Planning a wedding can be so overwhelming, even if you’re planning on having it at home in your backyard or someone else’s! I know, I’ve been there. Whether you’re keeping it to just a few key elements or incorporating all the details, having a list of all the potential ‘to dos’ can help you feel totally in control as you head into the planning!
If you’re feeling uncertain about where to start, know you’re not alone. And, also know that this has been done millions of times (in fact, it’s done millions of times a year) so all you need is to have this backyard wedding checklist to help you plan your special day. Small backyard weddings require a few different considerations than those held at traditional wedding venues and so having a guide specifically tailored to that is so helpful (I wish I’d had one).
And a reminder…you don’t have to do any of these things to have an amazing backyard wedding (or most of them anyway). Don’t let this list serve as a “must-do” list, but rather as a guide for when you need to accomplish the things you do choose to do.
Backyard Wedding Checklist by Month
How to Use the Backyard Wedding Planning Checklist
This isn’t one of those checklists you look at once and never come back to. This guide was created as something you’ll refer to each week and month as you’re planning. Consider this your new wedding planning bestie because you’ll have everything you need to pull together your dream day!
Each step has a brief description to get you familiar with what needs to be done and I’ve linked other resources within each task so you’re fully equipped to get everything done like a pro. When you’re ready to complete the task, just come back to this post (go ahead and bookmark it now!) to dig into the details!
A few housekeeping items before you get into planning. Doing these things will ensure you’re totally set up for success, laying the foundation for some of the big decisions you have ahead.
Define Your Priorities
I feel like this gets missed a lot and it is my #1 tip for staying sane during the entire planning process. Knowing what your priorities are and aligning on them with your partner at the beginning will help make decision making so much easier down the road. Choose 1-3 things that are absolute non-negotiables for your special day. Here are some examples:
A dream location or venue - a backyard, obviously ;)
Not spending more than ‘x’
Having a top-notch private chef cook for you
Dancing the night away to your favorite live music
Having a weekend wedding
Choosing top priorities allows you to make more clear decisions when it comes to budgeting and planning – these are happening no matter what! Everything else is flexible.
Create a Budget
Ok, I know this isn’t the most fun activity, but unless you truly have an unlimited budget, this step on the checklist is not to be skipped. Don’t worry, our guide makes it easy (and fun!) so don’t stress.
Decide on your total number
Do a rough estimate of how much you’ll spend on each vendor
No matter what backyard you choose, there will be a max capacity so having a sense of how many people you’ll invite to your wedding will help guide your decision. Knowing the total number of people you plan to invite is a key part of the backyard wedding planning checklist because it will determine what venue you choose and how much you’ll need to spend on certain items.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the idea of creating a guest list, be sure to check out our guide for tips.
Maybe you have a date in mind, or perhaps you’re more interested in securing that dream location so you’re staying flexible. Either way, knowing which way you’re going is good to nail down now so you know before you start hiring vendors for your backyard wedding.
It can feel crazy to start planning your wedding so far in advance, especially if you’re just planning a simple backyard wedding! But friends, I am here to tell you that even backyard weddings take some advanced planning.
At this stage of the checklist, tasks are focused on the bigger things and research that will set the stage for all decisions going forward. These decisions might feel overwhelming, but once you get them checked off the list things will really start falling into place.
Pick a Wedding Theme/Style
Even backyard weddings can have a theme, style, and color palette. Notice though, that I did say, ‘can’ and not ‘should’. I didn’t have a theme, color palette, or style and you don’t have to either, but if you are planning on having one, now is the time to nail it down.
No matter what kind of wedding you have, you’ll need a place to get married and if you’re using this checklist then you’ve probably decided that a backyard is the perfect venue for your wedding!
Now is the time to decide on exactly which backyard to exchange your vows in. Whether it’s yours, a friend or family member’s or a total stranger’s backyard, having a plan for the “where” should be checked off your backyard wedding checklist right about now.
Read more: Backyard wedding venues (coming soon!)
Hire a Wedding Planner
I get asked pretty often about whether or not a wedding planner is necessary for a backyard wedding. I always say “yes”. Even the simplest of weddings require a lot of coordination and it’s just so nice to have someone else thinking about all the details and most importantly, coordinating all the moving parts on the wedding day.
Having a wedding website is a great way to keep everyone who is invited to your wedding informed, gives you the opportunity to showcase your story, and provide more details about the event that won’t fit on your invitation or save-the-date.
Photographers and videographers can be found in wedding directories, on Google, or on social media. We might know a few, see our list of the best below. This is one vendor that can book out fast so don’t procrastinate on this checklist item.
If you’re thinking about doing an engagement photo session, now is the time to book it. Doing this early allows you to use the photos for announcements and save-the-dates and occasionally, you can even get a package deal with wedding and engagement photos.
Decide on Food
There are a lot of different ways to feed your guests at your backyard wedding. You can hire a caterer or a private chef, bring in food trucks, have a potluck, or even cook the food yourself. At this point, you’ll be doing some research to figure out what you want to do.
Now is the time to start thinking about if you want to incorporate flowers in your wedding and if so, how. You can go all out and hire your dream florist or pick up a few dried flower bouquets on Etsy (the ultimate budget-friendly wedding flower hack).
A lot of couples wonder what they should wear for their backyard wedding, but there are no limits when it comes to this. Pick whatever you’re comfortable in and something that will make you feel happy and most like yourself!
Read more: Backyard Wedding Dresses
Start Researching Honeymoon Destinations
If a honeymoon is in the plans you’ll want to start thinking about your destination! I love the idea of having a backyard wedding to save some funds for an epic honeymoon. Pro tip: use a travel agent to do most of the planning (they’re free!)
Backyard Wedding List Items | 9-12 Months Before the Wedding
Even backyard weddings can benefit from a wedding dream team and this is when you’re going to check hiring them off your backyard wedding checklist.
Having a great team of wedding pros by your side for your backyard wedding will make the process so much easier. And if you aren’t hiring anyone, this checklist will have you covered (and you can just cross a lot of this section off now!).
Find an Officiant
Not every state requires you to have an Officiant, but now is the time to decide if you need or want to have one. Officiants are great resources for ceremonies and can really add to the event so be sure to take the time to find one you vibe with.
Once you’ve decided how you’ll feed your guests, now is the time to mark this item off your backyard wedding checklist.
Finalize Your Guest List
A few of the vendors you’re hiring will want to know guest count to provide an accurate quote so having this nailed down at this point will be helpful.
Shop for Wedding Attire
This is another backyard wedding planning checklist item that I would recommend doing as soon as possible. I waited way too long to start shopping for my dress and realized pretty quickly that I was cutting it pretty close — a stressor I did not need! Get this going as soon as possible.
Plan to get these out as soon as you have a date and location nailed down, especially if you have guests traveling from out of town. Giving your guests plenty of time to plan their travel and take time away from work will give you the best chance of everyone being able to attend.
Yes, even backyard weddings can have wedding parties! Of course, this is not a requirement but if it’s something you’re planning on doing you can let your best people know they’ve been chosen to stand up with you!
Buy Your Wedding Attire
Not all wedding attire can be purchased off the rack and ordering and alterations can take week (and sometimes, months) so you want to leave plenty of time for the whole process to take place.
Schedule Wedding Attire Alterations
Book alterations. Usually you’ll do a few fittings to make sure it fits perfectly once the big day comes around.
If you’re incorporating flowers in your wedding, now’s the time to order anything that requires design or has lead times. If you’re snagging a bouquet at the local market you can check list off your checklist!
Select Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Attire
Backyard wedding venue…check. Theme and color palette…check. You can now decide on what you want your wedding party to wear (if you’re having one).
Wedding Guest or Bride and Groom Transportation
Not all backyards are accessible by car. Perhaps you’ve chosen an off the beaten path backyard for your wedding or your partner is getting ready at a different location. In either case, you may want to consider special transportation.
Get Your Rentals Booked
This is a biggie…and one I almost missed for my backyard wedding. Most backyards don’t come with amenities that you’ll need to pull off the event. Think chairs, tables, tents, and even things like serving utensils or drink dispensers.
This is one of those things that I say should be left off the list, but I include it just in case you have something special in mind. A whooping 40% of wedding favors get left behind so don’t feel bad skipping this one.
Pick your cake or sweet treat
Will you have a traditional cake or do something totally different? Decide what you want to do and start researching providers—you'll want to book them soon. Be sure to check out some great ideas for the perfect wedding cake for your small wedding.
Work with your travel specialist or start mapping it out yourself.
Reserve Hotel Room Blocks for Guests
If you have guests from out of town, you may want to secure lodging at a hotel close to the ceremony and reception. I would recommend chatting with your guests to find out what their preferences are. With a small wedding you may find people want to figure out their own lodging as opposed to being assigned a hotel.
Set up Gift Registry
If you’re going to ask for gifts from your guests, set up your registry now. If you have a wedding website, you can use that to link to your registry so it’s easy for your guests to find.
6-9 Month Backyard Wedding Checklist Items
With a lot of the large wedding checklist items out of the way, it’s time to get into the details. I will say, as you get closer to your wedding day, the decisions you have to make get smaller and more detailed so be prepared for little things to crop up right up until the actual day.
Hire Reception Entertainment
Consider your wedding theme and think about entertainment. Entertainment can be anything from music to performers to interactive guest experiences.
Hire Drink Vendor
If drinks aren't included with your venue or catering, you'll need to find a bar vendor. Luckly, there are tons of cool mobile bar solutions these days!
Book Ceremony Musicians
You’ll need music for your ceremony.
Songs for each group walking down the aisle
A song for your exit
Light music during the ceremony, or a special song as a part of the vows
Finalize Floral Design
Secure the final details for your flowers if you’re hiring someone.
Order Wedding Invitations
Decide on paperless invitations, a fully customized paper suite, or something in between.
From formal fully catered events, to quick wedding day run through, it’s totally up to you how this part goes. We did a quick run through of the ceremony, checked in on last minute details with the planner, and then hung with friends and family informally at our VRBO. Lots of options, whatever you do just be sure it doesn’t add stress to the night before your wedding!
Finalize Menu with Caterer
If you’re hiring someone to provide food, check in with them to finalize the menu. Or, if you’re planning on providing the food yourself, plan your menu, figure out what supplies are needed and create a timeline for prep.
Plan Ceremony Décor and Lighting
Backyard weddings can really benefit from well thought out decor and lighting. This is one of those areas where you can lean into backyard updates (if it’s your own) that will keep on giving long after the wedding is over.
Work with your DJ or create your playlist. If you aren’t hiring a DJ, add a checklist item to delegate someone to run the music (head’s up that your wedding planner won’t have time so it’ll likely need to be a friend or family member).
Plan Your Timeline
If you’re working with a wedding planner, they’ll do this for you. If not, use these examples.
Even with a backyard wedding you might want to choose seats for everyone.
Get Gifts for Your Wedding Party
Wedding party gifts can be ordered now.
Finalize Wedding Website Details
As you’re making decisions, you’ll want to be popping into your website to make updates. Be sure to let your guests know if anything changes that could impact their travel or accommodation plans.
Plan the Ceremony
Work with your officiant and planner to plan the vows, readings, and any rituals. Use this guide for ideas to make your micro wedding ceremony uniquely yours.
4-6 Months to the Big Day
Things are going to start getting really detailed now and the items for a backyard wedding checklist are the same as any other wedding.
This checklist covers everything you need to pull together a backyard wedding, ensuring nothing is overlooked. As I said, I recommend coming back to this periodically to get support planning each step.
Author Bio
Jennie Swenson is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
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