Planning Backyard Weddings
Planning and hosting a backyard wedding and reception
may be the perfect choice for your upcoming matrimonial
festivities. In fact, in many cases, a backyard wedding
may be the answer, especially if cost is a
consideration. However, before settling on a backyard
wedding, ask yourselves these questions: Why this
location – is this site beautiful and well-suited for a
celebration? Does this place hold fond memories or
sentimental values? Is this location convenient for the
wedding party and guests?
Things to Think About
As when planning a traditional church wedding, there are
many things to think about with a backyard wedding.
First, does the yard size match the number of guests?
Will it accommodate all the chairs and tables needed for
the event? Will the guests stand or sit during the
ceremony? What about the neighbors? What’s the best time
of year, considering weather conditions? Is there enough
parking for everyone? Can the area handle the loading
and unloading of party rentals? Is there easy
accessibility to the kitchen and service area(s)? Do you
know the local laws governing such events and are there
special permits required?
Why Choose the Backyard?
This venue offers you several choices you might not have at a church or other public location.
- The background is usually familiar and/or picturesque, adding to the ambiance of the event.
- You’ll have your choice of service providers including caterers.
- You can have potluck, or your family and friends can bring their own specialty dishes.
- There are no curfews, except as designated by city or county codes.
- You have the ability to serve all types of alcoholic beverages to anyone of legal age.
Developing a Plan
Planning is a crucial part of backyard weddings. Because
your wedding will be at your home, or the home of
someone you know, it can be formal or (more likely)
informal. If you choose a formal backyard wedding, you
will be assisted by professionals each step of the way.
However, an informal backyard wedding means you and/or
your family and friends will be responsible for
everything.
For this reason, do not wait until two days
before the wedding to order chairs and tables. You’ll
need someone to get the area ready, as well as someone
to oversee food preparation and service – and don’t
forget someone to keep the platters filled.
Another part of the plan is to make sure that everyone
involved knows the event is a backyard wedding,
especially the religious official or civil employee who
will perform the ceremony. This person should have very
specific address and driving directions. All members of
the wedding party should drive the route at least once
to assure they won’t get lost. (If something can go
wrong with a backyard wedding, this is one of the top
reasons.)
What Else?
Just a few of the other things you probably will need:
- A first aid kit.
- Rooms where the bride, groom and their attendants to change and store their belongings.
- Nanny or daycare services.
- A special diaper changing area with a disposal receptacle.
- An area for coats and other garments.
You’re Ready Now
Your big day has arrived and you’ve chosen a backyard
wedding to create your lifetime memories. The setting is
likely quite comfortable, because the backyard is either
your own, where you grew up, or that of a loved one.
Everything including the seating and parking are under
control. Now all that you and the love of your life need
to do is “relax and enjoy.”