How to Arrange a Backyard Garden Wedding

A backyard can make a memorable and affordable location for an outdoor wedding.

A backyard garden wedding combines the elements of natural beauty with the comfort and familiarity of home. Whether your wedding is set in your own backyard, a close friend or relative's backyard, or, the backyard in which the bride or groom grew up, it will provide an intimate setting rich with memories.

Things You'll Need

• Tent
• Chairs
• Table
• White linen floor runner or stone pathway
• Arch or trellis
• Jazz quartet

Instructions

1. Select a backyard big enough to comfortably accommodate your wedding party and guest list. Mark out the amount of space needed for folding chairs, keeping in mind that even the most basic wood-framed chair measures at least 16 inches wide. Figure the amount of space needed for additional items like trellises, arches or platforms for the wedding party to stand on. Choose a yard large enough to handle a reception tent with tables and additional chairs, if the reception is to be held on the same site as the ceremony.

2. Make a back-up plan in case of rain. Consider ordering a second tent in which the ceremony can be held in the event of rain or inclement weather, or select an indoor ceremony and reception site as a back-up.

3. If serving alcohol during the reception, contact your city council or county administration ordinance office to make sure it is okay to serve alcohol in the backyard you've chosen for your wedding reception.

4. Prepare the backyard for the ceremony and reception by clearing away all debris, sticks and leaves. Trim bushes and hedges; check garden beds for weeds and remove all dead or wilting flowers and weeds. Inspect the yard carefully for holes and severe uneven surfaces and fill them as needed. Lay down new sod where needed. Consider adding new flowers to your garden in coordination with the wedding colors and flowers chosen for bridal party attendants.

5. Prepare lighting if the wedding or reception is going to be held in the evening or late afternoon. String outdoor lights in trees and wrap strings of lights around tree trunks. Install in-ground outdoor lighting along the edges of garden beds or along walkways to help guests avoid stumbling.

6. Arrange a site for bridal party photos. Erect a gazebo, trellis or arch or plan to take pictures in a spot with special significance.

References

• Backyard Garden: Tips When Planning Incredible Backyard Weddings
• Wedding Clipart: Garden Theme Wedding

Resources

• Furniture Concepts: Folding and Stacking Chairs