Need an unbiased opinion

ek0197

Hello everyone,

We are planning a simple and casual wedding next summer. The fiance and I decided to have the ceremony in a little chapel and have the reception at home in our backyard. We were one day away from putting a deposit down on the chapel when he suggests having the ceremony in the backyard as well. We have been debating this for two days because neither of us cares where the ceremony takes place. The chapel is beautiful, and we already know that our backyard will be beautiful because we are having the reception there.

I need some unbiased opinions to help make this decision. We tried making a pro/con list, but they came out pretty even.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks

DetroitGyrl

um.. everything in the backyard is easier.. I'm all for one stop shopping. But - that's only if you have people that will convert the space for you. Wouldn't be too cute if your hubby and his groomsmen have to take off their jackets to convert the ceremony space into the reception space.. do you have a place for your guests to go while everything gets shifted?

cmkuno

The change-over would be my only concern.  Unless your backyard is big enough to have space set up for the ceremony and the reception at the same time, there could be some awkward down time.  Plus, I'm not sure how you'd handle doing pictures during the usual break between ceremony and reception.  But if you can swing it, from the guests perspective at least, it would be great to have it all take place in one location!  Plus you'd save the chapel fee.  

Will you have a rain back up at your house?

jodyk23

We are having our ceremony/reception at the same location and I think it will work for us because we are having the ceremony outside and the reception inside. After the ceremony, the guests will go inside for cocktails and appetizers and we will take pics with family, etc.

If you were to have everything in your backyard, when will you take pics? Are you going to see each other before the ceremony? If you aren't you need to take all the pics after. What would the guests do during this time. Something to consider.

I would probably go with the chapel.

ek0197

We will already have the tables and chairs set up for the reception. Everyone will already be seated at their tables, and they will turn and be able to see us.

Gwenwhyfare

We were originally going to do this. Between figuring out how we were going to convert everything over to the reception, where to take pictures, etc. we decided to get married in a Chapel (in case of rain) and have our reception in a hall. That way, we don't have to worry about setup, cleanup, bathrooms, permits, etc..HEADACHE.

But, it all depends on how large of a wedding you want I guess. Our guest list is going to be around 125 - 140 people. If you're having a small wedding, it might not be a bad idea.

klreese0213

i personally love the idea of yard-style weddings/receptions today.  i found this site a while ago and fell IN LOVE with the idea of a backyard party.

http://www.younghouselove.com/wedding-album/

i personally would do it all at the house, provided you have the right amount of space.