How to coordinate a backyard wedding?

I think you can research via pinterest backyard weddings and save the money. A lot of great ideas there.

Do you have siblings/cousins/wedding party that can help with set up and tear down? I think that will be the biggest piece to get figured out. Maybe look into a day of coordinator?

What about a day of coordinator?

View Quoted Comment I know my family would definitely be more than willing to help with set up and tear down, I just feel bad about it because they’re supposed to be guests at a wedding enjoying it you know? I’ve been trying to look into day-of coordinators but it’s still so expensive i don’t think we can swing it!

Take a look at Thumbtack.com for a day of coordinator so you and your guests can relax.

Definitely check to see if the wedding planners in your area actually do that level of manual labor. When I was a wedding planner, I never did that part and it was left to the rental companies or the family. Sure, I’d assist and scooch a table over, set up a few chairs or help dropping linens. But as an individual wedding planner (even with an assistant), that’s a lot of time and work. So I would have charged a lot extra if that was requested (or probably not accept the task). Perhaps if it can be set up the day before, the planner can assist your family members. That also leaves time for mishaps, because the day of the wedding isn’t the time for trial and error attempts at hanging lights and figuring out if all the tables fit, etc. But I bet you could find some smaller companies on Craigslist in the “services” section who can help with those tasks.

I would say look into hiring a day laborer like the guys who stand outside of home depot / Lowe’s looking for work they’re usually a lot less expensive than a professional

Maybe you can find someone to be a day of coordinator. They would also be able to give you a timeline for your day.

Taskrabbit.com


You don't need a DOC, you need a "help with set up and tear down, and any miscellaneous tasks" person. A catering or event rental company might let you hire someone for that a la carte

The tent was set up the previous day by the rental company, and all of the tables and chairs were staged in the garage. My parents were amazing and set up the tables and chairs (for about 25 guests) the morning of the wedding, before we left for the ceremony. My mom also strung up lights all around the backyard. Then after the ceremony, the bridal party was on a party bus and getting pictures, so my parents and in laws added the tablecloths, table runners, centerpieces, etc. in some down time between the ceremony and when we arrived. We also had 4 small squares for a dance floor so we could do first dances on it and those were set up closer to the reception start time. I don’t think it’s a big deal to have family add finishing touches before your big entrance, as long as they’re willing.


Here’s a photo from our backyard featuring the dance floor, with my hubby and MIL. I highly recommend something like this so you can have a special place to do first dances.

I think if you keep it simple your family and friends would be more than willing to help. While I understand you want them to enjoy it (rightfully so) they are there to support you and your future husband on this next journey of your lives. Ask for volunteers, you would be surprised who steps up. Check your church members, work friends, friends of friends... there are endless possibilities on both sides of this new union!!


Good Luck!