Not everyone has a picture-perfect outdoor space at their disposal—that’s a fact. The next best thing? Your dream backyard wedding rental.
What started as a popular COVID workaround has become a huge trend in the wedding industry, with many brides choosing a backyard wedding over a venue-wedding.
The charm of a backyard wedding is undeniable—combining intimacy, beauty, and a personal touch that traditional venues often can’t match. If you and yours are looking for a unique and memorable wedding location with all the backyard vibes, the idea to rent a house for a backyard wedding presents a perfect solution. Before you dive into wedding plans, let us be your guide.
We’re talking benefits, tips, and things to consider before renting a house that will turn your dream wedding into reality.
13. Decor and Theme
Obviously, you want to make sure the rental matches with the overall “look” you’re going for. Especially because the more you love the vibe of the rental as is, the less work you’ll have to do “sprucing” it up. A win-win.
We’ve heard a lot of people say that the decor should complement rather than dominate, and that you should choose a theme that enhances the natural beauty of the space—but we’re just going to tell you to choose what speaks to your heart. When checking out a spot, try to envision your wedding day there. Is it easy? Do you get butterflies picturing it? Does the current “floor plan” if you will serve your vision?
Not all private properties are created equal, and not all are a good setting for weddings, so definitely explore your options for your perfect space.
12. Sound System and Acoustics
When we were planning our backyard wedding, this was something we didn’t really consider until a few months out. Everything turned out fine (thank God), but considering sound systems, and more importantly, electricity, it so huge. There’s nothing worse than having power issues on your wedding—don’t let this happen!
Are you planning on hiring a DJ? A live band? Musicians? Be sure to ask them ahead of time how much power they will require and if they have the necessary equipment. Do they need extension cords, how many volts to they require? How many outlets?
11. Lighting
Good lighting is the key to a good vibe. They say there’s always going to be one person in the relationship who prefers the overhead lighting and another who only used lamps and warm lighting. Speaking from experience, this is too true (go lamp queens!).
If you’re renting a tent, make sure you ask the rental company if they offer any lighting ad-ons. This is definitely the easiest way to light up the night. Also consider whether you’ll need any extra lights for major pathways like to the bathrooms, or anywhere else guests may be wandering.
10. Restroom Facilities
Speaking of bathrooms…
Be sure to check out the bathroom situation of your backyard wedding rental. Consider renting high-quality portable restrooms if the house doesn’t suffice! (These are nicer than you’d think, promise!). Also, make sure you know where your bathroom rentals will be placed, they need a flat surface!
9. Parking and Transportation
As with all special events, parking and transportation can be a pain. My Mother and Father-in-Law’s next-door neighbor actually offered to direct parking for us before the wedding ceremony which was so helpful (shoutout to Al, you’re a real one.)
Adequate parking is important (obviously) but alternatives like shuttles can be arranged if parking is limited, so keep that in mind, too. We also encouraged all of our guests to carpool if at all possible to reduce the number of cars on the property.
8. Vendor Coordination
This one is huge and often overlooked. If you haven’t hired a wedding coordinator or day of coordinator, be sure to keep open communication with vendors for smooth operations.
Also, make sure you appoint points of contacts for the day of so no one has to bother you with any questions while you’re getting ready or hanging with your girls (or guys)! I appointed my Mom and my Mother-in-Law, and they did great. However, even though we appointed points of contact for our vendors, we did still have member of the catering staff, band, etc. coming up to us to ask questions during the ceremony which was less than ideal but we just brushed it off. This is obviously something to avoid, but just remember people are people, and they’re just trying to do their job.
7. Rental Logistics for Furniture and Equipment
Organize your rentals!
- Chairs
- Tables
- Linens
- Glassware
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Tents
- Bathrooms
You get the picture. Timely delivery and setup are key but can be delegated to your day-of coordinator or a reliable friend/family member.
6. Weather Plans
Have a backup plan for bad weather, though this is somewhat dependent on uncontrollable factors. Having a destination wedding? Be sure to keep an eye on the weather to make sure you can pack everything you need (don’t stop checking the weather, seriously.)
5. Guest Comfort and Accessibility
Ensure the comfort and accessibility for all guests, particularly for those with special needs. We’re talking grandparents, older guests, or anyone who may need a little extra attention when it comes to ease of getting around.
Pro-Tip: When you’re planning your seating chart, be sure to place these loved ones as close as possible to the restrooms and food area so they don’t have too far to walk. (Make sure they can easily see you and your soon-to-be spouse from their seat, too!).
4. Catering and Food Arrangements
Good food is critical for guest satisfaction, so ensure your catering arrangements are solid. Depending on the location, many private home wedding venues, much like traditional wedding venues, may offer catering options or suggestions, which can help you decide on the best fit for you.
3. Permissions and Regulations
Understanding and adhering to all regulations and rental agreements is crucial to avoid legal issues or fines. If you’re planning your wedding in a residential area, be sure to inform the town or city that you will be having an event. Look into whether or not their are any quiet hours in place that you’d need to adhere to and any event fees that you might need to pay.
2. Space and Layout
The capacity and layout of the backyard directly impact the comfort of your wedding guests and the flow of your event. Planning on having your wedding party do a coordinated dance number for their big entrance? Make sure there’s the space for a decently sized dance floor! Is your wedding Pintrest board filled with his and her’s pool floats? Be sure there’s a private pool (obviously) and make sure you’ll have full access to use that pool. If there’s a pool, people will be in it!
Check out 7 Unique Seating Ideas for a Backyard Tent Wedding for tips on how to optimize your space!
1. Insurance and Liability
The most important aspect. Ensure you have adequate insurance for the event to cover any liabilities or accidents. Check in with the owners of the private estate or wedding rental to ensure they are aware that you’re planning to have a wedding on their property and ensure there are no additional steps that you need to take.
There’s a ton of work that goes into making a space perfect for your big day, whether you’re planning you’re wedding at a venue, a vacation home rental, or your parent’s backyard. Be sure to enjoy every waking moment of it, because it goes by way too fast.
Looking for some of the top wedding house rentals? Check out these popular platforms:
- Airbnb: Known for its wide range of properties, Airbnb offers various houses that could be perfect for your backyard wedding. Use their detailed search filters to find a place that meets all your criteria.
- VRBO: Specializing in vacation rentals, VRBO can be a great resource for finding larger properties with spacious backyards ideal for weddings.
- Peerspace: This platform is tailored for event spaces and may have unique listings not found on traditional vacation rental sites.
- Wedding-specific rental websites: There are websites dedicated solely to wedding venue rentals, including private properties. These often provide detailed information pertinent to wedding planning.
Remember, the key is to start your search early. Popular venues book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons.
Final Tips for a Smooth Wedding Planning Experience:
- Create a Checklist: Keep track of all your tasks and deadlines with a comprehensive checklist. This will help you manage your time and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
- Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or a professional wedding planner. Planning a wedding is a big task, and it’s okay to need assistance.
- Stay Flexible: Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Stay flexible and open to adjustments, whether it’s a change in layout, menu, or even the date due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Enjoy the Process: Amidst all the planning and decision-making, remember to enjoy the journey to your big day. This is a special time, and it’s about celebrating your love and commitment to each other.
Planning a backyard wedding at a rental property can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a blend of personalization and professionalism. Stay ahead of the game by considering as many factors as possible to ensure your wedding is not only beautiful but also seamless and hassle-free.
Embrace the process, enjoy every moment, and look forward to the magical day when you say “I do!”