Money Monday: What to Consider When Having A DIY Backyard Wedding
In theory, a backyard wedding sounds intimate and cost-saving but, a few items can drive up your budget. When hosting an at-home wedding, you will be building a wedding space from scratch. This means your home may not be equipped to handle large power needs and catering space. If you’re planning a minimal guest list of fewer than 50 people, you may not have to worry about extra costs. But, depending on your home size and guest list, you will want to consider all potential costs before making a decision. If you’re planning a backyard wedding, here are a few things to think about that may increase your budget!
Consider Rentals
When building a wedding space from scratch, you’ll need to consider the number of items you need to rent for your ceremony and reception. Not only do you need tables and chairs, but also dinnerware, barware, linens, etc. It’s also likely that you’ll need to rent portable bathrooms and a generator to accommodate a larger guest list. These rentals can quickly add up to thousands of dollars if the majority of the items listed above need to be rented or bought for your wedding.
Photography by Courtney Chau Photography
Have A Backup Plan
Generally, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in place for your wedding. But, especially when the majority of your wedding will be taking place outside, you’ll want to have a plan in place for what you intend to do in the event of bad weather. Placing a hold on a tent or alternate venue will initially cost extra, but is great to have in case of rain. On the other hand, if heat is expected, you’ll want to consider renting portable ACs and fans for your guests.
Photography by Courtney Chau Photography
Home Improvements
For a backyard wedding, your entire space will be on display. If you just had work done and are ready to show off your space, that’s great! But, if your backyard needs a little extra love and care before your big day, you will need to factor home improvements into your wedding budget. These home improvements will last longer than the wedding, but can initially come at a higher cost. Some potential fixes are lawn care, patio work, fencing, gardening, etc.
Photography by Courtney Chau Photography
Share this with a bride who is planning to have a backyard wedding. Looking for a simple wedding dress that will perfectly complement an at-home wedding? Browse our collection of made-to-measure wedding gowns for a few options that won’t break the bank.
Other Topics You May Be Interested In
