(This article first appeared in the July print edition of the Hendersonian)
Imagine your ideal outdoor wedding venue where the surroundings perfectly complement your dream celebration. Picture dancing and toasting under the stars, savoring a luxurious meal against the backdrop of classical music. Envision hosting a delightful wedding brunch in an English garden or a lively backyard barbecue filled with laughter and animated conversations with family and friends.
Before you dive into the adventure of finding your dream outdoor venue, it’s crucial to pinpoint your non-negotiables. Do you have your heart set on a butterfly release, a horse and carriage entrance, or a signature drink at a fully stocked bar? Remember that each venue comes with its own unique characteristics, including space usage, photography policies, and alcohol and activity restrictions. Can it seamlessly host all your guests for both the ceremony and reception?
When you opt for a backyard wedding instead of a commercial outdoor venue, you have the opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind and profoundly personal celebration. While it will require additional planning, the reward of seeing your dream wedding unfold in your own backyard is immeasurable. Additionally, hosting your wedding in a backyard can lead to significant cost savings on venue expenses. Backyard spaces usually aren’t designed to accommodate a large number of guests, which means a more intimate affair and reduced expenditure on food and beverages. Plus, the laid-back atmosphere means you can keep the decor simple and focus on creating a relaxed, intimate celebration. It’s budget-friendly and a lovely way to tie the knot!
While planning a backyard wedding is an exciting and intimate choice, it comes with challenges. Your backyard may be perfect for the wedding ceremony but might not be ideal for the reception. During the ceremony, everyone is seated close together. However, people will want to be up and moving around for the reception, and you’ll need flat spaces for tents, tables, and dancing. Is there a dedicated space or tent setup for the caterer or a well-equipped kitchen? Is there easy access to water and electricity? You’ll need restroom facilities, preparation areas for groomsmen and bridesmaids, convenient parking, and handicap accessibility. Consider renting tables and chairs from a catering or rental company for your event to simplify the setup and breakdown process. To ensure the comfort of your guests and protect their shoes from moisture in the grass, you may also want to consider renting a dance floor. Do you have a mosquito problem? You’ll need to deal with that!
The biggest challenge for any outdoor wedding? The weather can be unpredictable. Most commercial outdoor wedding venues provide indoor spaces for the ceremony and reception, but depending on your guest list and space, this might not be an option for your backyard celebration. If the weather turns sour, make sure to have a backup plan, such as a beautiful tent or indoor space, to keep the celebration going strong. Besides weather, there are a few other concerns you might have to deal with. A commercial venue has items made for weddings, like ramps and a loading area. Most homes don’t. This can make things difficult for wedding vendors, so make sure you talk to each vendor about the situation. Your backyard wedding will also affect your neighbors. There will be a lot of traffic, so you need to consider parking. Also, weddings tend to be loud. Are there any noise ordinances? Will your neighbors complain? Further, taking proactive steps to safeguard valuables is imperative.
My Love Note: Outdoor weddings allow you to relax and enjoy your special day in a natural, serene, and beautiful environment.
Pem Pfisterer Clark has been hosting the nationally syndicated radio show “Wedding Planning With Pem” for over 20 years. The show provides valuable advice, insider tips, etiquette and money-saving ideas to listeners across the country. Bill Stevens Stark is the executive producer of the show.
