In the middle of a global pandemic, more brides and grooms are opting for intimate weddings at home. For those who choose backyard weddings over fancy events in upscale restaurants and other venues, there are ways to make your wedding feel more intimate and special at home. If you’re considering a backyard wedding and aren’t sure where to start, read on for tips on how to plan the perfect backyard wedding.
Creating a Checklist
The first step in planning a backyard wedding is the same as it would be for any wedding venue. You’ll want to create a checklist for everything you think you might need for your big day. From pavé wedding bands and a cake to wedding invitations and a DJ or band, start with a list of the items you’ll need for the perfect wedding.
When selecting the right yard to hold your wedding, bring your checklist. Maybe your mother’s house already has patios or your sister’s home is located in a town that’s easy to access for out of town guests. These are things to consider when choosing which yard to hold your wedding in. Once you’ve selected your location, add items you’ll need specific to this venue to your checklist.
Determining a Theme
One great thing about weddings at home is that they come with a built-in theme of family and intimacy. You can take this theme a step further, though, by considering hobbies and interests that are important to you and your sweetheart. Think about things you enjoy doing together like hiking, boating, or watching old movies. You could set up an outdoor movie screen for a family movie under the stars during your reception. Or, you could order a cake that looks like your last rock climbing adventure together. The ideas are limitless when it comes to setting a theme for your outdoor wedding.
Outdoor Equipment and Supplies
Mother Nature will be a guest at your outdoor event. For this reason, you’ll need to take a hard look at your backyard and be ready for anything. Maybe you live in Ohio and have already looked at retractable awnings in Columbus, Ohio or maybe you haven’t even started looking into the perfect canopy, tent, or patio furniture for your big day. Start with thinking of seating and shade. A shadetree canopy or sunsetter awning could be the perfect way to keep your guests dry and out of the sun while you say “I do” to your sweetheart.
Start with making a wishlist for rented outdoor equipment. You’ll need to consider seating, tables, and bathrooms. When you think you know what you’ll need, start by calling vendors and asking for a free estimate on the supplies you think you’ll need for your outdoor event. Be honest about your overall budget and ask vendors for suggestions.
Personalizing Your Event
The same way you came up with ideas for your theme, another way to personalize your intimate wedding is to use the trees, landscape, and outdoor features to highlight what makes you and your partner special. Consider sentimental things, like that tire swing you fell off of as a kid. Put fairy lights around the fort you first kissed your partner in. Carve your names into a tree at the foot of the driveway, and don’t forget to light up the mailbox, so that guests know where to find you.
At the end of the day, your backyard wedding can be an intimate and special event people will talk about for years. By using your outdoor space in a way that makes people feel both comfortable and safe during the pandemic, you’re sure to have a successful event and be well on your way to a fantastic life together. Congratulations on your engagement and good luck with your upcoming nuptials!
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