5 tips for a stress free backyard wedding

Wedding
Written By Eric DePangher
Bride and groom pose outdoors with their dog, surrounded by greenery and a rustic wooden fence, as sunlight illuminates the scene.

5 tips for a stress free backyard wedding | Ashley + Blake 

Ashley and Blake wanted a fun, stress free wedding day which happened to take place in their friends backyard near Vancouver, Washington. The most interesting thing about backyard weddings is they can be anything from elopements, micro weddings, medium sized, or really large guest count weddings. It really just depends on the size of the property and what you envision for your dream day. We had so much fun with this couple and all of the amazing guests. We love that they included their amazing dog, had wood fire pizza, and some of the most amazing family and friends. 

Black and white image of a bride in a robe smiling with friends in the background, captured in a cozy bedroom setting before the wedding.
Close-up of hands adjusting the intricate lace and beading on a wedding dress, with a bracelet featuring ‘LOVE’ charms in focus.
Bride in a lace wedding dress standing in a lush forest, smiling over her shoulder with sunlight filtering through the greenery.
Bride posing outdoors with her bridesmaids in colorful dresses, all striking playful and fun poses surrounded by lush greenery.
Black and white photo of a groom laughing unaware as the bride playfully sneaks up behind him outdoors with trees in the background.
Bride and groom share a joyful first look outdoors in a sunlit field, surrounded by lush greenery and warm smiles.
Groom excitedly gestures toward the bride during their first look in a sunny outdoor setting surrounded by vibrant greenery.
Bride smiles as she receives a loving kiss on the cheek from a family member in a sunny outdoor setting with lush greenery.
Bride and groom pose with family members outdoors in a sunny, green setting, with everyone smiling warmly for the camera.
Guests in colorful dresses gather around a decorated table with cards, gifts, and wooden blocks, set against a vibrant red barn in a sunny outdoor setting.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs, rustic wood decorations, and a wooden arch, surrounded by a lush forest backdrop under a sunny sky.
Guests socialize and enjoy drinks inside a rustic barn with draped fabric and string lights, while a dog on a leash looks up at its owner.

5 Tips for a Stress Free Backward Wedding

  1. Get a day of planner (this can be a professional or someone you trust that is not part of your day (not parent or sibling that will want to be part of the day and be in the photos) if your budget does not allow for a professional then ask someone you trust with good organization skills such as a cousin or trusted family friend.

2. Have a bathroom plan, depending on your guest count/the size of the house you will probably need something more than what the house can provide. We highly recommend luxury restrooms as they have sinks with running water, flushing toilets and are very clean. We have worked with and highly recommend Luxury Restroom Trailers as they always have clean nice restrooms.

3. Do a first look and most of your formal and family photos before the ceremony. This way you can spend your reception with your guests.

Groom walks arm-in-arm with a guest down an outdoor aisle, surrounded by greenery and seated attendees on a sunny day.
Bride and groom stand under a wooden arch during their outdoor ceremony, surrounded by seated guests and a lush forest backdrop on a sunny day.
Groom stands with hands clasped and smiles during the outdoor ceremony, with a microphone nearby and a green landscape in the background.
Family members seated during the outdoor ceremony, attentively watching with heartfelt expressions, surrounded by sunny greenery.
Groom reads his vows during the outdoor ceremony, standing under a wooden arch with a serene green background.
Bride and groom holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with an officiant reading from a book in a sunlit field.
Close-up of the groom placing a wedding ring on the bride’s finger during the ceremony, with the officiant holding a book in the background.
Two young flower girls walk down an outdoor aisle, scattering petals from baskets, as seated guests smile under the sunny sky.”
Bride walks down a grassy hill with a family member, holding a bouquet of greenery and flowers, under a bright blue sky in an outdoor setting.
Bride and groom share a lighthearted moment during their outdoor ceremony under a wooden arch, with the officiant standing nearby.
Bride reads her vows from a card during the outdoor ceremony, as the groom listens with a smile, under a wooden arch surrounded by greenery.
Bride listens intently during the outdoor ceremony, wearing a lace wedding dress and floral hairpiece, with soft sunlight highlighting her profile.
Bride reads her vows with an emotional expression during the outdoor ceremony, facing the groom against a backdrop of greenery.
Bride and groom share a heartfelt embrace and kiss under a wooden arch during their outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by greenery.

4. If you are not into formalwear but want to wear something more traditional for the photos/ceremony bring a second outfit to change into that you feel more comfortable in. We did couple photos in Blakes suite and then some more in his cool Hawaiian shirt. We have even had some of the wedding party/parents change into something less formal for dancing. Just make sure the you/the couple is ok with this before you/they change.

Outdoor wedding reception under a white tent next to a red barn, with guests seated at tables and a catering setup under sunny skies.
Guests enjoy conversations and snacks in a rustic barn setting with a custom bar sign, string lights, and casual attire.
Outdoor catering team prepares and serves wood-fired pizzas from a mobile oven during the wedding reception, surrounded by a scenic forest backdrop.
Close-up of unique wedding rings resting on a vibrant arrangement of green flowers, a white rose, and textured floral accents.
Black and white close-up of a large dog lying on gravel under a table, gazing gently into the camera with a calm expression.
Bride and groom laugh joyfully while seated at their reception table, surrounded by floral centerpieces and rustic decor in a barn setting.
Groom wearing a floral shirt shares a warm hug with a guest during the wedding reception, set against a festive barn backdrop.
Black and white photo of a wedding guest giving a speech with a microphone while the bride and groom smile and react at their reception table.
Guests seated at tables under a tent during the wedding reception, engaging in conversations and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Close-up of wood-fired pizzas with various toppings on a serving board, accompanied by a fresh salad on a buffet table during the wedding reception.
Bride smiles warmly as she shares a heartfelt hug with a guest wearing a floral top, set against a soft, sunlit background.
Guests playing cornhole on a grassy yard during the wedding reception, with a house and playground in the background.
Wedding guest wearing a floral shirt gives a heartfelt speech with a microphone during the reception, with soft outdoor lighting in the background.
Bride and groom share a laugh at their reception table, with the bride holding a glass of wine and surrounded by floral centerpieces.

5. In the PNW the weather here is unpredictable, so ALWAYS have a back up plan. From extreme heat to rain. For rain you can rent tenets and for extreme heat, provide extra hydration, misters, and if you have a tent get a AC for the tent.

Bride and groom share a tender first dance, with soft lighting and a serene outdoor backdrop adding to the romantic atmosphere.
Black and white photo of the bride and groom sharing a joyful, intimate moment during their first dance at the wedding reception.
Groom shares a heartfelt dance with a guest during the reception, surrounded by smiling attendees and a joyful atmosphere.
Guests and the bride dance and mingle on a sunlit wooden floor during the wedding reception, holding drinks and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Guests dance and enjoy drinks on the reception floor inside a rustic barn, surrounded by festive lighting and a lively atmosphere.
Bride and groom share a romantic dance in a sunlit barn, with string lights above and a picturesque outdoor view in the background.
Bride smiles brightly while sharing a joyful dance with a family member during the wedding reception, set against a softly lit background.
Bride poses with three guests under a tent during the reception, smiling brightly while a dog stands nearby in the festive atmosphere.
Guests share lively conversations and drinks under string lights in a rustic barn during the wedding reception, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Bride and guests dance energetically on the reception floor, surrounded by laughter and a lively crowd inside a rustic barn.

Remember to have fun, be creative and don’t stress. Your wedding will be perfect as long as you say “I DO” and have good attitude about it. 

Groom dips the bride for a romantic kiss in a lush forest setting, surrounded by vibrant greenery and natural beauty.
Bride and groom gaze lovingly at each other in a sunlit meadow, surrounded by soft greenery and golden hour light.
Black and white photo of the bride and groom sharing a romantic kiss in a serene forest setting, surrounded by trees and natural beauty.
Bride and groom embrace and smile joyfully for the camera in a lush forest setting, surrounded by vibrant greenery.
Eric DePangher
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