There are so many great benefits to hosting a backyard movie night! In this post, we will cover the top reasons why, and how you can create an outdoor movie party you’ll never forget.
If you’ve never attended an outdoor movie, you probably have no idea of the social benefits, practical advantages or immense joy it brings! Or maybe you have experienced it and you’re rearing to host one yourself but aren’t sure where to begin.
Today we will cover the best reasons why backyard movies are a must-have on your summer hosting calendar. Plus, all the essentials you need when setting up an outdoor movie cinema.
After reading this post you will be inspired, equipped and excited, ready to invite your favorite people to an evening they’ll never forget.
Backyard Movie Night Inspiration and Essentials
5 Reasons to Host a Backyard Movie Night
1. Easy Set Up
There are a few essentials required when setting up an outdoor movie. While a few of these items such as the projector, and speaker may be an investment; everything else can be found from around the house.
In the next section, we will dive into the full essentials list for your backyard movie theater.
2. Great For Small or Large Groups
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night with your significant other, a child’s birthday party, or a large-scale event… You can fit everyone in!
By choosing an outdoor event you are not limited to the capacity of your home. There is no need to feel claustrophobic or anxious over your group size when you have all the room in the world outdoors.
And your options for location go far beyond your backyard! Whatever view you fancy: beach, mountain, farm or park, the choice is yours.
3. Unique Summer Experience
Once you’ve made the truly wise decision to invest in a projector, outdoor movies will become your summer evening go-to. What better way is there to enjoy the evening outdoor ambience than with your friends, family and favorite movie?
Your guests are sure to love the casual and relaxed atmosphere with enough room to stretch out and get comfy.
4. Cost Efficient
No need to organize an expensive sit-down dinner or large meal. All you need is some drinks and snacks for your guests. Or better yet you could invite your guests to bring a picnic basket and share goodies between themselves!
And I know I say this too often, but the outdoors is my favourite decoration! No amount of money could buy you decorations more beautiful than a God-painted sunset. Thats all the decor you need!
5. Everyone Loves Movies
Whether you’re 6 or 60, everyone loves a good movie!
There are so many genres to choose from and depending on your audience and/or theme, you are sure to entertain all.
So now that you are convinced, allow me to share with you the must have backyard movie night essentials.
Lights, Camera, Backyard!
9 Must-Have Essentials for a Backyard Movie Night
1. Projector
The first and most obvious thing you’ll need is a projector. Thankfully portable projectors have become more readily available in recent years.
If you don’t already have one this is probably the most expensive purchase for your event. However, I see it as a summer investment! Once you have one you can create endless outdoor theater experiences for years to come.
Another option to achieve the outdoor movie without the projector is if you have a stand-alone TV you can move outdoors. It may not be as large but would still make for a fun experience.
Pro tip: Make sure your party is starting 20-30 mins before sunset. The later and darker it is when your movie starts the better.
The projector we use and love is a Proflix Spotlight HD Projector if you’re looking for a reliable option.
2. Projector Screen
There are several different options available when choosing a screen. If hosting backyard movies is something you want to do often, creating some sort of permanent screen could be great.
Other options include buying a screen and stand, blow-up screen, hanging a white sheet from an exterior wall or van or building your own screen. Some of these options can be expensive, in our case we chose to DIY our screen.
I am very blessed to have a builder for a husband who could put together a basic frame using available materials.
The screen part of the frame was a large rectangle with one extra plank in the middle for strength. To keep it up-right he braced it with 3 more planks cut on an angle, so the screen rested back and was held up by them.
Lastly, we stapled a white sheet taunt to the frame. This made for a massive screen perfect for what we needed!
3. Speaker
Depending on the size of your group you will need at least one speaker. Usually, these are easy to Bluetooth through your projector. Hopefully this is something you already have on hand.
Make sure if your speaker is wireless that it has plenty of battery, and/or have the charger ready just in case.
4. Blankets, Pillows and Seats
Time to raid your house for all things cozy!
Firstly, you’ll need picnic blankets for your guests to sit on. These could even be sheets or rugs your happy to bring out.
Next, pillows and blankets. Even in summer, the evenings get cool, and you can’t beat the comfort of snuggling up in a blanket. Pillows are going to be key to getting comfy, so the more the merrier!
Another option could be to use outdoor seating or even bring your lounge out just for the occasion! For our outdoor movie, we had couches, picnic blankets and beanbags for our guests to choose from.
5. Snacks
An important part of the movie night experience is always the treats.
You could choose to offer as basic as just popcorn and drinks or do a full-blown party table. It just depends on the type of gathering you’re hosting.
For our event I was inspired by the type of treats you’d get at the movies. The selection included ice blocks, lollies, many different varieties of chocolates, fizzy cans and of course popcorn boxes!
6. Tables
Your guests will likely need some hard surfaces to place their food and drinks. For this reason, it’s a great idea to have small coffee tables or stools scattered around the seating.
7. Decorations
If your backyard movie night has a theme or is for a party, then you’ll probably want to consider some kind of decorations.
The event shown in this post was a 19th birthday party. I chose to go for a boho/peachy colour palette. The decorations cost very little as the picnic set up mostly acted as our decor. I did however add balloons for that extra party vibe.
The balloon arch was made with peachy pink, apricot and white balloons of various sizes strung together using fishing line. I love to add foliage wherever possible, so I placed wispy branches through the arch adding a lovely pop of green. Lastly, battery operated fairy lights added that special touch of magic.
Lastly, we put together a long line of white balloons with tassels that stretched across the yard. This was made by using fishing line, balloons, tape and a tinsel backdrop cut into small sections for the balloon tails.
8. Power
Most projectors require power. So, keep in mind wherever you plan your projector to be set up it will need access to electricity. Long extension cords are the best option for this.
Alternatively, if you want your movie theatre to be really off-grid you could use a campervan with electricity for power.
9. Bug Spray
Hopefully, this one isn’t necessary for you. However, bugs always seem to be a problem in the evenings so being prepared with bug spray could be a life saver!
