by: Thinking of hosting your intimate wedding and reception in your backyard? Awesome--we support you! Before you begin planning, check in with your officiant for guidelines/limitations and of course, check your homeowners insurance for coverage/liabilities. And, depending on the number of guests, you may have to rent a few items:
- generator
- tables/chairs/table settings/linens
- tent/structure in case of rain {plan B}
- porta potty
- lighting
- dance floor
- play equipment for kids
6 Tips for Personalizing Your Backyard Wedding
#1 Wedding Stationery & Fun Messaging
Backyard weddings tend to be comfortable gatherings of family and friends. Set the tone with the kind of stationery that goes with your personalities... DIY chalkboards are a perfect accessory for a backyard wedding--entertaining guests and guiding them from the ceremony to the drink station. Wedding stationery like Chalkboard Sweetheart {a playful design suite that features hearts and other artistic elements} sets a fun tone and easily coordinates with DIY signage.
Tip: Use DIY wedding signage to guide guests throughout your backyard. See this post featuring a tutorial and this inspirational farm wedding for more ideas.
#2 Homegrown & Local Flowers
Start those seeds early! Plant your perennial seeds or annuals indoors to get a head start--to make sure you'll have blooming beauties by the wedding date. If you don't want to grow your own flowers, then support your local flower farmer for the freshest flowers--organically grown and in season.
Tip: See this post for the 12 most popular flowers.
#3. Mason Jar Décor
Mason jars continue to be one of the most popular vessels to hold everything from signature drinks to flowers to favors. They're perfect for creating a homey feel for a backyard wedding. Found everywhere and in all different sizes and shapes, dress them up, paint them and use them for simple and easy DIY wedding decorations.
Tip: Check out this post for mason jar ideas.
#4 Locally-grown Food & Drink
Supporting your local farmers and growers has so many benefits--freshest taste, less packaging, benefits to the community ... You have more knowledge in how it's grown and you have the satisfaction of supporting your local growers and giving your guests the best food!
Tip: Plan ahead as much as possible as menus are dependent on season and availability.
#5 Lighting to Set the Mood and Keep Guests Safe
The right lighting is important as it serves a dual purpose of creating ambiance and allowing your guests to navigate your backyard at night. Avoid unnecessary mishaps and trips with lighting that is both fun and functional.
Tip: Get help from an expert! Perhaps a landscape designer who can help mix and match lighting needs for the purpose of the space.
#6 Comfortable Seating
Guests love to gather--in large groups and intimate groups of 2-3. Provide spacing for both! Give them opportunities to escape the noise of the band, to have a quiet conversation and to get back into the action when they're ready!
Tip: Create little vignettes on the outside of the party for guests that need some "quiet time."
What's your tip for hosting a backyard wedding?
Credit
Chalkboard sign by Jamie J Photography
