Tips for planning a backyard wedding!

Since you are in Manitoba, I suggest also getting heaters for outside. It gets chilly later into the evening and some people may start to get cold.

My biggest piece of advice is - don't expect this to be cheap.

Having a backyard wedding requires a lot of rentals like chairs, tables, generators, heaters (in the colder months like October) and AC in the warmer months (June - September), bathrooms, plates, cutlery, tent, service bar, sometimes people will add flooring, especially if it is uneven terrain - no one wants a broken ankle. These will all take a large portion of your budget and that doesn't include catering, alcohol, and photography which are usually the most expensive parts of the wedding.

Permits. Almost everything requires it and could be enforced depending on where you are. Putting up a large tent requires a permit. If you're having a fire of any kind, or using any pyrotechnics, you'll definitely need a permit. Parking permits for your guests.

You'll also need power, likely by renting a generator so you don't have to run cables into the property. Your caterer will either need access to the kitchen inside the home or they'll need a power supply if they're doing all prep in the backyard. All the sound equipment and lights will need power. The bar will require power if they are operating refrigeration or an ice machine.

View quoted message Yes! I’ve seen a few events where they rented a nice portable washroom facility. I think we’ll do that! One of the main reasons we’re going this way is so our kids can be nearby and neither of our parents have to leave early to care for the kids and put them to bed, so preventing people from going into the house unnecessarily is definitely a priority!

View quoted message Thank you! Definitely hoping to be able to use a tent - just need to have someone come measure it and ensure that’s an option. But they don’t have possession of their house yet so we can’t quite yet. I’m envisioning a clear-top tent with long family-style tables for our reception space. I definitely have a vision for it! ☺️


Need to figure out a caterer, and bartending services!

I agree with the below.

I would also be mindful of the washroom situation. I know portable toilets are not the prettiest but the washroom situation (well depending on how many you have inside for use) could be chaotic. Also, any noise bylaws within the area, and parking.

Sounds like a great, wholesome time, love backyard events!

Would highly suggest a tent for the reception. It’s manageable if the weather is poor to have the ceremony moved, but having to move the reception at all could be chaotic.
Not sure if it’s your plan already but having it catered.