Your backyard wedding can be all you dreamed it could be, from peaceful and private to the event of the century, as long as your yard and budget can take it all in. Many bridal couples are choosing the backyard wedding, happy that their day can be set on their own schedule instead of fitting into a venue’s busy wedding season. And by taking that portion of the budget and spending it on upgrades to their home and landscape, those couples begin life together with more appealing living space. The inevitable challenges that come along with backyard nuptials can be handled well, ensuring a successful event to cherish.

1) Who’s Invited?

The size of the guest list will be determined first by the size of your yard. If you can’t fit them in, it won’t be comfortable and you’ll only make more trouble for yourself. Smaller homes have to stick with limited invitations. When considering how much space you have be sure to include the necessary staff, such as caterers.

2) How Will the Weather Be?

Of course you want the weather to be perfect. However, planning for less than ideal conditions is a smart idea. Have a tent or canopy put up in the yard. Measure the space you have and choose the best option for your yard, grading and budget.

3) What’s the Theme?

For easy decorating and coordinated menu options, choose a wedding theme. Colors and textures that will go well with green grass and the landscape around are best. Sky blue, lavender purple, daisy yellow and petunia pink are just a few options. Decorate in natural, simple ways with ribbons, sashes, scrapbooking supplies and crepe paper, taking care to remember the little details. Have floral centerpieces for gorgeous and easy table décor or simply fill large glass bowls with items like colored stones, sea shells and fresh fruit.

4) How Are Your Delegating Skills?

When minor details threaten to overwhelm you, enlist some help. A lot of people will be thrilled to help and you can easily hand over little jobs to help you focus on the big ones. Some specific tasks to hand out are:

• Parking – A friend can find and arrange with a nearby shopping mall or church to use their parking lot for the big day. If a shuttle bus or fleet of vans is available, you can cart the guests back and forth easily. Hiring a valet car service is another option. Neighbors and maybe even the local authorities will appreciate knowing if you plan on having your guests park on the street.
• Back-Up Power Supply – In case of emergency or simply when the power goes out, have someone rent or borrow a quiet generator to have nearby.
• Portable Bathrooms – Ask a good friend to arrange this one. Expect to get one portable potty for every 25 guests attending.

5) Are the Lawn and Patio Ready To Go?

Take stock of your grass and look after any patches that need more top soil and seed. Keep up on lawn care before the wedding day and be sure to have the lawn raked of all grass cuttings and leaves. Check for any areas that puddle and consider your guests in high heels. Is the ground safe for them to walk? How about the accessibility for elderly and disabled guests? Repair or refinish patios and driveways so they look their best.

Your guests will have a blast at the reception, catching up with old and meeting new friends. You’ll need to have cozy seating and well laid out conversation areas to help that happen. Have you thought about hanging hammocks for afternoon weddings? Or comfortable wooden classic porch swings on the patio? Tuck a bench or loveseat into a quiet corner for more intimate conversations. Invest in the best your budget can handle, taking into consideration that this furniture will last for years beyond the wedding date.

6) Will the Flowers Bloom?

When you plant the gardens for the wedding, be sure to include flowering shrubs and annuals that will display a bounty of color on your important day. Then you can look forward to the shrubs and perennials coming into bloom every year on your anniversary.

7) What About the Music and Lights?

You’ll need to choose which type and style of music will be a part of your ceremony and reception. Often a string quartet or soloist will grace the ceremony and a DJ with a packed playlist is there to take you through the reception. Consider other unique options and any talented friends or family you may have.

Lighting is another important detail for weddings that go past sunset. Lamp stands can help keep moths away, while strings of lights are ideal for hanging across the tent. Solar landscape lights will provide the perfect amount of illumination for pathways.

Will You Buy or Rent?

Although you’ll need to rent the tables and chairs for the reception, you should look into the potential cost savings of purchasing the flatware, glassware and dishes from a large designer chain store. The quality will be decent and if you want to, it’s possible to donate them afterwards and receive a tax receipt.

9) How to Stay Cool?

You don’t want anyone to be photographed glowing with sweat. Consider sourcing out special cooling systems that use mist to keep your temperature low without drenching anyone. Portable fans are good to set out, allowing the air to move freely.

10) What Type of Pictures Will You Take?

There are a few different ways to visually record your wedding. Candid photos by your professional photographer/videographer are wonderful. As are rented photo booths in all of their glory. Set up a corner for your photographer to take guest portraits and hand out disposable cameras to allow less professional shots tell the story of the celebration.

The memories that your backyard wedding will create are priceless. Plan well and then relax, you’ll treasure the event like no other.

About the Author

Internet Entrepreneur Jay Chua enjoys being the publisher of PorchSwingSets.com. His site reviews trendy porch swings and cozy hammocks like the collection of Hatteras classic hammocks. Jay and his wife Deisy live in Vancouver, Canada, and love to spend time together at home and in the garden. They’re most often found relaxing on their outdoor rope hammock. Jay and Deisy also like to stay on top of the latest styles in wedding design.

Posted: Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Visited 1150 times, 1 so far today @ 9:36 pm
Categories: Wedding Blog, Wedding Idea, wedding event planner.
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