How Do You Have a Backyard Wedding?

Wedding Reception Idea

No one can find fault with a nuptial ceremony in the backyard. There are few better places to have an event because they are both private and easily accessible, as well as inexpensive or even free. But before you write off a backyard wedding as a too-casual gathering that only accepts a rustic mood, realise that you can make it into anything you want it to be with infinite backyard wedding ideas. Home is where the heart is, after all.

It was all about welcoming loved ones into our home and celebrating with them. We had a really international group of guests. We assumed that nothing would help break down barriers or ingratiate our guests more than inviting them to our home, since they were all strangers to each other.

Looking for the ultimate Wedding Reception Venue in Melbourne? Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley is here.

Home is where the heart is, so to speak. A backyard wedding is a beautiful concept, whether you're having it in your own backyard, at your partner's parent's lake house, or in your grandparents' country cottage (yet). It would be difficult to hold a large-scale wedding in the normal home, as this would necessitate 75 cars and 20 tables for 150 people.

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Saying your vows in a special venue will mean a lot to both of you, so even if it takes more time and money than you had originally planned, it will be worth it. Whether you're planning your own or a loved one's backyard wedding, it's important to know what to expect and have everything you need on hand. This is a complete guide to organising a wedding in your own home.

Looking for a Wedding Event Planner? Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley have you covered.

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Table of Contents

How to Plan For Wedding Space

Ceremony

Even if you have a large backyard, the location of the wedding should be carefully considered. The presence of tall trees not only serves as a beautiful visual element, but also as a practical one by blocking out the sun. Set up your ceremony such that you, your future spouse, and the officiant are standing on the back porch and your guests are seated on the grass facing you if you wish to have the house serve as a focal point. If your wedding is going to take place during the warmer months, make sure the chairs for your guests are not exposed to the sun before the ceremony begins. If your wedding will take place in the fall or winter, you and your guests will appreciate the sun's warmth more if it is held in an open area.

Reception

A tent is a convenient and elegant way to create a distinct area for a garden party or celebration without having to worry about the logistics of the space. You and your wedding coordinator should discuss these details in great detail before reserving a tent for your reception. If you don't want your visitors to feel squished, and if you want them to have room to dance, then you should probably rearrange the furniture at some points during the day. Your caterer and bartender should check out the location before the big day to let you know how much extra room they'll need and what kind of specialised equipment they'll need to serve you and your guests. You should take into consideration the possibility of establishing a separate food preparation room outside of your kitchen if your existing kitchen is insufficient in size.

Benefits of a Backyard Wedding

You can invite your furry friends

A wedding in the backyard is the perfect opportunity to welcome furry friends into the celebration. You won't have to coordinate with the venue or put down a deposit, and neither will your pet have to worry about making the trip or finding a place to rest when the celebration is done.

You will save money

Having a wedding in the backyard of a friend or relative's home is a great way to save money on wedding costs because you won't have to cover the cost of a venue, a security deposit, or individual guest fees. Since there will be natural elements present, you won't need to spend as much on artificial decorations. While it's true that you'll have to rent a lot of extra stuff, it shouldn't be more expensive than the location itself. Check out our post for some ideas on how to have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.

You can choose any date

One of the best parts of having a backyard wedding is that you may pick any date that suits you and your future spouse. During the busiest wedding season, when venues tend to fill up a year in advance, this is very important.

You can keep the guest list small

The more private setting of a backyard wedding provides the ideal opportunity to invite only a select few guests. You can reassure your loved ones by explaining that limited space was the primary consideration in creating this year's guest list. There won't be enough room for everyone on your guest list unless your wedding is held in the grounds of a mansion that spans multiple acres. But (and this is important) no matter where you choose to tie the knot, you shouldn't feel bad about who you invite.

The sentimental factor

There's nothing quite like getting ready in the bedroom you grew up in or exchanging your vows in the backyard you spent so much time in as a kid. It would be foolish to discount the importance of the sentimental value of a backyard wedding. Creating a homey atmosphere will make you and your visitors more at ease and will leave your loved ones with fond memories of the occasion.

Elegant Backyard Wedding Ideas

Planning

You can save a lot of money by having your wedding in a backyard, but before you make any final plans, there are a lot of factors to think about. Let's start with the first question: Is there a possibility that you or your family's backyard could host the wedding? The answer to this question depends on the number of expected guests and the planned festivities. Is it a buffet or a sit-down meal that you're picturing? Grilled picnic food or a cocktail bar with passed appetisers? In terms of capabilities, various forms of reception exist. In addition to the celebration, would the ceremony take place in the backyard as well? If you're hosting both, you'll need even more room.

Before making this choice, it's a good idea to consult a rental service or a caterer; we can provide insight in this area. They will have an idea of how much room you'll need for things like tables, booths, and a dance floor based on the number of expected guests, and they can make suggestions about which food services will work best given your needs and the venue's layout.

Preparation

If you want to organise a summer wedding in your garden, you'll need at least eight weeks to get everything ready. Most of your decorating needs can be met by nature itself, but you will need to assist it. This year, when planning your garden's layout, keep your event's design in mind. But without a plan for where things will go, gardening will be a challenge.

Before you begin planning the event, it's a good idea to discuss the layout with the wedding planner, rental provider, or caterer. When we go to a site, we often have to remind the client to account for things like tables and prep areas, or we come up with new layout ideas to make the most of the available space.

Theme

It is your theme that will dictate the majority of the visual details for your wedding, whether you choose a casual outdoor ceremony or a formal ballroom affair. A highly developed nation? Vintage? Rustic? Whimsical? Flowers, picture frames, centrepieces, chairs, linens, food options, and more all vary from theme to theme.

Tent 

To put it simply, this is one of our top suggestions. Tent rental is something we strongly suggest. Not only will this come in handy in the event of rain on your wedding day, but it will also provide much-needed shelter from things like too much sun or a light breeze, provide privacy, and expand your decorating options. Tents are fantastic for both huge and small outdoor weddings, so have faith in our recommendation.

Lighting

Since no one else will be hiring your backyard, you can start hanging lights as early as you like to create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding. For added ambience, we recommend draping lights from the tent's roof and around the trees. You may decorate the furniture, trees, and other greenery with string lights, Chinese lanterns, and candles. An improvement in wedding lighting is almost always a good idea. 

Rent 

Get your tables and chairs rented from a company, or have your catering service handle the task for you. You won't have to bother about setting up or breaking down the equipment you rent. All you have to do is show up, sign your name, and the entire reception will be built for you.

Very important piece of advice: you won't be sorry you had this assistance on your big day. The weather should be taken into account as well. Is the hottest day of the year going to be the day of your wedding? To ensure that your guests are comfortable and not overheated, you may want to think about renting some cooling equipment. In case the evenings at your late-autumn outdoor wedding venue are chilly, your rental company will likely also have a variety of stylish heaters available for your use. Major additional hint: temperature-regulating appliances are always a smart idea.

Personalise

This is your backyard, so boast about it! Hang Polaroids of you and your spouse from the tent or on the backs of your chairs to add a personal touch that only a backyard wedding can provide. Put up pictures of the new baby and the engagement ring. Place framed pictures of your parents' and grandparents' weddings around the yard. Put in extra touches by decorating the tent, trees, and tables with items that mean something to the two of you. The interior is just as important. Leave a framed photo of you and your fiancé or wedding-related items in the bathroom along with a unique gift like perfume, cologne, mouthwash, floss, and other necessities. Create a shrine to your love throughout the home's main public spaces, including the kitchen and living room. Today is a special day dedicated to you.

Game

When you have your wedding outside, especially in your own yard, you may customise the activities and entertainment to your tastes. Play a few games of cricket or set up a lawn bag toss. When your photo session is over, your guests can play while they sip cocktails and wait for you. Your visitors will be looking for activities as long as the sun is still shining and the music is not suitable for dancing.

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Suppliers and Etc.

Power

You're going to be needing a lot more electricity than the average house can provide between the auxiliary lights, the sound system, and the kitchen appliances. Instead than risking a power loss for the entire neighbourhood because of a blown fuse, it's best to rent generators to handle the surge in demand. Ask your wedding planner and the generator rental provider for guidance in making the right choice of power sources once you've spoken with your caterer about the equipment they'll be using and your DJ about the power requirements of their setup.

Restrooms

More restrooms will be needed if your guest list exceeds twenty people. There is a wide variety of high-end porta potty trailers available nowadays that offer a more luxurious alternative to the standard porta potty by providing extra space, mirrors, and sinks. Including a small amenity box in each bathroom with items like breath fresheners, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, cotton balls, and safety pins can also lend a personal, homey touch. We guarantee that this will save a great deal of stress on the big day, when guests won't be milling around the house, and on the following day, when you won't have to rush to fix the bathroom system after so many people used it.

Yard Maintenance & Setup

It's important to schedule yard work in advance to ensure that plants and flowers have plenty time to establish themselves and bloom before any unwanted debris or clutter has to be removed. To alleviate some of the burden of landscaping, you may hire a professional to handle the planning, construction, and upkeep. The grass should be cut no later than three days before the ceremony. Make sure the area is flat enough to accommodate seating, tables, and a dancing floor. If you're renting a tent, the experts there can tell you whether or not you need to establish a foundation to ensure a flat dance floor. A gardener can verify the ground's evenness if you're not renting a tent.

Insurance

Even if you don't want anything unpleasant to happen on your wedding day, it's better to be safe than sorry if something does go wrong. Get in touch with your home insurance provider to learn about what is covered in the event of damage to your property, whether it's inside or outside the house. Get in touch with your suppliers and enquire as to the types of coverage they offer. In other cases, such as with bartenders, the insurance provided by your vendors may be sufficient to avoid the need for additional coverage.

Permits

If you plan on hosting a sizable party at your home, you should contact your local authorities to determine if a special permit is required. You don't want to run afoul of any zoning laws, noise ordinances, fire codes, health department rules, or regulations. Your wedding providers may need to submit additional paperwork in some situations; therefore, it is important to include your wedding planner in any communications with the city clerk's office, such as meetings or emails. Your planner should be able to either file the paperwork on your behalf or negotiate with the vendors to do so (for an additional charge).

Neighbours

Notify your neighbours at least a month or two before the wedding that you will be having a garden ceremony. They'll have time to make preparations, change any conflicting plans, or perhaps sneak away for the night. Provide as much information as you can so they can accommodate your needs, such as the time of the ceremony and the location of your reception in case they have issues about parking. We recommend not only telling your neighbours face-to-face, but also providing them with a printed schedule so that they know exactly what to expect on the big day. As a thank you for their tolerance, you may also offer a tiny symbol of your appreciation, like a set of earplugs. When you put in the extra effort to consider others, it will pay off in the form of more happiness all around!

Parking

You should also look into the street parking regulations in your area at the same time you research permits. Parking on the street is sometimes restricted to specific hours or even banned entirely at particular times of the day or night in some areas. If that's the case, or if there simply aren't enough spots on the street, you might want to look into hiring a valet service to take care of parking. Make sure your guests know this in advance so they don't leave anything of value in their cars.

Clean-Up

This is a crucial consideration for arranging your property and renting out your units. Over the course of a day, a party of twenty or more people is going to generate a lot of garbage, so make sure to rent lots of trash and recycling containers to accommodate everyone's waste. Find out if the caterer also handles trash removal during the event. If not, you should assign someone or pay someone to keep an eye on the trash cans to make sure they don't overflow and generate an unsightly or unpleasant odour.

If all this sounds too much to handle, why not hire a wedding stylist & planner to organise your backyard wedding.

FAQs About Backyard Wedding

The wedding will be tacky if your guests will sit under the scorching sun and lip chapping winds the entire day. It also will be tacky if it rains and you don't have a shade. To give your event an impressive look, rent a tent from wedding tent rentals.

If you go totally DIY with your backyard wedding you might see a lower per person price but this all depends on your set up and how much you need to bring in. Ideally you have a fabulous indoor space that can host your desired guest count so you don't have to rent a tent.

  1. Determine Your Budget First.
  2. Limit # of Guests.
  3. Host Ceremony/Reception at Private Residence or Public Space.
  4. Choose 2-3 Top Priorities.
  5. Look at Alternative Food and Booze Options.
  6. Ask for Help in Lieu of Gifts.
  7. DIY Favors, Flowers, and Wedding Party Gifts.
  8. Shop Second Hand or Vintage for Attire and Decor.

Because a backyard wedding tends to be naturally more intimate than a wedding at a traditional venue, this is the perfect reason to keep your guest list small. Unless you're getting married in the backyard of a multi-acre mansion, there simply won't be enough space to accommodate a huge guest list.

When holding an outdoor wedding, it's best to schedule it during the spring months of March and April and in the fall months of October and November. These times of the year provide ideal temperatures (65 to 80 F) suitable for an outdoor wedding.

Conclusion

Having a wedding in the backyard of a family member or friend is a lovely idea. A wedding for 150 guests would require 75 cars and 20 tables, making it impractical to hold in the average home. The wedding location is important regardless of how large your backyard is. A tent is a quick and easy way to section off an area for a party or gathering in the garden. Your furry friends are welcome to join the party and no special arrangements need to be made with the venue.

Having a wedding in a person's backyard is a fantastic way to cut back on wedding expenses. Neither the venue nor the security deposit, nor any individual fees for guests, are on the house. You can save money on decorations because of the presence of natural elements. At least eight weeks are required to prepare for a summer wedding in the garden. You can get most of your decorating supplies from nature if you help it along.

The majority of the decorative elements at your wedding will be determined by the theme you choose. Tents are great for any size outdoor wedding, from the very large to the very small. It's never too early to start stringing lights to set the mood. Renting air conditioning units could be a good idea to keep your guests comfortable in the warm weather. One more crucial piece of advice: temperature-controlling appliances are never a bad investment.

Put a special present and a framed wedding photo in the guest bathroom. Make sure you find out the power needs of your caterer and DJ. If you have more than twenty people RSVPing, you'll need to make sure there are enough restrooms for everyone. These days, you can choose from a wide selection of luxury restroom trailers. Put a little amenity box full of things like cotton balls, Band-Aids, and breath mints in each bathroom.

Get in touch with the appropriate authorities in your area to find out if a permit is needed to host a garden ceremony in your backyard. It's important to adhere to local regulations, such as those governing noise, combustibles, and sanitation. In some cases, the vendors you hire for your wedding may need to submit additional paperwork. You can show your gratitude for their patience by giving them a small token, like a pair of earplugs. A party with twenty people or more is likely to produce a substantial amount of waste throughout its duration. Determine if the caterer also provides waste management services.

Content Summary

  • No one can find fault with a nuptial ceremony in the backyard.
  • A backyard wedding is a beautiful concept, whether you're having it in your own backyard, at your partner's parent's lake house, or in your grandparents' country cottage.
  • Saying your vows in a special venue will mean a lot to both of you, so even if it takes more time and money than you had originally planned, it will be worth it.
  • Whether you're planning your own or a loved one's backyard wedding, it's important to know what to expect and have everything you need on hand.
  • This is a complete guide to organising a wedding in your own home.
  • Even if you have a large backyard, the location of the wedding should be carefully considered.
  • You and your wedding coordinator should discuss these details in great detail before reserving a tent for your reception.
  • A wedding in the backyard is the perfect opportunity to welcome furry friends into the celebration.
  • Having a wedding in the backyard of a friend or relative's home is a great way to save money on wedding costs because you won't have to cover the cost of a venue, a security deposit, or individual guest fees.
  • You can keep the guest list smallThe more private setting of a backyard wedding provides the ideal opportunity to invite only a select few guests.
  • It would be foolish to discount the importance of the sentimental value of a backyard wedding.
  • If you want to organise a summer wedding in your garden, you'll need at least eight weeks to get everything ready.
  • This year, when planning your garden's layout, keep your event's design in mind.
  • Before you begin planning the event, it's a good idea to discuss the layout with the wedding planner, rental provider, or caterer.
  • Tent rental is something we strongly suggest.
  • Since no one else will be hiring your backyard, you can start hanging lights as early as you like to create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding.
  • For added ambience, we recommend draping lights from the tent's roof and around the trees.
  • An improvement in wedding lighting is almost always a good idea.
  • Get your tables and chairs rented from a company, or have your catering service handle the task for you.
  • You won't have to bother about setting up or breaking down the equipment you rent.
  • The weather should be taken into account as well.
  • Is the hottest day of the year going to be the day of your wedding?
  • To ensure that your guests are comfortable and not overheated, you may want to think about renting some cooling equipment.
  • This is your backyard, so boast about it!
  • Put up pictures of the new baby and the engagement ring.
  • Place framed pictures of your parents' and grandparents' weddings around the yard.
  • The interior is just as important.
  • Create a shrine to your love throughout the home's main public spaces, including the kitchen and living room.
  • Today is a special day dedicated to you.
  • When you have your wedding outside, especially in your own yard, you may customise the activities and entertainment to your tastes.
  • After speaking with your caterer and DJ about their power needs, ask your wedding planner and generator rental provider for help choosing power sources.
  • More restrooms will be needed if your guest list exceeds twenty people.
  • There is a wide variety of high-end porta potty trailers available nowadays that offer a more luxurious alternative to the standard porta potty by providing extra space, mirrors, and sinks.
  • It's important to schedule yard work in advance to ensure that plants and flowers have plenty time to establish themselves and bloom before any unwanted debris or clutter has to be removed.
  • The grass should be cut no later than three days before the ceremony.
  • Make sure the area is flat enough to accommodate seating, tables, and a dancing floor.
  • Get in touch with your home insurance provider to learn about what is covered in the event of damage to your property, whether it's inside or outside the house.
  • If you plan on hosting a sizable party at your home, you should contact your local authorities to determine if a special permit is required.
  • Your wedding providers may need to submit additional paperwork; include your wedding planner in meetings or emails with the city clerk's office.
  • As a thank you for their tolerance, you may also offer a tiny symbol of your appreciation, like a set of earplugs.
  • If that's the case, or if there simply aren't enough spots on the street, you might want to look into hiring a valet service to take care of parking.
  • This is a crucial consideration for arranging your property and renting out your units.

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