Backyard Micro Weddings: A Cozy and Intimate Alternative to Traditional Weddings

Backyard micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples look for more intimate and budget-friendly alternatives to traditional weddings. A micro wedding is a small-scale celebration with 20 to 50 guests, making it an ideal option for couples who want to keep their guest list short and sweet. The backyard micro wedding trend allows couples to host their special day in the comfort of their own home or a loved one’s backyard, creating a warm and personal atmosphere.

One of the biggest advantages of a backyard micro wedding is that it offers couples the flexibility to customize their wedding day to their liking. From the decor to the catering, couples can tailor every aspect of their wedding to their preferences and budget.

Whether you want to create a rustic, bohemian vibe or go for a more classic look, here is how to plan a backyard micro wedding.

Understanding Micro Weddings

Micro weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are small, intimate weddings that typically include no more than 50 guests.

This section will explore the differences between micro weddings and elopements and the differences between micro weddings and minimonies.

Difference Between Micro Wedding and Elopement

While elopements are often thought of as secretive ceremonies that couples run away to, micro weddings are more like traditional weddings, just on a smaller scale. Elopements typically involve only the couple and perhaps a witness or two, while micro weddings include a small group of guests.

Micro Wedding Vs Minimony

A minimony is another type of small wedding that has become popular in recent years. Minimonies are similar to micro weddings in that they are small and intimate, but they differ in that they are often held with the intention of having a larger celebration at a later date. Micro weddings, on the other hand, are standalone events that are meant to be a complete celebration in and of themselves.

One of the main differences between micro weddings and minimonies is the guest count. Micro weddings typically include up to 50 guests, while minimonies are often even smaller, with only a handful of guests in attendance.

Micro weddings are a great option for couples who want a small, intimate wedding experience. They are less expensive than traditional weddings, allow for a more personalized experience, and can be a complete celebration in and of themselves.

Why a Backyard Micro Wedding?

A backyard micro wedding is an excellent option for couples who want to have an intimate wedding celebration while keeping the costs low.

Here are some reasons why a backyard micro wedding is a great choice:

Cost Savings

One of the most significant benefits of having backyard micro weddings is the cost savings. Traditional weddings can be expensive, with the average cost of a wedding in the US being over $30,000. However, a backyard micro wedding can cost significantly less, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.

With a backyard micro wedding, couples can save money on venue rental, catering, and decorations. They can also limit the guest list to close family and friends, which further reduces costs.

Intimate Setting

A backyard micro wedding provides an intimate setting for the couple to exchange their vows. The couple can choose a spot in their backyard that holds special meaning to them, such as the place where they had their first date or where they got engaged. This personal touch adds to the overall experience of the wedding.

Additionally, the intimate setting allows the couple to spend quality time with their guests. With a smaller guest list, the couple can have meaningful conversations with each guest and create lasting memories.

Customizable Experience

A backyard micro wedding provides a customizable experience that allows the couple to create the wedding of their dreams. The couple can choose the decorations, food, and music that reflect their personalities and style.

Furthermore, the couple can incorporate DIY elements into the wedding, such as handmade decorations or personalized favors. This adds a personal touch to the wedding and makes it even more memorable.

A backyard micro wedding is an excellent option for couples who want to have an intimate wedding celebration while keeping the costs low. With cost savings, an intimate setting, and a customizable experience, a backyard micro wedding provides a unique and memorable wedding experience.

Planning Backyard Micro Weddings

Throwing backyard micro weddings can be a great way to have an intimate celebration with close family and friends without breaking the bank.

Here are some tips for planning a successful backyard micro weddings.

Setting a Budget

The first step in planning any wedding is setting a budget. For a backyard micro wedding, couples can expect to spend significantly less than a traditional wedding.

The costs for a budget-friendly micro wedding tend to range from as low as $1,500 to $10,000, which is significantly less than the traditional ceremony and reception, which is estimated to be more than $30,000 on average.

Choosing the Right Backyard

The next step in planning backyard micro weddings is to choose the right location. Consider the size of the backyard, the availability of amenities like electricity and bathrooms, and the overall aesthetic of the space.

Couples should choose a venue that can accommodate their guest list and has ample space for the ceremony, reception, meal, and possibly dancing. If the wedding will be catered it is also important to consider an indoor prep area.

It’s also important to consider the weather and have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat.

Rentals and Decorations

Once the backyard is chosen, it’s time to think about rentals and decorations. Renting a tent is a good idea to provide shade and shelter from the elements. Tables and chairs can also be rented if needed.

Decorations can include flowers, candles, and other personal touches that reflect the couple’s style and personality.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage are an important part of any wedding celebration. For a backyard micro wedding, consider hiring a caterer or food truck to provide delicious food for guests. Buffet-style or family-style meals can be a good option for a more casual vibe.

For beverages, consider setting up a self-serve bar or hiring a bartender to serve signature cocktails.

Music and Entertainment

Music and entertainment can help set the tone for a backyard micro wedding. Consider hiring a live band or DJ to provide music for the ceremony and reception.

Lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga can also be a fun way to entertain guests.

Planning backyard micro weddings requires careful consideration of the space, rentals, food and beverage, and entertainment. With a little bit of planning and creativity, a backyard micro wedding can be a beautiful and memorable celebration.

Choosing Your Wedding Vendors

When it comes to planning a backyard micro wedding, selecting the right vendors is crucial. Here are some tips on how to choose your wedding vendors:

Selecting a Caterer

One of the most important vendors to choose for your backyard micro wedding is a caterer. When selecting a caterer, it’s important to consider the size of your guest list and the type of food you want to serve. Look for caterers who specialize in small events and have experience with backyard weddings.

Consider the style of food you want to serve. Do you want a formal sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet-style meal? Make sure the caterer can accommodate your preferences.

Additionally, ask for references and read reviews to ensure the caterer has a good reputation.

Hiring Entertainment

Hiring entertainment like a DJ or live band can add to the ambiance of your backyard micro wedding. When selecting entertainment, consider the size of your space and the type of music you want to play. Look for professionals who have experience with small events and can provide references.

Consider the cost of hiring entertainment and make sure it fits within your budget. Also make sure to ask about their equipment and setup needs to ensure they can accommodate your space.

When selecting vendors for your backyard micro wedding, it’s important to consider your budget. Keep in mind that smaller events can still be expensive, so be sure to prioritize your must-haves and allocate your budget accordingly.

By selecting the right vendors, you can ensure your backyard micro wedding is a success.

Ceremony and Reception Tips

When it comes to planning backyard micro weddings, there are plenty of creative and unique ways to make your ceremony and reception stand out. Here are some ideas to consider:

Planning the Ceremony

Couples planning a backyard micro wedding have the freedom to personalize their ceremony to their liking. They can choose to have a religious or secular ceremony, write their own vows, and include any special readings or rituals. Attention to detail is key in creating a beautiful ceremony space.

Organizing the Reception

The reception is a chance for the couple to celebrate with family and friends. Couples can choose to have a sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet-style meal. The couple should consider hiring a food truck or a local restaurant to cater their wedding. They can also choose to have a small wedding cake or a dessert table for their guests.

Seating Arrangements

One of the benefits of having a micro wedding is that you can get creative with your seating arrangements. Instead of traditional rows of chairs, consider setting up a circular or spiral seating arrangement.

You can also mix and match different types of seating, such as benches, ottomans, and floor cushions.

Ceremony Backdrop

The backdrop for your ceremony is an important element that can help set the tone for your wedding.

For a backyard micro wedding, consider using natural elements like trees, flowers, or a garden wall as your backdrop. You can also create your own backdrop using a simple DIY project, such as a macrame or paper flower wall.

Lighting

Lighting can play a big role in creating the right ambiance for your backyard micro wedding. Consider using string lights, lanterns, or candles to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

You can also use lighting to highlight specific areas of your backyard, such as the dance floor or ceremony backdrop.

Dance Floor

If you plan on having a dance floor at your backyard micro wedding, there are plenty of creative ways to make it stand out. Consider using a unique flooring material, such as wood pallets or a colorful outdoor rug.

You can also decorate the dance floor with flower petals, balloons, or other fun and festive decorations.

There are plenty of ways to make your backyard micro wedding ceremony and reception unique and memorable. By getting creative with your seating arrangements, ceremony backdrop, lighting, and dance floor, you can create a beautiful and intimate wedding that reflects your personal style and vision.

Legal Considerations

When planning a backyard micro wedding, there are several legal considerations that couples should keep in mind. These include:

Permits

Depending on where the wedding is taking place, couples may need to obtain permits for their backyard micro wedding. Regulations vary by state and county, so it’s important to do research and check with local authorities to ensure compliance.

Couples should also be respectful of their neighbors and check in with them prior to the wedding day to avoid any noise or parking issues.

Liability

Couples should also consider liability issues when hosting a backyard micro wedding. If alcohol is being served, it’s important to ensure that guests are not over-served and that there is a designated driver or transportation plan in place.

Additionally, couples should consider obtaining liability insurance to protect themselves in case of any accidents or injuries.

Noise Ordinances

Many cities and counties have noise ordinances that limit the amount of noise that can be made at certain times of the day. Couples should be aware of these ordinances and ensure that their wedding does not violate them.

This may mean adjusting the timing of the event or taking other measures to reduce noise levels.

Capacity Limits

Finally, couples should be aware of any capacity limits that may apply to their backyard micro wedding. This may be determined by fire codes or other regulations, and can vary depending on the size of the backyard and the number of guests. It’s important to ensure that the wedding does not exceed any capacity limits to avoid fines or other penalties.

While planning a backyard micro wedding can be a great way to save money and create a more intimate atmosphere, couples should be aware of the legal considerations involved. By doing their research and taking appropriate precautions, couples can ensure that their wedding is both beautiful and legally compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good budget for a micro wedding?

Micro weddings are generally less expensive than traditional weddings, but the cost can still vary depending on the location, number of guests, and other factors.

A good budget for a micro wedding can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the couple’s preferences and priorities. Some couples choose to spend more on food and drinks, while others spend more on decorations or photography.

How do you have a wedding in a small backyard?

Having a wedding in a small backyard can be a great option for couples who want an intimate and personalized celebration. Here are some tips for planning a backyard wedding:

• Make sure there is enough space for all the guests and vendors.
• Rent a tent or canopy to provide shade and shelter in case of rain.
• Use string lights or lanterns to create a romantic atmosphere.
• Rent tables, chairs, and linens if necessary.
• Hire a caterer or food truck to provide food and drinks.
• Rent a portable restroom if there are no indoor facilities available.

How many guests is considered a micro wedding?

A micro wedding typically has fewer than 50 guests, although there is no strict definition. The goal of a micro wedding is to have a small and intimate celebration with only close family and friends. This allows the couple to spend more time with each guest and create a more meaningful experience.

What is smaller than a micro wedding?

For couples who want an even smaller wedding, there are options such as an elopement or a courthouse wedding. An elopement is a private and spontaneous ceremony with just the couple and a witness, while a courthouse wedding is a simple and affordable ceremony at a local courthouse. These options are ideal for couples who want to focus on their love and commitment without the stress and expense of a larger wedding.

A backyard micro wedding can be a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate a special day without breaking the bank. With some careful planning and creativity, couples can create a memorable and personalized wedding experience for themselves and their guests.

One of the biggest advantages of a backyard micro wedding is the cost savings. Without the need to rent a venue or pay for catering for a large number of guests, couples can save a significant amount of money. They can use the savings to splurge on other aspects of the wedding, such as the dress, the photographer, or the honeymoon.

Another advantage of a backyard micro wedding is the flexibility it provides. Couples can customize every aspect of the wedding to their liking, from the decorations to the menu. They can also choose to have a more casual and relaxed atmosphere, which can make for a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that planning a backyard micro wedding does require some effort and attention to detail. Couples will need to consider factors such as weather, seating arrangements, and parking for guests. They may also need to obtain permits or licenses if they plan to have music or alcohol at the wedding.

A backyard micro wedding can be a wonderful way to celebrate a special day with loved ones. With some careful planning and preparation, couples can create a beautiful and memorable wedding experience that reflects their personalities and values.