by Heidi Labron

Created on: April 22, 2008

Getting married in your own backyard sounds easier than most other options, doesn't it? You can control every aspect of the wedding and reception (if it is also in your backyard), and not have to worry about having limited time to access your venue. Well, there are a few things you should consider to make your backyard wedding everything you desire!

First, you have built in decor, which can greatly individualize your wedding. All of those photos will be beautiful and unique. Picture yourself walking down a petal strewn path, everyone watching you as you make your way to the gorgeous old oak tree that has been in your yard for decades. The branches sway lightly in the breeze as you are pronounced husband and wife and you both walk back towards the house that you grew up in which is immaculate on this special day. Sure, the setting can be unique and it might not cost as much to decorate when you have natural beauty all around you, but there are a few points to consider. Are you getting married during a very warm month? Will the sun be hot on your guests? What will you do if it rains? Will the cake melt in the heat?

Consider sunshine and heat. Many people are uncomfortable out in the hot sun, so you might want to provide pretty parasols to shade them when the sun is blazing. It is also a nice touch to provide little packets of sunscreen on each chair, and maybe an icy bucket filled with bottles of water that each guest can take prior to finding a seat. And more importantly, make sure that your alter has some shade. You don't want to be squinting during all of your emotional photos.

You'll want to make sure that if you are getting married later in the day, or perhaps in a slightly cooler month, that you also provide a warm pashmina for the ladies to slip over their shoulders. This can incorporate your colors and also makes for great photos if the pashminas are draped over every second chair. Remember lighting as well here. If it will get dark during your ceremony, provide torches along the path back to the reception of have flood lights brought in to light the way back. You wouldn't want people twisting an ankle because there was a dip in the grass that they couldn't see.

Make sure you rent a tent, or two tents or even three, if you are having a lot of people. You might not think it is necessary, but if it rains, they'll thank you for providing a back-up plan. The tents are probably one of the biggest expenses in an outdoor wedding, but they can be the saving grace

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