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 in inclement weather.
You might also want to think about renting outdoor toilets. These will save everyone from traipsing through the house and will be much easier in the long run for everyone. You can always hide them behind the opposite side of the house and have cute little signs stuck in the lawn telling everyone where they are located.
If you are only having the ceremony outside, the rest is easy, but if you plan on holding your reception in the yard as well, you have more to consider. Remember, it may seem easier to have everything in your control, but with a backyard wedding, you have to rent EVERYTHING. Tables, chairs, china, cutlery, serving dishes and everything else you'll need to serve a meal will have to be rented and this cost can sometimes be more than holding a reception at a venue. You'll also have to bring in all the food, meet with a caterer or have food made prior by your family or yourself, which can be a lot more work for everyone. You might just want to sit back and enjoy the day without having to sort all of the little details.
Your cake is also something to consider if you're having a backyard wedding. Make sure you discuss with your baker that you'll be holding the wedding outdoors. Some types of cake are not suitable for the heat, such as cream filled, or icings that are soft. Fondant icing tends to fade in the sunshine, so if you want a cake that remains upright and pretty, place it at least out of the sun so that it will last until you are able to cut it.
Getting married in your backyard might be worth all of the little hassles to have a beautiful and unique wedding that everyone will remember. Let's just hope that they won't remember it because of some unfortunate overlooked details!