Backyard weddings are super popular right now. Between COVID-19 altering happy couple’s plans and the sheer expense of wedding venues, backyard weddings provide a more budget-friendly and even more intimate solution. I mean, we’ve all seen Father of the Bride haven’t we? Talk about a gorgeous home wedding! That being said, while home weddings can be super beautiful and cozy, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into it that you may not have to think about when using an actual wedding venue space.

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Evaluate Your Space (Realistically)

If you’re dreaming of a big wedding, you’re going to want to be honest with yourself about how much space you have in your backyard/home for a wedding guest list that includes everyone you know. Most homes are not equipped to deal with a hundred guests or anywhere close to that, so unless you have the yard space to set up a tent (or two!) to keep your guests comfortable and shielded from the elements, you may have a problem on your hands. Without the proper space, you’ll need to cut down that guest list or look for a new venue. You don’t want to count on perfect weather in case you have to move things indoors.

Beautify & Repair

Putting a bunch of people in your space for your special day means you better get cracking on that to-do list of repairs and maintenance you’ve been thinking about and putting off! That leaky faucet, loose railing or weed-covered lawn is going to require some attention before you’re hosting a wedding party of any size. Don’t forget to clean your home, even if your guests will be outside! You’ll inevitably have a few guests wandering through your house or looking for the bathroom. Just be sure to plan ahead so any cleaning or repairs are done in plenty of time so you’re not stressed out on the big day (or the night before).

Budget for Rentals

Most people don’t have 50-100 chairs on hand, a dozen tables, dinnerware and glassware for a crowd, a dance floor, an outdoor tent (to protect from the sun and the rain), music equipment, and wedding decor so be sure to budget for all of the rentals you’re going to need to have for your wedding ceremony and reception.  The cost of your rental selections may add up and there’s usually a lot of different options to allow you to customize your design.

Prepare For Your Vendors

If you have a wedding planner and vendors, they more than likely will need to scope out the space before the big day in order to make a plan for their services. Caterers will need to look at the kitchen, the DJ will need to know where to set up, etc. Make sure anyone coming in to set up rentals, equipment, catering, or decor has a clear path to get through your house to the back (or whichever room they’ll need), or has a clear entrance through a side gate. You don’t want them bumping into things, damaging their equipment or your home!

Pick the Flattest Space

Any hilliness (even subtle) is going to be difficult to work with when it comes to planning a backyard shindig. Consult with an event planner or the rental companies themselves about whether a dance floor or tent is going to work in your space. You’ll also need to be careful with any table locations and chairs, as well as music equipment and lighting, so that people aren’t sliding a little bit downhill or equipment isn’t toppling over!

Plan for Port-a-Potties

Whether you have two bathrooms inside or four, or five, you’ll most likely want to plan for port-a-potties if you have a wedding including over 50 people. Experts suggest one bathroom for every 35 guests to keep bathroom lines short and keep your guests enjoying the big day! Guests will also need a place to freshen up, especially in those warmer months, so do some research on port-a-potty options that would fit your space and your budget. There’s a large number of options now, from luxury ones with heated sink water and air conditioning to the basic models.

Figure Out Your Power Source

Weddings take a lot more power than you might think, and most residential homes do not have the capability to support those needs. Between string lights, music equipment and speakers, reception lighting, bathrooms, and any power needs for catering or inside the house, that’s a lot of stress on your electrical system. Play it safe and consider a generator to help keep everything working properly (and without blowing fuses).

Decor

You may have to alter your decor ideas to fit your backyard space and your budget. Luckily, if you’re doing a backyard wedding, you may have more room in the budget for decor than if you had gone with an expensive venue! Stick to your budget and your wedding vision and you can’t go wrong.

Insurance & Permits

Having an event in a residentially zoned space poses some potential issues if you don’t get all your ducks in a row. Check with your insurance company if you need any extra insurance to host the event on your property, and with the city/county to see if you need a special event permit. It’s better to be prepared than to get a fine or noise complaint during your special day.