How To Create The Backyard Reception Of Your Dreams.
I LOVE these receptions. They are intimate, relaxing, chill and honestly such a lovely aesthetic. But one thing that they have in common is that those couples created an atmosphere for their reception. Getting this atmosphere is crucial to having that romantic, intimate, dreamy reception!
Here are a few things that I have found from all the backyard weddings I have captured AND my own backyard wedding!
Yes, I love this idea so much we even used it for our own wedding!
Let’s get to it!
Here are 7 things I recommend putting some thought into:
Lighting
Weather Plans
Food
Layout
Photo Booth
Sound System
Back-Up Plans
1. Lighting
There is a reason lighting is number one on this list. Lighting is maybe THE key to creating the right ambiance for your backyard wedding reception AND it is the biggest item on the list that gets forgotten when planning.
Use string lights (my fav) or lanterns to provide a warm and romantic glow throughout the yard. You can also use candles or tiki torches to add to the ambiance. Choose lighting that fits your wedding theme and style.
2. Weather Plans
Always have a plan for inclement weather when planning anything outdoors. Rent a tent, gazebo, or a few umbrellas to provide cover in case it starts to rain. If it's going to be a hot day, shade can help a ton! Also consider renting portable fans or air conditioning units.
My favorite are these clear tents. They allow so much light to come in and brings the outdoors into the tent! Also they are just pretty and will go with any color scheme!
3. Food
Can’t forget your munchies! Consider hiring caterers or food trucks. To ensure your guests, and you, are well-fed and happy. Food trucks complete the backyard wedding vibe but may not be the best option for you depending on your preferences, space, or layout. Either option will save you the hassle of having to cook and serve food on your wedding day. As always make sure to choose a catering option that fits with your wedding theme and style, but most importantly choose something you love!
4. Layout
When planning a backyard wedding reception, it's important to create a layout for the space. This will help you maximize the use of the area and ensure that there is enough seating for all of your guests, help in planning walkways, and guide your guests where you want them to go when they are entering. If your backyard is large or confusing to get to, make signs to guide guests where you want them to go. Create an overhead layout map of where you want tables and events to take place!
Consider renting tables and chairs instead of trying to round up enough to borrow of the right size and style. I speak from experience, save yourself the headache! 😵💫
5. Set up a Photo Booth
A photo booth is a great way to capture fun and memorable moments at your backyard wedding party. If you want to remember who all was at your wedding then I highly recommend setting up a spot, close to the action of the party, for photos! You could also include a polaroid guestbook so everyone can “sign” your book with a fun photo of them!
If your ceremony was also outdoors, you could repurpose your arbor into an already built photo spot!
Additionally try these rotating photo booths! They are FUN!
6. Sound System
If you have a DJ then they will probably cover a lot of this! But make sure to talk with them to see what all they provide. Even if you aren’t having much dancing, or if you are having live music, chances are you will still want to have some speeches, talks, toasts, or prayers. Take into account your needs and how you will get electricity outside to the places you’ll need it.
For music, make sure to get a speaker that will fill your space well. Thankfully many small JBL speakers today are quite powerful and capable of projecting to a large area. Technology is incredible.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Saving the most important for last! It’s never fun to think about, but it's always important to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong on the wedding day. This could include having a backup generator in case the power goes out, having extra seating available in case more guests show up than expected, or having a backup plan in the case of weather.
Something is bound to not go quite to plan (thankfully it is usually nothing major). But think through possible scenarios and how they should be handled!
Setting up a backyard outdoor reception means you are having to provide all the sound systems, lighting after dark, places to sit, etc. A lot of these are things that you wouldn’t have to even think about if you were renting a venue, so they are so easy to forget! Backyard receptions are SO WORTH IT for the intimate and relaxed atmosphere they create. Don’t let the details bog you down. Remember the payoff will be worth it!
By following these tips, you’ll be able to help create that perfect atmosphere for your celebration. And hey, if you are looking for someone to capture these memories you’re about to make, I’d be honored to help with that. Since you’re looking into an outdoor celebration, and those are my favorite, I have a hunch that we’d be such a great fit!
As a wedding photographer, I have captured many beautiful backyard wedding receptions, and I know that with the right planning and preparation, your backyard wedding can be exceedingly magical. Contact me for your outdoor wedding photography needs in Wichita, Kansas, KC, the Midwest or anywhere your love takes us!
See ya next time!
