With Backyard Weddings becoming a great option during these times of face masks and smaller guest lists, what could be better than revisiting an article from Carolyn Lasako featuring top tips for how to make YOUR backyard wedding
a dream come true!


Backyard weddings will always hold a special place in my heart. It was only a few short years ago that my husband and I celebrated our marriage beneath a tent overlooking the cove of our first backyard. As much energy as it took, we’d do it again in a heartbeat! It was relaxed; it was unique; it was us. 

That’s not to say it was without its challenges, though. There’s so much to consider when hosting a backyard celebration, as I’ve learned from planning my wedding and as a member of the Kari Rider Events team—where we specialize in private home weddings. So here are a few tips to get your started! 

You’re Building a Scene from the Ground Up

You’re essentially erecting a venue from scratch, which means no detail can be overlooked. You’ll be renting everything but the kitchen sink (and sometimes even the kitchen sink!). Think tent, tables, chairs, lighting, glassware, flatware, china, linens, catering equipment, restrooms, etc. And those are just the essentials! Working with vendors who are experienced in private home weddings is key—from your planner to your caterer to your rental company, and everyone in between. 

Less is Not More

You chose your backyard either for its scenery or its sentiment, but you can’t get by on either alone. Focal elements like backdrops, escort card displays, lounges, floral installations, bars and chandeliers go a long way in tying an outdoor space together. And a tent floor can elevate the scene even more, providing the perfect dose of indoors outside! 

You Have to Plan for Rain

When you commit to having an outdoor wedding, rain is always a possible inconvenience. While you can’t stop it if it decides to come, you can make sure to have a Plan B. That includes adding a ceremony tent onto your rental order at least two days prior to the wedding, finding a backup location for pictures, figuring out an alternative parking situation if you were planning to park cars on grass, and providing umbrellas for guests as they walk from their cars to the reception. 

Also, don’t forget to: 

- Spray for bugs and provide bug spray for guests 

- Call Miss Utility to check for electrical lines before staking the tent

- Alert your neighbors if they aren’t invited so noise isn’t an issue

- by Carolyn Lasako, Kari Rider Events
originally published 2016 in MESW Inspired magazine
- Photo courtesy Stephanie Ascari Photography