How to plan a backyard wedding
Looking back, if there was one thing we would have done differently for our wedding, it would have been to have it in a parents’ backyard. How special?
If you want a unique venue that nobody has had before, and you value a meaningful, personal setting, then a backyard wedding might be for you!
That said, hosting a backyard wedding comes with its own set of challenges. You are creating a wedding venue from the ground up, which means there are several logistical details and vendors to consider that may not come to mind immediately. But before exploring the vendors you’ll need, let’s take a closer look at the key pros and cons.
Pros
Dates Are Flexible
We all know 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 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
There is something so 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 our professional opinion, there are three main drawbacks to hosting a wedding at home outdoors:
Expect a considerable amount of planning—significantly more than a typical wedding. If you haven’t planned a wedding before, and especially an outdoor wedding from scratch, we strongly recommend bringing a professional on board. We’ll go into more detail later, but there are many logistics to manage when a venue isn’t handling them for you. This is one area where professional guidance can make all the difference.
Weather is always a wildcard. While we hope for blue skies, it’s smart to have a backup plan. If you’re okay with a “ceremony under the tent” as Plan B, then we say go for it! It’s also worth thinking about how you might feel if the unexpected happens. Don’t worry—if we’re there on your wedding day, we’ll be running around making sure your décor stays safe and everything goes off without a hitch, rain or shine.
Final con – a backyard wedding likely won’t save you money. While it may end up comparable to a traditional venue (venues can be pricey!), keep in mind that you’ll need to provide what a typical backyard doesn’t: bathrooms, walls or tents, chairs, flooring, lighting, power, and more. We share this not to discourage you, but to be realistic—planning a backyard wedding solely to cut costs usually isn’t the way to go.
Now that you understand the unique advantages and challenges of a backyard wedding, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details that will make or break your day. Fair warning: this logistics list is quite comprehensive because we want you to see exactly what goes into creating a wedding venue from scratch. Don't let it scare you – let it empower you to make informed decisions! As your wedding planner, we would guide you through every single item on this list, help you prioritize what's essential versus nice-to-have, and leverage our vendor partnerships to secure ‘holds’ on your dream team, while you finalize details. Click here to learn more about our full-planning services.
Rentals you’ll need for a backyard wedding
This list gives you a sense of just how much goes into pulling off a backyard wedding—and why having a professional planner makes all the difference!
Ceremony Setup
Ceremony chairs
Ceremony decor, arch, and aisle decor
Gift table
Guest book table
Tent & Flooring
Tent (talk with your planner about floorplan, dimensions, and what tables/equipment fit)
Flooring or ground covering as needed
Reception Furniture
Reception chairs
Dinner tables
Cocktail tables
Serving tables
Dessert table
Bar setup (and room for coolers/equipment!)
Table Settings & Decor
Place settings
Linens
Centerpiece decor
Table decor
Lighting & Ambiance
Overhead decor
String/fairy lights, lights in trees, walkways
Wall or backdrop decor
Entertainment & Extras
Dance floor
Photo booth
Food & Drink Needs
Food prep and storage equipment
Drinks and containers
Utilities & Essentials
Generators and power
Portable restrooms (nice ones exist—consider a personal touch kit!)
Trash cans and liners
When to Book Vendors: Most couples should start booking key vendors 8-12 months in advance, but backyard weddings often require even earlier planning due to the specialized rental needs. Read our blog for guidance on who to book first. The beauty of working with us? Our established vendor relationships mean we can often place 'holds' on your preferred vendors while you're still finalizing guest counts or design details – giving you breathing room that most couples don't have access to.
Seasonal Planning Considerations: Spring weddings need contingency plans for unpredictable weather and muddy conditions. Summer celebrations require shade structures, cooling stations, and bug control strategies. Fall weddings should account for earlier sunsets and potential leaf cleanup. Each season brings unique logistics that we help you navigate seamlessly.
Looking at this list, you can see why hiring a professional planner to coordinate rentals, logistics, and setup is more than a luxury—it’s a sanity saver.
Don’t forget to consider and plan for these elements!
Permits & Event Insurance
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.
Contact your homeowner’s insurance to see what’s covered, including property damage inside or outside the house.
Cleaning Crew
Someone to bus tables, clean up at night, man garbages and water, etc.
Security
Liquor Licensing
Confirm with your bartender and your insurance policy that everything is in order.
Parking & Signage
Lighting
Cooling & Heating
Set out blankets or heating lamps, rent misters, and consider tent placement for shade in summer.
Hire an electrician to check power and lighting, and consider renting AC units or heaters.
Pest Control
Have an exterminator spray a couple of days before the wedding and use citronella candles throughout the space.
Neighbor Relations
Let your neighbors know ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Plan B
Yard Maintenance & Setup
Give plants time to fill out, flowers to bloom, and space to be cleared. Hiring a landscaper can take one major task off your plate.
At minimum, cut the grass a few days before the wedding and make sure the ground is level enough for chairs, tents, tables, and the dance floor.
Is an outdoor wedding your dream? It’s not for the faint of heart, but when done right, they are always stunning, unique, and incredibly rewarding.
If it all feels overwhelming, don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Outdoor weddings fill our soul, and we’d love to help make yours unforgettable.