A backyard wedding is always a heartfelt idea. There’s something extra romantic about tying the knot in a place with special meaning! Plus, it’s intimate, budget-friendly, and offers endless opportunities for customization. If you’re considering saying “I do” in a backyard that’s meaningful to you and yours, then this is the guide for you! Read on to see our top tips for a Zamazing backyard wedding that’ll have your guests raving for years to come.
Why Have a Backyard Wedding?
So, why do people opt for this style of wedding rather than a celebration in a traditional venue? There’s a lot of good reasons to go for this unconventional choice:
- No Venue Cost – Save big bucks!
- Total Creative Control of The Space – Fully customize your wedding day!
- No Date or Time Limitations – Have your big day whenever!
- No Venue Regulations – Your home, your rules!
Backyard Wedding Checklist
If you’ve decided that this type of wedding is the one for you, there’s a couple of things we recommend you run through first:
Step 1: Evaluate Your Space
Start with a walk-through of your outdoor area, and get inspiration for the flow of festivities. Try to picture the details of your event, like where your guests will arrive, where they’ll stop to find their seats, and where the ceremony will be held. Set up the amount of chairs required for the ceremony to give yourself spatial awareness. Consider where you’ll set up photo-taking stations, guest book signing areas, or dance floors. Don’t forget about the practicalities, too, like space for portable restrooms (most home bathrooms aren’t made for events), an area for the caterers to work, the dining set up, and places for your guests to relax.
Step 2: Get Your Backyard Wedding Permission Slips
The next job to tackle is getting the permits you need to host a backyard wedding reception in your neighborhood. This may require purchasing wedding insurance. It’s also a good idea to ask about your town’s parking rules. Although it’s not strictly required, now’s a great time to do something nice for neighbors who might be inconvenienced! Consider sending a card to let them know when your wedding will be, along with a gift, like a bottle of wine, to thank them for their patience.
Step 3: Make A Rental List
Some of the most important things to rent for your backyard wedding are portable restrooms, tables, chairs, linens, and a tent or gazebo to shield guests from rain or sun. You may also need generators for your DJ or band, serveware and glassware, heaters, or fans to keep your guests comfortable, and lighting to ensure that people can see after the sun sets. Your caterers can usually help you determine what you’ll need for food prep and dining. Once you’ve written down all of the essential items to rent, you can get started on contacting local vendors!
Step 4: Plan for the Weather
While we know you’re manifesting a gloriously sunny day, it’s always smart to have a backup plan. Make some cute wedding welcome bags stocked with gear to help your guests deal with the elements, or set up a table with weather-ready items like hand fans, umbrellas, bug spray, and sunscreen. If the temperature drops at night, provide some cozy blankets and firepits to keep guests happy and warm.
Popular Backyard Wedding Theme/Aesthetic Ideas
Once the logistics are locked in, you can start thinking about your wedding’s vibe. Here are a few themes and aesthetics we think are ideal for a backyard setting:
Wildflowers
A vibrant floral theme will suit any wedding, but especially one taking place in a backyard! Decorate every corner of your space with gorgeous wildflowers and greenery for a breathtakingly beautiful day.
Rustic
This timeless wedding aesthetic is consistently trending! A rustic theme will bring an effortlessly good vibe to compliment your backyard ceremony. Handmade and natural décor will create a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere.
Carnival
Step right up! This fun approach will encourage your guests to awaken their inner child. Fill your yard with old-fashioned carnival games, and let this nostalgic aesthetic guide your décor choices.
Fairycore
Bring some extra wonder and whimsy to your big day with this magical theme idea! String up fairy lights at every turn, and get creative with dreamy decorations inspired by fairytales and fables.
Backyard Wedding Favor Ideas
Gifting some thoughtful favors to your guests is an important end to any wedding ceremony. Why not lean into the location of your wedding to inspire your favor ideas? We think the following ideas are fabulous:
Plant Seeds
Send your guests home with the inspiration to grow something in their own garden with this adorable favor idea!
Succulents
Mini succulents in handpainted pots make for wonderful wedding table decorations, as well as memorable favors.
Can Coolers
This is a practical and clever favor idea, especially for backyard weddings in hot climates! Offer can coolers to guests at the start of the ceremony so they can keep their beverages tasty all day.
Bird Seed Ornaments
A bird seed ornament will allow your guests to continue appreciating the magic of nature in their own yards long after the wedding! Plus, local birds everywhere will thank you for your kindness.
Hosting your wedding at home offers a lot of major benefits, and with some careful planning, you can pull off an unforgettable celebration with those nearest and dearest to you! If you had your wedding at home, or are looking to, please share any other helpful tips you have in the comments below.
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, fashion, photography, and trying new vegan food!
