However, there is a lot more to throwing a backyard wedding than figuring out where to have the ceremony. So we are here to give you some advice on the tricky points of a backyard wedding.
1. Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
You won’t have a venue coordinator, banquet captain, or other in-house staff to depend upon when it comes down to executing the logistics of your wedding day. A wedding planner will have the experience to handle any situation that arises and will become the go-to for the day.
2. Rent a Tent
We suggest getting a tent with roll down walls so that you can keep them open if it’s a beautiful day or roll them down in the case of inclement weather. You don’t want all your guests cramming into the house if it rains.
3. Lighting is a Must
Don’t forget about lighting the way from the tent to the restrooms or other parts of the backyard where guests will be walking. Have a walkthrough with your fiancé and planner to identify those trouble spots. You can invest in some tiki torches or solar-powered yard lights to help light the way.
4. Make Space for the Caterer
Have an in-depth conversation with your caterer about their electric and spacing needs. You will especially need to know their electric needs for their warmers, coffee makers, etc. This conversation will allow the day to go as smoothly as possible.
5. Don’t Be Left in the Dark
Some homes have a separate power box that you can have vendors plug into. If not, you’ll have to rent a generator. Make sure to stock up on gas for the generator and tons of extension cords, so that you can place the generator far away from the guests. Generators can be very loud!
Lastly, dedicate someone to be your generator/power person. Something may go wrong during the wedding and you want someone available that’s on-site and as had the knowledge to troubleshoot quickly.
6. Rentals…You’ve Got to Have Them
To save on the weekend delivery and late-night pick up fees, consider having the rentals delivered the week of the wedding and picked up the following week. This will also give you the time to find any rouge napkins or plates that might get misplaced somewhere in the house over the course of the wedding.
7. Bathrooms are Needed
If you are going to have guests use an in-home bathroom, confirm that your plumbing is up to par to withstand a high level of use in a short about of time. We also suggest having a dedicated bathroom for your guests. A cabana bath is usually perfect for this if you have one.
8. Don’t Fear the Port-a-Pottie
If you go with the regular port-a-potties, make sure to get lights for inside of them for when it gets dark. Trust us! We suggest battery powered, push lights that can be attached to the wall. Also, don’t forget the hand washing station.
9. Where to Park
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, consider checking in with them on their policies on where guests should park for large celebrations. Some have designated areas you can park while others allow street parking. You want to make sure you are playing by the HOA rule book.
10. Sound Ordinances
What this means for a backyard wedding is that there is a hard stop time for the DJ to cease playing music. If you want to continue celebrating, then it will have to be with music that is within the specified range. Bluetooth speakers are usually fine to keep the party going.
11. Trash Disposal
At the end of night, you’ll have to find a way to dispose of the garbage. Some caterers will offer to take the garbage, but that it is unique to each individual company so you will need to talk to them first about that option. If not, you’ll have to drive it to the city dump or arrange for a special pick-up with trash collection. Make sure to have your plan in place prior to the wedding weekend!
12. Don’t Forget the Ice
You can schedule an ice delivery, but make sure to have some place to put all of your ice. From a garage freezer to lots of coolers to renting an ice chest, you need to make sure your ice is stays cool for the first drink all the way to the last. We recommend talking to your rental company before purchasing anything.
13. Wedding Insurance
Also, check with your homeowner’s insurance policy. Some may cover special events, like a wedding reception, while others don’t. Best to know exactly what your policy states.
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These are just some tips for hosting a backyard wedding. Let us know if you throw a backyard wedding!