{"id":4582,"date":"2015-08-04T08:00:15","date_gmt":"2015-08-04T13:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/?p=4582"},"modified":"2015-08-04T08:00:15","modified_gmt":"2015-08-04T13:00:15","slug":"pull-off-the-perfect-backyard-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/08\/pull-off-the-perfect-backyard-wedding","title":{"rendered":"Pull Off the Perfect Backyard Wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Some couples dream of an elaborate wedding ceremony at a luxury chateau in France, while others picture white sand, blue waters, and a reception under the tropical sun. For some couples, however, a small, simple ceremony close to home is the perfect day. Rather than settling for \u201cclose to home\u201d, why not consider actually marrying at home? For couples with enough space, having an intimate backyard wedding can be ideal. As a wedding planner, you should be able to plan the perfect backyard wedding for clients who\u2019d like to keep things familiar.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"452\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-celebration1.jpg\" alt=\"Backyard wedding celebration\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4591\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-celebration1.jpg 738w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-celebration1-300x184.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/08\/pull-off-the-perfect-backyard-wedding\/#Why_should_you_consider_a_backyard_wedding\" >Why should you consider a backyard wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/08\/pull-off-the-perfect-backyard-wedding\/#Top_10_Backyard_Wedding_Tips_1_Use_the_memories_Its_a_personal_space_so_keep_it_personal_Your_clients_backyard_might_be_filled_with_memories_from_their_relationship_and_the_bride_or_grooms_childhood_Make_these_a_part_of_the_ceremony_for_a_personal_touch_Include_family_photos_in_the_decor_or_take_wedding_portraits_on_the_porch_swing_where_the_bride_read_books_as_a_child_2_Keep_it_casual_Of_course_the_mood_of_the_wedding_is_up_to_your_clients_If_theyd_like_a_formal_atmosphere_despite_being_at_home_then_thats_what_you_should_give_them_For_the_most_part_however_the_best_decor_for_a_backyard_wedding_is_casual_and_familiar_while_still_special_Include_homey_touches_like_matching_the_color_of_the_napkins_to_the_roses_that_have_grown_in_the_garden_since_the_groom_was_a_boy_Include_the_favorite_dishes_and_treats_of_each_person_who_lived_in_the_house_on_the_menu_to_make_dinner_feel_like_a_home_cooked_meal_Let_casual_touches_keep_things_relaxed_since_the_event_is_family-oriented_3_Evaluate_your_space_A_free_venue_is_great_but_only_if_you_have_enough_space_to_make_it_work_Visit_the_backyard_early_in_your_planning_process_to_begin_mapping_the_night_out_Youll_need_space_for_everyone_during_the_ceremony_the_meal_and_the_reception_party_A_small_backyard_can_work_but_youll_be_responsible_for_mapping_out_how_things_will_change_throughout_the_day_to_make_each_phase_of_the_wedding_work_Is_there_a_porch_or_deck_you_can_take_advantage_of_Are_there_trees_you_must_consider_during_set_up_Is_the_ground_level_enough_to_support_tables_Make_good_use_of_your_space_4_Be_prepared_Backyard_weddings_dont_have_venue_staff_to_help_you_if_something_goes_wrong_so_prepare_for_potential_disasters_beforehand_Will_you_need_a_power_generator_in_case_the_house_cant_support_how_many_outlets_you_require_Are_there_permits_you_must_get_from_the_city_to_throw_an_outdoor_party_particularly_at_night_Should_you_recommend_that_the_clients_purchase_insurance_to_cover_home_damage_just_in_case_Take_care_of_your_clients_home_and_property_5_Keep_everyone_comfortable_Is_there_already_enough_seating_space_at_your_disposal_or_should_you_rent_more_Antique_chairs_found_at_local_garage_sales_could_be_a_nice_touch_if_the_wedding_is_in_Grandma_and_Grandpas_backyard_Even_if_your_clients_are_comfortable_with_guests_in_the_house_you_want_everyone_to_stay_together_in_the_main_area_Make_the_backyard_comfortable_and_accommodating_so_people_choose_to_enjoy_each_others_company_outside_6_Let_there_be_light_Chances_are_good_that_the_celebration_will_last_until_after_sundown_but_you_dont_want_your_clients_and_their_families_in_the_dark_Rather_than_flicking_on_the_old_porch_light_get_creative_Consider_homemade_mason_jar_chandeliers_to_fit_with_the_%E2%80%9Chome_grown%E2%80%9D_backyard_atmosphere_accompanied_by_small_twinkly_lights_for_a_little_extra_brightness_that_wont_outshine_the_stars_in_the_sky_7_Make_a_game_of_it_Family_gatherings_often_involve_games_and_fun_and_a_wedding_is_no_exception_After_dinner_when_everyone_is_socializing_set_up_some_card_games_or_yard_activities_that_both_kids_and_adults_can_play_The_beauty_of_a_backyard_wedding_is_that_it_can_be_as_fun_or_as_formal_as_you_choose_8_Entertainment_is_key_The_standard_%E2%80%9Cband_or_DJ%E2%80%9D_debate_might_not_give_you_the_best_options_for_a_small_backyard_wedding_Is_there_anywhere_for_them_to_play_throughout_the_night_If_your_clients_backyard_is_large_then_you_might_get_away_with_it_as_long_as_you_have_the_right_permits_and_know_when_your_cut_off_time_is_that_night_If_the_space_is_small_however_perhaps_youd_be_better_letting_the_musicians_in_the_family_play_an_acoustic_set_before_you_start_a_playlist_of_everyones_favorite_songs_submitted_by_the_guests_in_advance_Consider_other_entertainment_than_just_music_as_well_Create_a_reel_of_funny_family_videos_or_a_picture_slideshow_set_to_music_9_Give_people_a_sign_If_youre_working_with_limited_space_youll_have_to_be_as_efficient_as_possible_Rather_than_jumbling_the_games_dessert_table_and_guestbook_signing_area_all_together_separate_them_and_give_each_spot_a_cute_DIY_sign_that_fits_the_backyard_aesthetic_Letting_people_know_clearly_where_to_find_things_will_save_them_from_wandering_into_the_house_or_through_the_neighbors_garden_10_Respect_the_neighbors_Youre_there_to_have_a_good_time_but_not_at_the_expense_of_everyone_on_the_block_Let_the_neighbors_know_a_few_weeks_beforehand_that_youre_hosting_the_wedding_in_the_backyard_As_an_advance_thank_you_for_their_patience_bring_a_small_gift_to_show_your_appreciation_You_might_consider_inviting_them_to_join_the_festivities_once_the_reception_party_is_underway_Your_clients_backyard_is_theirs_to_work_with_but_respect_the_people_and_homes_around_it_Coordinating_a_backyard_wedding_is_a_great_opportunity_to_for_you_to_balance_organization_and_creativity_Work_closely_with_your_clients_to_create_a_special_but_familiar_experience_that_they_and_their_guests_will_cherish_for_years_to_come_Would_you_like_more_information_about_planning_other_types_of_unique_weddings_Check_out_the_courses_here_at_QC_Event_School_and_consider_which_one_might_be_most_interesting_for_you\" >Top 10 Backyard Wedding Tips\n1. Use the memories\nIt\u2019s a personal space, so keep it personal! Your clients\u2019 backyard might be filled with memories from their relationship and the bride or groom\u2019s childhood. Make these a part of the ceremony for a personal touch. Include family photos in the d\u00e9cor or take wedding portraits on the porch swing where the bride read books as a child.\n2. Keep it casual\n\n\nOf course, the mood of the wedding is up to your clients. If they\u2019d like a formal atmosphere despite being at home, then that\u2019s what you should give them. For the most part, however, the best d\u00e9cor for a backyard wedding is casual and familiar while still special. Include homey touches, like matching the color of the napkins to the roses that have grown in the garden since the groom was a boy. Include the favorite dishes and treats of each person who lived in the house on the menu to make dinner feel like a home cooked meal. Let casual touches keep things relaxed, since the event is family-oriented.\n\n\n\n\n\n3. Evaluate your space\nA free venue is great, but only if you have enough space to make it work! Visit the backyard early in your planning process to begin mapping the night out. You\u2019ll need space for everyone during the ceremony, the meal, and the reception party. A small backyard can work, but you\u2019ll be responsible for mapping out how things will change throughout the day to make each phase of the wedding work. Is there a porch or deck you can take advantage of? Are there trees you must consider during set up? Is the ground level enough to support tables? Make good use of your space.\n4. Be prepared\nBackyard weddings don\u2019t have venue staff to help you if something goes wrong, so prepare for potential disasters beforehand. Will you need a power generator in case the house can\u2019t support how many outlets you require? Are there permits you must get from the city to throw an outdoor party, particularly at night? Should you recommend that the clients purchase insurance to cover home damage, just in case? Take care of your clients\u2019 home and property.\n5. Keep everyone comfortable\nIs there already enough seating space at your disposal, or should you rent more? Antique chairs found at local garage sales could be a nice touch if the wedding is in Grandma and Grandpa\u2019s backyard. Even if your clients\u2019 are comfortable with guests in the house, you want everyone to stay together in the main area. Make the backyard comfortable and accommodating so people choose to enjoy each other\u2019s company outside.\n6. Let there be light\nChances are good that the celebration will last until after sundown, but you don\u2019t want your clients and their families in the dark. Rather than flicking on the old porch light, get creative. Consider homemade mason jar chandeliers to fit with the \u201chome grown\u201d backyard atmosphere, accompanied by small twinkly lights for a little extra brightness that won\u2019t outshine the stars in the sky.\n\n7. Make a game of it\nFamily gatherings often involve games and fun, and a wedding is no exception. After dinner when everyone is socializing, set up some card games or yard activities that both kids and adults can play. The beauty of a backyard wedding is that it can be as fun or as formal as you choose.\n8. Entertainment is key\nThe standard \u201cband or DJ\u201d debate might not give you the best options for a small backyard wedding. Is there anywhere for them to play throughout the night? If your clients\u2019 backyard is large, then you might get away with it (as long as you have the right permits and know when your cut off time is that night).\n\n\nIf the space is small, however, perhaps you\u2019d be better letting the musicians in the family play an acoustic set before you start a playlist of everyone\u2019s favorite songs, submitted by the guests in advance. Consider other entertainment than just music as well. Create a reel of funny family videos or a picture slideshow set to music.\n9. Give people a sign\nIf you\u2019re working with limited space, you\u2019ll have to be as efficient as possible. Rather than jumbling the games, dessert table, and guestbook signing area all together, separate them and give each spot a cute DIY sign that fits the backyard aesthetic. Letting people know clearly where to find things will save them from wandering into the house or through the neighbors\u2019 garden.\n\n\n\n\n\n10. Respect the neighbors\nYou\u2019re there to have a good time, but not at the expense of everyone on the block! Let the neighbors know a few weeks beforehand that you\u2019re hosting the wedding in the backyard. As an advance thank you for their patience, bring a small gift to show your appreciation. You might consider inviting them to join the festivities once the reception party is underway. Your clients\u2019 backyard is theirs to work with, but respect the people and homes around it.\nCoordinating a backyard wedding is a great opportunity to for you to balance organization and creativity. Work closely with your clients to create a special but familiar experience that they and their guests will cherish for years to come.\nWould you like more information about planning other types of unique weddings? Check out the courses here at QC Event School and consider which one might be most interesting for you!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_you_consider_a_backyard_wedding\"><\/span>Why should you consider a backyard wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Couples who decide to have a backyard wedding enjoy several perks that couples who get married elsewhere don\u2019t necessarily experience.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">1. Cost effective<\/h3>\n<p>Having the ceremony and reception in the clients\u2019 backyard, or the yard of a family member, can cut costs. Rather than paying for an expensive venue, you\u2019re using space and resources that you already have. Depending on the size of the yard and whether the clients are comfortable having guests go in and out of their home, you might also be able to save money on tents, bathroom facilities, and prep space for catering staff if the wedding is small.  <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">2. More control<\/h3>\n<p>Planning a wedding in a space that is already owned by your clients or their family eliminates several third parties that might take planning control from you at other venues. You\u2019ll be able to communicate and make decisions with the clients themselves about things like seating plans, d\u00e9cor, and event times without having to work within a venue\u2019s restrictions.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">3. Intimate<\/h3>\n<p>Coordinating a wedding ceremony in the small, unique space of your clients\u2019 backyard gives an air of familiarity and intimacy that no other venue could recreate. If the wedding party, guest list, and backyard space are small, you\u2019ll have a personal event where everyone is sure to spend time together. Even if the space is large, backyards weddings still maintain intimate atmospheres because of their tie to the family and home.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-ceremony.jpg\" alt=\"Backyard wedding ceremony\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-ceremony.jpg 738w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-ceremony-300x191.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_10_Backyard_Wedding_Tips_1_Use_the_memories_Its_a_personal_space_so_keep_it_personal_Your_clients_backyard_might_be_filled_with_memories_from_their_relationship_and_the_bride_or_grooms_childhood_Make_these_a_part_of_the_ceremony_for_a_personal_touch_Include_family_photos_in_the_decor_or_take_wedding_portraits_on_the_porch_swing_where_the_bride_read_books_as_a_child_2_Keep_it_casual_Of_course_the_mood_of_the_wedding_is_up_to_your_clients_If_theyd_like_a_formal_atmosphere_despite_being_at_home_then_thats_what_you_should_give_them_For_the_most_part_however_the_best_decor_for_a_backyard_wedding_is_casual_and_familiar_while_still_special_Include_homey_touches_like_matching_the_color_of_the_napkins_to_the_roses_that_have_grown_in_the_garden_since_the_groom_was_a_boy_Include_the_favorite_dishes_and_treats_of_each_person_who_lived_in_the_house_on_the_menu_to_make_dinner_feel_like_a_home_cooked_meal_Let_casual_touches_keep_things_relaxed_since_the_event_is_family-oriented_3_Evaluate_your_space_A_free_venue_is_great_but_only_if_you_have_enough_space_to_make_it_work_Visit_the_backyard_early_in_your_planning_process_to_begin_mapping_the_night_out_Youll_need_space_for_everyone_during_the_ceremony_the_meal_and_the_reception_party_A_small_backyard_can_work_but_youll_be_responsible_for_mapping_out_how_things_will_change_throughout_the_day_to_make_each_phase_of_the_wedding_work_Is_there_a_porch_or_deck_you_can_take_advantage_of_Are_there_trees_you_must_consider_during_set_up_Is_the_ground_level_enough_to_support_tables_Make_good_use_of_your_space_4_Be_prepared_Backyard_weddings_dont_have_venue_staff_to_help_you_if_something_goes_wrong_so_prepare_for_potential_disasters_beforehand_Will_you_need_a_power_generator_in_case_the_house_cant_support_how_many_outlets_you_require_Are_there_permits_you_must_get_from_the_city_to_throw_an_outdoor_party_particularly_at_night_Should_you_recommend_that_the_clients_purchase_insurance_to_cover_home_damage_just_in_case_Take_care_of_your_clients_home_and_property_5_Keep_everyone_comfortable_Is_there_already_enough_seating_space_at_your_disposal_or_should_you_rent_more_Antique_chairs_found_at_local_garage_sales_could_be_a_nice_touch_if_the_wedding_is_in_Grandma_and_Grandpas_backyard_Even_if_your_clients_are_comfortable_with_guests_in_the_house_you_want_everyone_to_stay_together_in_the_main_area_Make_the_backyard_comfortable_and_accommodating_so_people_choose_to_enjoy_each_others_company_outside_6_Let_there_be_light_Chances_are_good_that_the_celebration_will_last_until_after_sundown_but_you_dont_want_your_clients_and_their_families_in_the_dark_Rather_than_flicking_on_the_old_porch_light_get_creative_Consider_homemade_mason_jar_chandeliers_to_fit_with_the_%E2%80%9Chome_grown%E2%80%9D_backyard_atmosphere_accompanied_by_small_twinkly_lights_for_a_little_extra_brightness_that_wont_outshine_the_stars_in_the_sky_7_Make_a_game_of_it_Family_gatherings_often_involve_games_and_fun_and_a_wedding_is_no_exception_After_dinner_when_everyone_is_socializing_set_up_some_card_games_or_yard_activities_that_both_kids_and_adults_can_play_The_beauty_of_a_backyard_wedding_is_that_it_can_be_as_fun_or_as_formal_as_you_choose_8_Entertainment_is_key_The_standard_%E2%80%9Cband_or_DJ%E2%80%9D_debate_might_not_give_you_the_best_options_for_a_small_backyard_wedding_Is_there_anywhere_for_them_to_play_throughout_the_night_If_your_clients_backyard_is_large_then_you_might_get_away_with_it_as_long_as_you_have_the_right_permits_and_know_when_your_cut_off_time_is_that_night_If_the_space_is_small_however_perhaps_youd_be_better_letting_the_musicians_in_the_family_play_an_acoustic_set_before_you_start_a_playlist_of_everyones_favorite_songs_submitted_by_the_guests_in_advance_Consider_other_entertainment_than_just_music_as_well_Create_a_reel_of_funny_family_videos_or_a_picture_slideshow_set_to_music_9_Give_people_a_sign_If_youre_working_with_limited_space_youll_have_to_be_as_efficient_as_possible_Rather_than_jumbling_the_games_dessert_table_and_guestbook_signing_area_all_together_separate_them_and_give_each_spot_a_cute_DIY_sign_that_fits_the_backyard_aesthetic_Letting_people_know_clearly_where_to_find_things_will_save_them_from_wandering_into_the_house_or_through_the_neighbors_garden_10_Respect_the_neighbors_Youre_there_to_have_a_good_time_but_not_at_the_expense_of_everyone_on_the_block_Let_the_neighbors_know_a_few_weeks_beforehand_that_youre_hosting_the_wedding_in_the_backyard_As_an_advance_thank_you_for_their_patience_bring_a_small_gift_to_show_your_appreciation_You_might_consider_inviting_them_to_join_the_festivities_once_the_reception_party_is_underway_Your_clients_backyard_is_theirs_to_work_with_but_respect_the_people_and_homes_around_it_Coordinating_a_backyard_wedding_is_a_great_opportunity_to_for_you_to_balance_organization_and_creativity_Work_closely_with_your_clients_to_create_a_special_but_familiar_experience_that_they_and_their_guests_will_cherish_for_years_to_come_Would_you_like_more_information_about_planning_other_types_of_unique_weddings_Check_out_the_courses_here_at_QC_Event_School_and_consider_which_one_might_be_most_interesting_for_you\"><\/span>Top 10 Backyard Wedding Tips<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">1. Use the memories<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s a personal space, so keep it personal! Your clients\u2019 backyard might be filled with memories from their relationship and the bride or groom\u2019s childhood. Make these a part of the ceremony for a personal touch. Include family photos in the d\u00e9cor or take wedding portraits on the porch swing where the bride read books as a child.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">2. Keep it casual<\/h3>\n<div class=\"column-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"half-1\">\n<p>Of course, the mood of the wedding is up to your clients. If they\u2019d like a formal atmosphere despite being at home, then that\u2019s what you should give them. For the most part, however, the best d\u00e9cor for a backyard wedding is casual and familiar while still special. Include homey touches, like matching the color of the napkins to the roses that have grown in the garden since the groom was a boy. Include the favorite dishes and treats of each person who lived in the house on the menu to make dinner feel like a home cooked meal. Let casual touches keep things relaxed, since the event is family-oriented.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"half-2\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"369\" height=\"361\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Intimate-backyard-wedding-decor.jpg\" alt=\"Intimate backyard wedding decor\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Intimate-backyard-wedding-decor.jpg 369w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Intimate-backyard-wedding-decor-300x293.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 369px) 100vw, 369px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">3. Evaluate your space<\/h3>\n<p>A free venue is great, but only if you have enough space to make it work! Visit the backyard early in your planning process to begin mapping the night out. You\u2019ll need space for everyone during the ceremony, the meal, and the reception party. A small backyard can work, but you\u2019ll be responsible for mapping out how things will change throughout the day to make each phase of the wedding work. Is there a porch or deck you can take advantage of? Are there trees you must consider during set up? Is the ground level enough to support tables? Make good use of your space.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">4. Be prepared<\/h3>\n<p>Backyard weddings don\u2019t have venue staff to help you if something goes wrong, so prepare for potential disasters beforehand. Will you need a power generator in case the house can\u2019t support how many outlets you require? Are there permits you must get from the city to throw an outdoor party, particularly at night? Should you recommend that the clients purchase insurance to cover home damage, just in case? Take care of your clients\u2019 home and property.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">5. Keep everyone comfortable<\/h3>\n<p>Is there already enough seating space at your disposal, or should you rent more? Antique chairs found at local garage sales could be a nice touch if the wedding is in Grandma and Grandpa\u2019s backyard. Even if your clients\u2019 are comfortable with guests in the house, you want everyone to stay together in the main area. Make the backyard comfortable and accommodating so people choose to enjoy each other\u2019s company outside.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">6. Let there be light<\/h3>\n<p>Chances are good that the celebration will last until after sundown, but you don\u2019t want your clients and their families in the dark. Rather than flicking on the old porch light, get creative. Consider homemade mason jar chandeliers to fit with the \u201chome grown\u201d backyard atmosphere, accompanied by small twinkly lights for a little extra brightness that won\u2019t outshine the stars in the sky.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-lighting.jpg\" alt=\"Backyard wedding lighting\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4594\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-lighting.jpg 738w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-lighting-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">7. Make a game of it<\/h3>\n<p>Family gatherings often involve games and fun, and a wedding is no exception. After dinner when everyone is socializing, set up some card games or yard activities that both kids and adults can play. The beauty of a backyard wedding is that it can be as fun or as formal as you choose.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">8. Entertainment is key<\/h3>\n<p>The standard \u201cband or DJ\u201d debate might not give you the best options for a small backyard wedding. Is there anywhere for them to play throughout the night? If your clients\u2019 backyard is large, then you might get away with it (as long as you have the right permits and know when your cut off time is that night).<\/p>\n<div class=\"column-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"half-1\">\n<p>If the space is small, however, perhaps you\u2019d be better letting the musicians in the family play an acoustic set before you start a playlist of everyone\u2019s favorite songs, submitted by the guests in advance. Consider other entertainment than just music as well. Create a reel of funny family videos or a picture slideshow set to music.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">9. Give people a sign<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re working with limited space, you\u2019ll have to be as efficient as possible. Rather than jumbling the games, dessert table, and guestbook signing area all together, separate them and give each spot a cute DIY sign that fits the backyard aesthetic. Letting people know clearly where to find things will save them from wandering into the house or through the neighbors\u2019 garden.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"half-2\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"369\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-sign.jpg\" alt=\"Backyard wedding sign\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-sign.jpg 369w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Backyard-wedding-sign-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 369px) 100vw, 369px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"highlight\">10. Respect the neighbors<\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019re there to have a good time, but not at the expense of everyone on the block! Let the neighbors know a few weeks beforehand that you\u2019re hosting the wedding in the backyard. As an advance thank you for their patience, bring a small gift to show your appreciation. You might consider inviting them to join the festivities once the reception party is underway. Your clients\u2019 backyard is theirs to work with, but respect the people and homes around it.<\/p>\n<p>Coordinating a backyard wedding is a great opportunity to for you to balance organization and creativity. Work closely with your clients to create a special but familiar experience that they and their guests will cherish for years to come.<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"center\"><i>Would you like more information about planning other types of unique weddings? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/online-event-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check out the courses<\/a> here at QC Event School and consider which one might be most interesting for you!<\/i><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Extravagant, ballroom weddings are not for everyone! Many newly-weds-to-be would prefer a more low key event. Check out these tips to pull off the perfect backyard wedding for your clients!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[345],"class_list":["post-4582","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-event-planning-tips","category-wedding-planning-tips"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Pull Off the Perfect Backyard Wedding - Pointers for Planners<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Extravagant, ballroom weddings are not for everyone! Many newly-weds-to-be prefer a more low key event. 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