Backyard / At Home weddings are becoming more popular amongst couples who prefer a more intimate, homey feel for their big day—and because this crazy pandemic we are living through many couples are choosing to opt out of the big venues for a more intimate setting. If you’re looking to host your special day in the comfort of your own home, or in the backyard this backyard wedding pointers will ensure you don’t overlook some of the important to-dos when planning out your special day.
Rent the right stuff!
One of the first things you want to do is plan out the tables and chairs, as well as any party tents and lighting you will need. Tables and chairs will take up a great deal of space, so plan diligently and efficiently. Likewise, you’ll want to consider any other large tables (e.g. dessert or cake table) or decorations (e.g. candy bar or gift table) that will take up space, because the last thing you want is cramped seating and no room for dancing or mingling at your wedding.
Okay your officiant.
Whether you’re having your church’s minister, a judge, or our personal favorite Terry The Wedding Gal as your officiant, double-check that they are booked and ready for your event. It’s one more thing to check off on your backyard wedding checklist, but it’s well worth the effort, seeing that your marriage may not be legal if your officiant isn’t authorized to perform a backyard wedding ceremony. Just be sure to dot your i’s and cross your t’s on this one, because it’s an important one.
Backyard Formal Wedding Portraits?
Yes, you can. It’s totally possible! Here is how…We advice to have a cocktail hour to entertain your guests while you take your pictures, so you’ll want to keep things quick, but not sacrifice on quality. You’ll find that there will be a lot of onlookers and little privacy when you are taking your wedding pictures because of all the guests present but that’s okay, we got you.
Before the big day, plan out what pictures you want taken and inform your family and friends involved that they will be needed. Immediately following the ceremony have someone help you gather everyone needed, and take those pictures first. Afterward, you should have a good chunk of time left to take your “couple” pictures.
Turn your dinning room into a reception space!
When planning a backyard wedding / at home wedding your going to be limited in space so you’re going to have to get creative with the space at your home. Use your dinning room to host your wedding cake. This couple cleared out their dinning table and put it in their garage to add a foldout table and some cocktail tables in the dinning room / kitchen. A simple table lining can hep you dress up the foldable table and a few flower pedals can add some spark.
Living Room First Dance!
You cannot forget about your first dance! This couple chose to have their first dance in their living room where friends and family sat in comfort to witness the couple dance the night away. You can also have your first dance outdoors in the backyard where you got married. Remember that at the end of the day this is your special day and you have the ultimate power to dictate how everything unfolds.
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