The Basics
When it comes to planning a backyard wedding, the basics are a must. To make sure your special day goes off without a hitch, you’ll need to consider the following: a wedding tent, chairs, tables, dinnerware, lighting, and a sound system. If you’re having a wedding ceremony, you’ll also need an arch or altar, aisle runners, and a guest book for signing. Don’t forget about decorations and flowers, either!
For the tent, consider your guest count and any other special needs. If you’re having a large wedding, you might want to consider a larger tent with side walls and windows, so guests can enjoy the outdoor air without dealing with the sun or rain. Chairs and tables should be chosen to match the theme of your wedding. You’ll also need dinnerware, such as plates, cups, and utensils. A few extra chairs, tables, and dinnerware are always good to have on hand in case of any last-minute additions to your guest list.
Lighting & Sound System
The right lighting and sound system are essential for a successful backyard wedding. For the lighting, you can opt for string lights, up-lighting, or a combination of the two. String lights look great draped over trees and shrubs and can really set the mood for your special day. Up-lighting can be used to highlight certain areas, such as your altar or the dance floor. For the sound system, you’ll need a good quality microphone, speakers, and an audio mixer.
If you’re having a wedding ceremony, you’ll need an arch or altar to serve as the backdrop. You can rent an altar or purchase one online. For the aisle runners, you can buy them at any craft store or online. Be sure to buy enough to cover the length of the aisle. You’ll also need a guest book for signing, which can be purchased online or at any craft store.
Decorations and Flowers
Your decorations should reflect the theme of your wedding. Whether you’re having a rustic, beach, or vintage-themed wedding, be sure to pick decorations that match. If you’re having a beach-themed wedding, for example, you might want to use sand and shells to decorate your tables. For a vintage-themed wedding, you might want to use lace and pearls. Don’t forget about the flowers, either! You can buy pre-made bouquets or create your own.
Catering & Alcohol
Catering is a must for a backyard wedding. You can hire a caterer or choose to do it yourself. If you’re hiring a caterer, be sure to give them plenty of time to plan and prepare the menu. If you’re doing it yourself, you can purchase ready-made dishes or make your own. If you’re serving alcohol, you’ll need to obtain a permit for your backyard. You’ll also need to hire a bartender, or you can choose to do it yourself.
Entertainment
Don’t forget about the entertainment! This is an important part of any wedding and can make or break the day. For the music, you can hire a band or a DJ, or you can choose to play music from a playlist. If you’re having a band, be sure to give them plenty of time to practice and get familiar with the venue. You can also hire a photo booth or a magician to entertain your guests.
Cleanup
After the wedding is over, you’ll need to clean up. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to make sure the area is clean and tidy. You can hire a cleanup crew, or you can do it yourself. Be sure to remove all decorations, tables, chairs, and other items that were used. You’ll also need to dispose of any trash and recycling.
Conclusion
Planning a backyard wedding can be stressful, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. With a little planning and preparation, you can host a beautiful and memorable wedding for your friends and family to enjoy. Whether you’re having a large or small wedding, be sure to consider the basics, such as a tent, chairs, tables, dinnerware, lighting, sound system, decorations, flowers, catering, alcohol, entertainment, and cleanup. With the right planning and preparation, your backyard wedding will be an event to remember for years to come!
