Thinking of planning a backyard wedding in Idaho? It's a great way to customize your celebration to fit your tastes, and it may provide you more flexibility than you can achieve with a rented space. Here are some helpful things to consider when preparing for your backyard event!
Guest Count
Rented venues will provide you with occupancy information and that will determine the number of guests you can invite. For your backyard wedding you'll need to do some figuring on your own... How many parking spots can you accommodate? How many tables (and chairs) will you be able to fit in your ceremony and reception area?
Rentals
More than likely you'll need to rent some equipment: chairs, tables, linens, table settings, and a dance floor to name a few. A large tent is helpful almost any time of year here! It can serve as both a sun and rain covering, and with sidewalls attached it can help trap heat inside when it's cold out.
Shelly from Party Center in Twin Falls shared some specific guidelines when it comes to tent setup: they must be staked into grass or dirt, no grass watered/heavy rains 24hrs prior, and winds must be minimal during setup & removal. Schedule a site survey with your rental company well in advance so you can have a solid game plan!
Visit the MVW Vendor Directory if you're looking for local Magic Valley wedding rental businesses. They can give you specific information on how they can help with your backyard wedding!
Heat
For mountain weddings and for those in the spring or fall, a heat source is also a thoughtful consideration. A fire pit area (with a s'mores & a hot chocolate bar perhaps?) can provide warmth for guests to retreat to, as well as propane heaters and extra blankets or shawls.
Shade
A tent rental is a great way to provide shade for all your guests, but if you don't have a tent, you'll want some shade (especially for those triple-digit-temperature days in the middle of the summer!) Is there a deck or mature trees on the property? Do you have enough water for your guests? Your DJ will also need space out of the elements for their equipment to stay safe and cool out of direct sunlight.
Wind
If you've spent much time in Idaho you'll know that the wind can blow on any day of the year! So it's best to just plan for it from the beginning! You'll want to make some accommodations to guard your event from wind damage: weigh down centerpieces, stake down canopies and arches, overbuild backdrops and signs, secure table linens, and use lots of hairspray and bobby pins!
Restroom Facilities
Not to be overlooked are restroom facilities for your guests! You might not want all of your guests to have to use the restrooms inside the house, so don't forget booking a local portable restroom service! Also don't forget to have ample garbage cans and help busing tables & cleaning up!
Electricity
Your caterer, DJ, and other vendors may require electricity to run their equipment. Check with them beforehand to make sure they have everything they need!
Mobile Catering
Are you hosting your backyard wedding in a remote location (your family's cabin in the woods)? Mobile caterers are able to prepare meals just about anywhere these days.. food trucks, dutch ovens, you name it!
Bridal Prep Space
Many traditional weddings now will schedule time for all the bridal party to get ready together with hair and makeup artists on the scene to help you look your best for the big day! You'll need a well-lit, private space away from the ceremony & reception spacious enough to host all your wedding peeps. If the house doesn't have room enough consider getting ready off-site at a salon or hotel room.
Neighbor Relations
If you're planning a big event in your back yard, be considerate of your neighbors. Have a plan for parking so guests don't block driveways, and turn down your music at a reasonable hour. Host a BBQ or send a small gift a few weeks before the wedding and thank them for their patience & cooperation during your upcoming event!
