Weddings Backyard weddings...do you?

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trafficgoo

Weight lifting Music Guy
Apr 1, 2008
4,435
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Gilbert, AZ
www.musclemanmusic.com
Once in awhile we get requests to do backyard weddings. Even though it's cash in pocket, I find them to be a pain and I sometimes turn them down because of load in, landscape issues like dirt and no grass etc...

We had one in a richer part of Phx a few years back. I met with the owner, scouted out where we would be set up, checked out our power source etc. We showed up that afternoon and the caterer had taken our power source so we ended up running two 100ft extensions to some bedrooms. It irked me being that I went over everything with the owner ahead of time and she said nothing about the caterer even being there. She said that they were going to be cooking inside the house.

What's your take on these? Experiences?
 
The very first backyard wedding I did netted me a $150 tip and two referrals. I've only had a problem with one and that was an unruly drunken guest that ruined the reception. The load ins can be a pain but I specify my requirements up front and always scope out the grounds before hand. I have done 9 to date. Most of these weddings are so laid back and fun.

young...
 
Nope, I'm past working outside.

It's too hot, I like my AC.

Even with discussion and a contract they can be just too unpredictable. Power issues, level land, cover, a plan for weather.

I find it just too be too much of a pain. Even with slow sales this year I will politely refure any outdoor event to my friends.
 
I'll take them, and I love all my events.


I have been rained on, I have been in 90F heat. Bottom line, everyone has fun no matter what.

Of course that outdoor trailer helps just a bit too. :sqwink:



Also, the reason I will continue to do outdoor parties is because I charge accordingly to make it profitable.
 
I've been rained on, 95 degree heat, -14 degree celsius cold. The weather doesn't bother me. I let everyone know that I can't control the weather.

young...
 
Some of the best events I've done have been outside.

What I did was get an EZ-UP with folding sides, and bring a tarp just in case.

Preparation is key. Great fun to be had outside!

Best,

Paul
 
We've done a total of 1.....so far.

The actual wedding was on the front porch of a Victorian home and the reception was under a tent that covered much of the back yard. We got paid, so all was good. :)

ps: This is the wedding/reception that we traveled down to Shreveport, LA to do..
 
Don't mind the ceremonies, but yeah in many cases the receptions can be a pain in the butt.
I charge full rate, no price breaks for these....I won't do them from June 1st thru Oct. 1
This time of year?...yes!
 
Bill Kexel said:
Don't mind the ceremonies, but yeah in many cases the receptions can be a pain in the butt.
I charge full rate, no price breaks for these....I won't do them from June 1st thru Oct. 1
This time of year?...yes!
Click to expand...

I don't like outdoor events this time of year but I have done a couple. Last one was -14*Celsius with a good north wind. Ah but what's 6 hours in the middle of a ski village in February in Canada?:sqeek:

young...
 
Yes I have. We require that the performing area for equipment setup is free from direct sunlight and/or rain, snow, etc. Outdoor events require canopies/tents with sides.

Need the CYA
 
DJ Young said:
I don't like outdoor events this time of year but I have done a couple. Last one was -14*Celsius with a good north wind. Ah but what's 6 hours in the middle of a ski village in February in Canada?:sqeek:

young...
Click to expand...

I know exactly what you are saying. I got a thread on how cold it was...but I know you got me beat for sure.
 
We've done several backyard/outdoor weddings since we moved here. They tend to pay better than ones in rented houses and are often much more laid back.

Most have been for younger couples who recently moved here and bought a house. They'll have their wedding and reception in the back yard. Have done some outdoor grad parties as well.

True, the load in and out can be a bear. We've parked on the street and wheeled it all up the driveway, across the front yard around the back and onward to the main tent. Then there's 100 feet or more of AC power cable... hopefully there's an outlet that's not being shared somewhere. Loading out, it's pitch-black dark out. We carried a flashlight so we could see where we were going. :D

We've always enjoyed them. :)
 
I have done many............most of them in the suburbs, or in the rural areas. Great fun, typically when you prepare right. I can say most of them have been successful....
 
I scope out the area first and will reject it if the load in is too difficult. That has only happened once out of more than 20.
 
I have done many and i love them! They do generally run longer than a venue wedding but most tip well!
 
I made my biggest payday for a Beautiful Outdoor Wedding and Reception on the Lakefront property of Oosoyoos. 1500 payday plus a 1 hour OT and 150 tip. Almost broke the 2 grand mark at $1950.00 added to the 2 nite hotel and fuel ($75.00)charge.
 
We have no problem with outdoor events. Done many. Load in is never a problem for us. A good RNR cart and light equipment.

One outdoor wedding we did at some old farm. They rented very big tents. I was concerned about the power and said they would need to rent a generator. They rented it and were very thankful they did. The power from the old farm house went out a few times.
 
Do them here whenever they come up. As long as you scopr the place out early, prepare for elements/exposure, and show up early to set up, no real issues.

Some of my most grateful & gracious clients have been outdoor gigs.
 
I have always done them, will always do them
(as long as the Roadies do the setup for me I am fine)

anyway have work to do so better get back to it!
 
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