You’ve said, “Yes,” and now you’re ready to plan your beautiful backyard wedding. With the cost of weddings in the modern-day, backyard weddings are becoming more popular each year. A backyard wedding can quickly become the wedding of your dreams!
Think About the Season
Weather is always something you want to consider when it comes to planning a backyard wedding. If it is a summer wedding, is there somewhere to escape the blazing sun? For a spring wedding, what will happen if it rains? If it is unseasonably cold on that autumn day, how will you manage? Knowing the possible weather surprises will help to ensure your backyard wedding goes off without a hitch.
Know the Ideal Mood
What mood are you trying to achieve?
- Casual
- Playful
- Formal
- BBQ
- Cocktail party
By knowing exactly what the atmosphere should be like, you can determine the décor and similar needs. If you’re looking for a casual mood, perhaps cornhole and other yard games could be added. Or, if you want a cocktail party mood, the lighting can be crucial. Know what you’re going for and imagine the items needed to achieve it.
Know Where You’ll Say “I Do.”
Where will everyone look during the ceremony? Is there a gazebo or an arch to draw the eye? If not, do you want one? By creating a focal point for the ceremony component of the wedding, you can be sure that your guests know exactly where they should be looking.
Landscaping is Crucial
If you don’t want dead grass underfoot at your backyard wedding, you’ll have to start landscaping far ahead of time. Whether you hire a professional or do the work yourself, poor landscaping can ruin pictures, make guests uncomfortable, and cause stress during an otherwise beautiful life event. A well-manicured lawn and beautiful flowers can genuinely make a difference in a backyard wedding.
Where Do You Want to Take Pictures?
Most people do not have expansive backyards with various photo options. This is especially true when the yard is full of guests and tables for the reception. If space is limited, you may want to consider another location for professional photos or making sure guests know to remain in a particular area during the pictures.
You Don’t Have to Buy Everything…
Rentals can save you a lot of money when it comes to backyard weddings! From tables and chairs to popcorn or cotton candy machines, you can rent just about anything. Search for a party or wedding rental shop in your area to determine pricing and availability as soon as possible.
What About Electric?
Extension cords running from the house can be unsightly, expensive, and dangerous. It may even be unreliable – what happens when you blow a fuse in the middle of your wedding? For this reason, it might be best to rent a generator to power all of the electricity for the wedding.
Can the Home Accommodate Everyone?
Can you see your 150 guests using one or two bathrooms in the home? It probably isn’t feasible. You can pay for additional portable facilities to be placed outside if this is the case for you. If you are having a small and intimate wedding, one or two bathrooms may suffice. Be realistic in your expectations, especially if you are providing an open bar!
What’s on the Menu?
Identifying the food you want to serve can help you to determine the best way to do it. How will you keep it fresh during the ceremony? If it is catered, what will the caterer require of the space? Ask questions so that no unexpected messes occur on the day of your dream wedding.
Check the Legalities!
Do you need a permit? Get in touch with local authorities to determine what you have to do to keep your event legal. No one wants their wedding ruined by the police or ruined with fines.
Be a Nice Neighbor
Tell your neighbors about it! Most homeowners do not have the parking available to host dozens of people. Ensure your neighbors are aware of potential issues and provide someone to contact if there is an issue to be handled. It is also ideal to forewarn them of loud noises or disturbances.
Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
Planning a wedding can be a lot of stress that brides do not look forward to. Baystate Tent & Party is a fantastic resource to help you plan and execute your perfect backyard wedding. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to start planning your backyard wedding with us!