Planning The Perfect Back Yard Wedding

Planning The Perfect Back Yard Wedding
by: Elana Lancit

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding site, your own back yard may be just the place. If you are
considering holding a wedding at home, there’s a lot to think about. For example, do you need a tent?
Are you required to have a special events license? Should you get portable toilets for the back yard?
These small touches can make or break a back yard wedding.

According to Elana Lancit, founder and president of Vancouver-based Sweet Beginnings, a full-service
wedding consulting and event-planning company, “An at-home affair takes a lot of planning. Consider
hiring a professional consultant. Although the benefits of a home wedding come with added
considerations, if you arrange everything in advance, the day will be wonderful for you and your guests.

• Weather or Not: First on Lancit’s list is weather insurance. “Plan on renting a tent no matter what,”
says Lancit. “Weather is just too unpredictable. Tents provide good shade in the heat, and if you are
planning a wedding in the fall, heating lamps are good to have on-hand,” she says.

• Be Neighbourly: To ensure your neighbors don’t complain about the noise, invite them along, or at
least inform them about the event. If you are not inviting the neighbors, Lancit suggests dropping off a
bottle of wine or a gift certificate to a restaurant a few days prior to the event. “This shows appreciation
and respect for your neighbours,” says Lancit.

• Menu Planning: Lancit suggests hiring a catering company to handle the food and bar. Before the
wedding day, invite the caterers to your house so they can see what kind of space your kitchen offers.
They may decide to bring a tent to provide additional space for prep work. Before signing the contract,
make sure to discuss what is included in the cost. For example, will they provide plates and utensils?
Also, consider the weather – you want to choose foods that will not perish.

• Parking: Parking can be a cause of distress on the big day. Since most homes cannot
accommodate 200 cars, Lancit suggests using a valet service, which most guests appreciate. The
valet service will handle all logistics and keep your guests from walking a great distance. “If you
choose to hire valet, consider having extra staff at the beginning and end of the event,” says Lancit.

• License: Lancit suggests calling city hall to find out if you are required to have a special license or
permit for your event, such as a parking permit or a special event license. Also get information on
notice by-laws and inquire about extra insurance.

• Bathrooms: Don’t forget to think about bathrooms! This is something that people all-too-often forget
about. If you don’t have enough bathrooms in your house or do not want people trekking through,
consider port-o-lets. Have at least two set up not too far from the party. Lancit also suggests hiring
someone to clean the bathrooms during the event.

• Event Logists: Lancit recommends creating a complete floor plan and to consider the location of the
musicians; head table; guest tables; dance floor; dressing room for bride, groom and attendants; and
station for hair and makeup.

• Power: Check on getting an extra generator. With all the music and lighting, you want to make sure
not to blow a fuse during the event.

• Flooring: If you are setting up your dance area on grass, consider ordering a dance floor. If the
ground is uneven, work may need to be done in order to lay down the flooring.

• Lighting: Guests need to be able to see where they are walking so they don’t trip over anything. Make
sure everything is well-lit. Consider adding candles, lanterns and mini-lights.

• Flowers: Make sure to work with a florist who will provide flowers that can hold up in all weather
conditions.

• Coat Check: Depending on the time of year, make sure you have a place for guests to hang their
coats.

• Don’t Forget The Inside: Make sure your house is presentable just in case guests take a peek.

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