A backyard wedding can be a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate your special day. With the right planning and organization, you can create a memorable event that you and your guests will cherish for years to come. In this article, we’ll discuss how to let guests know it will be outdoors, how to pick the date, what type of chairs and other supplies are needed, and any suggestions of what to avoid.
Evaluate Your Location
Before going further, you’ll want to make sure your yard is suitable for the type and size of wedding you want.
How many guests do you plan to invite? Is there enough room to seat them all? Is the area flat enough for everyone to walk and sit comfortably? Is there any shade so that you won’t all be sitting directly in the sunlight? Are you able to arrange the space so that the sun won’t be in anyone’s eyes at the time of the ceremony (don’t forget to think about where you and the officiant will be facing!)
If your reception is going to follow the ceremony at the same place, you’ll need a lot more space. It’s one thing for people to be sitting to observe a ceremony, but you also have to allow space for people to mill around comfortably and to sit and eat. Of course, that also means caterers will need space to set up their equipment, serving tables, and the like.
You may even want to invite your caterer to visit the space early on. They can provide good advice on how to lay out the area and allow enough room
How formal do you want your wedding? Walking in heels on a lawn is difficult if not impossible. Also, formalwear is often hotter than casual clothing, so a warm day may become unbearable without the benefits of a climate-controlled environment.
Of course, you’ll also have to think about the weather. Be sure to think about the possibility of rain on the date you’re considering. No one can guarantee good weather, but you can at least play the percentages. Still, it’s always good to have a backup plan in case of showers.
Letting Guests Know It Will Be Outdoors
Once you’re happy with the location and date, it’s time to start the invitations! Be sure that it’s clear to your guests that the event will be held outdoors. This will allow them to dress appropriately and prepare for any weather conditions. You can include this information on your wedding invitations or on your wedding website. You may also want to consider sending out a reminder closer to the date of the wedding to help avoid any awkward moments on your big day!
Choosing Chairs and Decorations
When it comes to choosing chairs and decorations for your backyard wedding, there are many options available. The best option is usually renting everything from a party rental company. This can save you time and effort, as well as ensure that everything matches.
When choosing chairs, consider the comfort of your guests as well as the overall aesthetic of your wedding. But don’t forget practicality. Folding chairs that rest on four legs that end in simple points will sink into the ground more easily. Instead, look for the kind with a bar across the bottom at both the front and the back.
You might also consider some kind of ground covering. You could have a platform built, but something like artificial grass is simpler and can also help prevent chairs from sinking.
Other Preparations
Also think about what other preparations will help create a wonderful, memorable day.
For instance, does your yard attract flies or mosquitoes? You might want to have citronella torches strategically placed around the yard. You can likely find a style that matches your overall wedding theme.
Do you need electricity for a sound system or lights? If you’re doing it all yourself, be sure to have enough – and the right type of – extensions cords available.
And don’t forget the simple things, like signs to help your guests arrive at the right spot. Will they go through the house, or is there direct access to the yard? If the front of the house will be open, who can stay near the door to make sure only your guests come in? This is a great job for an usher or two, but don’t forget to plan for it ahead of time.
Planning a backyard wedding takes time and effort, but with careful organization and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and memorable event. Remember to let guests know it will be outdoors, choose the date carefully, select appropriate chairs and other materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect backyard wedding.
