Backyard Wedding Checklist

Are you thinking of having a backyard wedding? Maybe you have a family member with a gorgeous home and lots of space. Or maybe it’s not that big but is sentimental. Many couples are drawn to having a backyard or private estate wedding and are excited about the savings of not paying a venue fee. On the surface, a backyard wedding might seem like the cost effective way to go. But depending on what you envision for the day, and what is available at the home, there can be extra costs that will add to your budget. I’m breaking down a backyard wedding checklist for things you might need to add to your wedding budget.

Restrooms

Does the home you are using for your wedding have restrooms? Probably. But more important is if the homeowner will allow your wedding guests and vendors to use them. Homeowners may not want a slew of guests walking through their homes which is why you may need to add restrooms to your budget. Don’t worry, we’re definitely not talking about those festival restrooms. There are many companies that offer restroom trailers that actually flush and resemble more of a powder room.

Lighting

This one really depends on the property and what is already existing. If you are having any portion of your wedding outside in the evening, you’ll need to think about lighting. Ambient lighting like string lights and chandeliers are great for decor, and setting the mood. But don’t forget lighting for any dark areas where guests may be walking throughout the event. That could be to the restroom trailer, a walkway from cocktail hour to dinner, or lighting for a build out kitchen. Which takes me to our next item.

Kitchen

Just like with restrooms, the home you are using to host your wedding probably has a kitchen. But it’s a question of if you can use it for your event. You may not need the use of a full kitchen if your caterer is bringing food that has already been prepared and is just being placed in chafing dishes. However- if your caterer is cooking on site they will need the use of a kitchen. If the one in the home is not available, then a full kitchen build out will need to be rented either through your caterer or through a rental company. While planning for this, you’ll want to find the best place for the kitchen build out that is far enough away from guests, but has access to power and running water.

Parking

Depending on the size and location of your backyard wedding, you may need to think about brining in a valet to assist with parking cars. If the home is on a street with a good amount of parking, and you have a smaller guest count, you’ll probably be ok letting guests park themselves. It’s always a good idea to let your neighbors know what is going on so they are prepared for more cars in the neighborhood, and some music going later into the evening. On the other hand, if you have a tricky neighborhood or larger guest count, you’ll want to consider a valet, or shuttle bringing in guests from a specified area where they can leave their cars.

Rentals

Rentals for a backyard wedding can be as simple as some folding tables and chairs. But it can also include a dance floor, rented place settings for dinner, a physical bar, linens, heaters, a tent for inclement weather, and additional seating areas. This really varies based on what a couple wants for their day, and what is already available at the home.

Garbage

I know, no one wants to talk about garbage disposal when planning a wedding. But you need to! Make sure it is clear to your catering/service team where garbage is being disposed of. You might also need to rent a couple of extra trash bins to keep by the bar and in the food prep area.

As a Los Angeles wedding planner, I’ve spoken to many couples about backyard weddings (and planned some too!). I know many of these things are not top of mind when you think of a backyard wedding. But they are all essential to a smooth and enjoyable event for you and your guests. For more tips on planning an outdoor wedding, check out this post of Things To Consider for an Outdoor Wedding.

Photos in this post by Christine Skari at a Hollywood Hills private estate wedding.