Tips for Downsizing Your Big Wedding to a Backyard Wedding
Because of COVID, everyone is having to shift their plans and change things up. Whether you had already planned your whole wedding and were just weeks away from the big day, or you had just started planning, this whole pandemic has definitely been hard on everyone, and we all are in a bit of an adjustment period. Just because we have to adjust doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful day! I know how stressful planning a wedding can be, let alone RE planning one, so I put together my top tips to downsize your wedding so that you can still get married safely! Take a look.
The first thing to keep in mind is the actual legalities of an event during all this.
What are the gathering limits in your county? Are receptions allowed? What number of guests do you actually feel safe with? It might be time to re evaluate your guest list. I know it feels like you have to invite everyone, but really take the time to think about who is a must have on your wedding day. One good way to organize things is to literally write out x number of slots (say 50 for example). Then fill in each number with a person you can’t imagine having your wedding day without. When you see it all laid out visually, it makes all the difference rather than feeling so limited!
Next, talk to your vendor team!
It’s important to get a game plan going for Plan B. Make sure they’re able to switch dates and locations if needed. You’ll want to sit down with each one and check to see if they can adapt for your new needs. For example, if you’re going from a 150 person wedding to a 20 person elopement, catering will need to adjust. What does that look like? If it’s going to be in your backyard or a family members property, will the catering company need access to the house? All questions to ask them when adjusting.
Look into hiring a wedding planner, or at least a day of coordinator.
You may think “I’ve got a small wedding now Tida, I can handle this!”
GIRL.
When you’re planning the entire thing yourself in one space that’s smaller, you absolutely need a planner to help. In my experience, smaller weddings can be more stressful day-of because your family will be coming to bother you with questions that you should not be answering on your WEDDING DAY - like, “where are the scissors” and “what’s the wifi password”. Having a wedding planner to put out the little fires will help make your day go so much smoother. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Start Looking for Your New Venue
If your own backyard doesn’t work, try researching Air BnB’s or ask about private residences of your family and friends and see who can accommodate. You’re going to want to look for an open backyard space with tons of room and shade. If you go with the Air BnB route, check to see if events are even allowed, and how many people they can host! Another thing to consider is internet availability at the venue. Do you want to stream the wedding over Zoom for family and friends that can’t make it? Ask about how the WiFi connection is outdoors.
Adventure Photos? Count Me In!!
Chances are - you probably booked your photographer for a full 10 hour day. Don’t let that time go to waste! Downsizing your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to go off and take some bomb photos elsewhere. On a normal wedding day, you’re super rushed to get all the photos you want. Take advantage of this new time! Check out Chelsea & Chris’s LA elopement here. We had the ceremony at an Air BnB, but then drove out to Malibu for some epic photos. I’d say the results were completely worth it.
Lock It Down Baby!
Feeling good about your new plans? Time to lock it in! No need to get new formal invitations- just put together a nice little E-Vite with the location or Zoom link, and BAM. Time to get married!