When it comes to weddings, elegance, and style are not only a factor of size or location. It means you can have an elegant wedding right in your comfortable backyard. A backyard wedding boldly describes a couple and conveys an intimate and sentimental feeling. With so many reasons to choose a backyard wedding and countless ways to bring it to life, the process can feel overwhelming. For those aiming for perfection, this guide from experienced nutritionist and writer Isabella Adams will help you plan a charming yet sophisticated backyard wedding celebration.
Photo: Everly Collective
In this article:
Meet the Expert
Isabella Adams is an experienced nutritionist and passionate freelance writer who draws on her expertise to help wedding planners cater to couples' and guests' diverse dietary needs. She also shares her knowledge by writing on trending nutrition topics, promoting a healthy, joyful relationship with food and body. Her tips inspire healthier lifestyle choices and a balanced approach to wellness.
Why Choose a Backyard Wedding
If you’re looking for an intimate setting to celebrate your love with the nearest and dearest by your side, a backyard wedding offers just that and more. While it may be smaller in scale, the freedom to plan every detail makes it uniquely exciting. You can get creative with your space, choose a date that suits you, and avoid the pressure of fitting into a venue’s schedule.
Many couples also love the idea of keeping the wedding guest list intimate. Considering the limited space, you can narrow it down to your family members and closest friends—witnesses of your love and those who impacted your life. Plus, there’s something special about exchanging vows in a place with sentimental value—imagine marrying the love of your life in the backyard of the home you grew up and played in. It creates a sense of warmth and familiarity that welcomes your guests, making everyone feel at home and creating life-long memories.
Photo: Everly Collective
How to Prepare Your Home for a Backyard Wedding
Preparing your home for a backyard wedding involves thoughtful planning and creative touches to ensure a smooth and memorable event. Every detail matters, from assessing your space and securing necessary permits to transforming your backyard into a beautiful venue. This guide will help you create a cozy, intimate setting where your guests feel comfortable and your wedding day is as magical as you’ve always dreamed.
Assess Your Space and Capacity
Begin by evaluating your available space and how many guests it can comfortably accommodate. It will help you create a realistic guest list and plan the layout of your backyard wedding.
Photo: Eunice Beck
Consider the Ground Conditions
Check the condition of the ground in your backyard. If the ground is uneven, consider leveling it or renting flooring to provide a stable surface for guests and equipment. Backyard blueprints can be helpful for planning purposes. Additionally, think about the type of grass or soil you have. Soft or muddy ground can cause issues, so lay down walkways or mats to prevent sinking or tripping. It’s also important to check for underground utilities before making major changes. If you’re using heavy decor or structures, ensure the ground can support the weight without damage. Mark any sprinkler systems or other installations to avoid accidental damage during setup.
Check Local Permits and Homeowner's Insurance
Ensure you have the necessary permits to host an event in your backyard. Contact your local municipality to determine if you need a permit for noise, outdoor gatherings, or temporary structures such as tents or stages. Failure to secure the appropriate permits could result in fines or the disruption of your event.
Additionally, review your homeowner’s insurance to cover any potential liabilities. Standard homeowner’s insurance may not cover all incidents related to large event hosting. Consider adding a one-day event insurance policy, which can provide additional coverage for accidents, property damage, or injuries that may occur during your wedding. Check if your vendors, such as caterers or entertainers, also have their own insurance. It adds a layer of protection and ensures that you and your guests are safeguarded, allowing you to enjoy your special day with peace of mind.
Photo: Vanessa Furtado Artistry
Coordinate With Neighbors
Inform your neighbors at least a month before the wedding to alert them and give them time to prepare or plan. They can rearrange any plans they have or schedule a night out. Give them all the details they need, including the start and end of the ceremony, where the guests will be parking, and any other information. Hand them a written schedule prior or even include a small, thoughtful gift as a token of appreciation.
Decide on the Date and Time
While you can choose when to have the wedding since it is right in your backyard, there are other considerations to make. For instance, you need great lighting to take stunning pictures; your timelines will account for that. Also, remember that the guests won’t have to travel between the venues, so slot an activity in between because there will be no downtime. Couples plan photo sessions, yard games, and other fun activities during this time.
Select a Theme and Style
The exciting part of outdoor weddings is that nature is your guide when choosing the themes and styles. Greenery and tonnes of floral touches are perfect, blending into the surroundings effortlessly. Whether you are going for a classic, boho, or tropical theme, the goal is to complement the setting. It starts from your choice of seating arrangement, decor items, centerpieces, and flower arrangement; trust that the natural light and greenery will always work in your favor. Discuss design details with your landscaper to ensure a cohesive setting if necessary.
Jasmin and Jacob celebrated their engagement and upcoming wedding in Jasmin's parents' backyard, which is also her childhood home. She shares: "It was very much a DIY labor of love and felt very "us." It included a pizza truck dinner, lots of backyard games, a flowering pathway my mom spent weeks bringing to life, a thrifted bar setup, a trip to the local bowling alley, a campfire and dancing, and lots of beautiful memories we will both cherish forever."
Photo: Rae Connell, Bride: Jasmin Irven
Transform Your Space
Couples have so much fun getting creative with their decor and space transformation. Use your house as a focal point, set up around massive trees for shading, install an arch as a frame, and add a unique backdrop; there are no limitations. You’ll likely need to rent tables, chairs, linens, and décor items. String lights and lanterns also add a whimsical feel to the space, while flower arrangements and centerpieces create beautiful displays. Choose items that complement the natural beauty of your backyard while aligning with your wedding theme.
TIP: Make sure to set up tables and chairs on level ground; if the terrain is not fairly ground, find a way to adjust for a smoother setup.
Reception and Food: Make It Memorable
Wedding guests always remember the reception and the food and drinks they had. To make it memorable, carefully plan the reception area, providing enough space for dancing and socializing while bringing in any equipment needed. Consider the service flow and ensure there’s enough space for food preparation and serving. Set up a different food prep station to subsidize your kitchens and determine whether it will be a plated or a buffet meal. You can never go wrong with the perfect wedding menu based on your guests’ preferences and diets. Try a charcuterie board, entrees, bite-size foods, fried foods, white Jordan almonds, and biscuits.
TIP: You can create themed food and drink stations, such as a taco bar, sushi station, or a signature cocktail bar. This not only caters to diverse tastes but also adds an interactive element that your guests will love.
Ensure Guest Comfort and Convenience
Given the unique setting of an outdoor wedding in a backyard, make some adjustments to keep your guests comfortable. Provide enough space to park down the street, designate spaces for children to play, and offer enough restroom facilities. Comfort is key, so bring in more high-quality portable restrooms if you have more guests. Provide sinks, mirrors, breath fresheners, hand sanitizers, safety pins, and anything else they need. Renting a generator is a good idea because it provides the power needed for lighting, a live band, a DJ, catering, and other services. To keep bugs at bay, use insect-repellant creams, citronella candles, or bug spray stations, and consider having the backyard treated for insects a few days before the wedding.
Weather-Proof Your Wedding
A wedding outdoors means exposure to the elements; while that is delightful, it can be challenging when the forces of nature are extreme. Prepare for anything to keep your guests comfortable and safe.
As a backup plan, rent a tent or designate a tented area to ensure you are ready for rain or unexpected weather changes. Provide large umbrellas for guests if they need to move between areas without cover. For cooler evenings, prepare blankets and rent portable heaters to keep your guests warm and comfortable. Conversely, if the weather is hot, portable or misting fans can help keep the temperature down and provide sunscreen when needed. Identify an indoor space nearby that can serve as an alternative venue. It could be inside your home, a garage, or a nearby community center. Make sure it is prepared and ready to accommodate your guests if the weather turns severe.
Photo: Everly Collective
Consider Hiring a Coordinator
Even with careful planning, handling all the details on the big day can feel overwhelming. Hiring a day-of coordinator or planner can take the stress off your shoulders. They’ll handle logistics, align with vendors, determine entertainment and menu options, and ensure everything runs smoothly so you can relax and fully enjoy your celebration.
Special Touches to Elevate Your Backyard Wedding
Use Local Gifts
Decorate the ceremony spot with an arch adorned with flowers and greenery from the grounds. Use fruits that grow in the garden as your centerpiece or as treats to add a homegrown touch.
Decorate the Porch
Making the porch a floral focal point not only adds elegance but also creates a warm, welcoming vibe that says, “Come on in; you’re family here.” This delightful entrance decor combines style and charm, perfectly capturing the essence of a backyard wedding.
Create a Cozy Lounge Area
Lounges are a great way to break up your wedding space, and they offer guests a nice reprieve from dancing once the party gets underway. Provide blankets and cushions for a cozy, intimate feel. Use vintage chairs, rustic tables, and soft seating areas. Set up fire pits or heaters for warmth if the weather gets chilly. Draped fabrics and floral arrangements add elegance.
Incorporate Family Heirlooms and Personal Touches
Use family heirlooms in your decor or as part of the ceremony and reception. Incorporate personal touches that reflect your journey as a couple, such as photos, keepsakes, or memorable songs.
Light Up the Night
The perfect lighting can spruce up a space and add a magical touch to a wedding. It is bold and dramatic, and there are so many ways to make your day memorable. A backyard space has minimal, if any, built-in lighting, so artificial lighting quickly adds flair. String lights, twinkle lights, lanterns, chandeliers, and other forms effortlessly add a romantic touch and are necessary to keep the party on later in the night.
Entertainment and Dance Floor
Many couples rent portable flooring for the dance area to keep things smooth and safe. It provides a stable, level surface and helps keep everyone’s shoes and clothes clean. If you’re going for a relaxed vibe, though, dancing barefoot on the lawn can be a fun option. For entertainment, consider live music, a DJ, or even an acoustic band to suit the relaxed, intimate vibe.
Photo: Anne Jervey Rhett
With the right tips regarding the decor, theme, lighting, and other crucial aspects, your backyard wedding will be one of the most memorable events for you and your loved ones. Add a touch of your style and elegance, and use the natural light and outdoor setting to your advantage. Happy planning!
