backyard wedding ideas | Indestructo Tent Rental Inc.

A wedding picnic can be just the ticket for couples who want an informal and entertaining special day. Planning a picnic wedding starts with choosing the right location (such as one of our beautiful Chicago parks or your favorite backyard) and progresses to those logistical details that make the day a memorable occasion for everyone involved.

There are a few tips that go with planning a picnic wedding (especially with unpredictable Midwestern weather). For the best picnic wedding, use these wedding picnic planning tips:

Discuss whether you want your wedding picnic to be a large event or a small, more intimate wedding picnic. This decision can help as you decide on the tent size and number of wedding rental items needed, such as the number of chairs and tables.
To make sure you get the wedding picnic rental items you need, plan for your wedding day as far in advance as possible. Contact a rental company with a list of items. Don’t hesitate to ask for ideas for other items that can complete the event.
If using an outdoor wedding venue, always ask about logistical ideas. Is there a volume limitation or curfew? These details can put a damper on your desire for an epic wedding dance. Is there room for a large tent? Can the tent be staked down? Is a permit needed? To avoid any penalties, ask about the regulations that could add stress to your wedding planning.
Always have a plan B when planning an outdoor wedding. The weather can be unpredictable in Chicago, and an indoor venue or tent can be invaluable if the weather is hot or rainy. In the same way, consider adding sidewalls to a tent or climate control.
If the wedding ceremony and reception is in the same location, plan for additional food items and entertainment to keep guests entertained during photos and the cocktail hour. Guests can appreciate wedding entertainers and yard games that reinforce the wedding atmosphere while waiting for the wedding pleasantries to end.
To avoid duplication (or missing rental items), always confer with other vendors, such as your caterer, to find out what items are included in your contract.

Then, use this list of wedding picnic items (and this outdoor wedding checklist) to order the items that make your vision of a wedding picnic come alive.

Ceremony chairs
Tents
Sidewalls
Dance floor
Food service tables (such as buffet tables)
Table linens
Heat or AC
Lighting (event or atmosphere-see options for tent lighting here)
Picnic table cloths
Picnic tables
Coffee service
Chafing dishes
Insulated coolers
Portable bars
Drink tubs
Chill tables
Chill tubs
Industrial grills
Centerpieces
Garbage cans (with covers)
Microphone
Projection Screens
Sound System
Kids tables
Kids chairs
Stage

Jen Niedospial and Jake Fuller Wedding Photos, Mandatory Copyright to Glen Abog
6027 N . Drake Ave., Chicago, IL 60659, www.glenabog.com

An outdoor or backyard wedding is a beautiful idea with a long wedding rental checklist. In addition to the “normal” tasks on an indoor wedding planning checklist, an outdoor wedding requires quite a few wedding rental items. The tent (for when our Chicago weather gets too hot, cold, or rainy), the chairs, the tables…all these big outdoor rentals are part of a wonderful wedding atmosphere—PLUS some smaller items (like table linens and cooling) that shouldn’t be overlooked.

This checklist of outdoor wedding rental items can get couples started with the things needed for their special day. (Some caterers may provide some of these items as part of their services. Ask them for information on items included in the catering package.) In addition to items, couples need to consider these important parts of an outdoor wedding:

Permits. Some venues or areas require permits for hosting events, putting up structures (like tents), and even using propane tanks. Even backyard weddings may require some paperwork. An experienced party rental company should be able to answer questions about permits, especially at common outdoor wedding sites in Chicagoland.
Electricity/utilities. Many of the elements of an outdoor wedding need a power source. Some items may require more heavy-duty connections; discuss power requirements with the wedding venue and party rental company to keep the lights on and the music going.
Volume limitations or regulations. In some areas, volume limitations, regulations, and curfews are in effect. Ask Chicago wedding venues about any volume limitations or curfews during the venue tour. For a backyard wedding, contact local municipal offices for specific information.
Staffing and vendors. For a smooth wedding planning experience, choose wedding vendors (i.e. photographers, musicians, caterers, wedding rental companies, etc.) carefully. Prepare a list of questions to ask that ensures they are reputable and professional. This can include questions about their experience, availability, cost, and contract fine print. To avoid an endless search and multiple contracts, contact an experienced Chicago outdoor wedding rental companies that can provide as many items from the wedding rental item checklist as possible.

Wedding Ceremony

___ Signs (to guide guests, if needed)

___ Chairs

___ Ceremony stand or stage (if needed)

___ Topiaries/flowers (if desired)

___ Microphone & sound system (if needed)

___ Lights (exterior & interior, if needed)

___ Tent (for blocking sun or in case of inclement weather)

___ Tent sidewalls (if needed during inclement weather) & climate control (heating, cooling, fans, etc.)

___ Restrooms (for full event, if other facilities are not available)

___ Lounge furniture (if needed)

___ Tables (round, banquet, umbrella, or other specialty tables, if desired)