A backyard wedding is an excellent option to consider. It has a very intimate and personal vibe to it. In addition, it allows you to work on a tight budget and can be very eco-friendly for environmentally conscious people.
This article will highlight some great ideas for a perfect backyard wedding and answer questions like; how can I have a cheap backyard wedding? How can I make it beautiful and intimate? Why go for a backyard wedding?
How can I have a cheap backyard wedding?
One of the most effective ways is to reduce the number of guests. Instead, you can invite people from your immediate family and closest friends, which makes the wedding even more intimate.
The backyard is also the perfect place to pull off DIY projects. DIY things that you’ll enjoy long after your wedding day, like a gazebo or an arch that’ll be a feature in your backyard forever.
How can I make it beautiful and intimate?
Inviting your closest family and friends is a nice place to start. The people who matter to you make the day even more special.
Make sure there is enough food and drinks for your guests. Remember, it’s all about you and your loved ones having fun and making memories together on your special day.
Why go for a backyard wedding?
For starters, it’s relatively inexpensive because you don’t have to pay the exorbitant amount many wedding venues charge for their space. You’re also not going to be bound by the availability of the venue, so you can pick a date that best suits you.
10 Budget-friendly ideas to keep in mind
1. Ask for help instead of gifts
If one of your guests has a creative talent, see if they’d be interested in gifting their time to set up the wedding instead of giving traditional wedding gifts.
This saves up the money that would have been used to hire caterers and decorators and frees up the budget for other things.
2. Hang string lights
They are a great addition to any backyard, are something you can keep up all year round, and are crucial to an evening event.
3. Make use of natural foliage
Wall climbing vines are always a good option. You can also opt for tall trees that you can plant in the ground or planters. They can create a natural barrier between you and your neighbors or separate one space from another.
4. Use a simple table setting
Try decorating your wedding table with existing elements nearby, like green leaves or flower pots. A budget-friendly wedding can also be stylish and pretty.
5. Homemade sweet stuff
Choose to make your desserts so save on cost. For example, you can make pies, cupcakes, cookies, etc. The dessert cart can also double up as a centerpiece to save on décor costs.
6. DIY favors
Consider favors that do not require you to go through a lot of trouble to make. This can include a bag of cookies, coffee beans, handwritten messages, etc.
7. Simple invitations
Invitation cards do not have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are a lot of free design templates that are available on the internet. All you need to do is customize the download.
8. Borrow or rent
Hosting a backyard wedding means you will need chairs, tables, and cutlery, among other things. The most cost-friendly option is to borrow these items from your friends if they do not mind. The other alternative is to rent instead of buying.
9. Photography
It is important that your budget for photography to avoid regretting it later on. You can hire a professional photographer, but if you cannot afford one, you can ask a friend to take a few pictures of the special moments.
10. Separate relaxing area
It can be a boho tent, or a normal lounge area, whatever suits your style. But all you need for this is just your outdoor furniture, nothing too fancy or extravagant.
10 tips on planning a backyard wedding
1. Make sure there’s enough parking for your guests
So many small venues lack the parking needed to accommodate all attendees, which can be very frustrating. Look for a parking space that is both safe and large enough..
2. Choose a focal point with the best backdrop
Prepare the space to be neat by removing clutter, unused pots, and patio furniture. Then create an altar using the right floral arrangement or a simple arch.
3. Pitch a tent
If you have a large enough backyard, adding a tent that pairs beautifully with your house can change the whole layout of your yard. For example, look into a clear top tent or sailcloth, something that also adds to the beauty that surrounds it.
4. Try a canopy
If you plan on having an afternoon event and have no shade structure or trees, a simple canopy with fabric is a good option. It keeps the guests cool and is a suitable alternative to a tent.
5. Rent outdoor bathrooms
Your guests need to feel comfortable. So, it is a good idea to opt for a restroom trailer with more than one stall and a sink for handwashing.
6. Campfire place
A campfire is a fun backyard wedding idea to plan once dinner has concluded. Set up a s’mores station and provide cozy blankets to wind down the night.
7. Portable dance floor
Dancing is an essential wedding tradition for many people. Of course, you can opt for kicking off your shoes and dancing in the grass, but if you’re looking for something chicer, consider installing a temporary dance floor that’ll make you forget you’re in your backyard.
8. Make it pet friendly
One of the best parts about having a backyard wedding is bringing your pets along on your special day. However, it’s essential to ensure that the venue is pet friendly, with enough space for them to run around. You also need a designated person to take care of them just in case of an accident, or they need to be fed or walked.
9. Have a rain plan
An outdoor wedding is always at the mercy of the weather. It can change instantly; therefore, it’s always good to plan ahead. Tents are a great way to keep the rain out, especially if the space is large enough. You can set them up as an enclosed warm space that will be just as nice.
10. Keep your guests entertained
Find creative ways to ensure your guests mingle and have a great time, from hiring eccentric photo booths and interactive food stations to fully fledged yard games like outdoor Jenga. Make sure there’s never a dull moment, and the occasion is fun.
There are so many reasons why people opt for backyard weddings. Affordability is one of them, but it is not the only reason. Backyard weddings are also intimate and can be beautiful and romantic with the correct décor. Hopefully, we have given you enough ideas to pull off a memorable backyard wedding.
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