It’s officially the season for backyard weddings and I’m here for it! If you’re thinking of the best place to celebrate, why not keep it close to home? Backyard weddings are extremely intimate and sentimental. Whether it’s your own backyard, the backyard you grew up in or a family members cabin or lake house. It’s extremely meaningful to share vows in a place that means so much to you! Not only will you save money on renting a venue but it also allows you more flexibility when planning your wedding day. If you’ve been looking for the perfect place to host your wedding day, here are some reasons why backyard weddings are really awesome:

You can save money on a venue

Often times one of your biggest expenses when planning a wedding is the venue. The easiest way to remove this expense is by having a backyard wedding instead. Many couples opt for a backyard wedding so that they have more flexibility in planning their day. Venues have certain protocols and regulations. In other cases, couples struggle to find a venue that checks all of their boxes. If you plan on having a backyard wedding, you may need to consider renting a tent depending on the weather. While you may still have additional rentals, it’s significantly cheaper to get married in your backyard. A backyard wedding is also perfect for couples who love being outdoors! You also don’t have to worry about traveling to and from a location and can get ready in a space that’s familiar to you. You can also save money that would have otherwise been spent on a hotel room, AirBnB or venue’s getting ready room.

You can choose any date you want

An added bonus with having it in your backyard is that you aren’t confined to a specific date. Depending on where you’re located and the season you’re getting married in could also depict the date that you choose. Check with your other vendors such as your wedding planner and photographer and then go from there. This is especially true for couples who want to get married during peak wedding season or within a shorter time frame because wedding venues tend to book up fast. Having a backyard wedding means that you can literally get married on any day that you want. This could also mean that you have more options when choosing your other vendors too!

You can keep it small

Wedding venues are often larger and geared towards hosting a large number of people. If you plan on having a micro wedding or smaller guest list, it could be awkward trying to fill up the space of a larger venue. Many venues also require a minimum number of guests in order to book. If you’d rather keep it small and have more flexibility when it comes to your venue, then getting married in your backyard is the best option for you! Backyards aren’t meant to host a lot of people so if you’d rather keep it small, your backyard is the best place for an intimate event. If you and your partner love the at-home feeling that a backyard wedding will bring, then you’ll likely feel more comfortable there, too. You’ll get to create even more memories with your family and friends in a place that already means so much to you. Depending on the size of the backyard, will depict how many guests you can have.

You have options for bar services and catering

Many venues also require you to use their catering and bar services which could end up being pricier than you anticipated. By choosing to get married in your backyard, you can avoid having to pay a per person fee, minimum bar cost or other hidden costs associated with the venue. You’ll get to choose whichever restaurant or food that you want to have. For example, if you want a burger bar or to serve pizza to your guests, this is an option with a backyard wedding. When you book a venue, you’re often limited by their menu options. You can also set your own prices at the bar and bring in whatever alcohol you choose for your guests. Consider having a speciality drink or your own bottle label to add to the “at-home” feel of a backyard wedding.

Your furry friends can be there

Many couples can’t imagine having their wedding day without their furry family members. Often times wedding venues have a strict no pet policy. If this is the case then the best way to include your pets in your wedding day is by having it in your backyard. A backyard wedding allows your pets to roam around in the comfort of their own home while still being included in the day. You’re also able to get some photographs with your pet before the day gets busy! You won’t need to transport them to a second location for pictures. Having your pets present could be one of the memorable parts of your wedding day!

A backyard wedding allows you to get creative while staying within your budget. Adding greenery will help to add to the colour theme that’s already present. Consider adding hanging lights that will help to create a warm, ambient atmosphere! While backyard weddings often involve more preparation, it’s such a great option for those who want to keep their day sentimental and have more input with planning. Other things to consider with a backyard wedding are table and chair rentals, decor, lighting, glassware and plates, table linens, etc. Hiring a wedding coordinator can help you with the planning and alleviate some of the stress that may come with planning a backyard wedding. For more on why you should hire a wedding planner, check out the blog post here.

If you’re ready to start planning the backyard wedding of your dreams, start by searching for inspiration on Pinterest. Save this post to your backyard wedding planning board too!