The True Cost of Backyard Weddings: Insights from a Professional Wedding Planner

Planning a backyard wedding might seem like an intimate, cost-effective alternative to traditional venues. However, I can assure you that these seemingly simpler events often come with unexpected expenses that can quickly add up. Over the years I have had to school clients who for some odd reason think that since its in their backyard its gonna be cheap…WRONG!

Here’s are 5 key items as to why backyard weddings are more expensive than you think.

1. Rental Equipment and Infrastructure - Unlike traditional “turn key” wedding venues that come equipped with basically everything you need, a backyard setting requires you to rent almost everything. This includes tents, tables, chairs, lighting, and sound systems. Additionally, you might need portable restrooms ( I call them fancy facilities) if your house isn’t sufficient for a large guest list. But to be honest, who wants 100 guests in and out all night using your homes bathroom?? The costs for these rentals can quickly escalate, often surpassing the rental fees of a traditional venue.

2. Permits and Insurance - Hosting a wedding in your backyard isn’t as simple as setting up a tent and decorating. Depending on your location, you may need special permits for large gatherings, amplified music and tents. Moreover, liability insurance is crucial to protect against potential accidents or damage to your property. These legal requirements can add significant costs and require careful planning to ensure compliance.

Event the simplest of tent set up take time and that time costs money!

3. Catering and Service Staff - Catering in a backyard setting requires more logistics compared to a traditional venue with a bar & kitchen. You might need to rent kitchen equipment or hire a catering company that brings its own setup, then you would need a water supply and tent for their use as well. Additionally, you’ll need service staff for setup, serving and cleanup. These extra service charges can contribute substantially to the overall cost.

4. Landscaping and Property Preparations - To make your backyard wedding-worthy, you may need to invest in landscaping and property improvements. This could involve lawn care, gardening, or even significant upgrades like leveling the ground or installing walkways and lighting for when it gets dark. These improvements not only take time but can also be quite expensive, adding an unforeseen layer to your wedding budget.

5. Weather Contingencies - Weather is unpredictable and having a solid backup plan is essential for any outdoor wedding. Renting a tent is just the beginning; you may also need additional heating or cooling systems, flooring to prevent mud or even contingency decor. Preparing for weather-related issues can incur additional costs that couples overlook when initially planning a backyard wedding.

Simple & chic are the way to go with a backyard wedding

While the idea of a backyard wedding is charming and personal, it’s important to recognize the costs involved. As a wedding planner, I always advise couples to carefully consider these factors when budgeting for their special day. A well-planned backyard wedding can be magical, but it definitely requires more meticulous planning and budgeting. By understanding the potential costs involved, you can better prepare and make informed decisions to ensure your day is as perfect as you’ve always dreamed but more so that leading up to the wedding day isn’t stressful due to pitfalls from unforeseen costs.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your backyard wedding planning, don’t hesitate to call Events by Missy & Company, we are experts in planning backyard weddings from simple to grand and can provide you will all of the guidance you need as well as some budget saving tips along the way!