From Backyard to Wedding Wonderland: Creating Your Ideal Venue

Weddings are a special moment in a couple’s life, and choosing to host the event at home can make it all the more memorable. However, planning for the big day can take a lot of time and preparation. From updating your house with a fresh coat of paint to installing landscape lighting, there are many details that you may not think about when planning an intimate backyard wedding. To help you create the ultimate backyard wedding, we’ve rounded up wedding industry experts from Hoboken, NJ, to Portland, OR, to share their expertise with you. 

1. Think big picture logistics 

When it comes to planning your wedding, it’s crucial to think of big picture logistics. This means considering the broader aspects of your event, from the venue layout and transportation for guests to the flow of the ceremony and reception. By focusing on these overarching logistics, you can ensure a seamless and well-coordinated wedding day that allows you and your guests to fully enjoy the special moments without any hiccups or stress.

2. Plan ahead for garden blooms

Timing is crucial for a backyard wedding. Planning a year ahead allows your garden to flourish, providing a lush backdrop for your celebration

“Start to plan a year in advance for your intimate backyard wedding, this way the garden flowers will be in full bloom for the big day and/or you can plant what grows best in your particular climate,” recommends Kait Thomson, Florist in Hoboken, NJ.

3. Set the stage with calligraphy

“The art of calligraphy brings elegance and sophistication to any event. Creating an intimate backyard wedding is a perfect venue to make a wedding more personalized and special with an elegant touch of handwritten calligraphy,” shares Katherine Glattard, Calligrapher in Wilmette, IL

Calligraphy is your secret weapon for adding a touch of elegance to your backyard wedding. Here are some creative ways to incorporate it:

• • Invitations and save-the-dates: Use calligraphy for your wedding invitations and save-the-dates. Hand-lettered envelopes, names, and details create a beautiful first impression for your guest
  • Custom Hand-lettered signage: “One of the easiest ways couples can make their weddings and receptions more personalized is by including custom hand-lettered signage. From signature drinks on bar menus that are named after family pets to hand-made place cards made specifically for each guest by name, the possibilities are endless when it comes to signage. Going with custom signage allows your calligrapher to design each piece with you and your partner in mind—that’s not the experience you’ll get buying a standard wedding sign from a retail store,” states Katelyn Maude Harder, modern calligrapher and owner of Letters by Maude in Kansas City, MO.
  • Personalized wedding favors: Infuse your favors with warmth by adding a calligraphed message of thanks, your names, and the wedding date. 
  • Guest book: Use calligraphy to decorate the cover of your guest book or have pages with calligraphed headings for guests to leave their well wishes.

4.  Set the mood with the right lighting 

“Ambient accent lighting is important at night. A big drawback to doing a backyard wedding is you likely won’t have at your disposal the lighting options available at a legit wedding venue. What you want are accent lights that add some flare to the surrounding. Those lights don’t need to light up the entirety of the backyard, rather they can take the form of strung lights around the periphery or overhead. You could even do uplighting on trees or on porch pillars or globes hanging from limbs. Get creative,” states Kyle Carnes, Photographer in Portland Oregon

5. Choose the perfect ceremony background 

According to Lauren Ashlie, Photographer in Virginia Beach, VA, “No matter the size of your backyard, you want to pay special attention to the ceremony location. Your backdrop has a big impact on the focal point, you and your Person. Be sure to pick a spot that doesn’t have too many distractions in the background.” 

6. Be a courteous neighbor 

You don’t have to invite them to the party, but it’s a good idea to check in with your neighbors in advance of the event to let them know what to expect. Put them at ease with assurances you will keep the crowd under control and the noise at a reasonable level. Discuss issues that may come up like parking and property lines.

Go the extra mile by asking neighbors what concerns they might have about the event. Once you know the issues, you can figure out a plan that works for everyone. In the end, the party only lasts one night, but you have to live next to these folks for much longer.

7. Elevate the atmosphere with balloons

Balloons, when creatively incorporated, can add a playful and enchanting touch to your celebration. From charming arches to oversized installations, these colorful orbs can inject joy and vibrancy into your wedding decor. “For those seeking to make a bold impression, utilizing balloons of varying sizes, including a few oversized ones, can be remarkably impactful,” says Yuliya Altynnikova, Balloon Decorator in Sayreville, NJ. 

8. Plan for inclement weather

Planning for inclement weather is a wedding essential that can’t be overlooked. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and a well-thought-out backup plan ensures that rain or unexpected conditions won’t dampen your celebration. Consider renting a tent or canopy to shield your guests from the elements while still enjoying the beauty of your backyard venue. Having a contingency strategy in place allows you to adapt gracefully to any weather curveballs, ensuring that your special day goes off without a hitch, rain or shine.

An intimate backyard wedding is a canvas for crafting cherished memories in a personal and meaningful setting. It’s a place where your love story takes center stage, etching new memories into familiar surroundings. As you embark on this journey, understanding the best way to transform your yard is crucial, allowing you to create the perfect wedding atmosphere for your big day. 

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