We all expected 2020 to be a year unlike any other and one thing is certain – it certainly surpassed all our expectations in possibly the worst possible way. Nonetheless, wedding season must go on!
While we are blessed as islanders, traditional wedding venues are still the most popular place to get married. We believe in every challenge, there lies opportunity, and this is no exception. We invite you to embrace doing without the banquet halls and resorts to create a timeless wedding during this unique period in history. Backyard weddings allow you to curate every detail to fit your budget and match your taste from decor to food and festivities.
Today, we will walk you through the steps needed to transform your space, offering solutions to common problems while bringing you some helpful inspiration to create a magical, intimate, backyard wedding – All taking advantage of our Caribbean lifestyle.
Step 1: Choose Your Location
We know it’s a backyard wedding but the question is – whose? A residential property is almost guaranteed to require some work before it’s wedding-worthy, so it’s important to know from the get-go. This gives you enough time to make the necessary repairs, create a design which fits the space, and ensure comfort.
Step 2: Repairs
Functionality and aesthetic go hand in hand. You may need to consider installing outdoor landscape lighting or resurfacing your yard to repair dangerous cracks. Another service you may require is power-washing your space to give a deep-clean.
If you identify big repairs which are needed, scheduling a pro should be done as soon as possible. Whether you’re working with a licensed contractor or hiring a handyman, be sure to prepare your list to avoid last-minute meltdowns.
Step 3: Design
Now that we’ve got the nitty-gritties out of the way, on to the fun stuff – Decorating! This can include designing a beautiful backdrop, creating a photobooth or curating a statement entry-way.
With respect to the landscape, you can keep it simple by investing in a few affordable DIY Landscaping projects and hiring a gardener to assist. On the other end of the spectrum, you can engage in a major outdoor overhaul by consulting with a professional landscaper who can help you shape and sculpt your yard from top to bottom.
Step 4: Comfort
Our climate is a bittersweet one. The humidity combined with the warmth our island offers creates an environment where powered fans are not just a great solution, but a necessity. It’s important to consult with a nearby electrician to make sure you won’t be overloading your power capacity. Another option would be to rent a tent where guests can escape the sun. If you would like to invest in a more permanent solution as a pre-wedding gift to you and yours, consider hiring someone to construct a custom gazebo in your backyard.
Mosquitoes and other critters can also pose a problem. There are many pest control companies to choose from. Whether you’re dealing with rodents, ants, snakes, mosquitos or bees, a company to suit your needs is a click away.
Last, but certainly not least, ensure you have enough bathrooms so that none of your guests have to wait. Portable restrooms don’t have to be unglamorous. There are actually plenty of elegant options you can rent.
Step 5: Take it Inside
A clean space is priority number one. If you’re afraid you won’t have time leading up to the event, consider hiring a house cleaning service near you to take the extra work (and stress) off your plate.
If you’ll be using the space as an extension of your backyard, you may want to reorganize it. Moving furniture out of the room and removing non-essential pieces can make the space feel bigger.
Wedding-prep is never a walk in the park,
but it’s always well worth the trouble.
We hope we provided some insight and inspiration for your
2020 wedding 💫 .