Backyard weddings
are intimate, personal gatherings that allow couples to create once in a lifetime memories in a place they call home. The backyard location can belong to the parents of the bride, the groom or to the couple. The casual, yet charming wedding location will create priceless memories for the bride and groom if they do it right.
Significance
Weddings are a significant event in the life of a couple. It is a time to commit to each other, often with friends and family in attendance to witness the commitment. While a backyard wedding is more casual than a traditional church or large venue wedding, it holds no less meaning. Couples often hold backyard weddings because of the intimate setting, the closer ties to family and the need to host a personal ceremony in a personal place.
Function
When planning a backyard wedding, the couple will need to plan for a smaller wedding (less than 50 guests) unless they own several acres. Backyard weddings can be expensive, particularly when covering all the details (chairs, food, tables, music) because much of what may be covered at another venue will have to be brought into a backyard wedding. The landscaping of the backyard is also important, particularly depending on the time of year for the wedding.
Types
The couple planning the wedding should coordinate with the yard owner to cover issues like parking availability for guests, bad weather options, landscaping options, tent rental, night lights and pest control. Neighbors should also be notified of wedding plans, particularly if the reception and party will go on into the evening. The type of ground the backyard possesses will also impact shoes (no heels on soft earth) and dress length (white picks up grass stains with no problems). Catering service or self-catering is another decision to be made.
Time Frame
Backyard weddings are best held in the late months of spring to the early months of autumn. Couples should avoid a backyard wedding in the rainy season or winter months unless plans are made for foul weather. A couple looking to marry in a snowy landscape can make plans to do a backyard wedding, but the reception will likely be held inside. When planning any type of outdoor ceremony, always have a fallback location no matter what time of year.
Benefits
A backyard wedding may be more expensive than a wedding in another venue, but it doesn't have to be. For the small, intimate ceremonies (25 people or less), a backyard wedding can be quite inexpensive. The couple can trim costs in many areas (CDs instead of live music, self-catering instead of catered, personal flowers instead of a florist) and still create magical memories for the rest of their lives. The greatest benefit to a backyard wedding is sitting in that backyard ten years later and enjoying the vivid memories that come to life, right there at home.
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