Wedding planning can be one of the most exciting and most stressful times in your life. And if you’re planning a backyard wedding, it can be even more so. After all, you’ll be putting your home on display for your wedding guests to see during the ceremony and reception!

All that considered, there are a few steps you can’t afford to skip when you’re prepping your home for the big day. Keep reading to find out what it takes to prep your home for a backyard wedding.

What are the benefits of hosting a backyard wedding?

If you’re still only considering a backyard wedding, keep in mind that there are a few benefits involved. Most importantly, you won’t need to spend money booking a venue. Some other benefits of a backyard wedding include:

  • Furry friends are welcome
  • You’re saving money
  • No date restrictions
  • More intimate ceremony and reception
  • There’s sentimental value
  • No transportation complications

Key House Preparation Steps

Above all else, it’s crucial to make sure your home is prepared for your ceremony and reception. Assuming space isn’t an issue, here are a few essential tasks you need to complete to prepare for your big day.

Clean up your home’s interior. Even if the majority of your wedding activities are taking place outdoors, there’s no doubt that people will step into the house at some point or another. Considering that even a clean looking carpet can hold up to a pound of dirt per square foot, a good carpet cleaning is likely in order. In addition, make sure the common areas of your home (living room, kitchen, bathrooms) are well-kept and looking cohesive.

Check your roof, siding, and windows. If you’ve been putting exterior repairs off for a while, now is the time to boost them to the top of your to-do list. A good power wash should clean up your windows and help reveal any hidden issues with your siding. As for the roof, it’s probably a good idea to get it inspected and replaced, if necessary. This isn’t just about appearances, either. Your guests will want to be safe and dry should the weather turn!

Spruce up the landscaping. Considering that your wedding will be one of the 35% that take place outdoors, safe to say the way your lawn looks is important. The first step is taking care of any patchy areas. A plush, green lawn is key to a backyard wedding. After that, take the time to clear out any brush or dead plants from the area. It’s typically a good idea to consult a landscaping company to help flesh out and execute your dream design, too. You may be able to DIY some backyard projects, but it might not be such a good idea to wing it for your wedding.

Consider your guests’ comfort. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding reception, consider doing the following things.

  • Renting a generator and additional lights
  • Investing in a tent with closable curtains
  • Bringing in a few heaters
  • Spraying for bugs a few days before the wedding
  • Renting additional outdoor restrooms
  • Notifying the neighbors of your plans
  • Providing enough parking space
  • Having a plan B for your reception

Above all else, keep in mind that planning a backyard wedding takes time. If it takes a property six months to sell, it takes double that time to get a property ready for a big event like a wedding. Make sure you’re considering all of the preparatory tasks listed here before you throw your big bash.