Backyard Wedding Do #1: Consider your property and location.
A balance of adequate parking space, setup area and distance from neighbours are all things to regard when deciding on your perfect backyard wedding location.
Backyard Wedding Do #2: Make a checklist and check it twice.
There are many details that are easily overlooked when planning a wedding. Permits, insurance, washrooms and power are all major things you don’t want to leave off your ‘to do’ list. Speak with your rental company or event planner to help take care of these items so you can focus on the big picture.
Backyard Wedding Do #3: Have a backup plan.
Weather happens, so it’s best to have a backup plan in case it rains or is unseasonably hot or cold. When using a tent, ensure side walls are completely covered. Rent fans or heaters to have a controlled climate. The hope is that you won’t have to use plan B but having a plan reduces a last-minute scramble.
Backyard Wedding Do #4: A site visit with vendors.
To ensure the day of goes as smooth as possible, a pre-event site visit with vendors is a must. Going back to ‘Backyard Wedding Do #1’, vendors will confirm that the location is suitable for their services and that space will not be an issue.
Backyard Wedding Don’t #1: Forget or underestimate the clean-up.
A group of 30+ people will produce a lot of trash over an entire day. It is important to rent garbage cans, stock up on garbage bags and hire a service to dispose of the garbage post-event.
Backyard Wedding Don’t #2: Rely on string lighting alone.
String lighting is beautiful but, in many cases, not bright enough to light your space entirely. Consider adding a few larger spotlights or tent track lighting. Ensure areas such as your washroom path is sufficiently lit as well.
Backyard Wedding Don’t #3: Let your guests get bored.
It’s essential to think about entertainment. As a substitute for dancing, you can incorporate a bunch of enjoyable activities into your backyard wedding. Lawn games, beer testing, entertainers, sparklers, and fireworks are a few ideas to get you started.
Backyard Wedding Don’t #4: Leave out the bug spray.
You don’t want guests scratching or spending more time killing mosquitoes than dancing. Purchase mosquito repellent and/or citronella candles to ward off unwanted wedding crashers.
Overall, a backyard wedding can be a beautiful and intimate celebration, but it does come with its own unique set of challenges. By considering these backyard wedding dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your special day goes smoothly and that your guests have a wonderful time. Remember to plan ahead, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, and work with professional vendors who can help make your vision a reality. With a little bit of preparation and a lot of love, your backyard wedding is sure to be a day you’ll never forget.
