by Bridget Webber

Created on: November 17, 2007

It is not unusual nowadays for people to forgo having their wedding in a church or even in a registry office.

It may be that the price tag of a traditional wedding would send your debts soaring sky high and so you have decided that you just don't want to start married life that way. If so, good for you. You are obviously a realist and will be saving yourself from financial strain later on if you go ahead with a backyard wedding.

Perhaps you just don't feel that weddings should be all about trying to impress others by spending lots of money and are thinking of times ahead with your spouse to be instead.

A backyard wedding can be rather special because it will be incorporating your own home and garden into your special day. If your home is where your heart is then what better place could you hold your wedding in!

A backyard wedding means that you also have the advantage of being more in control of events and your surroundings, instead of having to rely on others who you are paying dearly to do the job as you anxiously watch on.

As you are in control you can keep all of your guests happy in your homily environment. If you have children attending who get tired then they can be put down for a nap in the bedroom. If your sister or auntie Rita have one too many glasses of punch then they can be taken into the kitchen for a strong coffee.

You will still have your best man and maid of honor to help you and you may just find that because you are at home everyone mucks in and lends a hand making your wedding a real shared experience.

So, if you have decided that you do want a backyard wedding, where do you go from here? The following are some tips to help you.

1. First of all have a good look at the space that you have available. You may be blessed with a big backyard, or you may have a much smaller one which deserves careful consideration.

If you don't see enough space before you then can you make more? Perhaps there are items which you can temporarily store in the garage or the shed?

Your first step may be to invite your friends and family around to help you clear a suitable area which you are happy with.

2. Next, decide on a budget. If your budget is virtually zilch don't fret. You could make your wedding into a party where all of the guests bring a dish of food and a bottle of wine, or whatever they like to drink.

Your wedding day is all about you and your betrothed getting married. Its not about spending money which you just don't have.

It may be fun to see what your guests bring,

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