
Guest Tips For The Backyard Wedding Bride
If you are planning a backyard wedding, then there are so many things to look forward to! You get to truly invite all of the people you love most to the place you love most. This special day of your life is even more special to have at your home. Inviting dozens of people to your home can feel a bit different than inviting them to a wedding venue. There are a few more things to consider and think about. Here are our best guest tips for planning a backyard wedding.
What makes a backyard wedding different
A backyard wedding can be very different from an ordinary wedding. The biggest difference is that it’s at your home. Not a traditional venue. Because of this, the day can feel that much more special. Couples are able to revisit the place they said “I do” on a daily basis.
However, this also means that your home is on display! Image inviting dozens of people over for dinner. There are many things to consider as food, cleanliness, organization, decor, and navigating your overall event. When you have your wedding at a traditional venue, you can leave at any point. Your guests can also leave. However, when you’re at your home, these navigations can seem more blurry.
Understanding the logistics and organization behind inviting dozens of guests over for your wedding is extremely important. And oftentimes, couples can overlook these details. Let’s dive into a few together and walk through the best tips for a backyard wedding guest.
Tips For Your Guest Count
When deciding to say “I do” in the backyard, the first thing you want to do is agree on your guest count. Depending on the size of your backyard, your guest count can vary. With a backyard wedding, you may need to consider inviting fewer people unless you have the space. This isn’t always a bad thing since backyard weddings are a bit more intimate.
Be sure to consider any HOA rules and/or regulations. Do some research on what your neighborhood allows as far as large crowds. Check-in with neighbors as well. It’s always good to give a heads up that you are expecting a lot of company. One of the most common logistical concerns for backyard weddings is parking. If your home does not naturally and safely accommodate parking for your entire guest list, then be sure to rent out a parking space nearby and provide transportation.
Backyard weddings are so great to keep intimate and meaningful. Don’t feel pressured to invite everyone to your wedding. Be curious about what your home can truly host, and begin by inviting the people who mean the most in your life.
Creating A Dress Code
Something to consider for a guest when having a backyard wedding is the dress code. When guests see that your wedding is at your home, they can make the assumption that the dress is more casual. Be sure to include your wedding’s dress code on your invitation. Minted wedding invitations have a few examples you can browse. Some examples can include formal attire, semi-formal, black tie, black tie optional, and casual. Having a backyard wedding doesn’t mean that it cannot be upscale. Be sure to include whatever dress code on your wedding invitations for your guest to follow.
Having a firm dress code is another great way to add an extra flair to your backyard wedding. Couples will often encourage guests to even incorporate their wedding colors in their attire. This helps pull together the overall look and vibe of your backyard wedding.
Parking and logistics
When planning your backyard wedding, be sure to consider all parking and logistics details. The first thing that you want to do is disclose that your wedding venue is your home. You can do this on your wedding invitations. Explore Minted wedding invitations and see how the default locations are written in. You want to include it on your invites to let guests know they will not be going to just any venue. This is important for them to understand in case they want to bring a gift. Oftentimes a wedding guest will only mail a gift if the wedding is taking place at a venue.
Be sure to also consider parking. It’s usually good to plan for the same number of vehicles as your guest count. Not all guests will drive separately; however, it’s good to have additional parking and space for many reasons. The most important reason is safety. Be sure to also consider vendor parking. If your home does not safely accommodate the number of parking spots you need, consider renting driveways around your neighborhood or finding parking spots to rent close to your home. You may also need to consider a shuttle service if guests are parking away from the home.
Not Having Your Guests stay too late
When you choose to have your wedding at your home, one thing to consider is the timeline. Will you and your spouse stay at your home that night? Will you be putting a timeline in place for guests to leave? Details like these are very important. Nothing is worst than you having a beautiful wedding reception and then wanting to turn in for the night but still entertaining guests. Of course, you don’t want to be rude and just kick everyone out. However, you should have the comfort on your wedding day that you want.
One tip for preventing a guest from staying too late at your backyard wedding is communicating the timeline beforehand. Include on your wedding invitations when guests will be invited to continue the party without at another location. You can also have this written out on a large chalkboard like this at the front door. When guests have a clear understanding of the timeline and exceptions, they are way more likely to respect them.
planning your backyard wedding
When thinking of your backyard wedding, there are so many amazing thoughts that come to mind. We know just how important your home is to you. And the idea of saying “I do” in a place that you revisit every day makes the experiences that much more magical. We also know that the family and friends who come to your wedding mean the most to you in the world. This is why their experience is so important as well. These tricks will help give them the best and most comfortable experience as backyard wedding guests.
If you’re ready to truly begin planning the backyard wedding of your dreams, let us help! There are more details just like wedding guests to consider for a backyard celebration. Download our free Backyard Wedding inspection checklist! This free guide will act as an inspection list for your backyard, ensuring that it’s guest-ready! Create the ultimate backyard wedding experience not just for you and your spouse but for everyone lucky enough to attend!