A backyard wedding is a great way to save money and create an intimate experience for you, your partner, and your guests. It also allows you to plan a wedding under your terms and just the way you like it, instead of having to be restricted by what a venue dictates. Backyard weddings can be extremely memorable. When my cousin got married, he and his wife-to-be chose to have their wedding reception in her parents’ backyard. Their home was located just west of Montreal and the property was on a lake. During the wedding reception, there was a sailing regatta taking place. It provided a stunning backdrop! Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re planning a backyard wedding.
Hire a Flexible Caterer
Many couples who are planning a backyard wedding think that if they cook their own food, they will save money, but there are a number of downsides to this option. For one, this is an incredible amount of stress to add to your special day when there are already so many other things to think about. Secondly, you might actually not end up saving as much money as you think. This is because caterers work with suppliers to lower costs and are experienced in knowing which ingredients are in season and thus better priced.
The best catering companies will accommodate your budget and work within your event space. For example, you could hire someone like the Food Dudes to do BBQ stations in your backyard that are portable and easy to set up. Guests can walk up and fill their plate with delicious, mouth-watering barbecue that’s perfect for a backyard wedding.
Rent a Tent
The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s highly recommended that you rent a tent for the day. Even if there’s no rain, you’ll want a tent to provide some much-needed shade from the sun. Not everyone likes to spend hours under harmful UV rays. There are other benefits to setting up a tent, whether large or small, such as protecting food from falling leaves, drifting pollen, or even bugs. Tents are also useful for providing a structure to set up lighting.
Add a Dance Floor
Many of your guests may want to wear heels, so unless you want holes in your grass, you should rent a dance floor as well. They are just as easy to rent as a tent, and there are also some DIY sites that can give you advice on how to make your own. Not only is a dance floor a great way to protect your grass, but it will also look amazing under your rented tent as well.
Get Creative with Lighting
String lighting is a popular choice when it comes to backyard weddings, as it really gives off an intimate feeling. You could also opt for lanterns, which are whimsical and fun and available in multiple styles and colours. If you are interested in using candlelight, then make sure that candles are in secure holders and that someone always has an eye on them – the last thing you want is a fire on your wedding day!
A Little Backyard Music
At my cousin’s wedding at the house on the lake, they hired a string quartet that played classical music from the farmhouse porch. It was an exquisitely elegant touch! Hiring a musical quartet may be beyond your budget, but you can canvas you family and friends to find out if any of them are proficient in the guitar, flute, cello, violin or harp. They may offer to play at your backyard wedding for a nominal fee.
Sit Back and Enjoy
Remember to delegate where you can and ask for help when you need it – you don’t want to be left overwhelmed with so much to do on your wedding day. When all is said and done, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy a catered meal under a beautiful tent with string lighting, while listening to one of your family members or friends play music, which is exactly what you’d picture when you are planning a backyard wedding.
If you are not planning a backyard wedding, you might want to read, Best Wedding Venues in Toronto.
