There is no doubt that 2020 is the year of the backyard wedding! With Covid-19 restrictions drastically impacting the entire wedding industry, more couples are choosing to forgo their larger wedding ceremony and opt for a more intimate celebration with those closest to them. And most seem to be holding these downsized weddings in their own (or their parents’) backyard. These backyard intimate weddings have quickly become some of our favorite to film. They tend to be a lot less hectic and a lot more personal.

We’ve put together a few tips to planning the perfect backyard wedding. You’ve already had to put your big wedding plans on hold (or cancel them altogether), but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a celebration that is both meaningful and fun. Check out these tips and feel free to email us with any others you can think of!

1. Have a Timeline for the Day

Obviously with larger events the timeline is super important and is strictly followed. However, even with more intimate weddings, it’s important to have a rough timeline of events. This will not only help you when hiring your vendors (you’ll need to know how many hours to book them for), but it will also help your guests plan out their day. While the timeline does not have to be followed as closely as it would be a larger wedding, it’s good to have some structure to the day. Since you likely won’t have a planner, the timeline will remind you to keep the day flowing so that you don’t have to rush to fit things in.

2. Don’t Forgo the Vendors

Yes, you are downsizing your guest list, but that doesn’t mean you need to downsize your vendors. Even with small backyard weddings, it’s still important to have professional vendors who know what they’re doing. A good florist can make your backyard look like an elegant venue. A good DJ can keep guests entertained all night. And a good videographer & photographer can document everything so those who weren’t able to attend can still experience the day.

3. Rent a Tent to Have on Hand (just in case!)

We all know the randomness of PNW weather. Nothing can dampen (literally) a backyard wedding more than the first sign of rain droplets. Since most backyard/intimate weddings won’t have a large indoor option, it’s important to have a Plan B in case of rain. Renting a tent or multiple canopies is always good insurance with our crazy weather. Just make sure it’s large enough to account for social distancing.

4. Decorate & Personalize

Maybe you’re in your own backyard, or maybe you’re in a family member’s. Either way, it’s important to make this day all about you and your marriage. A good way to do this is to decorate. Simple signs, lanterns/candles, or streamers can instantly turn a backyard into a classy venue. We’ve seen a number of couples even make their own decorations – and they looked stunning! Whatever you do, turn the space into one that represents the two of you.

5. Go All Out!

Sure, you’re not having the huge wedding that you’ve been envisioning with Pinterest pins all year. But you’re still having a wedding and getting married! Yay! That said, you should still do all the wedding traditions that make up those larger weddings. Plan to do a first look, ceremony, toasts, first dance, etc. You’ve already made so many sacrifices, so you shouldn’t have to make more. Treat this wedding just like you would any other. Keep those pivotal traditions on the timeline!

Hopefully these help! If you have any other insight, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email with any other tips you can think of. Let’s work together to make this crazy time a little less stressful for everyone!