Are Backyard Weddings Cheaper Than Renting a Venue?

We have entered the age of “DIY weddings” and we are all for it! However, for those doing it themselves to save money, is it really more cost effective to have your wedding in your home, backyard or private property?

Most couples think they will save a large portion of their wedding budget by not spending the money on a pre-established venue. While yes most venues come with a price, when it comes down to it, what are you paying for by booking a venue?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering a backyard wedding:

Rentals: A lot of times people will use their grassy backyard as a location for their wedding reception, and most of the time the “weather back-up” will be a tent. Tenting is a large added cost for a wedding. Additionally, you will likely want to plan for a dancefloor on the grass. In which case this typically will require leveling out the ground so that you don’t have a bumpy dancefloor! Not to mention your tables, chairs, linens, flatware… the list goes on.

Catering: If you plan to do a plated or buffet dinner (aka, not a food truck), not only will you have the cost and selection of your caterer, but your caterer will need a preparation or catering kitchen. This would either require use of your personal kitchen, or the added cost of a “kitchen build-out” where your caterer will rent a tent, tables, heating lamps, etc. to create an on-site kitchen, as well as a bar rental and all needed bar equipment.

Electricity: Not all backyards are wired for large weddings and events. Do you have enough power to accommodate your DJ, lights, band, caterer, etc.? Where is it located? (Fun fact: Having enough circuits is something to think about. One single coffee urn pulls so much power that if it is on the same circuit as your DJ, it could cause the power to go out for your entire wedding!)

Parking: Depending on the location, parking can be something to figure out. Is there nearby parking? Is it on a busy street or up winding hills? This may require that you hire a valet to help your guests park.

Staffing: Doing a DIY wedding can be fun, however when it’s at your own home, you end up being the clean-up crew. During your wedding, if someone breaks a glass, the trash cans fill up, the bathroom is dirty, etc. who is there to clean it up? This is why you would want to hire one or two staff to keep the place clean throughout your event. And how about moving the chairs from the ceremony area to the reception?

Bathrooms: An average home has 2-3 single toilet restrooms, most of which are located within a bedroom. When you have 75-150 guests needing a lavatory, you’re not exactly going to want them walking through your home. Events of more than 100 people typically require at least 2-3 restrooms. This then requires you to rent a bathroom trailer or something similar.

Lighting: Almost any venue you go to is going to have lighting established in the building or area. This is not always the case for a backyard, property or open space. Having enough light is essential not only for ambiance, but for the safety of your guests too.

Weighing the options is important when planning your wedding.

We hope this information helps guide you in your decisions. We are always available to plan and organize all of these pieces for you.