Booking a wedding venue has become an astronomical expense in recent years. If you’re looking to save money and create a more intimate gathering of friends and family, you may wish to host your event right in your own backyard. While this is a lovely way to give your big day a personal feel, there are a number of points to keep in mind while planning the party. Review these suggestions and learn how to host a backyard wedding that covers all of your bases. 

Keep the Numbers Small

The first thing to consider with a backyard event is the size of your guest list. Unless you have a lot of space to work with, it is best to keep your numbers small. Not only will this help with fully using the yard in a logistical way, but it can also make it easier for you to manage the costs related to renting tables, chairs, and other equipment. What’s more, inviting fewer people gives you the opportunity to cultivate an intimate affair where you can actually connect and interact with your guests.

Review Local Laws

Next, you must take time to review local laws centered around having large parties at a personal residence. For example, your town might have strict noise ordinances that conflict with having a DJ play music at your reception. There might also be health codes and fire regulations to consider, especially when it comes to your vendors. Before you set anything in stone, reach out to your county clerk’s office and get a better understanding of the rules that are in place and any permits you need to apply for in order to host a large gathering. 

Inform Your Neighbors

Maintaining healthy relationships with your neighbors can be vital to being a part of a local community. Since hosting a wedding on your property can create a lot of noise, you should definitely speak with your neighbors in advance about your decision. As a show of respect, it is best to speak directly to your neighbors about two months before the party. Provide them with any details that may be important, such as the timeline of events and how long the guests will be present. You should also include information on when vendors will be arriving for setup and breakdown. 

Figure Out the Lighting

Traditionally, most outdoor receptions start while the sun is still out. If you plan on having the party extend until it gets dark, then you will need to have a plan in place for lighting. Depending on the mood you’re trying to set, there are a number of ways to go about this task. To cultivate a soft and romantic atmosphere, you can hang strings of twinkle lights around the yard. If you want to make sure your guests can see where they’re going while moving around the premises, consider brighter lights that illuminate the space without being too intense. 

Think About the Bathroom Arrangements

Finally, don’t forget to create a plan for where guests can go to the bathroom. Even with a small guest list, you may not feel comfortable with having friends and family constantly parading in and out of your home to use the facilities. The best option available to you is renting a portable restroom. A number of companies specialize in high-end portable toilets that boast all of the amenities of indoor restrooms, like sinks, mirrors, and appropriate lighting. Since a backyard wedding helps you save on venue costs, you can put a good chunk of your budget toward this expense. 

Throw the Perfect Backyard Event

While a wedding held in the comfort of your backyard boasts a number of advantages, there are still plenty of important points to consider as you plan the event. Take time to create a strategy that covers everything from lighting to local ordinances, and feel prepared for your big day.