PROS AND CONS OF HOSTING A BACKYARD WEDDING
Hi there! I’m the owner of Fierce Productions an event/wedding planning business in Chicago and Miami. The Pandemic has forced many venues to shut down which has been a huge change of plans for engaged couples who are getting married. Many are opting to host a small backyard wedding. Our team has received several inquiries about backyard ceremonies and receptions so we thought it would be helpful to provide you with some insight before you start planning! Watch the video here!
There are certain advantages/disadvantages of hosting a wedding in your backyard and we are going to share them with you. We always like to make a list of the Cost of a decision vs. the Payoff of that decision in other words, the pros and cons. This is always a great tool to use when making any big decision and planning a wedding in your backyard is a huge one! After reading this list feel free to make your own Pros and Cons or Costs vs. Payoffs list and ask yourself: should I have my wedding in my backyard?
Pros and Cons of having a wedding in your backyard
Vendor Selection
PROS
Total control of what vendors you select. You can use any caterer, florist, liquor provider you want! You aren’t tied down to an exclusive or preferred vendor list that all venues have. You can save money by buying your own liquor and catering from your favorite restaurant.
CONS
It takes a lot of time to vet, interview and research vendors. If you’ve never planned an event before chances are you don’t have a vendor list. The benefit of using a professional venue is that you can use their resources. It is so important to find vendors who are aligned with your vision and budget. Think about how much time you want to devote to emailing vendors only to find out they don’t work within your budget or they aren’t a good match.
Artistic control
PROS
Total artistic control. You can do anything you want with your vision. You can building your own dream venue in your backyard from the ground up. Start with a blank slate.
CONS
Total artistic control means total management of all moving parts. You will need to bring in all of the backyard wedding decor and supplies (rentals, china, flatware, chairs, glassware tables, tent.) It takes a lot of time and logistics to manage this. It can also cost more money to bring everything in especially since an event has never been hosted in your backyard before. This means more work for you and your vendor team. Many event venues already have amenities like chairs and tables included in the price.
Your space your rules
PROS
Flexibility! You don’t have to follow a venue contract. You have your pick of the litter when it comes to your dream date. You have more flexibility and less restrictions. You can throw that confetti! Use that glitter! It’s your space - your rules.
CONS
You will spend more time managing this backyard venue. You will need to create a floor plan and layout. Don’t forget about bathrooms! Does your home have enough or do you need to rent some? Figure out how to clean the confetti. Figure out load in/load out. Decide where the catering area will be. Heat/rain. Deliveries. Backyard wedding decor. Decorative and functional lighting. This takes a tremendous amount of time, logistics and planning. This is also putting your home at risk for liabilities, clean up, and possible damages.
Hosting during a Pandemic
PROS
The ability to host an event during a pandemic. Not held down to the restrictions/guidelines. If the world shuts down, you have the safety and comfort of hosting in your own home.
CONS
You could be putting yourself and your guests at risk for safety. Venues comply with state guidelines because they are insured professional spaces. They have your best interest and health in mind. Taking on the liability and health of your guests is a huge responsibility anytime especially during a pandemic.
Wedding budget
PROS
Saving money and risk on the venue deposit and cost! Less risk if the pandemic continues. Your deposit won’t be tied up with a venue that may or may not be in business years later.
CONS
While you might be saving on a venue rental fee, you will need to rent a tent if you don’t have an indoor rain plan. Tents can costs upwards of $15,000 if you want something that is totally rain proof, wind proof, weather proof, temperature controlled with lights and a dance floor.
Your backyard may not be set up and equipped to host an event. You might not have a backup rain plan or an indoor space to host your desired guest count. These are logistics a professional event venue has already figured out and executed hundreds of times. When you book a venue, a rain plan isn’t something you have to worry about.
When looking at the PROS and CONS above also ask yourself these questions:
How much time do I have to plan this event? Do I work 40 hours or more a week?
What is my budget? What is more important price or value?
How many resources do I have? Have I ever planned an event like this before?
Am I working with an event planner?
Is this the kind of experience I want during my engagement?
How do you feel about hosting a backyard wedding after reviewing the costs and payoffs? Would you do it? Would you prefer to hire a professional event planner to manage this for you? Would you prefer to go with a professional event venue? Leave us your answers in the comments!!
Frequently Asked Questions about planning a backyard wedding
Q: What should I be aware of when planning a backyard wedding?
A: Take a look at the pros and cons and questions above! There is a lot of time, logistics, planning required to having a backyard wedding.
Q: Is hosting a wedding in my backyard easier or less money?
A: Check out those pros and cons above! It all depends on your set up. As a professional event planner in Chicago I can tell you that it is NOT easier to have a backyard wedding. Does your backyard have an indoor space that can hold your desired guest count? If not, we highly recommend you invest in a tent which can increase your expenses!
Q:What size tent do I need in my backyard? How much do tents cost?
A: This all depends on the square footage and dimensions. Having a professional event planner do a site visit is a fantastic way to figure out how to select the right tent. Tents can range from $1500 for a very basic white canvas tent with no walls or floor to $15,000 for a luxury tent with all the bells and whistles. It all depends on size, guest count, material, and amenities like lighting. Check out one of our vendors tent options here.
Q: How much space do you need for a backyard wedding?
A: This all depends on your square footage. Here is a square footage calculator from HomeAdvisor. Generally you want to have enough space to hold a ceremony and then a seated dinner. Ideally your backyard is large enough to have both the ceremony and reception set up ahead of time so you don’t have to do a flip during cocktail hour. However, if you have another location, perhaps an indoor location inside your home for guests to enjoy cocktails then you can have an easy and efficient flip from your ceremony to your reception.
Q:How much does a backyard wedding cost?
A: A mid range average wedding in Chicago is around $400 per person. Included in that price is your caterer who will help manage and bring in your china, flatware, glassware, tables, chairs, linens, etc. This generally ranges from $110 - $250 per person. If you go totally DIY with your backyard wedding you might see a lower per person price but this all depends on your set up and how much you need to bring in. Ideally you have a fabulous indoor space that can host your desired guest count so you don’t have to rent a tent. If you have to bring in everything you might see closer to $500 per person.
Q: Are backyard weddings tacky?
A: Backyard weddings can be absolutely gorgeous. Tacky is all about a person’s taste level but we define tacky as something that is under planned and mis managed. If you are planning on having a backyard wedding to make things easier or save money - think again. This can lead into “tacky” territory.
Q: How long does it take to plan a backyard wedding?
A: For any wedding, we recommend 13 - 18 months. If you are hosting a backyard wedding, and you are hosting it by yourself without the help of an event planner, we recommend 13 months to 2 years. It takes even MORE work to host an event of this size and importance in your own venue. You are going to have to build your vision and team from the ground up. This doesn’t include all of the logistics planning your are going to have to figure out. Think of it with an analogy of buying a home. Do you want to build a home or buy one that is move in ready?
If you are looking to host a wedding in your backyard and you need a professional consultant and event planner to support you contact us here! We offer a 1 hour complimentary consultation. Thanks so much for reading and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!