DIY Backyard Wedding Checklist & Planning Guide A Mom's Take
DIY Backyard Wedding Checklist & Planning Guide A Mom's Take from www.amomstake.com

Weddings are a special time for couples to join in holy matrimony and celebrate their love. Backyard weddings are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a unique, intimate setting for couples to exchange vows and begin their journey together. Planning a backyard wedding can be an exciting, yet daunting task. By following a checklist and keeping organized, couples can create a beautiful and memorable backyard wedding.

Choose a Theme

Choosing a theme for a backyard wedding is an important first step. Selecting a theme can help create a cohesive look for the wedding, from the decorations to the food served. Popular backyard wedding themes include a rustic barnyard, a garden party, vintage chic, a beach party, and a boho-style wedding. Some couples opt for a more traditional, elegant look. Once a theme has been chosen, the bride and groom can move onto the next steps to plan the big day.

Select a Date

Selecting a date for a backyard wedding is important, as it will determine the availability of the venue, vendors, and guests. Couples should consider the weather when selecting the date for their wedding. Generally, spring and summer months are the most popular for outdoor weddings, as the weather is usually mild and pleasant. However, some couples opt for a winter wonderland wedding in the backyard. Whatever the season, couples should plan ahead and start booking vendors and reserving the venue at least 6 months in advance.

Secure Vendors

Having the right vendors can make or break a backyard wedding. From the caterer to the photographer, it’s important to have reliable, professional vendors who will be able to provide excellent service. Couples should interview a few different vendors and get quotes to make sure they are getting the best deal. If possible, they should also ask for references to ensure the vendors have a good reputation.

Set a Budget

Setting a budget is an important step for any wedding, but it’s especially important for a backyard wedding. Couples should consider how much they are willing to spend on the venue, decorations, food, and other wedding-related expenses. It’s important to keep in mind that costs can quickly add up, so couples should be prepared to adjust their budget accordingly. Additionally, couples should consider setting aside some extra money for unexpected expenses.

Choose a Venue

Choosing a venue for a backyard wedding is a crucial step. Couples should consider the size of their backyard and how many guests they plan to invite. If the backyard is small, they may need to rent a larger space or find a different location. Additionally, couples should make sure their venue is accessible for their guests and that they have adequate parking. If needed, they should also consider hiring security or other personnel to ensure the safety of their guests.

Hire Help

Planning a backyard wedding can be a lot of work, so couples should consider hiring help if needed. They may want to hire a wedding planner to coordinate the day-of activities and manage the vendors. Additionally, couples may want to hire a bartender, caterer, or other personnel to help with the event. Hiring help can take a lot of stress off the bride and groom and ensure the wedding day runs smoothly.

Send Invitations

Once the venue is secured and the vendors are hired, couples should start sending out invitations. They should consider sending the invitations at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding date to give guests ample time to RSVP. Couples should also include a response card with the invitation so that they can easily track who will be attending.

Decorate and Design

Creating the perfect wedding atmosphere is an important part of planning a backyard wedding. Couples should consider their theme and design the decorations accordingly. They may want to hang string lights, arrange chairs, and create a beautiful centerpiece. They should also consider renting tables, chairs, and other items to create a cohesive look. Additionally, couples can create a seating chart to ensure their guests are comfortable.

Enjoy the Big Day

On the day of the wedding, couples should take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. It’s important to remember to be present and take in all the sights and sounds of the day. With a little bit of planning and a lot of love, couples can create a beautiful and memorable backyard wedding.