Your Private Residence Wedding Checklist

May 19

Advice with Cat: Your Private Residence Wedding Checklist

Private residence weddings can be magical, meaningful, and deeply personal—but they also come with a unique set of logistical challenges. Unlike traditional venues that are designed to host hundreds of people, your backyard (or your parents’ or a family friend’s) isn’t necessarily event-ready.

That’s where thoughtful planning—and a solid rental team—comes in.

Here’s a checklist of key things you must consider when hosting a wedding at a private residence:

🏕 Tent + Structure Needs

Tent Setup
Your tent will either need to be staked into the ground or held down with water barrels. If you're staking it, someone must be on-site who knows exactly where the sprinklers, pipes, and utilities are buried. This is important not just for the install day, but also when you’re initially getting a quote from the tent company.
Tent Siding + HVAC
If you’re planning to use a heating or cooling system, siding is non-negotiable. It helps maintain temperature and keeps guests comfortable.
Flooring
Uneven ground? You’ll want to talk to your rental company about tent flooring. It’s an investment, but it makes a massive difference in comfort, safety, and logistics.

🍽 Tables, Chairs, and Linens

Don’t forget the essentials: tables, linens, and chairs. You’ll need counts not just for dining, but also for cocktail hour, dessert displays, and possibly lounge seating.

💃 Dance Floor

Even if you’re not flooring the entire tent, you need a physical dance floor. Not only does it give your guests a designated space to let loose, but it also makes cleanup safer and easier if a glass breaks. (Trust me, broken glass + grass + darkness = no thank you.)

💡 Lighting

Inside the Tent: Ambient and task lighting are both key.
Pathways: Make sure there’s clear lighting leading to bathrooms, parking areas, and key parts of the property. It’s easy to overlook this, but once the sun sets, your guests will appreciate being able to see where they’re going.

⚡️ Power + Generators

Generators & Spider Boxes are a must-have for powering everything from catering equipment to DJ booths.
I’ll be honest—I don’t know how they work either (and you don’t need to), but your rental company should.
Pro tip: Ask for a quiet generator and make sure it can be tucked out of sight from your main event space.

🍸 The Bar

Alcohol (ordered in advance or brought in)
Physical Bar setup (rented or built)
Bartenders (hire pros—it makes all the difference)
Ice (more than you think you’ll need)
Bonus: If you can rent a refrigerator or have access to one on-site, it makes storing and cooling large amounts of alcohol way easier.

Final Thoughts

Private residence weddings are all about customization—but with great freedom comes great responsibility (and a lot of logistics). From water barrels to generators to where your guests will walk after dark, every little detail matters.

But with the right vendor team and a bit of prep, your backyard wedding can feel just as polished and seamless as a ballroom affair—only with more heart.

And if you're not sure where to start? That’s what I’m here for.

— Cat