How To Plan Your Backyard & Home Wedding:


Create a budget, save and set aside money for your intimate wedding ceremony and reception. You need to make sure you're being reasonable with your overall budget but think of this as a money saver although you can spend a good amount if you go all out on your plans, number of guests, and quality of materials and vendors. Although it will be at your home or a friend or family members home doesn't mean you can do what you will. Make sure to check with your fire department for an inspection and that you acquire the needed city permits. Guests equal cars, and some areas may require a permit for you to park cars along your city street so make sure no one gets a ticket. You also need to be aware of any noise ordinances but be the good neighbor and talk to your neighbors beforehand of your ceremony. And before you have all of these guests at your home make sure your home owners insurance covers anything that they could potentially damage. You will generally have a decent amount of people involved as well as the number of guests you invite. Speaking of people, they gotta go when they gotta go. Make sure you have a proper amount of bathrooms available, 35 people per toilet is a rule of thumb.


Seeing that you're not being married in a place of worship, make sure you have an officiant is cool with your setup. You want someone that is open to your way of celebrating your marriage and welcomes your decision.


You will want to make sure any yard maintenance or setup is completed. The better your yard looks the better your photos and video will look, really it makes a huge difference on the appearance. It's an actual investment on upgrading your home so it's not money wasted! But don't forget to come up with a backup plan for weather changes. Having a tent or a space in your home to host the ceremony will bring you some sense of relief when it comes to the unknown.


Get the list of sensible rentals at the bottom.


The list version for your convenience:

  • Save money.
  • You need city permits and fire department inspections.
  • Check with local noise ordinances.
  • Determine if you need to file for a permit to parks cars along your street.
  • Let your neighbors know in advance. (Be a good neighbor.)
  • Check with your homeowner’s insurance to make sure everything is covered incase something happens.
  • Make sure you have enough bathrooms for your guest size. 35 guests per toilet is a rule of thumb.
  • Make sure you have an officiant that’s cool with the ceremony not being in a place of worship.
  • Yard maintenance and setup.
  • Plan B for weather.


Scroll down to see what items you need for your event.

Rental Items:

  • Ceremony Chairs
  • Ceremony Backdrop
  • Ceremony Decor
  • Tent(s)
  • Reception Chairs
  • Dinner Tables
  • Cocktail Tables
  • Serving Tables
  • Gifts Table
  • Guest Book Table
  • Dessert Table
  • Bar
  • Place Settings
  • Linens
  • Centerpiece Vases
  • Table Decor
  • Dance Floor
  • Lighting
  • Overhead Decor
  • Photo Booth
  • Food Prep/Storage Equipment
  • Generators
  • Portable Restrooms
  • Trash & Recycling Bins