Close your eyes and imagine a wedding day that unfolds like a cherished fairy tale, nestled within the comforting embrace of your own backyard. The soft rustle of leaves becomes your symphony, and the stars overhead twinkle with approval as you embark on a journey to create unforgettable moments in the most intimate of settings. That’s what you can expect when you’re planning a small outdoor wedding. The allure of a small outdoor wedding in your backyard is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the magic of close-knit celebrations.
This guide is your treasure map, leading you through the labyrinth of logistics, design, and the thoughtful touches that will transform your outdoor haven into a stage fit for your once-in-a-lifetime love story. Grab your imagination, a dash of resourcefulness, and a sprinkle of magic – because the journey to planning a small outdoor wedding you’ll never forget is about to begin.
Know What You’re Getting Into
A backyard wedding is exactly what it sounds like – getting hitched right in someone’s backyard. And here’s where it gets awesome – you could be pocketing a ton of cash. Why, you ask? Well, it’s ’cause you’re skipping the whole pricey wedding venue deal. Planning a small outdoor wedding will be far more affordable but can still be stressful and should be taken just as seriously as planning a big, fancy wedding. Your small wedding can be just as fantastic as a big affair, but with more intimacy and fewer expenses.
So, it’s important that you know what you’re getting into. Before you dive headfirst into the world of alfresco vows and garden receptions, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what lies ahead. Planning a small outdoor wedding comes with its own set of joys, challenges, and considerations. You’ll have to plan for weather changes, prep firewood if guests might get cold, check local regulations and permits required for hosting events, consider sound and acoustics, and a lot more. We’ll discuss the most important elements to keep in mind, so make sure you’ve got a pen and paper ready!
Think About Hiring a Wedding Planner
Planning a small outdoor wedding is like orchestrating a symphony – every note and every instrument must harmonize perfectly to create a masterpiece. Now, imagine composing this symphony outdoors, where the elements add an unpredictable twist to the performance. This is where the unsung hero of wedding planning, the wedding planner, steps onto the stage. A wedding planner with experience in outdoor events knows how to tackle the logistics – from managing uneven terrain to ensuring there’s a contingency plan for unpredictable weather. They’ll help you transform potential obstacles into creative opportunities, ensuring your day goes off without a hitch.
A good wedding planner will know all about event catering, how to choose the right vendors, and how to hook you up with a landscaping contractor that will ensure that your outdoor wedding looks as amazing as possible.
Work With the Right Vendors
One of the perks of planning a small outdoor wedding is the authority you wield in selecting your entire vendor squad. This ranges from the front-line heroes like wedding planners and photographers, all the way to the behind-the-scenes maestros who labor tirelessly to ensure your day unfolds seamlessly.
There are many vendors you’ll have to team up with, depending on what kind of wedding you want. You’ll need to hire vendors that can provide you with a tent or similar structure, so your guests won’t have to spend too much time in the sun. They should be able to set up the tent and take it down again. It’s likely you’ll need to hire tables and chairs too, and make sure they match your wedding theme. Remember that if you’re outside, you may not have easy access to restrooms. It may be necessary to invest in porta potty rental, and you need to be sure the toilets are decent and neat. These are just a few of the vendors you’ll have to work with, so make a checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Consider Someone Else’s Backyard
If you live in a small place or don’t have a fabulous backyard for your outdoor wedding, you can always choose someone else’s backyard or a different location. Of course, that ‘someone else’ needs to give you permission, and if you want to use another location, you may need permits and permission too. If possible, consider vacation home rentals to find a truly lovely spot.
If you search around, you may find the perfect sun-kissed garden, tranquil lakeside, or rustic vineyard for your wedding. Remember, this location, this piece of earth you choose, will become more than just a backdrop – it will be a character in your narrative. It’s where your journey as a married couple takes its first steps, where the pages of your shared story are inked. Every glance, every smile, every heartfelt word will forever be intertwined with the surroundings you carefully selected. As you exchange rings and promises, the wind might playfully rustle the leaves, or the sun might dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over your union.
Be Creative With Decorations
When it comes to crafting a picturesque small outdoor wedding, let your imagination run wild and your creativity take flight. Nature’s beauty provides the perfect backdrop, but it’s your unique touch that transforms the scene into an enchanting wonderland. Consider adorning tree branches with twinkling lights that mirror the stars above, or weaving delicate blooms into the fences that encircle your celebration. Hang vintage frames from low-hanging branches, capturing moments in time as if nature itself were a gallery.
For the reception, opt for charming mason jars transformed into fairy-tale lanterns, casting a warm glow over the festivities. Create a cozy lounge area with mismatched vintage patio furniture, inviting your guests to unwind and revel in the beauty of the outdoors. The key is to infuse your decorations with touches that reflect your love story, transforming your outdoor space into an extraordinary canvas that whispers tales of romance, laughter, and the promise of forever. If you’re lucky enough to have a pole barn, decorate it in the colors of your overall wedding theme and string up lights around its frame. Be as creative as you want to, so you can be assured you’re planning a small outdoor wedding you can be proud of.
Consider Yard Maintenance And Setup
Ensure a thriving outdoor ambiance by planning ahead for yard maintenance. Give your plants ample time to flourish, allow the flowers to unfurl their vibrant colors, and ensure the space is cleared if required. To ease your load, mull over the possibility of enlisting a skilled landscaper who can oversee both design and upkeep, relieving you of one less task on your bustling agenda. At the very least, a few days prior to the wedding, it’s crucial to give the grass a fresh trim, ensuring a pristine canvas.
And remember, the groundwork extends beyond blooms and blades. Double-check that the ground is level enough to host chairs, tables, and a dance floor. If a tent is part of your plans, their adept team will assess and potentially lay a foundation for a dance floor that’s perfectly even. In the absence of a tent, consulting with a landscaper can ensure that the terrain is wedding-ready and ready to dance the night away.
Remember Insurance
Planning a small outdoor wedding will mostly be positive, but there are some serious matters to give attention to before your special day ends up in tears. While it’s natural to want your special day to be all about joy and celebration, it’s wise to prepare for the unexpected. Planning ahead can offer peace of mind in case any mishaps occur. Begin by reaching out to your homeowner’s insurance provider to explore your coverage options, both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, get in touch with your chosen vendors to inquire about their insurance policies. In some cases, you might need to consider supplementary insurance, although your vendors’ coverage may already extend to specific aspects, like bartending services.
Also, you may want to consider engagement ring or wedding band insurance, especially if the rings were very expensive.
Be Considerate of Neighbors
Around one to two months before your big day, take the friendly step of informing your neighbors about your upcoming wedding festivities. By doing so, you’re providing them ample time to adjust their own plans, consider any potential alternatives, or even plan a brief getaway. Offering them a comprehensive picture is key – share specifics like your ceremony’s exact timing to give them a heads-up for moments of tranquility. It’s also thoughtful to outline your guests’ parking arrangements, especially if street parking is involved and might raise any concerns.
If you opt for an in-person chat, it’s a good idea to supplement it with a written schedule. This way, your neighbors have all the vital details conveniently laid out for the big day. Adding a small gesture of gratitude, such as a pair of earplugs, can express your appreciation for their patience. Remember, a little consideration can work wonders in ensuring harmony and smiles all around.
Think About Parking
As you delve into the permit details, take a moment to explore the street parking regulations within your neighborhood. In certain areas, there might be designated hours when street parking isn’t permitted or even instances of overnight parking restrictions. If you find yourself in such a scenario, or if street parking is limited, mulling over the possibility of engaging a valet service to manage parking at a nearby open lot could be a savvy move. However, it’s crucial to proactively inform your guests about this arrangement, to ensure they don’t leave any valuables in their vehicles that could potentially lead to liability concerns on your end. Security is still an important factor, even if you’re only planning a small outdoor wedding.
Plan For Clean-up
Amidst your space planning and rental considerations, this stands out as a vital point to hold onto. When you’re anticipating a gathering of 25 or more individuals spanning an entire day, waste management becomes a significant consideration. To ensure a clean and eco-conscious event, it’s essential to arrange for an ample number of trash and recycling bins. Even if your wedding won’t be as big, messes can happen fairly quickly and ruin the magic and glamor of a wedding.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to inquire whether your caterer offers the convenience of bin maintenance throughout the day – they might just have it covered. Should this service not be available, it’s a prudent move to appoint or enlist someone to keep a watchful eye on the bins, preventing any unsightly overflow or lingering odors. You may also want to consider local dumpster rental services, especially if you’re expecting a lot of waste.
Have a Plan B
Nature has its own script, often sprinkling surprises into the mix. To keep your outdoor celebration running smoothly, it’s wise to have a backup plan that can dance just as gracefully as your primary one, especially in case the heavens open up, or the temperature plays tricks on you. If your dwelling boasts ample space, shifting the festivities indoors could be a feasible alternative.
However, if you’re determined to stay under the open sky, a tent becomes your protective wingman. To ensure a seamless transition, reserving a tent in advance is a prudent step. This shelter can swiftly swoop in to save the day if needed. When deploying the tent, make sure its sides are snugly in place, orchestrating a shield against raindrops. On scorching days, small fans can effortlessly tame the heat, while the charm of propane heaters can lend warmth to chilly evenings.
As the final petal falls on our bouquet of backyard wedding wisdom, one thing is crystal clear: your small outdoor celebration isn’t just an event; it’s an uncharted adventure, a masterpiece painted with laughter, love, and a touch of whimsy. Planning a small outdoor wedding is just as magical as planning a huge wedding at a big venue. Whether you’re exchanging vows under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights or sharing your first dance as fireflies join in, your backyard will forever hold the secret of a day that was uniquely yours. Amidst the embrace of familiar trees and the gentle rustle of nature’s applause, you’re going to craft a memory that no grand ballroom could ever replicate. Congratulations!
