5 Things to Consider When Planning a Backyard Wedding

Backyard weddings can mean a range of things, depending on the size of your backyard! If you are one of the Kardashians having a backyard wedding, you’re basically at the best venue in town, if you have an apartment, this is going to be a very intimate and unique experience. Backyard weddings can be a fabulous way to save money, but it doesn’t mean you need to have everything handmade, hessian, lace and wooden pallets – unless this is your style! We have a few hot tips for you to think if a backyard wedding is ideal for you!

Catering & Beverages

Backyard weddings mean you can choose absolutely anything for your catering, whether that be the 3-course menu with matching wines from your favourite catering company, or it could be a classic BBQ cooked by your uncle who does an amazing pulled pork along with bathtubs with beverages on ice! We would highly recommend if you are looking to go with a self-catering option to ensure you have people designated to each element and ensure you have the appropriate tools to self-cater (maybe hire people for the bar but family on the food?). Hit up your local party shop for their fridges, Bain Marie and serving tools.

Neighbour Courtesy

Depending on where the said backyard is located, we would recommend if you live a little close to your neighbours and they aren’t invited, give them a letter or have a chat to let them know you will be having your wedding in your backyard. Be sure to mention there will be additional cars in the streets, deliveries and potential noise.

Logistics

As you won’t be in a designated venue, you will need to think about logistics and elements that aren’t part of a normal house or backyard. This includes; lighting, power, sound system, food preparation space & utensils, additional restrooms, garden maintenance and setup, insurance, permits, clean-up & plan B.

Spaces

Thinking of your day and how you wish for it to play out, designating different areas in your backyard for different elements will ensure your space doesn’t feel like a backyard and instead becomes an outdoor wedding venue! Thinking of where your ceremony will be located (if not offsite), your pre-dinner canapes, bar area, dinner space and the most important dance space! If however you are looking to have more of a cocktail reception, think about creating different seating areas, outdoor game space, dance floor and bar space. With the money you are saving on venue costs, maybe splurge on hiring some beautiful furniture to spruce it up!

Time as gifts

Talk to your family and friends, and see if they would be open to helping you with various elements rather than providing a gift. This may be help with building a bar, cleaning up the garden, setting up the lighting, being the chef on the night or maybe with decorations.