What Do You Need For a Backyard Wedding?
Table set with dishes, candles and white roses for a backyard wedding reception.
A backyard wedding is super flexible. You can make your plan as elaborate or as simple as you’d like. You can keep it small or make it big. And you can choose any style you like: formal, semi-formal or casual. If you want a theme, a backyard wedding can be anything from an elegant garden party to a casual, I Do Barbecue.
If you keep it simple, you’ll only need a few things. Figure out the space for your ceremony and where you’ll mingle afterwards. If you want a bigger wedding, you can add a cake and refreshments or you can plan an entire meal.
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Ready to start planning? Make it easy - order The Backyard Wedding Planner on Amazon.
Checklist For a Backyard Wedding
Ceremony:
You can hire an officiant to come perform your wedding ceremony. In some states and provinces it’s legal to have a friend ordained in order to perform your ceremony.
Marriage license
Wedding rings
Signing table or altar
Chairs
Decorations
Reception:
Depending on what you’ll be serving at your reception, you’ll probably want to rent some tables and chairs. If you’re planning a full reception, you can even rent a portable bar and a dance floor.
Dining tables & chairs
Tablecloths & napkins
Cocktail tables
Dishes
Serving tables
Serving dishes
Portable bar
Dance floor
DJ table
Gift table
Cake table
Decorations
Food & Beverages:
You can plan a cake and punch reception, appetizers only, a cocktail party or serve a full meal. Choose whichever option suits your style and your budget.
Meal or appetizers - breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner
Wedding cake
Champagne or sparkling wine
Wine
Beer
Cocktails
Non alcoholic drinks
Rustic wood table set for an outdoor wedding reception.
Lights & Power:
If you’re serving a full meal or having music and dancing, you’ll need to have electricity for the caterer and the DJ.
Lighting
Microphone and speakers
Extension cords
Generator
Weather Plan:
Depending how far in advance you’re planning, it could be tough to predict the weather. Think about the season you’re planning for and decide if you’ll need:
Tent or canopy
Portable fans
Portable heaters
Umbrellas & boots
Your backyard wedding can be as simple or as complicated as you like. If you want a laid back celebration, keep your plan simple. If you want a more elegant day, don’t hold back. Your backyard can be gorgeous for your wedding. Rent some white linen, add flowers and tea lights and you’ll have a beautiful wedding day.
Planning a backyard wedding? This printed planner will help you get organized, stay on track and figure out every detail:
