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Charis
July 2021

Backyard wedding VS Venue

Charis, on August 9, 2017 at 8:58 PM Posted in Planning 0 28

I recently read that a backyard wedding could be more expensive than getting a venue. Has anyone experienced this?

I'm at the beginning stages of planning and was hoping to use an amazing Airbnb I found (yes, they allow it). Not only is it super low cost but my out of town family can stay there. I'm only having 50 people max so the area it will hold everyone.

The number one thing is that I need my location to be by the lake & surrounded by nature. Lots of that in Idaho, but for a steep price for an actual venue.

ETA: All the venues I've been able to find with the locations I want are around the $2,500 - $3,000 mark. No catering or coordinator included.

Thanks for your input! This forum is a lifesaver!

28 Comments

Latest activity by Annemarie, on June 26, 2019 at 8:42 PM
  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks Online ·
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    Yes. You're not wrong. It can be more expensive for sure.

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  • jewels
    Dedicated September 2017
    jewels ·
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    Bathroom rentals are insanely expensive

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  • Katie
    Master October 2016
    Katie ·
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    I think you will need to price everything out to determine if it will be a more affordable option (typically it is not). Rachel is right you need to rent everything. You will also need to add a rain backup, generators, restrooms, and will most likely need to let the city know for sound ordinance purposes. Also the caterer will need plenty of space for prep and serving. If you decide to go the backyard route I think it's in your best interest to hire a planner.

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  • Patricia
    Super September 2017
    Patricia ·
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    Compare the prices. I have a venue but all they provide are the table and chairs. In which me and FH could not stand the chairs. I also hired a decorator/coordinator. After everything was said and done we saved money on chosing mu venue with rentals instead of an actual banquet or wedding venue.

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  • WinterMarie
    Super November 2018
    WinterMarie ·
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    Also renting port-a-johns might not be too pleasant for guest.

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  • BrooklynBride
    Expert December 2017
    BrooklynBride ·
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    Yes, as the others have said, you have to rent everything or DIY all decorations etc. Most important is really the bathrooms. Are they included? Or you may need to rent bathrooms but port of potties with formal dresses is unpleasant

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  • LanaKane
    Super November 2017
    LanaKane ·
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    It's definitely more expensive. We considered having our wedding/reception on FH's father's property. But once I calculated the cost of tent rentals, tables, chairs, dinnerware/utensils, catering without a large kitchen, having only 2 bathrooms in the house, and having to coordinate all this, I decided it was not worth it.

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  • BGR
    Expert May 2018
    BGR ·
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    I would try and price out both scenarios- and I suggest keep looking at venues, I found mine using the knot app and by searching for (&dollarSmiley winking affordable options. My venue (NC) was extremely affordable and came with a mountain view lake front ceremony/reception under the pavilion, as well as a bonfire later in the evening. Tables and linens were included as well.

    I also considered renting a large beach house in OBX and doing it there as well- but then when I considered timing and pricing my venue fit better....plus I like that my groom and I can go back to our room and have complete privacy after the wedding if we like, or keep partying with guests at the bar downstairs. I would have felt much more awkward if we were staying in a big house and still had guests partying there when we wanted to slip away.

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  • FutureMrsN14
    Super July 2018
    FutureMrsN14 ·
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    My best friend just did it for a smaller number of people and it was awesome! She found a reasonably priced caterer who provided the tent, table, chairs, etc so she just added some decorations. For her small number it worked, no need for extra bathrooms, etc! She had around 80 I think, so 50 should be good.

    However, at my guest count of over 150, I would be spending way more money than my current venue.

    Good luck!

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  • redhead06
    Devoted September 2018
    redhead06 ·
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    My friend did a outdoor wedding at her aunts. she ended up spending more than I will.. plus she's doing all self catering and kegs... look so cheap and tacky..

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  • mtall912
    Super October 2018
    mtall912 ·
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    I've looked into it and it was actually way more expensive with the 130 I'd be inviting

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  • Jaimee
    Dedicated August 2018
    Jaimee ·
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    Get some prices of stuff you need.... tables, chairs, etc. And see if it works for you

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  • Megan
    Devoted January 2018
    Megan ·
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    We are renting a home and saving money, but we also are only having 25 people, 5 of them being children and the house sleeps typically 18. Most venues won't even consider the small amount of guests we are having.

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  • Nicole
    VIP November 2017
    Nicole ·
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    Call a few places and see what their prices are. For me, it would have cost about double my budget to have the wedding in my parents backyard. You'll need to rent or buy a lot of stuff that would normally be included in a venue so the price can add up quickly. You will need a tent (No matter what the weather is predicted to be you need one), plates, cups, silverware, dance floor, lighting, bathrooms (preferably something nicer than port a potties) and all of the typical things like dress, food alcohol, flowers, etc.

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  • lilchameleon
    Expert April 2019
    lilchameleon ·
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    Backyard weddings are supposed to be laid back, but they require so much more planning. A lot of services most venues would provide, you end up having to plan and pay for.

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  • K
    Dedicated August 2017
    Kate ·
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    My "cost saving" backyard rehearsal/welcome dinner for 30 people has drained over 1000 dollars. We are eating so so bbq chicken and don't need rental potty because we have 2 downstairs bathrooms. you will make a list of what you need think you have it all then forget something dumb like lighting or enough extension cords. backyard weddings are gorgeous but I would say if it's your wedding don't diy it all. get a doc with experience in this area and do it because it will be amazingly beautiful not because it will save money.

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  • Charis
    July 2021
    Charis ·
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    Thanks for the input! All the venues I've been able to find are around the $2,500 - $3,000 mark and that's not including any catering or anything. JUST the venue. So renting the stuff probably won't cost us anywhere close to that.

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  • Jessi
    Savvy October 2017
    Jessi ·
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    Try and find a full service caterer. Ours handles all the rentals (except bathrooms, you'll need to think about that separately) as well as the food, bar, and staff. They also do set up and clean up. Going through one vendor can save a ton when you have all the details to coordinate.

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  • Brooke
    Expert September 2017
    Brooke ·
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    It can get quite expensive. My brother just had his backyard wedding and it was tough as well because you never know how the weather will hold up! They ended up just buying tents, they decided not to have a dance floor because it got pricey... had to rent tables and chairs and bought their linens, plates and flatware. I was stressed out for them! The rentals for a nice bathroom trailer can add up quickly, too.

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  • Robyn
    Super October 2017
    Robyn ·
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    We're doing a back yard reception for $3,000 40-50 people

    The tent, tables, chairs is $400

    Food and drinks is about $1,000

    Photographer is $550

    The rest is for decorations.

    Our house has 3 bathrooms so that's covered. My dad bought my dress.

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