How to Prep for a Backyard Wedding?
Wedding planning is a lot of hard work. There’s the dress, food, decorations, music, and guest list. However, none of this will happen without a venue, and you’ve decided to tie the knot in an intimate, backyard wedding. This is a place you or your soon-to-be spouse hold near and dear to your heart, making it the perfect place to profess your love to one another and join together in marriage as you take on the world together (the savings certainly don’t hurt either). However, you own the venue, so it is up to you to make sure everything is prepped and ready for the big day. No need to panic; these tips will help you pull off the wedding you’ve been dreaming of.
D.I.Y With Care
Planning your own backyard wedding is the epitome of a DIY adventure, but keep in mind that there are some things that will require a professional if you want it done right. Take a moment to sit down and make a list of the items you want to see at your wedding. Perhaps you picture yourself saying, “I do,” under an arbor or trellis. According to ImproveNet, “Most homeowners spend between $2,459 to $3,802 nationally to install an arbor, trellis or pergola.” In the end, the cost may be somewhat higher than you’d hoped, but unless you or someone you know is super handy, it may be best to hire someone to avoid a mid-wedding collapse.
One of the easiest areas for you to DIY will be the décor, invitations, and party favors, and if you don’t already have a Pinterest account, you absolutely must get one. When it comes to electrical, this is best left to a professional. Your home won’t likely be able to handle the electrical capacity required to host a wedding (think lights, music, etc.), and if you plan on hanging outdoor lights, you’ll want to make sure they meet safety standards. An electrician will be able to inspect the venue and help ensure the safety of you and your guests.
Rent the Necessities
Most outdoor venues have items already in place to avoid potential issues, but since you are hosting your wedding at your home, you’ll need to bring these items in. The first item to splurge on is a dance floor. Women wear heels and yards have grass – when the two are combined together you have women (and heels) that sink, making for a hard time boogying to the music. Renting can get pricey (a 12’x12’ dance floor will run you $215 - $325), and it is relatively easy to make your own dance floor, but whatever you do, make sure you have a steady surface for you and your guests to dance the night away. Now, all that dancing works up a sweat that can be quenched, but this means bathroom trips. Your two-bathroom home might suffice for a small wedding, but if you have 50 or more guests it simply won’t be enough, meaning you’ll need to bring in bathrooms. Remove the stigma of a portable restroom by having someone on hand to keep them stocked with the essentials such as toilet paper, wipes, sanitizer, lotion, and hand towels.
While you can’t necessarily bring in parking, you’ll want to have a plan in place as to where everyone can park without ticking off the neighbors. The best bet will be to have guests park in a nearby parking lot (with permission of course) such as a school or church, and have a friend or family member provide the shuttle service. Speaking of ticked off neighbors, it’s a good idea to let them know about your wedding as well as how many people are expected and when it will be over. Talking to your neighbors beforehand will also help you to avoid a noise complaint.
Having a backyard wedding is a great way to save on costs, increase your control over your big day, and share a more intimate setting with family and friends. However, in order to pull it off, you’ll need to know what areas to DIY and when to call in the pros, as well as bring in the necessities to avoid a wedding day blunder. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your wedding day – you deserve it!
Alice Robertson alice@tidyhome.info http://tidyhome.info/