|
Backyard
Weddings & Receptions
by Judith Rivers-Moore, author of
"Beautiful Weddings & Events ~ California Wine Country"
Planning
and hosting a backyard wedding and reception can be very enjoyable
and to some degree less expensive. A great deal of the plan is very
much like a backyard party. It gives you several freedoms yet, can
add to your frustrations and work list. The following guidelines may
help.
Decide why you want to host this in a backyard. It is usually comprable
to an inside wedding. Add up your costs and figure out if you would
be spending less at a local hall or church. If you are hosting this
in a backyard because it is lovely, well suited to celebrations, a
special memory, or you are planning to use the hall funds on a landscaping
project goal, then maybe this is a very wise decision.
Early Considerations
* Does your yard size and number of guests work well? Tables, chairs,
a ceremony area are all part of the plan.
* Will your neighbors be a problem about the noise for the day?
* Is there a parking problem or can you bring people in on a shuttle from a
nearby parking area?
* Draw out the design of the yard and place items such as; tables, shade, dancing
area and ceremony area are going to be.
* Gauge the time of year for the best weather conditions yet still prepare
for heat with umbrellas and an alternative area of tent or indoor if it does
rain.
* Make a list of the party rentals you require; tables, chairs, extra power,
lighting, dishes and serving Items etc.
* Do you have a focal point for the ceremony large enough for people to sit
or stand and watch the ceremony?
* Are there any animals who will get into your food or be underfoot?
* Does the yard enjoy easy access from the kitchen and serving areas for food?
* Will the toilet facilities hold up for the extra guests, or will you require
porta potties?
* Understanding that the laws which govern events and alcohol for your county
may require permits and added insurance on the property for the event.
* Check out the nuisance issues in the neighborhood: Are their planes flying
overhead, does the dog bark incessantly next door, do you have a rude neighbor,
and is there an engine repair shop next door?
* Do you live in a buggy area? An evening wedding and reception with June bugs
or flies landing on food spoils the ambience.
BENEFITS
* You can have a choice of caterer, pot luck, or your family creating
the foods
* A memorable and different backdrop than a hall or event location
* You have no in and out time limits, except for county restrictions and noise
curfews.
* The ability to SERVE all types of alcohol and drinks (if you sell drinks,
you must have an ABC permit).
* The ability to hold unique themes and ceremonies.
Things to Help Get the Project Going and Keep It Moving
* It is important to create a project timeline and stick to it.
* Keep a list of who is responsible for what and remember, "Mom should
not be creating deviled eggs for three hundred guests the day before the wedding
-- nor serving the day of." Get some HELP.
* Delegate the responsibilities for: Getting the property ready(lawns, flowers,
decorations, foods, serving and keeping the platters filled, plus cleanup)
is part of the process.
* Ask each of the professionals you hire, what they require in regard to electricity
and where they will be on the property? Have enough wiring so when it is all
going at one time, you do not blow a fuse.
Your Invitations Should Include
* Knowledge that this is being
done at the private home of"............................" with
the exact address, time and place of the ceremony/reception or exact
address of each site when they are different.
* A map on how to get there is vital and where to park their cars.
Ceremonies
The focal point can be embellished
with an arch of flowers and ribbons or a canopy decorated with ribbons,
banners, vines/ivy. Herbs, wild flowers, vineyard vines and grapes
are often used. We do see people grow a sunflower circle in their
yards for the occasion (begin early for an autumn stand). Also corn
husks and wheat provide fall decor. If you have a gazebo in the yard
that is a lovely focal point, remember to canvas a lattice roof or
the couple will be checkered in the photos. Butterfly and Dove releases
after the "I dos" are especially
beautiful.
Choosing Your Garments
Outdoor events do require breathing fabrics such as summer satin,
airy tulle and styles of strapless that are in. Men's wear should allow
the guys after the ceremony to take off jackets and enjoy a vested
formal look. Remember your sunblocks. Misters and ladies bring items
to refresh yourselves. Include make-up and hair if it is warm or windy.
Clues:
* Cakes are fragile and should not be left in the sun(preferably
kept indoors as long as possible). The cake table should always be
set with nice linens and fresh serving plates, forks and napkins.
* Ask your servers to please clear plates etc, when the guest is complete with
the meal.
* Nice linens and covered chairs ( or chairs that all look the same) add an
elegance to a wedding and reception. Sometimes this can be a relaxed atmosphere
with no head table for the bridal party.
* If you put the foods outside under a latticed area, the shade will cause
a checkered effect on everything and the photographs will show this when they
come back.
* When your yard is smaller than your reception guest list, make it more of
an open house (for a flexible time concept).
* Choose flowers which hold up well in the heat of the day
* Foods and servers should be shaded. Ice carvings melt fast. Always have plenty
of water and ice.
* Using rose petals and/or edible flowers brings the garden into the theme.
* Misters and outdoor heaters can be rented from party rental companies.
* Take a walk-through of your serving areas. Look at what your photographers
will see through a camera lens. Make corrections to backdrops as needed or
when possible.
* Have a Nanny or someone in charge of the children with games and play area.
Safety secured around a pond or stream. Understandably, children are drawn
to water.
* Have a first aid kit in the kitchen and a fire canister on hand. Post emergency
numbers next to the phone.
* Have a special area for changing diapers in the house(far from
view of the guests).
* Have a special area for coats and purses with someone to keep a
watchful eye.
While this may not be everything you will need to think about, it
certainly will plot a strong course. If you found this article useful,
please let us know by e-mailing us: jr@weddinglinks.com
|
