Why Couples Should Think Twice Before Ditching Their Original Wedding Plans For A Backyard Wedding.
As couples and venues have been adjusting to current safety protocols we have seen the popularity of backyard weddings rising quickly. With venues establishing restrictions such as mandatory social distancing, masks, and reduced guest counts, many couples have found freedom in hosting events on private properties. Before jumping on the backyard wedding bandwagon here are 5 reasons planning a backyard wedding isn’t for you.
1.) Know What To Expect
A backyard wedding can be a great solution as opposed to postponing your wedding. But keep in mind it is still a backyard. If your original dream was a 5 star resort in Vail, a backyard simply will not feel the same. We are all for turning backyards into beautiful wedding wonderlands, sometimes you need to think further than just the ceremony though. Will you be using a family members house, a friends, or even your own? Typically this means you will be getting ready upstairs in someones personal home. Your photographer may struggle to find unique photo locations, there will be more work done to keep you hidden form the groom, and all in all there is a lack of separation from set-up, get ready spaces, photos, and event space. While the ceremony will feel magical some of the events leading up too, and after will feel a bit different.
2.) It Is What It Is
With that said, you and your fiancé should discuss your wedding expectations and if a backyard wedding will fulfill those. If your dream was a weekend getaway in a gorgeous new area following more traditional wedding rules you will need to come to terms with what elements you will be giving up and prioritizing the ones you can create.
Or, postpone your wedding to achieve your original goals. Backyard weddings can be beautiful and we have seen some amazing love stories play out it will not give you the same feeling that a dedicated wedding venue and traditional day of schedule will give you. To avoid disappointment during your day you need to accept that a backyard wedding will not feel the same as a traditional wedding venue. It can be and will be amazing but not the same. So adjust your expectations and appreciate the day for what it is!
3.) It Is Not A Guaranteed Money Saver
Some couples believe they will save loads of money using a backyard for free. Yes, you can save money hosting a wedding in a backyard vs a wedding venue. This is normally accomplished by adopting a more boho/ rustic style where, you genuinely use kitchen dishes from home, tables your family donates, and other decor items that do not need to be purchased. Often you will also see easier catering options like food trucks, or family made meals.
However, if you are trying to replicate the feeling of a traditional wedding venue you may actually spend more money doing so in your backyard. When you book with a wedding venue they typically include furniture rentals, sectioned off spaces, built in style/decor elements, and discounted wedding items. If you are planning to replicate these same things you will need to rent and supply every single item. This means you will be paying for: tables, chairs, linens, china, cutlery, lighting, bar set up, glassware, dance floors, etc etc etc. Think of every element you want to include in your wedding, itemize that list, and think of purchasing/renting each individual item. It adds up quick!
4.) Vendors Aren’t Used To Working In A Backyard
One thing most couples don’t consider when planning a backyard wedding is that some backyards are, simply put, funky. Backyard layouts can be difficult for many reasons. When planning really take the time to consider each vendor being brought in and everything that vendor may need. Caterer’s will need a staging area, DJ’s need power, rented lighting will use a lot of that power, photographers and videographers often need a room to store equipment, and all of these vendors will need a restroom.
WBL rule of thumb, when planning an outdoor backyard wedding try to limit anytime guest are inside of the property. Having guest enter through a side gate in the yard and stay outside will help in masking the fact that you are at someones home. With that in mind you will need a designated restroom for guest and vendors. If possible keep these separate, and stock the guest restroom as if you were in a hotel. Little touches make all the difference!
Unfortunately we have seen too many vendors flounder in backyard environments because they are not cut and dry weddings. It takes a lot more creativity to bring it all together!
5.) Backyard Weddings Are A Lot Of Labor
Our final warning, be prepared for a lot of manual labor. Again, you are setting everything up and bringing everything in individually. A great way to save money is to set up and decorate yourself, but it will take a lot of man power. Leading up to your wedding you may be more labor than princess. To avoid this you can absolutely bring in set up crews, or a handyman service to help but be prepared for the additional cost!
This is in no way to discourage you from living out your backyard dreams. These 5 reasons planning a backyard wedding won’t solve everything, are to give you realistic expectations on what the process and day will look like look. It is so important to know what you are getting into with a backyard wedding and what you are looking for out of it. We suggest couples looking to achieve an elegant event more similar to a traditional wedding venue absolutely look into hiring a full or partial wedding planner. Brining in a pro will help in not only utilizing the space in the best way possible, but also organizing the day and vendors to ensure there are no typical backyard hiccups.
