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I’ve been so excited to cover this topic because backyard weddings are perfect for weddings with 50 guests or less. Backyard weddings are gaining in popularity because of the cost savings, flexibility, convenience, and intimacy, and honestly they’re just the best. Whether you use your own backyard, the backyard of a family member or friend, or rent one through Airbnb, choosing a backyard is the best for a small wedding.
The purpose of this post is to provide some insight into how to have a backyard wedding. The planning process is a little different than the one we outlined in our small wedding planning checklist as you’ll have to consider some additional details that you may not have had to with a traditional wedding. There are also unique opportunities that you’ll want to take advantage of—we’re covering it all! And don’t miss our post on 100 amazing ideas for your backyard wedding (coming soon!), where we’re digging into all the deets!
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Planning a Small Backyard Wedding
Backyard Wedding Venue Options
First things first, choose the backyard. This doesn’t have to be your backyard. You can use anyone’s backyard — friends and family, Airbnb, or one found on sites like Peerspace!
Your backyard
When you think of having a backyard wedding, you might think of your backyard. There are pros and cons to this choice. For the pros, first, having full control over decor and how the space lays out. Second, convenience - since you live there, you can spend as much time as you want or need to prep the space. The one drawback is that you’re left with a mess in your space.
Friends or family member’s backyard
If you have generous people in your community who are willing to loan their backyard space this is also a great option! While you might not have quite as much control over decor options, you won’t be left with the mess in your backyard (but you should probably plan for a clean-up crew).
Airbnb or VRBO
If you have a budget for space rental, you may want to consider renting a private home’s backyard for your small wedding through Airbnb or VRBO. You can find amazing spaces, including historic homes, big log cabins overlooking a lake or mountains, or a sleek urban space in the heart of a city.
Hourly Event Rental Sites
Peerspace, Tagvenue, and many other sites offer rentals by the hour. You can find some really cool outdoor spaces on these sites and they’re great for shorter events or if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind space.
Choosing the Right Backyard for Your Wedding
Assess the backyard
You’ll want to consider size, layout, natural elements, and weather considerations. Any backyard will do for a small wedding but you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of space for all the things you hope to have as a part of your wedding. Here are some things to consider:
Backyard Wedding Ceremony
- Where will you say your vows?
- How will your guests be seated?
- Will you walk down an aisle?
Backyard Reception
- How will you set up for dining?
- Where will the food be set up?
- What activities will you have?
- Do you want a dance floor?
- Will you need a tent?
Maximizing the space
Think of the backyard space like a house or venue and map out different spaces such as the ceremony site, dining, food, mingling, dancing, games, etc. You may have guests that are excited to relax by the firepit while others prefer to dance the night away. A properly designed space can accommodate everyone’s preferences ensuring that all your guests have a great time! And don’t forget the indoor spaces!
Guest list considerations
When you’re thinking about how many guests you want to have, don’t just consider the outdoor space, consider your weather contingency plan and where people would go in the event of less than ideal weather. If you’re planning on having 50 guests be sure all 50 guests can comfortably fit in plan B!
Legal and Logistical Considerations
Permits and restrictions
Be sure to check your HOA or city policies on events for things like regulations for noise, parking, and gathering size. If you’re renting an Airbnb, this should be something you work out before booking to ensure your vision can come to life without any worry of breaking the rules.
Insurance
Be sure to secure event insurance for coverage beyond homeowner’s insurance, just in case!
Neighbors
Let the neighbors know ahead of time (and no, you don’t have to invite them!). Chances are your backyard will be lit up and perhaps a little more rowdy than usual so good to give everyone in your vicinity a head’s up!
Create a Weather Plan
Whether you plan to have everyone move inside the home, a garage, a covered space outside, or rent or buy a tent just make sure there’s plenty of space for the entire guest list to hang there for the whole time…just in case.
Bathrooms
If the home has limited bathrooms or accessibility might be a challenge, consider renting bathrooms. There are actually really “classy” options for bathroom rentals these days and that ensures no one has to wait and is also one less thing to clean at the end of the event!
Planning the Ceremony and Reception
Creating a flow
The major parts of your wedding are the ceremony and reception and you’ll want things to flow well between the two even though you’re using the same space for both. One way is to have a space for the ceremony that can be repurposed as the dance floor once the chairs are moved to the reception dining space.
Seating arrangements
Small backyard weddings allow for some really unique seating arrangements. If you plan to have a seated dinner, consider long tables, many circular tables, a U-shaped orientation, or whatever you dream up. Also, consider seating when people aren’t eating. Set up spaces around a fire pit or create an outdoor living room with rented couches and armchairs for guests to sit and relax.
Altar setup
Look around the backyard space for natural elements you could use as a backdrop. Whether its mountains, a cool gate or garden arch, a beautiful tree, those can all work or you can rent or buy a wedding arch or some other meaningful display to highlight the ceremony.
Small Backyard Wedding Catering and Food
Food logistics
The only thing to mention here is you need to make sure you have enough space for food prep, serving, and storage. If you’re hiring a private chef or caterer, make sure the space has everything they need to do their job well. If you’re bringing in a food truck, ensure it has a place to set up out of the way. When I was exploring catering for my small backyard wedding this was a large part of the conversation with every food vendor—be sure to do your research so there aren’t any surprises later. Check out some of our best ideas for food for your small wedding.
Lighting and Ambiance
Lighting tips
Using string lights, candles, lanterns, or fire pits to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. If your event will extend past dark, you’ll want plenty of lighting that’s appropriate for the vibe you’re going for.
Music and entertainment
Setting up speakers to play your own playlist, hiring a DJ, or having live music all all great ways to create a great vibe.
Special Touches
Personalized details
Personalize your backyard wedding until your heart is content! This is one of the benefits of having a backyard wedding—most of the time you have carte blanche on how you decorate the space!
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