Backyards, like weddings, come in all shapes and sizes. Backyard weddings also come in many varieties and can be created to fit many different budgets. Here are five key elements to keep in mind when planning a successful backyard wedding.
While a barbecue can be grand, a wedding should be memorable in a different way. Forego the red checkered decor in favor of more upscale — I am not talking linens here; remember you are outdoors — but definitely spend more than just your plastic local 99 cent store coverings. Get creative with where you shop for your outdoor decor and settings. Big box stores have some beautiful items and lines of offerings that can serve exactly this purpose. There are numerous ways to add a little extra something like florals or centerpieces that can elevate the backyard to a whole new level. Lights and candles can add a romantic ethereal feel to add to the special day.
You and whoever might be involved in the planning of your special day should spend some time settling on a theme. This will help dictate all the little details that will make this special. It can be subtle but there is a difference between a woodland feel or a garden feel or a preppy peppy feel. Once you settle, this will help centralize and dictate the rest of the decor from the specialty cocktail to the seating. You can make your decisions intentional rather than haphazard and you will be surprised how this can also help your budget. It’s much easier to get sidelined with shopping for decor if you don’t have a strong theme to follow. Using plants or fruit as centerpieces can be a fun way to stay on budget and keep the outdoor whimsical element going.
Backyard affairs can tend to feel much more casual by default but this doesn’t mean your guests won’t expect the same level of comfort as if they were attending a castle wedding. Be sure to have access to restrooms for your guests. If you have one tiny bathroom off the backyard, you should consider renting portable toilets. There is nothing worse than that long line building up and interrupting the party that is in full swing. You will also want to make sure you rent enough seating to accommodate every single person, but you have the room to get creative here with pillows and poufs which can be an elegant yet inexpensive solution. You also need to remember to have a rain plan. Contact a tent company and make sure you reserve something large enough to accommodate all your guests remaining dry and happy throughout the event.
One of the more challenging aspects of a backyard affair is where to have your guests park if street parking is limited or if you don’t want to risk annoying your neighbors. You will need to notify neighbors and potentially get special parking permits. Another solution is to hire a valet and make arrangements with a local school or business that isn’t open during the hours of your wedding. In many cases, it makes sense to rent a bus and arrange for transportation from a hotel where out-of-town guests might be staying.
Saving the best the for last. Food and beverage can make or break a wedding! Remember this is not a barbeque (unless that ends up being your theme!) so try to forget about full-sized hot dogs and burgers and focus more on small bites or skewered items. Stations are a fun and easy way to organize your appetizers and entrees with so many fun options. You can also opt to display items - weather permitting - in advance which will require less prep. For dessert, think about individual s’mores kits or cupcakes or pies set up from the get-go. You could also consider getting your favorite local food truck to provide the food and add a personal touch. For the beverage portion, an outdoor bar can do the trick but you can also use vintage coolers or carts and stock individual drinks or have mason jars with a specialty cocktail displayed. If budget allows, a rented airstream with champagne on tap would be an elegant touch.
Most couples chose a backyard wedding to achieve a laid-back vibe and while this can be accomplished, it doesn’t mean that a lot of planning doesn’t have to go into it to pull it off. No matter what, have fun with it and it will all come together and be special! Also, remember you don’t have to host this in YOUR backyard, there are a number of houses that are available to rent for exactly this purpose. Be sure to check out EventUp’s portfolio of venues to host your backyard wedding.