Getting married is a special and memorable occasion for every couple. Even if a church or beach wedding has long been your fantasy, sometimes they aren't feasible.
It's fortunate that there are many options for wedding ceremonies that don't necessitate guests to go a long distance. The backyard is an example of this! This article will delve into the benefits of this choice and offer advice on how to implement them.
Where would you like to have your wedding if you could pick any location? One couple's dream wedding might be a tiny, private ceremony in the backyard, while another might see a grand celebration in a grand ballroom. A wedding's location can convey a lot about the couple and their values and priorities.
If you're planning a wedding in the garden, it could be a sign that you want something small and intimate, where any pair of individuals who love each other can tie the knot. On the other hand, if you can't afford to book a large venue like a ballroom or banquet hall, a garden wedding could be a good compromise.
Many modern-day couples still opt for the picturesque garden nuptials of yesteryear. However, before selecting whether or not to include this in your wedding, there are numerous benefits and drawbacks to think about.
Planning your wedding day might be a dream come true, but it is also a lot of work. So if you are looking to save time and money, backyard weddings may be the best option for you.
Yet, not all engaged couples are aware of the benefits and drawbacks of holding their ceremony in the open air. In this piece, we'll go over your wedding planning choices so you can choose the right one.
If you're planning on having a wedding in the backyard, you should give some serious consideration to the time commitment involved in the preparations and the length of the ceremony.
Having a small, private ceremony surrounded by close friends and family in a picturesque environment is one of the many advantages of a backyard wedding. It's also probably more affordable than reserving a separate event area or catering hall. Constricted seating capacity and the inability to provide alcoholic beverages due to open container laws are among the negatives.
This essay weighs the benefits and drawbacks to help you make an educated choice.
FAQs About Weddings
Take a look at the pros and cons and questions above! There is a lot of time, logistics, and planning required to have a backyard wedding.
Check out those pros and cons above! It all depends on your setup. We can tell you that it is NOT easier to have a backyard wedding. Does your backyard have an indoor space that can hold your desired guest count? If not, we highly recommend you invest in a tent which can increase your expenses!
This all depends on the square footage and dimensions. Having a professional event planner do a site visit is a fantastic way to figure out how to select the right tent.
Tents can range from $1500 for a very basic white canvas tent with no walls or floor to $15,000 for a luxury tent with all the bells and whistles. But, of course, it all depends on size, guest count, material, and amenities like lighting.
This all depends on your square footage. Here is a square footage calculator from HomeAdvisor. Generally, you want to have enough space to hold a ceremony and then a seated dinner.
Ideally, your backyard is large enough to have both the ceremony and reception set up ahead of time, so you don't have to do a flip during cocktail hour.
However, suppose you have another location, perhaps an indoor location inside your home for guests to enjoy cocktails. In that case, you can have an easy and efficient flip from your ceremony to your reception.
A mid-range average wedding in Chicago is around $400 per person. Included in that price is your caterer, who will help manage and bring in your china, flatware, glassware, tables, chairs, linens, etc.
This generally ranges from $110 - $250 per person. Of course, if you go DIY with your backyard wedding, you might see a lower per person price, but this all depends on your setup and how much you need to bring in.
Ideally, you have a fabulous indoor space that can host your desired guest count, so you don't have to rent a tent. However, if you have to bring in everything, you might see closer to $500 per person.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Having Your Wedding Outside
In-House Nuptials Can Reduce Costs
The decision to have a wedding at home is typically prompted by financial considerations. It's important to research how much it is going to cost to haul all of the required equipment and supplies if you're considering a backyard wedding as an alternative to a more traditional venue.
Eliminating the requirement for a deposit and the associated costs at the potential venue! If the pandemic lasts longer, there is less danger. If the location is no longer operational a few years from now, your deposit will not be lost.
If you are too familiar with your property and its capabilities for a wedding, employing a wedding planner can help you see them in a fresh way. On the other hand, you'll need assistance with the basics such arranging, catering, serving, parking, and tidying up, so employing a cleaning staff may be your best bet.
Cleaning the house from top to bottom, or asking the parents to do it, is the very least thing you wish to do in the weeks prior to your outdoor wedding.
Think about the decorations you'll use to create an ambience for your Wedding Day to get the most out of your blank canvas.
When compared to public spaces, how a house special enough to be called "private property?" Is it the crystal chandelier in the formal dining room, the majestic oak tree within that backyard, or the stunning view outside your window? Highlight that object to make the space more comfortable. The aesthetic trend of showcasing only the most stunning and unique items from an eccentric china cabinet is aided by this.
Alternate the centrepiece and vase arrangements for a fresh look. Add some homegrown flowers or experiment with different outdoor lighting schemes. The ideal ambience can be achieved by decorating with paper lanterns, garden lamps, and tiny white string lights strung between tree branches. Looking for the Best Wedding Venue in Melbourne? Vines of the Yarra Valley is Melbourne's Iconic
There's no guarantee that you can throw a party in your garden. It's possible, for instance, that you lack a backup plan in case it rains, or an interior place adequate for the number of guests you're expecting.
A seasoned event space will have worked out and flawlessly implemented these details countless times before. When selecting a location, it is not necessary to make preparations for inclement weather.
Before Continuing, You Must Seek Approval.
There should be a double check on every papers, including building permits and fire inspections.
Calling an electrician to assess the area is a good idea if you wish to understand if you need a permit to park vehicles alongside the street or whether a permit is necessary due to noise restrictions. You don't want the police to become involved in your wedding.
If you're having a religious ceremony, your celebrant may want to scope out the location. If you have your heart set on a garden or home ceremony, you should probably ask their permission beforehand.
Still, if the ritual is not sanctioned by one's religious affiliation, it may be impossible for that person to carry it out. Finding a duly authorised person to conduct the ceremony's ceremonial obligations in a timely manner is of the utmost importance.
Talking to neighbours about your gathering is also recommended. Inform them as early as possible about your decision to have a wedding at your home. Check with your neighbours to see if they can provide their roads for additional parking and to let them know when the ceremony will take place so that nobody is mowing their grass during your outdoor vows.
Putting complete trust in complete strangers is a recipe for disaster. Make sure there's enough parking on the street, or set up a shuttle service between the venue and a nearby parking lot. Hiring a reliable business is essential if you need a parking service for your vehicle.
Tell your home insurance provider what you want to do. Even if the gathering is for a worthy cause and you just bring a small number of close friends, letting them dance on the lawn or letting caterers arrive and then go could potentially ruin your property.
Learn the specifics of your policy's protections for your house. One option is to purchase additional coverage. Verify with your home country's insurance provider and your suppliers' insurance providers that you are adequately covered in the event of a claim being made against you or them.
An Extensive Amount of Yard Is Necessary for Your Wedding in the Backyard.
Is everyone going to be able to attend the ceremony? If it doesn't, start crossing things off the list.
Flexibility! A contract with the venue is not binding. You can pick and choose from a wide variety of potential partners. Your options are wider open, and there are fewer constraints on you. A little confetti wouldn't hurt! Take advantage of the sparkle! Your house, your rules, so to speak.
You shouldn't automatically assume that a crowded place is also comfortable. If you're planning on having a party that takes place both indoors and outside but no tents available, make sure everyone is aware that they may have to cram inside if the weather occurs to change for the worse.
Is there going to be a space for a big table and some white foldable chairs in the living area so that people won't have to squeeze past each other? The average amount of space per person in a row seat is 6-12 square feet.
You should consult with professionals to learn what is required to successfully host a huge event there. The possibilities will become clearer with their assistance. The fact that perhaps the land is not level is a potential problem. No one wants to sit or dance on wobbly furniture.
A skilled tent firm will know if a foundation is required for the dance floor, saving you the trouble of digging holes. Your other suppliers, such as caterers, florists, bands, etc., should figure out what has to be done to keep the dessert table and flower arrangements standing.
Members of your team who are experts in this field must inspect the property. Suppliers should visit to confirm that they have all they need, including any supplementary items. Ask your caterer whether they think there will be enough room in the kitchen and if they have everything they need to make the cuisine. And if that doesn't work, they could have to roll in a temporary cooking trailer.
This outdoor event space will require more of your time to maintain. It is necessary to draw up a blueprint of the space. The restrooms should not be overlooked. How much do you have, and do you need to buy more or rent more? Discover a method for clearing the confetti.
Determine the in and out loads. Locate the food preparation area. Heat/rain. Deliveries. Decorations for an outdoor wedding. the illumination that serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. This requires a huge investment of time, resources, and organisation. The liability, cleanup, and repair costs of a potential disaster at your house are all increased by this action.
Management of the Arts
One hundred per cent freedom of expression. Imagination is a blank canvas on which you can paint whatever you like. Your backyard is a blank slate upon which to construct your ideal event space. Take things back to square one.
Complete artistic direction requires careful coordination of all factors. All of the items needed for a wedding in the backyard must be brought inside (rentals, china, flatware, chairs, glassware tables, tent.). Time and organisation are needed for this.
Since you've never hosted an event in your backyard before, you may find that you need to spend more money on bringing everything you'll need. It's going to be more of an inconvenience for you and your vendor team. However, the cost of renting a location for an event sometimes includes the use of tables and chairs.
Visitors Could Attempt a Crash
It may be fun to have friends over for sleepovers, but having them all over for the wedding could be a major burden. Try to persuade them it's not a good idea.
No more than the bridal party and close relatives (parents, siblings, etc.) should stay at the venue the night of the wedding unless there are 25 guestrooms available.
The bride and her cousin should not have to share the shower on the day of the wedding. You should suggest a hotel which is situated in close proximity of the wedding location.
Guest should also explore vacation rentals such as those found on Airbnb. There is also the possibility that there are vacation homes in the area, making it convenient for the guests to attend your wedding in the comfort of their own home.
Those who would prefer some peace and quiet the evening before the wedding might do so by staying in a hotel. You should weigh your options carefully before providing a proposal to your company.
Plan Appropriately for Rentals
There must always be enough tents, tables, and chairs brought in to the yard for a wedding celebration. Tents, sinks, toilets, showers, tables, seats, dishes, cutlery, linens, glasses, and a bar will all be required.
In order to ensure that all of the guests can sit comfortably throughout the ceremony, you should be sure to provide enough seats. Take out most chairs to make room for dancing or mingling after dinner.
It's likely that a generator or some other form of emergency power supply will be necessary. More electricity is needed to run tents and a service kitchen than the typical household has. Don't go knocking off power lines or worse, setting off a bomb that may destroy the entire block.
Ask your caterer if they need any additional equipment rentals, such as refrigerators, roasters or grills. Still, you shouldn't hold off. The recommended time to begin planning and reserving wedding equipment is six months prior to the big day.
Furthermore, you should probably take stock of your guest bathroom facilities. The average household simply isn't equipped to handle the influx of guests and the ensuing higher need for restrooms that occurs during a wedding. To our relief, modern portable toilets are surprisingly high-end.
There's nothing standard about these porta-potties. You will need to instal portable toilets because the average septic system cannot handle the waste generated by every guest averages three trips to the restroom. One restroom for every twenty five people is a good rule.
Your visitors will be grateful for a well lighted restroom with a sink and mirror. Portable toilets have come a long way and now include facilities like lighting, sinks, water heating, and air conditioning. Too busy with life to really plan your wedding in detail? Have someone else do it for you and check out our list of Wedding Planners in Melbourne to help take the stress away.
Adding a few homey touches, like a hairspray and tampon basket in the girls' room and some breath mints and Band-Aids in the men's, can really set the tone for a pleasant and relaxing stay.
Outdoor Upkeep Could Take a Few Months
You should give your backyard a more maintained look now that it's on show. Your grass may only look its best with regular mowing or the help of a professional landscaping service.
Planning a springtime outdoor ceremony? Time to get started is in fall. If you want to re-seed, re-plant, or re-sod your grass, you should talk to a landscaper.
You need to immediately begin conceptualising your floral arrangements and planting them. Most perennials, alas, need winter to get their roots established, while annuals require time to mature to their full capacity. If you want the flowers you're using in your wedding to be in full bloom on your big day, you should research the optimal growing season for those flowers.
Flowers that bloom in the cool months, like daffodils, tulips, and lilies, are perfect for a spring wedding but must be planted in the fall. When the last chance of frost has passed, you can plant annuals like Gerbera daisies, geraniums, and daisies that will bloom continuously throughout the summer.
Excellent perennials for a fall garden include chrysanthemums, Japanese anemones, and blue salvia; all three should be planted in the preceding autumn for best results the following year.
Vendor Selection
One's complete autonomy in selecting service providers is guaranteed. Any caterer, florist, or bartender of your choosing is welcome to serve at your event. You are not required to use only the caterers or service providers on the venues' approved vendor lists. Your favourite eatery might be a great source of savings if you buy wine and services from them.
It can take a lot of effort to thoroughly investigate potential vendors, conduct interviews with them, and evaluate their past performance. It can be difficult to know who to call for help when planning an event for the first time. The use of a corporate location allows you to make use of the facility's amenities and personnel.
It's important to look for vendors who are within your price range and aesthetic requirements. Think about how much time is wasted when you contact vendors via email just to discover out they are either too pricey or not a good fit for your needs.
Weather Can Ruin Well-Laid Plans
Extremely problematic, especially for outdoor wedding receptions, is the possibility of inclement weather. If an unexpected rainstorm should occur, make absolutely sure the guests have a safe place to go.
If you can't find a suitable location for erecting a gazebo for the ceremony, you might want to think about holding it in a holy place; if you choose this route, ensure to notify guests of the new place and phone number they can consider to verify the ceremony's status via insert in each open invite and by regularly posting on the wedding website.
Get a tent with sides in case there's a storm. Hot weather can be just as much of an issue as wet weather, so ensure you move wedding chairs out of direct sunshine, provide enough of shade, drinks, and fans for visitors.
If it gets too warm, a few more electric fans or a portable air conditioner could be brought in, and if it gets too cold, a few more propane heaters can be brought in.
The Perfect Garden Wedding Reception Begins With Careful Planning
Having a wedding in your own backyard, or even in your new house as a married couple, is a beautiful option that will leave everyone with fond memories. One of the greatest advantages of a home wedding is the ability to make all of the arrangements to your liking.
Getting dressed in your old bedroom on the morning of your wedding and walking down the steps for the very first time as a bride is an experience like no other. Hiring the right people to assist you in planning and carrying out your wedding can allow you to enjoy a lovely, low-key DIY event. So get started now by personalizing the wedding checklist for your ideal home wedding.
Take Into Account the Following in Addition to the Aforementioned Pros and Cons:
- How far in advance do I need to start preparing for this? Do I put in at least 40 hours a week?
- How much money do I have to spend? Which is more essential: low cost or high quality?
- How many tools do I have at my disposal? When was the last time I organised something this big?
- Do I have a planner on board?
- Is this really what I want to go through on my engagement?
Conclusion
Many young couples today still go for the classic backyard wedding. Backyard nuptials can save both time and money. This essay presents the pros and cons so that you can make a well-informed decision. Hiring a wedding planner might help you see your venue with fresh eyes if you have become too familiar with it. Paper lanterns, garden lamps, and thin white string lights strung between tree branches provide the perfect ambience.
The officiant of your religious ceremony may wish to visit the site ahead of time. For extra parking, you might want to ask your neighbours whether you can use their streets. Make sure there is adequate street parking, or arrange for a shuttle service to transport guests between the site and a parking lot. Make sure your guests know that if the weather turns bad during an indoor/outdoor party, they may have to squeeze into a small space inside. Talk to experts to find out who to ask and what to bring in for a large scale event.
Time, money, and effort are all necessities for a successful outdoor wedding. The liability, cleanup, and repair costs of a possible tragedy at your residence are all exacerbated because of the necessity to bring everything needed for a backyard wedding within. After dinner, most chairs should be removed to allow room for dancing and socialising. Tents and a service kitchen require more electricity than the average home can provide. The typical septic system will not be able to handle the waste produced by all of your guests, so you will need to set up portable toilets.
Content Summary
- It's fortunate that there are many options for wedding ceremonies that don't necessitate guests to go a long distance.
- Where would you like to have your wedding if you could pick any location?
- However, before selecting whether or not to include this in your wedding, there are numerous benefits and drawbacks to think about.
- So if you are looking to save time and money, backyard weddings may be the best option for you.
- Yet, not all engaged couples are aware of the benefits and drawbacks of holding their ceremony in the open air.
- In this piece, we'll go over your wedding planning choices so you can choose the right one.
- If you're planning on having a wedding in the backyard, you should give some serious consideration to the time commitment involved in the preparations and the length of the ceremony.
- The decision to have a wedding at home is typically prompted by financial considerations.
- Eliminating the requirement for a deposit and the associated costs at the potential venue!
- If you are too familiar with your property and its capabilities for a wedding, employing a wedding planner can help you see them in a fresh way.
- Inform them as early as possible about your decision to have a wedding at your home.
- Make sure there's enough parking on the street, or set up a shuttle service between the venue and a nearby parking lot.
- Tell your home insurance provider what you want to do.
- Learn the specifics of your policy's protections for your house.
- Is everyone going to be able to attend the ceremony?
- It is necessary to draw up a blueprint of the space.
- All of the items needed for a wedding in the backyard must be brought inside (rentals, china, flatware, chairs, glassware tables, tent.).
- There is also the possibility that there are vacation homes in the area, making it convenient for the guests to attend your wedding in the comfort of their own home.
- The recommended time to begin planning and reserving wedding equipment is six months prior to the big day.
- Furthermore, you should probably take stock of your guest bathroom facilities.
- Planning a springtime outdoor ceremony?
- Time to get started is in fall.
- Flowers that bloom in the cool months, like daffodils, tulips, and lilies, are perfect for a spring wedding but must be planted in the fall.
- You are not required to use only the caterers or service providers on the venues' approved vendor lists.
- One of the greatest advantages of a home wedding is the ability to make all of the arrangements to your liking.
- Hiring the right people to assist you in planning and carrying out your wedding can allow you to enjoy a lovely, low-key DIY event.
- So get started now by personalizing the wedding checklist for your ideal home wedding.