Before you plan a backyard wedding, there are a few things you'll need to consider. First, can your yard accommodate the number of people on your guest list? Often backyard weddings are planned for weddings with less than 100 guests.
Next, do you have enough places for guests to sit, or will you need to rent or buy benches, tables and chairs? Do you have a place for guests to move in case of bad weather, such as a barn, or will you move the wedding inside your home? Or, will you rent tents?
Another major concern is parking. Do you have enough street parking? If not, or if it would inconvenience neighbors to have cars parked up and down the street, ask a local church or school if you can use their parking lot for the day. You might want to have a few designated drivers on hand to transport elderly people or large families to your house from the parking lot, if it is more than a block away.
Once you've decided that you can accommodate a backyard wedding, the planning begins. If you already have a colorful garden, you'll just need to spruce it up for the big event. If the yard has more grass or concrete than flowers, buy terra-cotta pots and plant them with seasonal flowers. Scatter them throughout the garden. If your yard doesn't have a water feature, this would be the perfect time to build one. A koi pond or pond with a fountain is a fairly simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself project. Set aside a day and visit a home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe's. You'll be able to find molds in many shapes and sizes, pumps for making fountains and pond liners. Once you have the equipment, all you need is to dig a hole and implement your features. You might want to add water lilies and fish once you're done. Plant flowering bushes and plants around the edges.
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Think about whether you want the guests to come inside the house. Sometimes, it's more of a headache to open up the entire house for the wedding. If you'd like to keep the entire event outdoors, remember to rent port-a-potties. Either prepare food ahead of time in the kitchen, or have a barbecue grill outside with lots of coolers for beverages. Also, keep in mind that the bride, groom and attendants will need separate places to dress. You might open the house up to the wedding party, only, before the guests arrive.
As far as decorations go, think garden and outdoors. Think about using decorations with butterflies, frogs, strawberries, wagon wheels, birds and birdhouses, bumblebees and daisies in your motif. Carry these elements through from the invitations to the food tables and napkins to thank you cards and favors. With a little creativity, your backyard wedding will be a cherished event with a charming, homey feel.