, put fans and coolers around your backyard. For the evening, light citronella candles to keep bugs away.
Pro tip - if your house has AC units, remember to check their schedules or turn them off! My Dad totally forgot, and the AC units came on during the ceremony. People at the back could not hear a word we were saying!
Make Your Outdoor Reception One To Remember
And breathe!
You have said your vows and are officially married! Now, all that's left is to relax and enjoy the party!
But, your reception may be the part of your wedding day you worry about most. How are you going to throw a party to remember in your backyard?
But fear not! With some thought, planning, and creativity, you can host a stunning reception one guests will talk about for years to come.
Layout
Draw your reception out on paper. This will help you plan and see what is possible.
If space is tight and you are flipping the area, think about where your guests will go while that is happening. Choose some people to do that and prepare the reception space. You do not want to move tables and chairs in your wedding dress.
If you have separate ceremony and reception areas, think about the flow of the day. Where do you want guests to mingle and congregate between the ceremony and reception? Will you have lawn games or a cocktail hour?
Food
A backyard wedding can be as elegant or laid back as you want.
Do you want a formal seated reception with table service or a buffet? You may want to serve up freshly made pizza. You can have whatever you like, but consider a few things.
How much additional space do the caterers need if you are having a more formal seated meal? If space is tight and they need a prep area, you could open your home for them to use your kitchen. Or, could the food be pre-prepared off-site, reheated, plated, and served?
If a cookout, grille, or pig roast is more your thing, you must consider where this occurs. You do not want guests to be near smoke or open flames.
Bar
If you hire a vendor for the bar, they should handle all the logistics, including providing a licensed bartender. But that can be costly, and usually, there is a minimum cover you have to meet. If you are having a large wedding, that will not be an issue. But, if your celebration is smaller, consider a self-serve bar.
You provide all the necessities, including glassware, ice, utensils, and mixers. Your guests can then go ahead and create their signature drinks!
Depending on the size of your wedding, you may want to have more than one bar so guests are not waiting for a drink. Have different drink stations around your reception, such as wine, beer, and spirits. Remember to include a non-alcoholic area for those who don't drink.
Lighting
You know your backyard well, but your guests may not. You want to have good lighting for when the sun goes down to ensure no trips or accidents. Light main pathways, routes to parked cars, and bathrooms.
Lighting also sets the mood and ambiance. String lights, mason jar lanterns, and tiki torches all look stunning. You could even have campfires, or open fire pits dotted around the yard.
Dance The Night Away
No wedding reception is complete without dancing. That could be to a live band, a DJ, or a playlist your friends compiled on Spotify.
If you have a band or DJ, ask what space they need. The vendor should be able to tell you if there are any noise ordinances they need to adhere to. Having the dance floor and band inside a tent can reduce external noise for your neighbors.
Pro Tip - You cannot go wrong with fairy and string lights. We put them everywhere: in the trees, bushes, above the dance floor, around signs. When all the main lights were off, and we just had the fairy lights, it looked simply magical. But get soft light bulbs, not warm light. Your yard will look gorgeous, like it's covered in thousands of candles.
Are You Ready To Plan Your Dream Backyard Wedding?
This ultimate guide shows you exactly how to plan a backyard wedding.
Now what?
Armed with the knowledge this guide gives you, you could dive in and create the wedding day of your dreams.
A day that belongs to you and your love, every part created by you.
Yes, you will need to consider a few extra things. But as this guide shows you, it's very manageable once you know the questions to ask and the things to look out for.
Take it step by step, piece by piece, vendor by vendor. Before you know it, your one-of-a-kind backyard wedding will not be a dream but a reality.