| If you have the space (and cooperative weather | | | | that you should leave space between tables for |
| conditions), consider holding your wedding | | | | people to comfortably mingle. |
| ceremony and reception in your backyard. | | | | You should also factor in the seasons: will it be too |
| There are several benefits to this kind of | | | | rainy, too cold, too hot or too humid to hold your |
| arrangement. The most obvious, of course, is | | | | wedding outdoors? You'll need to rent tents or |
| that you put the money you spend back into | | | | umbrellas in case of a sudden shower, and |
| your home. Notice that we didn't necessarily say | | | | perhaps a few industrial fans just to make sure |
| that you will be cutting down on costs, since you'll | | | | there's proper air circulation. |
| still have to spend on rentals of tables and sound | | | | Another important thing to think about is toilet |
| equipment and beautification efforts like | | | | facilities. Do you have enough bathrooms, and if |
| landscaping and extra décor. Realistically, | | | | not, are you willing to rent them? Kitchens are |
| there won't be much difference in throwing the | | | | another factor. |
| party in your home or in a simple church or local | | | | Your serving staff will also need space in the |
| hall, but the couples who did opt for backyard | | | | kitchen for their tools, and an unimpeded path to |
| weddings say that they felt their money was | | | | be able to take care of your guests without |
| spent on something that they could "keep". For | | | | getting in their way. |
| example, the flower beds and pebble path for | | | | You will need to rent some things: tables and |
| your "grand entrance" down your lawn will be | | | | chairs, of course, but don't forget the lights, |
| there for years. Others felt that a backyard | | | | dishes and utensils, sound and video equipment, |
| wedding was more personal and meaningful. | | | | carpeting (for your walk down the "aisle"), |
| However, wanting to throw a backyard wedding | | | | umbrellas and tents. Call suppliers to get an |
| and deciding whether or not it's a feasible option | | | | estimate of your total costs so you won't be |
| are two very different things. Look at the space | | | | surprised later on. |
| you have and the number of guests you plan to | | | | Don't forget to check if you'll be allowed to hold a |
| invite. Compute the number of tables and chairs | | | | party in your backyard. Will your neighbours mind |
| you would need, where you could put the stage | | | | the noise? Will you need to get permits from |
| or the gazebo, and if there's an area where | | | | your local county to serve alcohol? Along with |
| everyone can park. (Some couples solve parking | | | | this, see if there are any issues that would irritate |
| issues by organizing a shuttle service from a | | | | your guests. For example, are there rude |
| designated parking area.) Another thing to think | | | | neighbours that would make the experience |
| about: focal points. This is a place in your yard | | | | unpleasant for them? Are there are a lot of |
| where you'll place the stage, and where everyone | | | | insects or bugs? |
| can watch the ceremony. You may need to | | | | Weigh all of these factors as you decide whether |
| make a rough reception layout, bearing in mind | | | | or not to have the wedding in your backyard. |