Backyard wedding logistics

heidilynn43

Hi all,I tried searching but was not able to find any information. We're planning on having our wedding at my parents' farm. I'm still trying to get an idea of where I want the ceremony, 'cocktail hour' (if we have one) and reception, but was wondering how any of you have done your scheduling and logistics.On top of my list of questions is how do I remain 'hidden' until I'm about to come down the aisle if I don't want the ceremony right by the house?How did you lay out your ceremony and reception?Did you have a cocktail hour and/or receiving line or not since everyone is there together?Thanks!

jbnbridal1

One outdoor wedding I attended had the WP arrive in horse-drawn carriages to the site. I think for my DD's (which is at his home), the girls will be arriving shortly before the ceremony starts. They will be staying at a nearby B&B for the weekend and will get ready there-and have pre-ceremony pics taken there. We'll all drive over to the parking area, where we have a trolley to transport them to the farm. The trolley can drop them off at the front of the house where they won't be seen, since the ceremony is in the back. (the trolley will be dropping off the guests near the back yard area via a service road leading to the barns) Our cocktail hour will take place at the front yard...guests will move from the back yard on a path to the front of the house. Food will be on the porch and cocktail tables will be scattered around the yard. During this time the WP will wander off for pics. Later, the guests will be ushered to a large side yard area where the reception tent will be located. The grounds are beautiful, so we wanted to take advantage of it all. The whole affair will basically make a circle around the main house. We pondered this whole logistics thing for a long time. We had things figured out, but then we visited the farm and did a walk-thru.....and totally changed our minds! LOL But I think we have it figured out pretty well now-hope it all goes like we plan!

specialkbride

good luck

mandapanda78

I have a similar problem. I'm thinking at this point rather than do anything complicated I'm just going to be okay with everyone seeing me coming from a loooooong way off. LOL!

jenkbauer

I am getting married on my family's farm as well next June. My dad is really worried about a Plan B in case of rain? I have always dreamed of getting married there and don't really want to have to do the church route. Any suggestions??

ksn56

Sorry - gonna be long We are doing our vow renewal at my parent’s farm as well. As for ceremony I would walk the farm and see if there is gardens, woods or somewhere that guests can sit that allow you to come out a door without being seen. For ours guests will be at a rock wall surrounded by gardens facing woods with their backs toward the house. It allows us to come out a back door and across the yard before being seen. It is also out of the way so chairs set-up there for the night won’t be an eye sore or in the way. We are doing main reception seating inside a barn with small tent set up off the front. Not really doing cocktail hour but the small tent will have few tall cocktail tables and couple small metal round tables with chairs for gathering space. We are also doing a separate catering tent out the front and dj tent off the side door of barn. The front and side barn doors will remained closed so guest won’t see inside until reception time. Our rain plan is for chairs to be set up under the small tent (made sure it is big enough for seating count) with a metal archway at the front. After ceremony front doors will open to reveal reception area and my brother and two cousins will remove chairs and set up tables while everyone gathers for drinks and apps in barn. We aren’t doing a receiving line instead will go table to table during the reception. A couple more things to keep in mind by doing at the farm. Is there enough bathrooms? We are renting two nice porta potties, not normal style but the ones that look like regular bathroom only on wheels. The added cost is still well under what a venue would be. Also, make sure to ribbon off parking area and have plenty of signs. Nothing worse then having guests parking all over your reception site because that is where the normal driveway is or cars in the pictures (seen that happen). But make sure you have transportation for elderly guests from parking area. My cousins have volunteered to direct the parking and park for elderly so they can get out right at ceremony site. If ceremony site is distance from reception site make sure to have transportation for guests who can’t walk far. Hope this helps ~ good luck