Backyard weddings are an intimate—not to mention budget-friendly—way to celebrate your big day.

Imagine exchanging vows under the natural sky, surrounded by those near and dear to you. It’s fuss-free and special.

You can make it even more special with some extra preparation and planning.

We share some easy ways to plan your perfect backward wedding, along with some unique ideas and making you aware of potential challenges.

Why have a backyard wedding?

Backyard weddings are getting more popular than ever. It makes sense since garden-style weddings are the #2 trend for 2024, with 13% of couples drawing inspiration from the outdoors. 

But with wedding costs on the rise, backyard weddings are a great way to integrate all the style with less expense.

From intimate gatherings in English gardens to festive celebrations in Australian backyards, couples worldwide are embracing the backyard wedding vibe.

Are you still asking yourself whether to have a backyard wedding or not? Here are some reasons you should:

• It's personal. Your backyard is a place full of memories, the perfect backdrop for starting your new chapter.

• You’ll get more flexibility. It’s your house, after all. You can decide what you do and how to decorate it. There will be no venue restrictions, either.

• It can be budget-friendly. Weddings are pricey. With a backyard wedding, you save the rental cost of an expensive wedding hall or venue. Plus, any landscaping or home improvements you make for the big day are investments you'll enjoy for years to come.

• It’s more comfortable and intimate. A backyard wedding will be more intimate for you and your guests.

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In a nutshell, backyard weddings are personal. You can do what you want, and they're usually cheaper than traditional wedding venues.

How to plan your perfect backyard wedding

Here are some things to consider when planning your perfect backyard wedding.

Assess yard size & layout

Before diving into Pinterest boards and Instagram inspiration, let's get real about your backyard.

This isn't just where you grill burgers on a Sunday—it's about to be the stage for your wedding. And in this case, size matters.

Yard size:

• Small Yard (under 100 guests): Keep it simple and use what's already there. Add some lights for a nice touch.

• Medium Yard (100-200 guests): Consider renting tents or dividers for different areas.

• Large Yard (200+ guests): You'll likely need to rent floors, bathrooms, etc.

Once you know its size and how many guests it can accommodate, the next step is to consider your backyard’s design and layout.

Yard layout:

• Flat ground is easy to work with.

• A sloped yard can be an issue. However, you can use it to your advantage by setting up the ceremony higher up.

• Are there things in the way? If trees are in your backyard, for example, you can use them as ceremony arches.

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Brainstorm atmosphere & decorations

Now that you have the yard basic figured out, it’s time to make your wedding look like a dream.

You have to think of dressing up your yard with baubles and flowers to make it look like the perfect Pinterest board of your dreams.

Before you get to the decoration part, you need to set up the right atmosphere.

First, think of the theme you want. It could be elegant, rustic charm, boho-chic, or even backyard carnival. Why not? It’s your wedding and yard, after all.

However, don’t overlook your original interior. For example, you can create a whimsical effect if you have a lush green garden. Or, something a little sleeker if your house has minimalistic aesthetics.

Once you decide on your wedding theme and the type of decor you want, it’s time to pick the decor pieces:

• Choose seasonal blooms or DIY arrangements. Flowers can help you accentuate and create anything you want—from centerpieces to archways.

• Set the mood with lighting. Lighting transforms your space and sets the mood like nothing else. You can choose from string lights, lanterns, and candles—and even use a mix of all three.

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• Get crafty with DIY projects. Add a personal touch to your weddings by making your own signs, favors, and photo booths. There are tons of Pinterest boards and YouTube videos for inspiration.

• Remember to rent the things you need. Contact local rental companies for special pieces, like a unique dance floor or fancy chairs.

Experienced-focused decor like photo booths will help you make your wedding fun, while DIY elements and family heirlooms will give it a personal touch you’ll remember for years to come.

Think about entertainment & dancing

What’s a wedding without some good entertainment and dancing?

Remember those old-school block parties with DJs spinning vinyl and everyone dancing in the streets? Backyard weddings can have that same kind of community vibe.

So, how can you use music and entertainment at your wedding to bring people together and ensure they have a good time?

Here are some quick tips: 

• Arrange live music and contact local DJs to set the mood.

• Have a designated dance floor for people to feel comfortable dancing.

• Create a killer playlist in advance that reflects your taste.

• Set up a karaoke station to keep your guests engaged.

If you want to do something different, you can also hire fire dancers, magicians, or even a caricature artist.

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Remember to check your local regulations if you’re inviting fire dancers or arranging a fireworks show.

Getting the right permits

Now, let’s discuss the less glamorous but equally, if not more, essential side of backyard wedding planning: permits.

With all the fun comes some responsibility. Permits ensure everything's safe and legal, so you can focus on having a good time.

What permits might you need?

• Noise permits, especially if you play music late into the night. 

• Tent permit for safety reasons.

• Alcohol permit. 

• Fire permits for activities like bonfires or using any open flames. 

• Parking permit for extra parking.

Rules might vary depending on where you live, so check local laws by looking up your city or county's website.

If all the wedding planning sounds overwhelming, you can also hire a wedding planner to acquire permits for you. One less thing for you to worry about!

More wedding logistics to consider

You might think all your plans are covered, but sometimes the remaining nitty-gritty can also be significant.

For example, did you check whether you have enough space in your driveway for people to park? If not, consider renting a nearby lot or using a shuttle service from a central location.

Here's the lowdown on other super important stuff you might have overlooked:

• Bathrooms: Do you have enough bathrooms in your house to accommodate all the guests?

• Cleaning and recycling: Did you hire a cleaning crew? Also, make sure to set up trash cans and recycling bins throughout the yard.

• Event insurance: Consider getting event insurance to protect yourself in case of damage. 

• Bugs: Are you anticipating mosquitos? If so, consider adding citronella candles to your decor, using bug spray, or renting a mosquito misting system.

• Accessibility: Make sure your backyard is accessible for guests with disabilities.

Pro Tip: You’re probably on a purchasing spree ahead of your wedding. Make sure to create a spreadsheet or use a tool that can help you manage and monitor all your orders from different vendors.

7 fun & ambient backyard wedding ideas

Let's take your backyard wedding up a notch with these fun and unique ideas:

1. Hire food trucks

If you want to do something unconventional, you can eschew the traditional sit-down dinner and rather invite food trucks to make the atmosphere more lively and fun.

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You can invite various food trucks to offer different cuisines and make it a new dinner experience for your guests.

2. Have a whimsical ceremony 

Weddings are a romantic event—make sure your backyard prep reflects that. One way to do so is by turning your yard into a whimsical wonderland.

Erect a floral archway dripping with fragrant blooms, line the aisle with lanterns, and set up lights throughout the foliage.

The result? A romantic, ethereal setting to mesmerize guests.

3. Set up lawn games

Weddings are romantic and emotional, but you can also make them fun by setting up lawn games for your inception after the wedding ceremony.

Think croquet, cornhole, giant Jenga, or even a people-sized chessboard.

It’s a perfect way of encouraging the guests to mingle and have a fun time.

4. Create an outdoor bar

No wedding is complete without some drinks to lighten the atmosphere and get people talking. Skip the indoor bar and make a fun one outside by setting up an outdoor bar. Think rustic wood, twinkling lights, and special drinks.

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You can hire a mobile bar service to bring the party to your backyard.

5. Prepare for a movie night under the stars

The event doesn't have to end after sunset. You can arrange a special movie night under the stars for your guests.

Rent a projector and screen, lay out blankets and pillows, and enjoy a classic movie or a slideshow of your love story. It's a unique and intimate way to entertain guests and make lasting memories.

6. Create a starlit dance floor

The party doesn’t have to end if you don’t want it to end. Arrange a dance party for your loved ones and celebrate new beginnings under the starry sky.

Set up a designated space for dancing and adorn it with lanterns, string lighting, and even a disco ball.

7. Set up a bonfire & s'mores bar

If you’re planning a winter wedding, you can warm up the atmosphere and make it more intimate by gathering everyone around a crackling bonfire.

It doesn’t have to be a fancy setup. A simple table will do—just place different types of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers for a sweet and cozy treat.

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How to prep your home & backyard for a wedding

You’re ready to host your dream wedding and make memories of a lifetime. But while focusing on the more significant aspects of wedding preparation, are you sure you didn't overlook anything?

Here’s a quick checklist of things to do when prepping your home and backyard for a wedding:

• Make your lawn ready for your big day. Mow, trim edges, and deal with brown spots or uneven areas. Your lawn is going to be the canvas for your wedding, so keeping it well-maintained is paramount for your celebration.

• Clean up the clutter. Put away the tools and toys you might have in your yard and even the drawing room. Organize flower beds to ensure your backyard looks whimsical and pristine.

• Get pest control done. Nothing is more of a nuisance than pests. If the issue is drastic, get professional pest control services. For precautionary measures, spray for bugs a few days before the wedding.

• Don't neglect home touch-ups. Clean windows, touch-up paint, and make any minor repairs needed. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home's appearance.

• Make bathrooms ready for guests. Deep clean bathrooms, stock up on supplies (toilet paper, hand soap, towels), and make sure guests can find them easily.

Finally, light everything to create a warm and welcoming environment. Keep a few extra chairs and furniture ready to ensure everyone can relax.

Backyard wedding challenges & your contingency plan

Backyard weddings aren’t always sunshine and roses. They have their fair share of challenges as well.

• Think about the logistics. While backyard weddings offer freedom, they also require more planning. You’ll solely be responsible for details like parking, restrooms, and rentals. Double-check everything before the big day.

• Be prepared for a power outage. While unlikely, have a generator to deal with unexpected outages.

• The weather might not always be favorable. It can be unpredictable. Have a tent or canopy as a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat.

• You might face noise restrictions. You have to comply with noise regulations and be mindful of your neighbors. Try to keep the voice down and inform your neighbors beforehand.

• Parking can be an issue. Limited parking can be a headache for guests. Have a designated parking area or arrange for a shuttle service if needed.

The perfect backyard wedding: Your dream awaits

A background wedding is a good option if you want to do something out of the norm and intimate for your big day. They are also more budget-friendly than conventional weddings since you save on the venue’s rent.

That said, since you’ll solely be in charge of it, you’ll have to prepare a few things. From prepping your yard to permits to the decorations, we cover everything you need to know to throw the backyard wedding party of your dreams.

For more tips on home, travel, and lifestyle across budgets, be sure to check out Home & Jet.

Author bio

Deepti has over five years of experience writing data-driven, engaging content for marketing, SaaS, HR, and e-commerce brands. When she’s not working, you'll find her exploring wildlife or reading about Roman history.