Looking back, if there was one thing I would have done differently for our wedding – it honestly would be to have a backyard hoopla!

A backyard wedding is perfect for couples who want a never-before-seen wedding venue, are suckers for the great outdoors, and might love a good sentimental attachment.

If you’re up for the challenge, there are a LOT of logistics you need to think about. You are theoretically building a wedding venue from scratch, and there are several vendors that you might not realize you have to consider. To walk you through the process, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about planning a backyard wedding, from logistics to design.

Before diving into what vendors you need to consider, let’s break down the pros and cons.

Pros

Dates Are Flexible

Especially after a year like 2020, we’ve learned that venues book up FAST. By choosing to have a home wedding, you run the show! It’s an empty slate for you to choose a date that works for your families, and you won’t have to stress over limited options and availability. Score!

Creative Control

One of the BEST reasons for an outdoor wedding (in my opinion) is that you’re in charge of every aspect of the day. From the floor plan, to the unique vendors you can hire, to the never-before-seen ceremony backdrop – your day will stand out as uniquely yours!

Hello, pets!

You’ll get to avoid running things by strict venue managers - heck yes! if your pet is out partying with you all day, they can easily waltz right inside once they get tuckered out.

Sentimental Factors

I really believe there is something wildly special about getting ready in the room you grew up in, or committing your life to someone where you used to jump on the trampoline. Everyone will feel much more comfortable being in a place they’re familiar with, and it only adds to the memory that you and your family members will cherish forever.

Cons

In my opinion, there are three major cons to an outdoor, home wedding:

Expect a significant amount of planning (much more than a typical wedding). If you haven’t planned a wedding before - let alone an outdoor wedding from SCRATCH, I highly recommend getting a professional on board. We’ll dive in later, but there are so many logistics to consider when a venue doesn’t take care of everything for you. Trust me on this one!
You run the risk of bad weather. Okay, North Dakotans - I see you! Of course, get a backup plan in place. If you’re okay with having a ceremony-under-the-tent scenario for a backup, then I say DO IT. I suggest considering how you may feel if the worst comes to worst. But remember - If I get to be there for you on your wedding day, I’ll run around making sure all your beautiful decor is safe from rain and things run smoothly, no matter what.
Last con - it isn’t going to SAVE you money. While it may be comparable to a venue wedding (venues are spendy!), be sure to consider that you still have to build what a normal backyard does not have. Think: bathrooms, walls, chairs, floors, lights, power etc. I say this not to scare you, but I say this to be realistic and advise you not to have a backyard wedding with the sole intention to save money.

OK, now that that’s out of the way - onto the logistics!

Here are the rentals you’ll need for a backyard wedding:

Ceremony Chairs
Ceremony Decor/Arch/Aisle Decor
Gifts Table
Guest Book Table
Tent - be sure to talk with your wedding planner about floorplan, dimensions, what tables and serving equipment can all fit in your tent
Reception Chairs
Dinner Tables
Cocktail Tables
Serving Tables
Dessert Table
Bar (and save some room for their coolers and equipment!)
Place Settings
Linens
Centerpiece Decor
Table Decor
Dance Floor
Lighting - in trees, to illuminate walkways etc.
Overhead Decor
Wall/Backdrop Decor
Photo Booth
Food Prep/Storage Equipment
Drinks and Containers
Generators and Power
Portable Restrooms - there are NICE ones now! Think about having an emergency kit in the restroom for a cute, personal touch.
Trash Cans and Liners

Then be sure to consider/plan for these elements!

Permits/event insurance
- Contact your homeowner’s insurance to see what is covered, such as property damage inside or outside the house
- Before you get too far into booking vendors, you must check with your city officials to find out if you need permits to host a large party at your home. There might be noise ordinances, fire codes, health department regulations, and zoning issues that you don’t want to violate.
Cleaning crew!
- Someone to bus the tables
- Someone to clean up at night, take gifts in etc.
Security
Liquor licensing
- Check with your bartender and your own insurance policy to confirm all is good
Parking and signs
Lighting
Cooling/heating
- Set out blankets or heating lamps, rent misters etc. Remember to put the ceremony in a shaded area if possible if it will be in summer
Have an exterminator spray two days beforehand, place citronella candles throughout the space, have an electrician come out to check power and lighting, and rent AC units or heaters.
Be sure to let your neighbors know ahead of time!
Plan B
Yard Maintenance And Setup
- Give plants time to fill out, flowers to bloom, and space to be cleared, if necessary. You might even consider hiring a landscaper to take care of all the design and maintenance so it’s one less thing on your to-do list. At the very least, you’ll need to cut the grass a few days before the wedding.
- Be sure to check that the ground is level enough for chairs, tent, dance floor, tables etc.

Is an outdoor wedding your next dream in life?! It’s not for the weak, but in my experience - they are always SO beautiful, unique and rewarding if you’re ready for the challenge.

If it all sounds too overwhelming, I’ve got your back. Outdoor weddings FILL my soul.

Let's plan a WEDDING