If you’re getting married in a season or location where the weather is nice and you’ve always had a vision of saying I do underneath the stars and the fresh air, considering a backyard wedding may be the right style for you. Whether you’re planning to have your wedding in the backyard of your childhood home or you’re using the backyard of a historical house or friend’s house, here are the 6 things you need to know before deciding to use that location as your wedding venue.

1. Will the Neighbors Be Home?
Check to see if there are neighbors nearby. Let them know you’re planning to have your wedding in the backyard and provide them with the date and the times this will be going on beforehand. Ask them if they have any concerns so you’re aware of any potential problems before the wedding.

2. Are There a Noise Constraint?
Look into if the neighborhood or the city has any laws on when outdoor concerts or noise must end. Your party may not be allowed to go on till midnight but at least have an end time in mind so the police don’t become your wedding crashers.

3. Have You Checked for Outlets?
You’ll most likely have a decent amount of electric equipment that needs to be set up, so check to see if there are places you can plug an extension chord into.

4. Do You Have a Rain Backup Plan?
What happens if the weather isn’t so agreeable on the day of your wedding? Be sure to have a plan B, even if that includes having tents on hold that you can have delivered in case of rain.

5. Are Their Any Safety Hazards?
Have you scoped out the area of dips in the ground or holes in the yard? Be sure to see if there are any potential hazards that might injury guests who are dancing around the property.

6. Can You Spend Time There Pre-Wedding
Since your venue is less formal than most, it’s best to be able to check in there often so you can get a good feel for how you’d like everything to be set up.