Backyard Wedding Reception

Backyard Wedding Reception

You may have noticed that the costs for everyday items are at an all time high.  Unfortunately the expenses relating to weddings have also increased as our economy has struggled.  While fancy catered dinners and designer wedding gowns can take a big chunk out of your overall budget, engaged couples are often shocked to discover that rental fees on locations used for weddings and receptions have skyrocketed.  What’s a bride to do?  Many thrifty brides are deciding to cut costs and save money by having their receptions in their own backyard.  A backyard wedding can be just as beautiful as one in a rented area, but does require more work.

Points to Consider

Your backyard, or a backyard belonging to a close friend or relative, can be the perfect idea if you can‘t afford to blow several thousand dollars on a rental or banquet hall.  While backyards are free to use, there are other elements you have to consider such as neighborhood pets, neighbors, rain, and temperature.  A place you pay to rent may include all of the needed decorations and set everything up for you including tables and chairs.  Unfortunately if you use your own backyard all prep, decorating, lawn mowing, table setting, and parking will ultimately be your responsibility.  If you are the kind of bride who is going to be stressed and rushed for time as it is, you might want to cough up the rental fee.  However, if you are a relaxed go with the flow kind of bride, all the work of a backyard reception might make you feel more involved and not be a problem for you.

How can you have a beautiful backyard wedding on a shoestring budget?

Easy, just remember that less can be more if it‘s laid out properly, and it’s the little personal touches that set the mood.  Make sure your decorations fit the theme of your wedding and you can pull together a classy backyard reception easier than you think.  A backyard wedding can go for any theme, ultra formal to whimsical, but either way it will feel more intimate as it’s your backyard.

Decoration Options

If you’re having an after sunset reception candles can really set the mood.  Make sure you put them where they won’t be knocked over easily or fire fighting may also become one of your wedding duties.  For easy table centerpieces find some inexpensive clear glass decorative bowls at a dollar store, add some water, and float rose petals and tea candles in them.  They’re very safe and will look ultra romantic in photos at your night time reception.  If you go with this idea you could easily stop there with a white or colored tablecloth underneath.  If you want a little more on your table you could add a runner or sprinkle more rose petals around the glass bowl.  Just don’t go too crazy with extra decoration or your guests may not have room to enjoy their dinner.

Food Options

It’s not uncommon for a place rented for a wedding reception to require you to use them to cater your wedding.  In your own backyard you can hire the cheapest company you can find or do it yourself.  It’s really anything goes as you are making the rules.  A very popular backyard food theme is a buffet where everyone helps themselves.  You could cook all the food the day before and warm it up right before its set out and save yourself a bundle.  The only challenge might be finding a few friends or relative who’d be willing to do this for you as you don’t want to be anywhere near the kitchen in your fabulous wedding gown.

If you decide to go ahead and rent a place to have your reception I’m sure it with a bit of planning it will be perfect.  If you make up your mind to save money and have a backyard wedding reception it will be more work, but the rewards can be well worth it.  It’s your very special day, and will be a day you and your fiancé remember for the rest of your lives together.  After you say “I do” sit at your bridal table and enjoy your reception knowing that you are the reason it‘s a success!

Photo Credits:  Above All Catering