Alternative Venue Idea--- HELP

emilypeach

So FI and I have been having trouble nailing down a venue because nothing seems just right.  We want our reception to be very relaxed.  We love the idea of a backyard bbq type wedding but no one in our families has a suitable yard size.  SOOO we're considering renting a vacation type home with a huge yard that we could hold the reception, and that way, our families could spend the night there at the house with us, we could keep the party going as long as we feel like, and basically have everything the way we want it.

Now come the cons, almost everything will turn into a DIY project, and I have no idea where to start looking for something like this.

So I'm wondering if anyone here could offer me their opions. -Do you think something like this is doable? -What are some foreseeable problems?  -Do you know where I would begin looking for something like this?  -And any other thoughts and/or comments would be really appreciated tia..

emilypeach

maybe something like this:

http://www.vrbo.com/244052

wdyt??

sv4338

That sounds like a beautiful idea, alot of work but Im sure it would turn out wonderful. One of the girls that use to post here had a beautiful back yard wedding I'll see if I can find her bio it had some pics on there and you can get an idea :0)

desi2002

hmmmm.... It's doable, but  like you said it's  DIY and you've got to have that creative  mindset going into  it.  (you're a soon to be teacher...  get used  to DIY!!!) When is  your wedding, how  much planning time do  you have? What's  your budget like... tight or flexible? I actually like the  idea  of  a vacation home... never  thought  of it.

emilypeach

I think im pretty creative and the type of person that would rather do it myself.. so thats a plus i guess.  We're aiming for labor day but we're flexible.  Budget is somewhat flexible also.

desi2002

do you like a garden wedding idea?

breleficent

Backyard weddings are a ton of work! It is totally doable you just have to be willing to put in a lot of time and effort. You have to set up AND clean up. There was a vendor post on here not too long ago about doing small weddings at homes. I'll see if I can find the post.

breleficent

Ok, found it. Here ya go. This way you wouldn't have to worry about any thing. They do it all for you.

http://www.gracefulgathering.com/home.htm

SarahB0427

There was another lady that I talked to that was really nice from a place called country garden caterers.  I was going to do a backyard wedding as well, but  I couldnt handle all the DIY and worrying about having rain on my wedding day (getting married in April)

emilypeach

thanks for the link bre i'll check it out. as for the clean up set up issue... i think since we'd have the house for the weekend we'd just go to bed and leave it for the next day!! we'll see..... im getting so frusterated and this is only step 1!

emilypeach

ha! funny side note.. i went to the graceful gatherings webpage and one of the listed properties was the estate im checking out and calling tomorrow. thats awesome.. i must be on the right track

amberg321

I think its something that you could do but like the pp you would have to be willing to do alot of DIY. We thought about doing our reception in our backyard (its a good sized lot) but once I did the numbers it came in $200 less than what it cost us to just have the reception at a venue. It just wasnt worth the stress for me.

Pros:
*The link you posted has a great lawn space so that would be neat
*You would be on any venues schedule, only your own

Cons:
*If your friends that drink are anything like ours they will never leave which could lead to a not so romantic first night together. 
*Alot of DIY
*Alot of clean up
 

Kasi80

If you shop around and get good deals on rentals then I think it can work out very well.  DIY is a lot of fun (stressful at times) but I did most of my wedding DIY.  The only thing that wasn't was the food.  Flowers, favors, decor, etc was DIY.  If you have people willing to help you then I thinkk you will be fine. 

Side note - it was Christina who had the gorgeous backyard wedding.  

amberg321

Yeah hers was beautiful BUT she spent more on her backyard wedding than I did on mine. Just saying that it can be pricy

Kasi80

Agreed, it can get pretty pricey.  I considered that option for a second then realized I'dhave to rent the silverware and glassware as well! 

If you choose this route we cane definitely help out on rec's.  I got my white chairs pretty cheap and linens.  That was 2 years ago though so I don't know what the prices are like now.