5 Tips on Transforming Your Backyard into Your Dream Wedding Venue

Have you been thinking about saying your “I do’s” right in your own backyard? It’s becoming a more favourable theme as brides and grooms have navigated through the hardships of the pandemic. A backyard wedding is often planned for the sentimental and intimate purposes of holding memories, friends and family close. Not only that, you’ll undoubtedly be saving money versus using a traditional wedding venue. If you think about it, this extra money you’ll have could go towards a luxurious honeymoon!

Planning a laid-back, but also graceful, backyard wedding at your home requires dedicated time and effort like any big group event. Begin to prepare months in advance, while surrounding yourself with inspiration and joining online communities for advice. With your attention to detail and some help along the way, your backyard can become the perfect place to hold a stress-free, memorable wedding ceremony and reception. No matter where you’re at in the process of planning, you’ll find some helpful reminders and tips below to make your outdoor ceremony dreams become a reality.

5 Tips on Transforming Your Backyard into Your Dream Wedding Venue

1, Spruce Up Your Landscaping to be HGTV-Worthy

One of the best things about having a backyard wedding is enjoying the natural decoration. Since you’re not spending big amounts of money to rent out a building, why not take advantage of this opportunity to also improve the land on your property? If you’re able, prep the yard a few months in advance from your event date and do all of the groundwork before setting up chairs, tables and decorations.

Take the time to remove any weeds, lay new grass and plant flower beds for a blooming yard. Flowerpots can be hung and a walkway to the backyard can be created with stones. Since parties are more difficult to throw on grass, you can also look into temporary backyard flooring. If it’s easier than doing everything yourself, you can always hire a professional landscape architect to keep everything looking flush and eye-catching.

Have you been daydreaming of ideas for a structure for entertaining and relaxing such as a patio, gazebo or pergola in your backyard? Now is the perfect chance to get one and make the most of it. Getting a larger structure like one of these can be perfect for a dance floor, surrounded by twinkling lights and flora. Additionally, if the weather gets chilly at night, you can even consider installing an outdoor fireplace that can also serve as a location for beautiful nighttime photographs. Since these are all additions to your property, see if you can save money on your home by refinancing so you don’t hurt your overall wedding budget. This can save you money on your monthly payments or even cash out your equity to cover all projects at once. Plus, investing in any of these permanent features increases the value of your home while adding an extra dose of magic to your special occasion.

2, Gather Decor and Elements that are Meaningful to You

Being at your home during this special time is the perfect excuse to reminisce about fun memories. Encourage the atmosphere with your partner to feel connected as newlyweds with some creative elements close to the heart. This could include an object resembling a simple reminder of where you went on your first date, a future milestone you have in mind and/or places you’ve traveled to together. Gather together your favourite photos and create a mini gallery wall. You can even use these photos from the very beginning of your relationship in your wedding invitation cards.

3, Create Picture Perfect Settings for Memorable Events

The coziness of having your wedding in your backyard is most likely the main reason you chose this destination. It’s unmistakable! Think about what will bring you the most happiness, whether it’s fun lawn games or an elegant garden party. As you’re setting the scene, remember to make the most use of your space. Spread out the festivities for room to mingle, but not too far apart that everyone feels distant.

While you’re making sure your wedding guests are comfortable, don’t forget about yourself. Imagine the focal point of your wedding ceremony, and ensure the lighting and sun won’t be blinding. Try framing the space with a floral arrangement, potted plants, an opening within trees or even barn doors. Having a professional wedding photographer can help capture the right angles, instruct you on how to pose and ensure the best quality photos so that you don’t have to worry. Additionally, take a look at when the sun is setting to have some warm and romantic string lights, candles, lanterns and chandeliers ready as it gets dark outside. Having a background that looks atmospheric will truly encompass those intimate moments.

4, Have a Back Up Plan if Weather Changes

Let’s face it, with your event being outside there are always risks of the weather changing on your big day, which can have you considering if you should postpone your wedding. While outdoor elements are out of our hands, you can still make the most of your big day with some preparation into a back up plan. Renting a large wedding tent is a great solution for if the wind picks up, the hot or cold temperatures become unbearable, or it begins to rain! Take some greenery to decorate your tent to avoid it taking away from other aesthetics. If you don’t have room for a tent, be ready to move the party indoors.

5, Prepare Your Home with Necessary Amenities

Having your backyard be fully transformed for a wedding doesn’t go without the convenience factor! Consider where people are going to park as they arrive for the event. If there’s not going to be many people carpooling together or getting Ubers, think about a nearby location they can possibly leave their cars at and walk from, such as a public park. You could also arrange a valet or shuttle service to ensure things run smoothly.

During the wedding, if you’re expecting 15 or more people, it may also be most helpful to rent a portable restroom trailer. This will help alleviate a constant wait on the bathroom and ensure yours stays clean.

It’s expected to wonder what your neighbours will think during this entire process. Let them know in advance of your one-time special event, and that they can call you or another attendee with any questions. Bigger gatherings run a more likely risk of noise complaints and zoning issues, so get those worries out of the way early on. If it helps, put together a wedding planning checklist timeline so you don’t forget that among all of your other responsibilities. Remember, this is your day to enjoy the intimacy of having your wedding at home and create this special memory, while bringing loved ones together.

Your wedding has always been a day to dream about. We hope this blog post helped inspire you! Let us know what ideas you enjoy most for transforming your homey backyard into a romantic wedding scene.