Advice

Honestly, there is nothing wrong with a backyard wedding
I guess decorations are the key❤

Is there a specific look you are going for or something about the specific backyard you want to mask for the day? You can rent, buy and/or diy lots of decor to create the vibe you want. Are you worried about it looking like just a backyard bbq/party rather than a wedding? Including some things that really scream wedding- like an arch, might help you envision it better. You can definitely make your backyard wedding into whatever you want it to be. Every venue will have limitations, a backyard is no different, just find a way to make it’s positive attributes work for you. A venue we toured literally had the outdoor ceremony space directly overlooking a newly installed traffic light, I couldn’t I see it.

HIRE PROFESSIONALS.


I had a backyard wedding with “real” everything. I DEFINITELY had to spend for it (I probably could’ve *saved* money with a venue, honestly). The absolute lifesaver was hiring a Full Service caterer— they brought EVERYTHING from tables to linens to silverware, china and real glasses, AND the staff to set it up and serve. We could’ve gotten away with some shortcuts with rentals , but it was the STAFF that made all the difference. Everything looked beautiful and professionally done— because it was...but I think the BEST part was that *I* got to sit back and relax and enjoy the day: things feel thrown together when they *are* thrown together, so having someone else to *put* it together makes such a world of difference ....so, even if you want to DIY almost everything, I can’t possibly recommend hiring staff enough : set up, clean up, and making guests happy. It will make a world of difference both in how you feel and how your guests perceive the day.

on that note, I also think we “classed up” the day by focusing almost all of our prep and efforts on Guest Comfort. I also think this is the biggest area where backyard weddings can fall short. We planned for everything : bugs, hot weather, etc — we treated the lawn, we set up a tent, we rented some industrial fans (and had bugspray available). Guests remember things they love, and when they were uncomfortable. A little prep and a couple small upgrades go a long way to keep your guests feeling good, and that’s part of what makes a wedding great!

Not sure what that means, aside from not doing burgers and dogs I'd say pick a theme ad hire a professional.

Real cups/plates/cutlery rather than disposable. This makes a huge difference in my book!

Instead of a wedding "arch", get one of those backdrops that look flowy and bridal so you're doing your vows in front of a nice fabric backdrop rather than a backyard fence.

I love backyard weddings! Own it! Not everyone is lucky enough to have a backyard. If it's in the evening, string up those tiny little lights to create a "ceiling". Hang framed family photos on a tree to show off your family tree.

My friend had one and it was beautiful. We hung lanterns from the trees and then the deck (raised patio where tables were), lots of flower garlands and Shepard's hooks with hanging potted flowers. They worked on the yard for a long time, wedding, watering, planting, raking, etc. Cleaned everything that could be and it was beautiful.

No porta potties!!! if there are not enough bathrooms in the house, or if you do not want to let people use them, get a nice bathroom trailer. I don't care how nice the decorations are, if I have to use a smelly, frequently wet on the floor porta potty I am not going to be happy.

Hey Ashley!! How are you finding planning your backyard wedding? Have you thought about your decor?