Tips for Planning the Best Backyard Wedding

So you want to plan a backyard wedding! Often, when couples choose a backyard for their wedding it is because they have some sort of connection to the space. It might be their home from childhood. Or maybe the cottage where they spent their summers. Maybe it’s their own home and they want to celebrate in their backyard! Whatever the reason, a backyard wedding can be the *most* fun! There is a lot of work on the front end to get everything ready, but the day of the wedding is usually very laid back and glamorous – my favourite combination! Read on for some tips for planning your own backyard wedding!

Ceremony Spot

The ceremony spot will be the centrepiece to your backyard wedding! Usually couples like to have some greenery in behind them. Arches can be bought or custom made and they help anchor everything together. I highly recommend one for your focal point!

When choosing your ceremony spot, think about time of day – where is the sun? Is it above you? Behind you? In front of you? Go outside around the same time of year you’re having your wedding to see what is the best fit for your space. In general, late afternoon works the best for most spaces!

Pro tip: Make sure that you and your partner in the same kind of light! It can be a challenge when one person is in the sun and the other is in the shade.

Rental Items for your Backyard Wedding

You’re going to want to make sure you consider the following items:

• Rain Location – Will you have a rental tent? Do you have a barn or garage that can be used? Or alternatively, embrace it and party in the rain!
• Seating for ceremony and reception – Is it the same and people move it around? Do you have separate seating areas? Is it a standing ceremony?
• Port-a-potties! (Your septic system will thank you!) There are some pretty luxe options out there!
• Sound system, including a microphone – you’ll want to make sure that family and friends can hear you during the ceremony!

Guest List

The guest list is totally up to you! I’ve seen backyard weddings with 15 people up to 100! It all depends on your specific space and personalities. It could also be a great spot for including your family pets!

Lawn games are a great idea for the “cocktail hour” part of the day – it lets everyone let loose and mingle!

If you have a smaller group during the day, consider inviting a larger group for the evening celebration when things have opened up to dancing or a bonfire!

Meaningful Portraits

Since you have chosen a place with so much meaning, you’ll probably have a bunch of ideas for where you would like your wedding portraits taken. You can explore for as much or as little as you like!

Dancing!

You can still dance the night away with a backyard wedding! You can choose to have a dance floor under a tent, in the open, or on whatever you have at your home, like a patio or large deck!

More Backyard Wedding Inspiration

I have been lucky to photograph many backyard weddings in Prince Edward County, Belleville and beyond! To check out some inspo, visit these blogs:

• TIna and James Milford backyard wedding
• Valerie and Liam’s Belleville backyard wedding
• Mary and Erik’s Lord of the Rings inspired backyard wedding
• Caitlin and Jeffrey’s backyard cottage wedding in Prince Edward County
• Donna and Brad’s Roslin backyard wedding

Get Yourself an Photographer Who Knows Backyard Weddings!

Contact me to learn about how I can help you have the most wonderful backyard wedding ever!