The wedding industry was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many venues, marriage bureaus and churches closed down due to restrictions. Numerous couples were forced to cancel, postpone or substantially downsize their weddings. However, many turned this challenge into an opportunity by organizing intimate backyard weddings with a reduced guest list.
My younger sister, for example, had to delay her wedding twice in 2020. She ultimately had a captivating backyard wedding at our parent’s place. It was not only personal and cozy, but also saved her a considerable amount of money.
ADVANTAGES OF A BACKYARD WEDDING
Here are five arguments for why you should plan an outdoor wedding:
– Savings: Many standard wedding venues can be pricey with additional costs for specific decorations or equipment. An outdoor wedding could significantly cut down on these expenses.
– Personal Touch: A backyard wedding provides the freedom to plan your day on your terms, without worrying about venue availability or fluctuating costs.
– Guestlist Freedom: Unlike most venues, there’s no minimum guest requirement for a backyard wedding. However, be considerate of social distance restrictions.
– Relaxation: An informal backyard gathering allows you and your guests to feel relaxed. Dress codes can be more casual, offering a more comfortable atmosphere.
– No Time Limit: Traditional venues often restrict the duration of your event due to multiple bookings. With a backyard wedding, you can set the schedule to suit you.
If you’re planning a wedding and considering a backyard event, find some tips below to ensure a memorable and budget-friendly day:
PICK YOUR PREFERRED BACKYARD LOCATION
Every backyard has an ideal spot for a wedding. Start your planning by picking this location. Pay extra attention to the ground’s condition, level out any uneven areas to ensure guest safety.
TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE WEATHER
The weather can make or break an outdoor wedding. Always have a backup plan for unfavourable weather conditions. Tent rentals and heaters may become essential.
UTILIZE NATURAL SCENERY
Enhance your wedding decorations with the surrounding natural beauty. Plants can make fantastic centerpieces and table settings that are also pleasing to the senses.
PLAN A SIMPLE MENU
Opt for straightforward yet fun food options like a taco station or pizza. Serving comfort food or picnic spreads can also be budget-friendly alternatives.
ARRANGE BANQUET-STYLE SEATING
Set up elongated tables for a family-style dinner reception; this encourages interaction and is cheaper than individual table rentals.
GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT
Interactive lawn games like giant Jenga and bean bag toss add fun. Also, consider creating a wedding playlist and renting a sound system, ensuring compliance with neighborhood noise limitations.
ENSURE GUEST COMFORT
Provide amenities like shawls or blankets for when temperature drops, and consider renting heating lamps for a warm late-night celebration.
IN CONCLUSION
A backyard wedding can be a uniquely personal affair. Although they require careful planning and attention to detail, the guidance provided above should steer you towards an unforgettable backyard wedding.
