A backyard wedding may be your ideal choice if you are wanting a simple and somewhat intimate event. If so, there are still several things to consider. First, remember that you are not limited to your own or a friend/family member’s yard. There is a big difference between getting married in your backyard and having a “backyard wedding.” If you know someone who has an idyllic yard or garden then by all means ask if they’ll let you host your wedding there. If you don’t have ready access to a great location, you might consider renting an estate property that has the charm and style of a wedding in your own backyard. Of course, the location depends on what is available to you and how many guests you are planning on having, but there are some important things to keep in mind that can apply to most backyard celebrations. Read on to get some tips, tricks and advice on the benefits and logistics of a backyard or garden wedding.
Budgeting a Backyard Wedding
Many people think that a backyard wedding saves a lot of money – and it can – but this doesn’t automatically mean you can splurge on everything else. If you don’t budget properly you can end up spending a lot of money that you simply don’t need to. That being said, when you don’t have to pay for a venue (or can substantially reduce the rental cost) or worry about security deposits, you’re saving roughly 50% of a typical wedding budget. So, with careful planning you definitely have the opportunity to spend a little bit more here and there. Keep in mind that the cost of your wedding will generally be decided by how many people are attending. More people equals more food, more chairs, more glassware, more alcohol; more of everything means more money spent.
Related: How Much Does A Wedding Cost?
Permits
Can you think of anything more disruptive and embarrassing (not to mention the additional unexpected costs) on your wedding day than having your party crashed by the cops for bylaw infractions? Though your own/your friend’s/your parent’s backyard is private property, there are still fire codes, health regulations, zoning issues, parking permits and noise ordinances that you must comply with. We recommend contacting your city through its municipal website plenty of time in advance to find out exactly what permits and paperwork you need to have before your big day.
Neighbours
You will also want to let the neighbours know about your wedding day a month or so in advance. If you are going door-to-door, it is nice to provide them with a schedule of your day so they can rearrange their plans if needed, and maybe even plan a night away! Give them as much information as you can to ease their concerns, such as where people will be parking and how late you are planning on playing music (according to the municipal bylaws). Don’t forget that showing appreciation for your neighbour’s patience can go a long way and offering them some treats, baked goods or a bottle of wine doesn’t hurt either. Here’s one of those areas you might want to spend a little of the savings from lowering your venue cost.
Lighting & Electrical
Not many homes are equipped to power catering companies’ food prep equipment, DJ sound systems or outdoor light fixtures that stay on all night. You definitely have to look into renting a generator (or many!) so you don’t risk leaving your friends in the dark and putting the entire neighbourhood into a power outage. You’ll have to figure out how much power each of your vendors and rental companies need, then find a generator rental company that will help you choose the (quietest and lowest-emission) power source to accommodate.
Décor
The idea of having complete control of your decorations, free of the somewhat restrictive colour or style of a traditional wedding venue, and creating your very own design and colour palette can be overwhelming. Keep it simple by drawing from the organic colours surrounding you – earthy tones can be quite stunning – or you can be a little more bold and pick an accent colour to sprinkle into bouquets, linen or decor. What is wonderful about a backyard wedding is that it can be anything you want. You don’t even need to decorate if you don’t want to. Simple strings of lights, whether whimsical or a little more sophisticated, add to the sparkling excitement of your wedding!
Your wedding should represent you. It ought to be a reflection of you and your partner’s relationship, of your favourite things and what the two of you value most. When you take a step back and consider what is really important to you, the answer is often spending quality time together with family and friends. And where better to do that than in yours or a family/friend’s backyard?
Whether it’s a wedding, rehearsal dinner, engagement, or anniversary, get in touch with You Forever, and let’s plan your perfect day!
Planning an outdoor wedding? Here are 7 unique wedding venues in and around Vancouver that each has a special charm. Whether you imagine your wedding to be more rustic and natural or white and traditional, you are sure to find a venue among this list that suits your style.
Maan Farms (Abbotsford)
At Maan Farms you can have your ceremony overlooking Mt. Baker. Your photos will be taken among the luscious green forest and grape vines. Then have your wedding reception in the most beautiful antique barn. The white and wood of the barn paired with twinkle lights and elegant floral centrepieces is neutral and chic. Thus, any colours or décor you choose will fit in seamlessly, while standing out. The covered patio assures that rain or shine your guests will be able to eat, drink and dance the night away. They have a full wedding info package online so you can estimate costs without making any calls or emails. They also offer free wedding tours.
Earthwise Society Agassiz Venue (Delta)
You are greeted by beautifully manicured gardens when you arrive at the Earthwise Society’s Agassiz Venue. These gardens surround a rustic heritage farmhouse and barn. You can choose between three ceremony venues: the Garden, the Orchard or the Cedar Grove. Each venue its own unique component. Since it is a certified organic farm and garden, Earthwise Agassiz can cater for your event with home-grown produce and handle the flowers if you wish.
Hopcott Farms (Pitt Meadows)
Hopcott Farms is a local working farm that offers up its verdant fields, mountain views and charming red barn to one couple per weekend. This gives you peace of mind in terms of rehearsal, set up, take down, and photos! This charming venue has packages that include everything you might need for your wedding and more.
Stanley Park Pavilion (Vancouver)
If you are looking for wedding locations in Vancouver, you know the Stanley Park Pavilion is a classy venue that hosts spectacular weddings. Though not specifically outdoors, getting married at the Stanley Park Pavilion gives you and your guests the opportunity to walk around and enjoy the forest and grounds of the most iconic park in Vancouver. The outside of the pavilion is a home-style heritage lodge surrounded by incredible gardens and a classy fountain. While the inside houses stunning white walls and traditional hardwood floors which welcome any theme or décor you envision. Since it is so popular, you will definitely have to book your wedding in advance. But trust us – it is definitely worth the wait.
The Chapel Group Parks
If you are looking for more wedding locations closer to Vancouver, The Chapel Group offers personalised services at their beautiful chapels located in three iconic Vancouver and Richmond parks.
The Chapel at Stanley Park
Stanley Park is huge, and though the Pavilion is a much-loved wedding venue, it is not your only option. The Chapel at Stanley Park allows you to have an intimate ceremony with your closest family and friends. Then you can also enjoy all your favourite familiar Stanley Park hot spots. The seawall, the beautiful gardens, the beaches and the endless paths and trails. Just imagine how incredible your wedding photos will be! Though many people get married here, the possibilities for making your wedding unique and beautiful are endless.
Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re looking for a contemporary wedding venue, look no further. The Chapel at Queen Elizabeth Park is located at the highest elevation which allows for stunning views of the gardens and the mountains. Its main feature is the retractable glass wall which creates a stunning natural backdrop. You and your guests will love the beautiful walkways, fountains and garden where you can take pictures and enjoy one of Vancouver’s most scenic parks, all while celebrating a special day of love.
Minoru Park
This lovely white historic chapel at Minoru Park was built back in 1891 and has not lost any of its beauty or charm. A photographer’s dream, the park features the blooming Pierrefond Gardens as well as quaint ponds, breathtaking waterfalls and stunning walking paths nestled among the trees. When looking at the wooden chapel nestled among luscious green trees you’ll think you’ve stumbled upon the set for a Nicholas Sparks movie. It’s simple, traditional and oh so romantic.
When you look back on your wedding day, the most important thing you will want to remember is the way you felt. The excitement you felt arriving at your venue, how intimate and close you felt with your partner when you were taking pictures, how in love and close you felt while exchanging vows. These are the things you will want to remember regardless of where you got married. As usual, our advice is to trust your gut. When you are visiting wedding venues, where do you get the best feeling? Which location gets you most excited? Focus on those feelings and the rest will work itself out. Happy venue hunting!
Whether it’s a wedding, rehearsal dinner, engagement or anniversary, get in touch with You Forever today and let’s plan your forever memory!