Backyard Weddings

An intimate outdoor wedding is always a popular pick with brides. With limited outdoor venues throughout Stanislaus County, that means the few venues that are available to choose from book up quickly. So, find a friend or family member with a green thumb (and the backyard to prove it) and start planning!

Setting a date

A backyard wedding means you have a small window of opportunity to take advantage of optimal weather conditions. In California, late spring (May) through early fall (October) are fairly safe months. Although, if you're planning on the cusp of spring and fall, be sure and have a contingency plan in place. If there's even a chance of weather expected on your wedding day, make sure you either have a tent on reserve with a rental company or you have a venue lined up. Also, have a group of emergency "staff" (family & friends) that can quickly help with the transition should you need to make last minute changes.

Setting a guest list

Depending upon the size of your space, a guest list of 100-150 is a comfortable count for an intimate wedding. If you just can't cut your list down, and your garden can accommodate the guests, then don't feel pressured to eliminate family and friends. A safe rule of thumb in calculating guest space is 12 sq. ft. per person. For a guest list of 100-150 you'll need a space between 1,200 sq. ft. and 1,800 sq. ft.

The infrastructure

Quickly take an assessment of your yard: electrical outlets, lighting, condition of ground, area available (for ceremony, dinner, dancing, etc), restroom availability, handicap accessibility (if necessary) and anything else that come. You'll need electrical for the ceremony sound system, reception music (sound system/DJ), lighting and any other additional services that you'll be bringing in (margarita machines, bubble machines, etc). Also, take a walk through the grounds to identify any spots that may be a potential hazard such as pot holes, uneven ground or large shifts in concrete that create gaps or dips. If possible, bring in sand or fill dirt to even out those areas. You'll also want to determine if you can use the restrooms located in the home or if you need to bring in portable restrooms for your guests. Discuss with the owner if the kitchen can be used for the catering staff, bridal party preparation (dressing) and anything else you may need. Don't assume that because you're using the yard, you get full use of the house as well.

The rentals

You'll need chairs for the ceremony, an aisle runner and an altar. For the reception you'll need tables, chairs, tablecloths, napkins, place settings and a dance floor. You may require additional items, based upon your tastes and budget, but these are the basics to get you started.

Lighting

Although this was mentioned before in the infrastructure section, you'll need to identify specifically what type of lighting you intend to have. Suggestions would be to hang white lights wherever possible: trees, shrubs, arbors, strung across the patio or along structures. Also, think about ways you can light up the dance floor. If you're having a DJ, maybe this is something they can provide (usually at an additional cost). Think about incorporating some type of lighting at the guest tables as well. Whether that lighting is in the form of candles, lighted vases or some other light source you'll need something for the evening hours. You can also string lighted, paper lanterns over the guest tables, however, use a low-wattage bulb to create an ambient light otherwise you'll have bugs buzzing overhead at each lantern!

The costs

Depending upon whether you decide to take on any projects as a DIY bride, your budget will vary. The estimated costs outlined below are based upon a wedding in Stanislaus County, for a guest list of 100, with most wedding tasks being outsourced to a wedding professional. The assumption is you'll want to take on as little as possible so that you can enjoy a stress-free day!

Marriage license - $75.00
Officiant - $250.00
Caterer - $1,700.00
Wine/Champagne - $800.00
Cake - $500.00
Florist - $1,200.00
Ceremony Music - $200.00
Reception Music - $1,500.00
Photographer - $2,500.00
Videographer - $1,500.00
Rentals - $1,200.00
Stationery - $1,000.00
Postage - $50.00
Favors - $250.00
Bridal Attire - $1,200.00
Hair - $120.00
Make-up - $65.00
Manicure/Pedicure - $60.00
Bridal Party Gifts - $360.00 (estimated for 3 bridesmaids/ 3 groomsmen)
Guest Book - $25.00
Cake Serving Set - $20.00
Ring Pillow - $15.00
Toasting Glasses - $25.00
Liability Insurance - $200.00
TOTAL - $14,815.00

Other costs

Rings
Wedding Coordinator
Beer or Hard Liquor
Transportation
Parent's Gifts
Gifts for Out-of-Town Guests
Honeymoon

Some final words

A backyard wedding can be as elaborate or as simple as you would like. Your budget will be the deciding factor of which route you choose to go. You can also stretch your wedding budget if you can take on some DIY projects such as making favors, invites, creative centerpieces, bouquets or anything else within your scope of creativity. The benefit of a backyard wedding is that you don't have to invest in elaborate decorations. The greenery surrounding you provides a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. So enjoy your family, friends and celebrate your marriage!