We've heard it so many times. "We absolutely love the venue, but the cost is too much for us. We are going to save money and have the wedding at a friend/family member's house/farm/backyard." I always smile and wish everyone well, but on the tip of my tongue, there’s a whole lot more I'd like to say... so I'll say it here and direct it to anyone who’d like to gain a little insight, but not to anyone in particular at all.
Backyard weddings can be beautiful. They can be the PERFECT space for your event! I got married on my farm waaaay before it was a venue, and way before it was mine. It wasn’t because I was trying to save money... it was because I loved my family home and wanted it to forever be a part of my history and my future. A space with a special connection always ranks high when it comes to venue decision-making.
But, if the space particulars aren’t that important, and you’re simply searching for a gorgeous backdrop in an efficient radius for family and friends, local venues of all shapes and sizes are available to choose from.
The main thing to keep in mind is that each venue has a different niche. They cater to a certain client and have been operating long enough to understand what the market will allow and what it costs to run their establishment. All of this is factored in when pricing is developed. It isn’t just a willy-nilly number tossed out there to see what sticks. It’s a well-thought-out, formulated business plan. We purchase, build, obtain, plan, organize, and sell that—along with our experience—to our potential customers at a number that reflects the value.
My potential customer is going to be much different than the one who prefers modern, chic designs with lots of glass. Higher-end tastes come with higher-end costs. Likewise, a very simple banquet hall that pumps out multiple events per week with basic conference-style décor will cost much less than a venue that is tailored to a specific customer base.
No matter the venue, each one considers many factors to develop their pricing packages. Their development costs are first and foremost—it’s the cost to become legally permitted to operate as a wedding venue. This process is often time-consuming and expensive! Bringing a building up to code, adding handicap accessibility, and meeting all the necessary safety and zoning requirements is a huge investment.
(Yes, some venues operate illegally, and they can, at any time, be shut down by county/state government—with no legal obligation to refund a penny of the money you've paid! Be sure to ask your venue if they are legally licensed to do business.)
ILLEGAL VENUE ALERT #1: They don’t have a website and hustle their space through social media and private messages. Do your due diligence to avoid hassles later.
Venues then calculate their construction costs, as well as the cost to rent similar tables, chairs, buffet setups, bars, décor, logistics, and operations costs. These include things like supplies, labor, maintenance, cleaning, setup, and reception staff. This is how the basic pricing is calculated.
Now, let's talk about the costs of throwing a simple backyard wedding, with like-quality items that we offer in our venue. We're considering the very basics here... Let’s say this party is for 100 guests and we’re seating 10 per table. Here we go:
Tables: To rent basic 60-inch round tables (seating 10), you’re looking at about $10–$20 per table. For 10 tables, that’s $100–$200.
Chairs: Standard folding chairs (without cushion) cost roughly $2–$3 per chair. For 100 guests, that’s $200–$300.
Table Linens: Renting white linens to cover the tables is typically $10–$15 each. For 10 tables, that's $100–$150.
Dinnerware (Plates, Glassware, Cutlery): Renting basic dinnerware sets can range from $5–$10 per person. For 100 people, that’s $500–$1,000.
Bar Setup: Depending on the size, style, and service needed, renting a basic bar setup with necessary supplies can run anywhere from $500–$1,500.
Buffet Setup: This includes chafing dishes, buffet tables, and all the necessary items to serve food. Expect to spend between $300–$500.
Staff: Even for a small event, you’ll need at least 3–4 servers, plus a bartender. Labor costs for staff could range from $15–$25 per hour, per person, for 4 hours. Total: around $600–$1,000.
Decor: Simple flowers, candles, and other décor could range from $200–$500, depending on your style and preferences.
When you add all of this up, it’s easy to see that a "simple backyard wedding" with like-quality items comes to around $2,800–$4,500—and we haven’t even touched on things like event coordination, permits, insurance, or the costs of any rentals needed for things like a dance floor, restrooms, or lighting.
The reality is that hosting a wedding anywhere—whether at a private home, a farm, or a venue—requires significant planning, time, and a financial investment. And while backyard weddings can absolutely create a magical, intimate setting, it’s essential to consider all the factors involved, including the hidden costs and the work it takes to make everything come together smoothly.
At the end of the day, what matters most is creating an event that feels meaningful and authentic to you. Whether that means hosting a wedding in a backyard or at a dedicated venue, choose the space that feels right for you—and always keep in mind the full picture of what it will take to make your vision come to life.
-Amanda Slivinski. Willowynn Owner
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