- 12 Months Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
- 8 to 10 Months Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
- 6 Months Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
- 3 to 4 Months Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
- 1 Month Before Your Wedding <\/a><\/li>
- 2 Weeks Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
- 1 Week Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
- 1 Day Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
- Your Wedding Day<\/a><\/li>
- Day(s) After Your Wedding<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
12 Months (or Earlier) Before Your Wedding Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Backyard-Wedding-Checklist4-1024x690.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSecure the Wedding Venue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s your own backyard or someone else\u2019s, make sure you have permission to use the space well in advance of your planning. If you\u2019re planning on asking a friend or family member to use their yard for your nuptials, be respectful and have a general plan for bathrooms, tear-down, and clean-up ready. You\u2019ll want to reassure them that they won\u2019t be responsible for anything, which could include securing a special event insurance policy to cover everything from accidental falls to property damage caused by a guest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nResearch Local Event Regulations <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While you might need a permit to marry in a state park or other public place, private property is a little more flexible. But even for a backyard celebration, it\u2019s still important to check your city or homeowner\u2019s association bylaws to make sure your wedding ceremony won\u2019t incur any fines, particularly when it comes to noise ordinances, tents, parties over a certain number of guests, and parking. There are usually a few details to clear up before your big day, like permits for your portable restrooms or tent to ensure you\u2019re in compliance with your local residential codes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMake a Wedding Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step will dictate just about everything you\u2019re planning for your wedding. Sit down with your partner and make sure you are on the same page as to how much you are willing to spend on your big day. You\u2019ll save money by eliminating a hefty venue fee, but make sure to add a small line item for any special event permits or licenses you\u2019ll need for hosting at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nCreate a Guest List<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re getting married on the family farm or your own backyard, keeping your wedding on the small side is a good idea. When making your guest list, consider factors such as how many bathrooms you will need and if those wedding guests will be allowed inside the home. Most importantly, make sure you have enough space for the number of people you\u2019re inviting (including a place to park their cars). Sketching out a rough seating chart will help to visualize the space and determine how many people can fit in it comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 to 10 Months Before Your Wedding Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lights](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Backyard-Wedding-Checklist2-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nStart Shopping for Your Wedding Wear<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finding that perfect outfit to wed in is a difficult task, so give yourself ample time to find the right wedding dress or suit for the occasion. When you find and purchase your wedding wear, it\u2019s likely you will have to wait several months to receive it, unless you are buying a sample or consignment treasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHire Your Photographer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You and your partner are probably eager to take those engagement photos, so start looking for a photographer that you can use throughout your wedding journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSend Your Save the Dates and Order Your Invitations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s especially important to know what kind of headcount you are working with for a backyard wedding. The sooner you\u2019re able to get an idea of who\u2019s attending, the sooner you can start rolling on the larger action items. If you\u2019re looking to cut costs (or save some trees), you can send your save the dates<\/a> digitally. This is also a great time to set up a coordinating wedding website and order your invitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nNotify Your Neighbors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is super important and will help eliminate surprises on the day of your wedding. Get creative with your neighborly alert! Put a note in your neighbor\u2019s mailboxes with a treat to let them know you will be getting married and to expect a bit of noise that day and into the evening. In the note, include your contact information (in case they would like to get in touch), a start and end time, and a phone number for someone they can reach on the day of the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nBook the Entertainment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you plan to boogie down during your backyard wedding reception, book your band or DJ well in advance of your wedding day. Discuss with your partner what type of entertainment you want for the reception and ceremony. Do you want live music or a DJ? Do you need an emcee for announcements? These are all things to consider when booking your entertainment. Don\u2019t forget to ask if there\u2019s any equipment you need to provide, such as a microphone and sound system for the emcee, and ensure they are aware of any residential noise ordinances you need to follow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHire Caterers and Bartenders<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wedding vendors are booking up quickly these days, so beginning your search for a caterer six months prior to your wedding is a good start. Because backyard celebrations are typically on the smaller side, some caterers may not be available for your wedding reception because they require a minimum headcount. If you find yourself hitting a roadblock, check with nearby restaurants to see if they will cater for pick-up on the day-of. You could even contact a local food truck to see if they are willing to set up shop in your driveway for the reception. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to the bar, if you\u2019re thinking about having a \u201chelp yourself\u201d situation to save money, you may want to reconsider. Allowing guests to pour their own beverages is a slippery slope. The last thing you want on your big day is friends and family crashing on your couch on your wedding night. Keep everyone safe during cocktail hour by hiring an off-duty bartender for a modest rate. This way, you can still save by purchasing your own bottles, but have peace of mind with someone else working the bar. Don\u2019t forget to check on a liquor liability insurance policy \u2014 it may feel unnecessary, but is a good precaution to ensure you\u2019re covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Months Before Your Wedding Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Backyard-Wedding-Checklist6-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHire Your Florist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The six-month mark is a good time to look for all of your wedding vendors, including your florist. If you plan to DIY flowers for your big day, start by looking up wholesalers or shops that are willing to order flowers in bulk. For local shopping, Trader Joe\u2019s has a great seasonal selection of blooms and will typically allow customers to order in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSecure Rentals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Since you aren\u2019t using a typical venue, supplying your own reception essentials should be part of your wedding planning process. If rentals seem a bit out of reach for your budget, ask around! Friends and family might have items that you can use in your planning. Start by addressing the below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tables for the reception, cocktail hour, cake, food and drink stations, gifts and guest book<\/li>
- Chairs for the ceremony and reception<\/li>
- Linens<\/li>
- Flatware<\/li>
- Plates<\/li>
- Chargers<\/li>
- Glassware<\/li>
- Food service items (chafers, serving platters, trash cans, et cetera)<\/li>
- Aisle runner<\/li>
- Wedding altar or arch<\/li>
- Wedding decor<\/li>
- Portable restrooms<\/li>
- Tents<\/li>
- Lighting<\/li>
- Sound system<\/li>
- Dance floor<\/li>
- Space heaters<\/li>
- Dumpster<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Order Your Wedding Cake<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check out local bakeries near your home that will create a wedding cake to fit your backyard nuptials. If your wedding is more intimate \u2014 meaning a smaller cake \u2014 the bakery may not deliver, so enlist a friend to pick it up the morning of your big day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nShop for Wedding Party Attire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you aren\u2019t shopping off the rack, six months ahead of your big day is a good time to choose attire for your wedding party. This allows ample time for the order to arrive and for pre-wedding fittings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHire a Wedding Coordinator<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For a backyard wedding on a budget, a month-of or day-of coordinator is a great way to ensure your dream wedding goes off without a hitch. Because you are not marrying at a typical venue, set-up, tear-down, and everything in between is on you and your partner. A wedding coordinator will help direct deliveries, design tables and keep you on a timeline the day of your wedding, which will take so much pressure off of you! They can also help you pivot to your plan B if there\u2019s inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 to 4 Months Before Your Wedding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nFirst Fitting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By now, you should have received your wedding wear and are ready for your first fitting! Communicate with your tailor about anything that doesn\u2019t feel or look right to you. Remember to bring your shoes, veil and any accessories you plan to wear so your alteration service can take those into account while they are pinning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMap Out Parking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- 8 to 10 Months Before Your Wedding<\/a><\/li>
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