Planning The Perfect Hudson Valley Backyard Wedding

Hudson Valley backyard weddings have seen exponential growth in popularity over the last two years in the midst of the pandemic. But how do you go about planning one? Here are some tips on how to get started.

It’s no secret that backyard weddings are all the rage these days. Many couples are ditching the crowded catering hall for a more lowkey, intimate setting surrounded by friends and family without even having to leave the comfort of their own home. It’s no wonder they’re becoming so popular!

But you may be wondering- where do I even start to plan my backyard wedding in the Hudson Valley? It can seem daunting. Catering, entertainment, tent rentals… that’s why we’re here to help with some tips to plan your backyard wedding.


Keep It Small.

One of the first factors to consider when planning your backyard wedding is your guest list. How many people are you inviting? Where are they coming from? What are the accommodations like? Typically speaking, most backyard weddings are less than 50-100 guests. However, not everyone will RSVP or be able to attend your wedding, so over-inviting by 10-20% is still within reason.

The most important influence on how many guests you can invite is, of course, how big your backyard is! Which leads us to our next point..

Plan Out Your Space.

Break out the measuring tape! You’ll want to know how many square feet you’re working with so that you can have room for ceremony seating, a dance floor, bar area, staging for food, tables or whatever “must haves” you may need for your Hudson Valley backyard wedding. Your caterer or tent rental company will thank you! 

As far as local tent rentals for your Hudson Valley backyard wedding, I would recommend Durant’s Party Rentals. Durant’s offers tent rentals in Wappingers Falls, NY and tent rentals in Danbury, CT, servicing a wide area of the Hudson Valley.

Catering is Key.

Hiring professional caterers for your backyard wedding in the Hudson Valley is perhaps one of the best investments you can make on your wedding day. Trying to DIY your own cocktail hour based off of some Pinterest boards might seem appetizing, but you’ll soon find it’s a huge undertaking.

My recommendation for Hudson Valley wedding catering would be Simply Gourmet based out of Poughkeepsie, NY. With a variety of package options to choose from, they’ll have you covered from Cocktail Hour to Venetian Hour and everything in between.

With these tips, you’re already on the way to planning your dream backyard wedding in the Hudson Valley. But wait! You’ll want to remember that special day for years to come right? That’s where we come in. Contact us to learn more about our wedding photography and videography services!

Brandon Fiege, MBA

Lead photographer and cinematographer at Hudson River Weddings. Unapologetic camera nerd. European car aficionado and self-proclaimed chicken sandwich expert.

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