As you start planning your wedding, choosing a venue may prove to be one of the hardest decisions you make. When it comes down to it, you want to get married in a place that feels right to you as a couple and that can remain a special place in your hearts forever. Which may lead you to consider having your wedding a little closer to home.
Whether it’s your childhood backyard, or your parent’s cottage, there really is no place like home. If you are considering a backyard wedding, remember that these places are not proper wedding venues so it will take some work to get it ready for the backyard wedding of your dreams!
Here’s how to make sure your backyard wedding doesn’t cause you too much stress!
Plan it
Ensure the space is big enough to accommodate your guests and everything that comes with a backyard wedding. You want to make sure there is enough room for dancing, eating and mingling.
Photo Courtesy of Avanew Studios
Prep it
If you can, get ahead of growing season by planning what you want the gardens to look like for your big day. Be sure to talk to your wedding planner about any landscaping that may need to be done, or any other prep work that is needed. Leave enough time for any major work that needs to be done. Think: felling trees, or laying sod.
Cater it
Don’t even for a second consider cooking for everyone yourself. Hire a caterer that is experienced in backyard weddings (think BBQ!) and you won’t have to worry about a thing!
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Theme it
Even backyard weddings need something to tie everything together, so take some time to consider what esthetics you want for your big day.
Tent it
Yes, you need to rent a tent! The last thing you want is for the weather to ruin all your hard work. So, rather than hope for the best, rent a tent that will protect you and your guests should mother nature decide not to cooperate.
Photo Courtesy Bows & Lavender
Floor it
Be kind to your guests wearing heels and to the grass they will be dancing on and rent a dance floor. Talk to your rental company to figure out which size is the best for the space.
Rent it
Rentals are probably the best thing on the planet and will save your from buying 150 of the same plate. Your caterers will likely have a preferred vendor that they like to work with and might even be able to get you a discount!
Photo Courtesy of Samantha Ong Photography
Separate it
Creating separate areas will give your wedding an intimate and unique feel that will allow your guests to mingle without feeling like they are on top of each other. Create some sitting areas for guests to hangout as well as a cozy dance floor for guests wishing to bust a move.
Game it
The best thing about backyard weddings is how much room there is for activities! Giant Jenga, corn hole or anything else your heart desires!
Our friends at Porch also asked us about backyard weddings.
