backyard wedding??

meg2k8

can anyone tell me how their backyard wedding was like? any pix? did you use catorers, if so, recommendations? TIA.

cg-pm52111

I'm not having a backyard wedding, but both of my cousins (married in '07 and '08) did it in their dad's backyard (same location).  What I will recommend is to hire a caterer and hire people to set up.  My cousins and their parents did most of the work and that meant things were really unorganized.  The parents had to rush back to the house after the formal pictures to set up and guests had already arrived.  The table numbers were in the wrong spots and the favors weren't out yet.  Overall, we had a pretty good time and I love the idea of it, but when you have to do all the work, that creates a lot of extra stress for you and your immediate family.  So whatever you do, hire people to make the decisions so you and your family can enjoy your big day!  Sorry for butting in, but I hope that helps!

AmyLou09

Page Pokes, she's not always around but she'll see it eventually!  She had a beautiful backyard wedding but I think she will tell you the same thing PP said, that it wasn't really easier at all b/c you had to worry about everything being set up.  Hiring a DOC to handle all that would DEF be worth the money I think!1A also had a beautiful backyard wedding but I havent seen her on these parts since last fall.  Sorry I dont have more info but yeah ask pokes!

candi516

sara144? I think is her knottie name had a backyard wedding!

meg2k8

thank you! oh, forgot to mention... the wedding is probably going to be somewhat small, ~55ppl. thx again.

Kessagrl

I originally planned to have a backyard wedding at my parents' house in TN.  I absolutely LOVED the idea of having it in the backyard and thought it would be a unique and special and way to get married. We actually had almost everything planned and had to switch it last minute.  Now we are getting married locally in a hotel.  But, I have to say in my experience planning the backyard wedding, it did not save us any money whatsoever.  So depending on the level of formality that you're looking for, it might not be the best cost cutting option.  We had to rent EVERYTHING down to the china and glasses which all added up very quickly. (we were only planning on 65-75 guests at that point).  You also need to consider bartenders, wait staff and permits that go along with serving alcohol to guests.  Also, depending on the location, permits for even having a certain number of people in one location (fire safety etc) as well as noise ordinances.  While they are SO BEAUTIFUL and very special, in my experience I can't say that it was the easiest or less expensive way to go.  If you do decide to have one, I would highly recommend having a day of Coordinator.  My future sister in law had a very simple, casual backyard wedding (only 25 people) and of all the things they were able to save on, she said she wished she had allocated some of her budget to a coordinator to "pull it all together."  Either way, do what makes you feel the best and the details will work out along the way.  Good luck!

Puppylove8/21

meg2k8, How's the backyard wedding planning going? I see that you are getting married the day after me. I'm also having a backyard wedding. We are having it in my parents house.Happy planning!

meg2k8

Pokes: thanks for all of the advice. my mom knows a catering company & has been working with them for years. I actually got to see them in action first hand ~3 years ago when we hosted an engagement party for my aunt. They were great!! the party was supposed to be outside but mother nature was not helpful, it was a downpour & the caterers didn't complain once, no one even 'saw' them. Puppylove8/21: that i am getting married the day after you. as i said to Pokes, we already have a caterer. the actual ceremony will most likely take place at a town park on the seacoast & then the reception at my parents house. it will be about an hour drive but the location is 100% set just yet. how is your planning going??