Planning and hosting a backyard
wedding and reception can be very enjoyable and to some degree less expensive. A
great deal of the plan is very much like a backyard party. It gives you several
freedoms yet, can add to your frustrations and work list. The following
guidelines may help.
Decide why you want to host this in a backyard. It is usually comparable to an
inside wedding. Add up your costs and figure out if you would be spending less
at a local hall or church. If you are hosting this in a backyard because it is
lovely, well suited to celebrations, a special memory, or you are planning to
use the hall funds on a landscaping project goal, then maybe this is a very wise
decision.
Early Considerations
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Does your yard size and number of guests work well? Tables, chairs, a ceremony
area are all part of the plan.
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Will your neighbors be a problem about the noise for the day?
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Is there a parking problem or can you bring people in on a shuttle from a nearby
parking area?
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Draw out the design of the yard and place items such as; tables, shade, dancing
area and ceremony area are going to be.
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Gauge the time of year for the best weather conditions yet still prepare for
heat with umbrellas and an alternative area of tent or indoor if it does rain.
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Make a list of the party rentals you require; tables, chairs, extra power,
lighting, dishes and serving Items etc.
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Do you have a focal point for the ceremony large enough for people to sit or
stand and watch the ceremony?
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Are there any animals who will get into your food or be underfoot?
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Does the yard enjoy easy access from the kitchen and serving areas for food?
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Will the toilet facilities hold up for the extra guests, or will you require
porta-potties?
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Understanding that the laws which govern events and alcohol for your county may
require permits and added insurance on the property for the event.
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Check out the nuisance issues in the neighborhood: Are their planes flying
overhead, does the dog bark incessantly next door, do you have a rude neighbor,
and is there an engine repair shop next door?
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Do you live in a buggy area? An evening wedding and reception with June bugs or
flies landing on food spoils the ambience.
BENEFITS
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You can have a choice of caterer, pot luck, or your family creating the foods
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A memorable and different backdrop than a hall or event location
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You have no in and out time limits, except for county restrictions and noise
curfews.
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The ability to SERVE all types of alcohol and drinks (if you sell drinks, you
must have an ABC permit).
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The ability to hold unique themes and ceremonies.
Things to Help Get the Project Going and Keep It Moving
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It is important to create a project timeline and stick to it.
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Keep a list of who is responsible for what and remember, "Mom should not be
creating deviled eggs for three hundred guests the day before the wedding -- nor
serving the day of." Get some HELP.
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Delegate the responsibilities for: Getting the property ready (lawns, flowers,
decorations, foods, serving and keeping the platters filled, plus cleanup) is
part of the process.
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Ask each of the professionals you hire, what they require in regard to
electricity and where they will be on the property? Have enough wiring so when
it is all going at one time, you do not blow a fuse.
Your Invitations Should Include
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Knowledge that this is being done at the private home
of"............................" with the exact address, time and place of the
ceremony/reception or exact address of each site when they are different.
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A map on how to get there is vital and where to park their cars.
Ceremonies
The focal point can be embellished with an arch of flowers and ribbons or a
canopy decorated with ribbons, banners, vines/ivy. Herbs, wild flowers, vineyard
vines and grapes are often used. We do see people grow a sunflower circle in
their yards for the occasion (begin early for an autumn stand). Also corn husks
and wheat provide fall decor. If you have a gazebo in the yard that is a lovely
focal point, remember to canvas a lattice roof or the couple will be checkered
in the photos. Butterfly and Dove releases after the "I dos" are especially
beautiful.
Choosing Your Garments
Outdoor events do require breathing fabrics such as summer satin, airy tulle and
styles of strapless that are in. Men's wear should allow the guys after the
ceremony to take off jackets and enjoy a vested formal look. Remember your sun
blocks. Misters and ladies bring items to refresh yourselves. Include make-up
and hair if it is warm or windy.
Clues:
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Cakes are fragile and should not be left in the sun (preferably kept indoors as
long as possible). The cake table should always be set with nice linens and
fresh serving plates, forks and napkins.
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Ask your servers to please clear plates etc, when the guest is complete with the
meal.
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Nice linens and covered chairs ( or chairs that all look the same) add an
elegance to a wedding and reception. Sometimes this can be a relaxed atmosphere
with no head table for the bridal party.
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If you put the foods outside under a latticed area, the shade will cause a
checkered effect on everything and the photographs will show this when they come
back.
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When your yard is smaller than your reception guest list, make it more of an
open house (for a flexible time concept).
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Choose flowers which hold up well in the heat of the day
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Foods and servers should be shaded. Ice carvings melt fast. Always have plenty
of water and ice.
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Using rose petals and/or edible flowers brings the garden into the theme.
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Misters and outdoor heaters can be rented from party rental companies.
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Take a walk-through of your serving areas. Look at what your photographers will
see through a camera lens. Make corrections to backdrops as needed or when
possible.
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Have a Nanny or someone in charge of the children with games and play area.
Safety secured around a pond or stream. Understandably, children are drawn to
water.
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Have a first aid kit in the kitchen and a fire canister on hand. Post emergency
numbers next to the phone.
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Have a special area for changing diapers in the house (far from view of the
guests).
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Have a special area for coats and purses with someone to keep a watchful eye.
