Finding the ideal venue is a big challenge when you’re planning your wedding. For plenty of couples, there is a strong desire to keep the gathering small and intimate. One of the easiest ways to achieve this ambiance is by selecting an event location that is familiar for guests. This is why countless people decide to forego large and fancy venue options for the comfort of their own backyard. Though far from a new concept, hosting a backyard wedding has become quite popular in an age when large indoor gatherings still post potential health concerns.  

To pull off this kind of event, you need to consider a handful of things as you go through the planning process Use this guide to gain some perspective, and devise a strategy that will bring your outdoor wedding to life. 

The Right Location

The exact backyard you use for your event will depend on a few factors. For one, you must think about the number of guests on your invite list. If your own yard only has enough space for 100 people, there’s no way you can send out invitations to 200 individuals. In this situation, you’ll need to either compromise on the space where you’re hosting the party or cut back on your guest list. Close friends or family members might have spaces that are more suitable for the size of your event, so reach out to anyone willing to offer their yards.

The Utility Side

Being outside for your event means that you will not be able to rely on the conveniences of indoor living to keep your party going. Power is one angle to consider, especially if your reception is going to extend well beyond dusk. While string lights and flameless candles are a nice way to set the mood, they will not provide guests with the most useful illumination when the sun sets. However, you want to stray from using floodlights or anything that is going to wash the entire space with too much light.

Figuring out the perfect light balance will take time. A generator is a must, as you don’t want the DJ or other vendors to plug their equipment into your home’s power system. Additionally, you’ll likely want to find a vendor that specializes in outdoor bathrooms. Few homes have enough bathrooms to manage the traffic of a wedding. Before you get too grossed out by the idea, you don’t need to have porta potties strewn about your property to give guests a bathroom. Nowadays, companies offer elegant trailer rentals so guests don’t have to use unsettling or unhygienic facilities. 

Preparing for a Backyard Wedding

Another important preliminary step is property maintenance. While this entails cleaning and giving the space a fresh appearance, it also goes deeper. The weather can often change the structural integrity of terrain. If your area experiences a lot of rainfall in the time before your nuptials, the ground could be soft and unable to support the tables, chairs, and other elements of your event. Learn about possible treatments or equipment that is aimed at solving ground-related issues to provide peace of mind for worst-case weather scenarios.  

Respecting the Laws for a Backyard Wedding

Finally, don’t forget to check all of your boxes on the legal front. Holding a large outdoor event in a residential neighborhood is going to attract attention one way or another. From event permits to notifying your immediate neighbors of the gathering, there are a few steps you have to take early to make sure you don’t ruffle any feathers or incur any fines.

A backyard wedding is a great way to bring together family and friends in an intimate way. Consider your biggest challenges in advance and find the best way to make your outdoor event come to life.