Prairie HiveWeddings are probably one of the most unforgettable events that can ever happen in a person’s life. Today, more and more modern couples are opting to have a backyard wedding that lets them stick to a lower budget as they tie the knot and exchange their vows.
The good news is that no matter what the size of your outdoor space may be, it is easy and simple to plan your dream backyard wedding as long as you know where and how to start.
Whether you dream of a lovely ceremony in autumn or a warmer celebration in summer, there are several tips on how to host wedding in your backyard.
Getting Started with Your Backyard Wedding Plans
You can always host your wedding right in the comforts of your own backyard depending on your particular situation. To check if your outdoor area is a god fit, there are a few factors you have to consider:
Size
If you plan to host a wedding in your backyard, chances are your guest list is on the smaller tip of the scale. It is especially true if your plan is to have the reception right in the yard as well.
Layouts
Backyard weddings work well for several couples if the area at the back of their home is level and even with only a handful of trees that may hamper the ceremony. But, the existing trees can also be used for decorations. Check what will work best for your space when planning the setup of your backyard wedding.
Available Accommodations Indoors
It is likely that your guests will have to go in and out of your house every now and then. For example, they may have to use your bathroom, not to mention the need for a space where you can keep the food and drinks prior to the reception.
Also, if the weather forecast doesn’t go as expected, the party may need to move inside at any time and there must be room to accommodate everyone. Make sure that all these factors are considered when planning your backyard wedding.
If your space doesn’t really seem suitable, you can also ask a family member or friend if it is possible to hold your wedding in their backyard. If you are lucky, they might even offer it to you right away if you tell them about your goals to save money. Just be sure that the planning is handled well to cause less stress and hassle on their part.
Backyard Wedding Setup and Landscaping
Depending on the specific season you plan to get married, it may not cost you that much to get things going. If it is already springtime and your backyard wedding will be held early summer, you can just go about with basic seeding and trimming for your yard to look great in time.
Other things you need to do include the following:
- Designate a spot for the altar.
- Choose the perfect space to serve as the dance floor.
- Keep your lawn lush and green.
- Plant some colorful flowers.
Affordable Decorations for Backyard Wedding
Once you have set up the space, you can now think of the other necessary decorations. These include table centerpieces, chair decorations, and outdoor lights. The good news is that most of these are affordable and even easy to make.
You can also ask your family and friends if they can let you borrow some stuff to help you save money and at the same time, give them an opportunity to be part of your special day. You can also browse online marketplaces for leftover or lightly used pieces if borrowing is out of the equation.
Of course, you need to provide seats to your guests during your ceremony. You can borrow and rent chairs then line these up in rows so everyone can sit comfortably throughout the event. Bows can be used as chair decorations as well as slipcovers that you can buy, rent, or make by hand.
If the event will run until nighttime, you can also put up some lights for your guests to have a fun evening. Citronella candles can be lit to ward of bugs or hang a few lamps to illuminate your yard. Since your choice of lights can help set the mood and ambience, pick the ones that best suits what atmosphere you have in mind.
Backyard Wedding Reception
After exchanging your “I dos” and sealing it with a kiss, it is now time for you to celebrate your union. But, before cutting the cake and performing the first dance as a married couple, it is now time for you to think of the foods and drinks that suit your budget-friendly backyard wedding.
Wedding Cake
Based on your wedding budget, your wedding cake’s cost might not be included in your budget. If your wedding cake doesn’t really fit into your budget, you still have other choices such as cupcakes or fun-sized dessert treats. You can also ask a skilled family member to prepare them. You can also opt for a smaller cake instead of lavish one that not all guests might even be interested to eat.
Food
You can for simple food options that don’t spool like fresh vegetables and fruits and sandwiches. Planning your food options such as buffet can cut down your costs and you can even save more if you decide to buy the food from a wholesale store or prepare the meals yourself. Keep a close eye on food vulnerable to some conditions like temperature.
Drinks
When it comes to drinks for your backyard wedding, lemonade in pitchers then served in cute cups is a great choice. You can prepare several batches of drink mixes with a family member or friend in charge of refilling the pitchers every now and then throughout the reception.
Entertainment
As for your backyard wedding’s entertainment, you might be tempted to go overboard and get the services of a DJ. But, you might not have enough room for their equipment. What you can do instead is to prepare a playlist of all your favorite songs together with the usual song staples required in every party. You can request a friend to check in with the songs being played. Doing so may not even make you notice that you don’t have a DJ at all!
Yes, you can have a fun backyard wedding that is perfect for your budget with a bit of foresight and planning.
