Posts
The Backyard Wedding – Is it really less work?
Backyard weddings. Once thought of as cheap and tacky, these weddings have been the butt of many jokes. But as of late, more and more couples are embracing the ‘Country’ atmosphere. While many wedding venues offer 5 star service, breathtaking architecture, prime rib, chicken picatta, and filet of sole, backyard weddings serve up something different from the norm. A relaxed atmosphere.
So what kind of couple does a backyard wedding? Every couple! From the wealthiest couples to the bluest of blue collar, backyard weddings have one thing in common. Family. If you love the atmosphere of a close encounter with your closest family and friends, this is a great option for you. But it’s more than just slapping up a $50 canopy from Wal-Mart, plugging in an iPod, and your drunk Uncle John burning meat on a grill.
There are a TON of things to think about before your backyard wedding.
1. The Weather. Mother nature does what mother nature wants. If you’re planning your wedding in July, expect a few surprises. High humidity and thunderstorms are very common during the mid-summer months. This is where solid shelter can make all the difference. If you’re going to rent a tent, spare no expense. A proper events rental company will have everything you need to make sure that your guests stay dry and comfortable.
2. Dinner on the rocks. Backyard weddings are typically a little more casual than weddings held at a wedding venue. But don’t forget tables & chairs! These rentals could get costly depending on how many guests you invite.
3. You’ve got the POWER. Hiring a DJ, or wedding band? They need LOTS of power. Be sure to have plenty of dedicated and easily accessible power readily available for your entertainment. If you’re having your wedding catered on site, they will need power as well because they are bringing a mobile version of their commercial kitchen with them.
4. Not so fine china. Disposable flatware has come a long way. You can purchase strong disposable flatware from your event rental or party vendor that will give you just the right amount of class while making clean up a snap!
5. Get TRASHED. Make sure you have enough trash receptacles for the amount of guests you are inviting. Put them in obvious places such as the bar and around the tent to make sure that your property stays looking clean and tidy.
6. Find your inner green thumb. With all of the effort you’re putting in to shelter, seating, food, drink, and entertainment, don’t forget about your wedding photographer. Having some nice flowers and landscaping to use for your photos is a must.
7. Restrooms. Homes are typically built for families of 5 and under. Make sure your home can take the extra people. If you’re not sure, renting portable toilets might be your best option.
8. Bugs really bite during a wedding. If you live in a highly rural area, you might consider treating your property with a bug repellant. Head to your local home improvement store and ask what will work best for your needs.
All in all, you get what you put into it. A backyard wedding is a lot of work but, if you do it right, it can be AMAZING!
The backyard wedding of Ali & Aaron
Planning back yard weddings | The Pros and Cons
Planning back yard weddings | The Pros and Cons
It’s that time of the year…Engagement season is in full swing. For many brides, they will be wearing a new diamond after Christmas and will start planning the day they have been dreaming about for years.
The first thing to do is pick your venue… Most people elect to find a wedding venue but some like to think outside the box and have a destination or backyard weddings. If you read the bridal forums online, you’ll see lots of different ideas for your wedding. But let’s talk about this for a moment.
There are pros and cons to both.
Lake of Isles @ Foxwoods Resort and Casino
The Wedding Venue
The Pros:
Convenience. Everything that you need is in one place. You have your catering, in some cases a bakery, a top shelf bar, ample restrooms, tables & chairs, linens, a dancefloor, electricity, and last but certainly not least, service. Your wedding venue will protect your special day from any inclement weather and is climate controlled for you and your guests comfort. There is ample parking for all of your guests. From start to finish, everything is taken care of so all you have to do is enjoy your special day.
The Cons:
Wedding venues come with a premium. You pay for those conveniences. You may also be limited to certain dates and times depending on the time of the year, day of the week, etc. You are also limited to the menu of the caterer at the venue. Decorating the venue depending on your choices may be challenging depending on the ambiance of the room. For example, if you want a country wedding, it’s hard to emulate that against an imported marble backdrop.
Backyard Barbecue Wedding
Back yard Weddings or Tent Wedding
The Pros:
You have a unique setting for you and your guests to enjoy. Because it’s ‘home’ for you, you have that sense of familiarity and can enjoy the comforts of home on your special day. If you are going for a more casual affair, the swimming pool is always a blast during a reception along with some tasty barbecue. Fun picnic games are always an option at an backyard wedding and it’s typically not as stuffy as a formal wedding. Depending on where you live and the noise ordinance in your area, the dates and times aren’t as much of a limitation as with a venue. Instead of the option of a top shelf bar, you can order a few kegs and some wine and keep it simple. Backyard weddings are exceptionally great for weddings with children as they have the ability to run and play and be kids.
The Cons:
You can plan a pretty picnic but you can’t predict the weather. Although a tent may keep your heads dry, there is always the possibility for high wind, ground soaking downpours, lightning, humidity, snow or any other kind of soggy weather. Because the majority of weddings happen in the late spring/early summer, it can get quite sticky, and smelly. Unless you have a closed tent with a rented air conditioner for the tent, you’re really at the mercy of the elements.
The cost of renting tables, chairs, linens, tents, etc is quite expensive. In addition to that, you or your family would have to set up and tear down which is very labor intensive.
Restrooms for guests is also tricky. A home septic system was never intended to handle 100 guests worth of waste in a short period of time. If you decide to rent chemical toilets, those are also an added expense and can be a messy and smelly endeavor.
Electricity. Your caterer will need a lot of power. Enough for refrigeration, cooking, coffee, microwaves, etc. In addition to that, you’ll need some lighting for under the tent and your climate control if you rent fans or air conditioners. And lastly, your wedding entertainment. If you go with a band, they’ll need about 5 dedicated circuits just for them. If you go with a DJ, it can be 3 circuits or more depending on the options you choose.
All in all, there are pros and cons to both. The important thing to remember when planning your special day is, think about everything as a whole and make informed decisions. There is a wedding for everyone out there. The choice is up to you.