Planning a wedding can be both exciting and challenging, but hosting a backyard wedding offers a unique opportunity to personalize your special day while keeping your costs in check.  Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy garden, I am here to provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you plan and budget for a memorable backyard wedding in Tennessee.

Beginning Steps:

1. Establish Your Vision
   • Before diving into the planning process, take some time to envision your dream backyard wedding. Consider the style, theme, and overall aesthetic you want to create. Do you prefer an intimate garden party, a rustic barn wedding, or an elegant reception? This vision will guide your decisions throughout the planning process.
2. Set a realistic budget
   • Determining a budget is a crucial first step. Be honest about what you can afford and what elements are most important to you. Consider the following expenses:
   • Venue setup and rentals (tables, chairs, tents, lighting, etc.)
   • Decorations and floral arrangements
   • Catering and beverages
   • Wedding attire and accessories
   • Photography and videography
   • Entertainment (music or a DJ)
   • Invitations and stationery
   • Wedding cake and dessert options
   • Miscellaneous expenses (gifts, favors, marriage license, etc.)
   • Allocate a specific amount to each category to help you stay on track financially.
3. Choose the right date
   • Selecting the date for your backyard wedding is crucial.  Be mindful of the weather in your area, as outdoor weddings are susceptible to unpredictable weather conditions.  Consider having a backup plan such as renting a tent or relocating indoors, in case of rain or extreme heat. Many couples plan their wedding day around Tennessee’s seasons (Spring and Fall) due to the favorable weather conditions and foliage colors.  For optimal leaf color, plan for a wedding in late September through November. 
4. Create a guest list and invitations
   • Create a guest list that fits your budget and space constraints.  Sending out invitations well in advance is essential for an at-home wedding, as it allows guests to plan accordingly. 
5. Rentals and Setup
   • Renting tables, chairs, linens, and other equipment is often necessary for a backyard wedding.  Plan the layout of your backyard, taking into consideration seating arrangements, dance areas, and any designated areas for food and drink.

Hire Wedding Vendors and Professionals

Hiring professional wedding vendors that are skilled in their craft will undeniably save you from experiencing stress on your wedding day. I have listed below the top wedding vendors that I believe all couple’s should invest in for their wedding day.

1. Wedding Planner or Day-of-coordinator
   • Hiring a wedding planner for your backyard wedding is arguably the most important element of your wedding vendor team. A planner or day-of-coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring that the day runs smoothly and successfully.  Many times, a family member or friend (that also serves in the bridal party) is deemed responsible for set up and coordinating, not allowing them to be present for many special moments on the wedding day.
   • The coordinator/planner is responsible for vendor coordination,  day of setup, timeline management, and problem solving on your wedding day. In summary, a wedding coordinator is essential for reducing stress, managing logistics, and ensuring a smooth and memorable wedding day.
2. Photography and Videographer
   • Hire a professional photographer and videographer to capture your special day.  Ensure they are familiar with outdoor settings and are able to adapt to various lighting conditions.
3. Decor and Floral Arrangements
   • Decorate your backyard in line with your overall vision and theme.   Utilize the natural beauty of your surroundings and supplement it with personalized touches.  Oftentimes, couples will try to save money by using fake florals to make arrangements, but you truly cannot beat the overall look of authentic wedding floral arrangements.  So I recommend opting to use real flowers to keep the overall aesthetic of your day. 
4. Catering and Beverages
   • Choose a catering option that suits your style, whether it’s a formal sit-down dinner, a buffet, or a food truck. Depending on your budget, you can also consider a potluck-style meal. Offer a signature drink and non-alcoholic options to cater to all guests.
5. Entertainment and Music
   • Hire a professional DJ or live band if your budget allows.  Alternatively, create playlists of your favorite songs for different parts of the day, like the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.  Ensure you have a sound system that can accommodate your outdoor space and that is functioning properly.  There is nothing worse than having a speaker not working during first speeches. 

Plan for comfort

1. Consider your guests’ comfort by offering plenty of seating, shade, and restroom facilities.  Renting portable restrooms is a common solution for backyard weddings. 
2. Wedding attire and beauty
   • Choose wedding attire that suits your backyard setting and weather conditions. Tennessee is notorious for everchanging weather conditions despite the forecast.
   • Keep any make up and hairstyles simple and weather appropriate.

Other tips and Tricks for Planning a Backyard Wedding:

• Plan the order of line up for your family and bridal party.
  • Traditionally, family will be escorted down the aisle first, then the bridal party.
• If you are not using a planner or day of coordinator, delegate jobs to people that are not serving in the bridal party.
• Communicate with your vendors! All of your wedding vendors want to ensure that we meet your expectations, but we can only do that if you communicate with us.

Remember that planning a backyard wedding is a unique and personal experience. Embrace the charm and intimacy of the setting and do not forget to take a moment to savor the process.

By following these steps and staying true to your vision and budget, you can create a beautiful and truly memorable wedding that reflects your style and personality. Happy planning, friend! May your wedding day be filled with love and joy! I hope this blog helped you learn about how to plan a backyard wedding!

Interested in learning more tips for your wedding day! Check out my other planning posts here!