How to have a beautiful backyard wedding

I'm sorry to say this but that space looks very rough and small. I'm not sure where all of your guests would sit or anything. Also backyard weddings do require a lot of work and aren't necessarily cheaper than a additional venue.

Believe it or not, backyard weddings tend to be much harder to keep budget friendly. Now, if we are talking like 10 people, then you should be OK. But if we’re talking more than that, it will probably be cheaper (and waaaaay easier) to find a small venue. The thing with backyard weddings is, everything has to be rented and brought in. You are going to have to bring in tables, chairs, silverware, plates, glassware, linens, decor, etc. You will have to bring in food and find a way to keep it the appropriate temperature. You will also need people to prepare, set up, and serve the food, as well as break it all down and take it away. You’re going to need people to clear the use plates, etc. from the tables. You will have to have people to take away the trash when it gets full. And what will you do about restrooms? Will you be letting all your guests go in and out of your house to use your home restroom? And if so, who will be in charge of making sure the restrooms are properly stocked and cleaned? Who will be in charge if the toilet, clogs, etc.? do you plan to have a DJ and dancing? If so, you will have to find a DJ willing to work in a backyard, and be able to provide the proper power needed. You will also need to set up a dance floor. And you may be required by your city to get permits (also true for parking). All of these things would be included in the costs of a venue. Plus, a venue will carry liability insurance, in the event someone is injured during your wedding/reception. If someone were to get injured on your property during your event, you could be liable for medical bills, etc. Backyard weddings always seem like an easy, low budget way to go, until you actually get down to the logistics of it all. Another reason backyard weddings can be a bad option, is if the couple uses their family and friends as free labor (ie, setting up, tearing down, cleaning, etc.). You don’t want your loved ones “working” at your wedding- they should be honored guests who get to relax and enjoy the beautiful event.

View Quoted Comment All good points. Backyard weddings seem good in theory. I remember our DJ said she does not do outside events because it ruins the equipment.

A lot depends on the time of day and the number of guests you have. Also, do you want to have entertainment such as a DJ?

Some people have shared their plans for a backyard wedding but it is not usually a cost savings.

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First step would be to price some tents. Around here, tents start at $10,000, which makes something like this way more expensive than you'd think.

View Quoted Comment I found a tent package and have been in contact with the local supplier that has high reviews, tent, tables, chairs and a dance floor for what I need is under 3,000!

View Quoted Comment What about linens, restrooms, stepping up and tearing down? Those are things will also need to coordinate. Also depending on food you will need to make sure your caterers have everything they will need to provide a safe meal.

View Quoted Comment We have also gotten quotes for porta potties, and the linens are all being taken care of, as for the food we decided it is going to be made by my parents and his parents and have the proper equipment to keep it to temperature.

View Quoted Comment In that case I would 100% make sure you get wedding liability insurance. Catering yourself comes with so many risks if your guests get sick you want to make sure you are covered. What about parking? Have you also checked with neighbors? You don't want to upset them because you'd taken over all of the parking in the area or caused excessive noise.

View Quoted Comment The front yard and driveway is more than big enough for all guest parking!


I think over the last two days we've gotten a better idea how we're going to do things! I'm excited

If you can opt for a Friday or Sunday wedding, costs will be cheaper. Also, buffet over plated meals. Brunch/lunch is cheaper than dinner as well. If you don't mind an unconventional wedding, you can cut even more costs.

Wedding

was yesterday and it was a beautiful success. Food was properly catered by grandparents, sister made cake and could not have asked for a better ceremony area. And saved tons of money!