Rentals for a Backyard Reception

katherinewatson · June 2013

Hi everyone! I'm having a backyard reception (ceremony at a church). My mom is almost insistent upon a 7pm wedding, so that the impending darkness will hide any "flaws" in the yard. It really doesn't matter that much to me. I need help with the rentals that we will need for our reception. Bathrooms are a must (no one inside the house); our large patio will be the dance floor. I'm unsure about a tent. If it rains, the reception will be held at another-- indoor-- location. Since it will be daylight outside for a short portion of the reception, shade isn't too big of an issue, plus our yard has wooded areas. Our caterer said something about a tent being necessary for food, but he also isn't the one footing the bill! I really like the idea of making a "faux tent" just from poles and lights. Can we save money by forgoing a tent, or is it necessary? Other than tables, chairs, and dining accessories, what other rentals are needed?

daisey18 · June 2013

Of course you don't need a tent! I wonder if your caterer is trying to rent you one of his?

I have a friend who rents a huge margarita/ slushy machine every year for her biggest party- it is awesome, and pretty inexpensive. She gets it from a guy who rents bouncy houses and water slides- if you are looking to do booze, this might be a great option for you.

Make sure that you have plenty of trashcans if you are using disposable dinnerware.

memchugh · July 2013

As long as you have a rain location you are satisfied with that can accommodate the caterer and guests then you do not need a tent. Some last minute items I ended up renting were a portable bar, two large coolers, 5-gallon water vessels. You'll need linens and extra card tables for gifts/guestbook etc.

QueerFemme · July 2013

I would probably rent a tent or at least a shade canopy for the food area.

Other rentals you might consider:

Extra linens, extra tables (you may need to set up extras for a gift table, and just generally, random other things. I would just rent 2-3 extras); lighting for when the sun goes down, bug zappers or citronella candles to keep the bugs away. I am sure there is more... but that's a few that came to mind.

Angusaur · July 2013

Just a thought, what if it starts to rain halfway through your reception?

QueerFemme · July 2013

Angusaur said:

Just a thought, what if it starts to rain halfway through your reception?

I don't know where OP lives, but in my neck of the woods (the bay area), the skies never just randomly open up. We know about it days in advance, and there is a STORM WATCH 2013! on the news. I know the midwest has issues like this, but I would have never worried about such a thing.

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