In the last few years, we have seen a surge in backyard weddings, due in part to the flexibility but also because every detail can be customized to fit exactly what the couple wants. While some people have laid-back backyard nuptials, we have found that many couples opt for a more elevated affair, that just happens to be in their backyard.

When we first started talking with T & T, their vision for the backyard was very clear. They wanted a black dance floor, black chairs, and a clear top tent with bistro lights. This was our first black dancefloor and it did not disappoint. Every detail of this wedding came together beautifully, but when thinking about having a backyard wedding, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

Do you have enough space: This seems obvious, but keep in mind all that goes into a wedding day. Do you have a spot picked out for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? In some cases, reception and ceremony can be in the same place, so while guests are enjoying cocktail hour, our team is behind the scenes, converting the ceremony space to your reception space. Don’t just focus on the backyard though! Sometimes a side yard or a front yard or porch can be the perfect backdrop for a ceremony or cocktail hour.

Did you budget for the extra rentals: When having an event at a wedding hall, they typically have a kitchen and restrooms already. When planning a backyard wedding, you might need to rent these items. Restroom trailers have come a long way, and the ones we suggest have A/C, running water, and even music in the stalls. If you have 150 guests at your home, you won’t want them in and out of the house. Restroom trailers start around $1200, so it’s good to keep that in mind when budgeting. Very few home kitchens are equipt to cook for 150 guests, so a kitchen tent and equipment may need to be brought in. Typically the cost depends on the size of your event and the menu selected, but it’s safe to put aside roughly $1,500 for a basic kitchen tent with equipment.

Are you ready to be decisive: When we start to go through the details of your event, we are going to be asking you to make so many decisions, from the type of tent to the color and type of chairs your guests will be sitting on. It’s ok to not know what you want, or to let us choose for you! We love a good Pinterest board to help guide us, and some decisions simply come down to cost. While all these details can feel overwhelming, we walk our couples through every step of the process, ensuring their vision comes to life.

Have more questions? Email our events team at hello@peppercornevents.com

Photos by J&R Photo