Planning!!

We had a backyard wedding last year! For us the main things were:
-tent rental
-table/chair/linen rental
-sound system rental
-lighting! (We loaded up on Boxing Day sale Christmas lights to string up on the tent)
-decor (mostly all DIY)
-portapotty rental
-bar (we only had kegs on tap and wine)

If you are doing potluck style you will need to consider plates and cutlery and glassware and serving tables and napkins.

I would start looking into what DIY projects you may be wanting to do, for decor, signage, etc... Getting some of those started, or out of the way now will save you a lot of stress/rushed nights down the road.... Take it from my, my wedding is next Saturday and I spent 4 hours today prepping my centrepieces

Also, photographer, floral if you're having it, and your hair/make-up artist, if you're doing one.

I've been using this checklist, as I've found it's much more detailed for someone doing a more DIY, hands-on wedding. Wedding Planning Checklist

Anything you CAN do, you may as well do... maybe a few different tasks here or there. Don't worry if you have to wait for things, and you go through lulls in planning, that is totally normal! But you can definitely do a lot of the DIY projects early.

I have seen many checklist for different wedding and web search is the best thing. WW also has one which you don't have to do all of them. Check it out and use what you can from it. Good luck.

Don’t forget about a photographer! Also a hair and makeup artist if you’re going that route.

Hey there
like others have said, use the checklist on WW. its great.
but some things that quick came to my head
-your dress
-his suit
-wedding party attire (if you are doing that)
-decorations (twinkle lights and sheers in the tent would be pretty)
-plates/cutlery/glassware or however you plan to do that
-bar (if you are supplying or BYOB)

Hey Misty, I love your idea of backyard wedding! I wish we could have done something like that. My FH family is huge! Like 70+ people, unfortunately we had to go with a venue.



As the other ladies had suggested, try the free checklist on WeddingWire. The great thing is that you can add or remove certain things from the list. As Tori had said, it does feel really satisfying to just check off the items on the list.

I also did a quick google search with the keywords “backyard wedding checklist” and quite a bit came up as well.

Good Luck! I’m sure all will turn out amazing!

Hey there, just wanted to add that it's best to ignore the dates that the checklist here on wedding wire gives you though. And note that you don't need everything that it says you do... But other than that I find it fun to be able to check them all off as I go!

Hi Misty!

Congratulations on your engagement! Welcome to the Wedding Wire Community!

When you click on the drop down arrow to the right of your account photo, you'll see a menu of features...including a great checklist that sets tasks by recommended timeframes. I've attached a photo for reference.

My favourite thing about the checklist feature is that you can edit/remove according to the specifications of your wedding. Check it out when you get a chance. Enjoy!

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