When you picture your dream wedding, do you dream about having a ceremony in your backyard, or your childhood backyard? Backyard weddings are homey and sentimental and can be the perfect place to hold your festivities. You won’t have to worry about venue fees or compromising on your wedding date due to availability. That said, while backyard weddings might seem more casual, they require just as much planning as a more formal affair. Here are 5 tips to help you plan the perfect backyard wedding!
1) Make Sure This Is The Right Choice For You
Before you begin, you’ll want to make sure that a backyard wedding is right for you. Planning a wedding is more involved than planning something like a dinner party. You will first need to figure out how many guests you plan to invite to your wedding. Will you have enough space to give everyone room to watch your ceremony, eat, and dance the evening away? If the answer is no, you may be better off going with a more traditional venue. However, if you are confident that you have plenty of room, you’re set up for a personal, homey celebration.
2) Do The Legal Legwork
If you’ve never planned a large event, it may have not occurred to you that you need to do a little bit of legal work to make sure that your festivities don’t come with any negative surprises. You will need to check in with your local ordinances to make sure that you have any needed permits. You will also need to make sure that you will be following any noise ordinances and have room for all of your guests to park legally.
3) Think About Logistics
While you are planning your wedding, it isn’t just the venue and reception space that you will need to plan for. For starters, you will want to be a good neighbor and check in with your neighbors! It’s a good idea to give them a heads up about your plans so you can be respectful of their space. You will also want to think about restrooms. Unless you are having a very small wedding, you may need to rent outdoor bathrooms to keep your guests comfortable.
You also may need to rent a generator to make sure you have enough power for your wedding day. You will be running more electricity than you normally do, such as sound equipment, extra lighting, and whatever appliances your caterer needs to prepare your meal.
4) Have A Plan B Location
While you may be planning a backyard wedding, you will want to make sure you have a plan B in mind if the weather turns against you. Can you move your ceremony and reception inside your home? If not, you will likely want to rent a tent. This is a great way to protect your friends and family from the elements. You will also want to make sure that the tent has sides to protect your guests from the wind.
5) Invest In Yard Maintenance
When you decide to have a backyard wedding, it’s probably time to begin sprucing up your backyard. Your garden and landscaping will serve as a part of your wedding decor, meaning it’s a great idea to invest in gardening services or put your own green thumb to use. Consider what sort of plant life will thrive in your local climate and soil conditions.
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