Plan a Backyard Wedding Without Breaking the Bank
Your backyard. It’s the perfect wedding location. You save money from not renting out an overpriced venue that comes with a whole list of rules that cramp your style, and you have absolute creative freedom to express your own vision and show everyone a unique event they’ll never forget.
There’s just one issue: It takes a lot of preparation. Everything from the landscaping to the catering to the bartending is up to you to arrange. It may seem a bit overwhelming, but you can do it with some guidance, even on a smallish budget. Black and White Affair DJ Services offers a few suggestions on how.
Prepare Rooms for Loved Ones
You only have enough room to accommodate close family for overnight arrangements, so make them feel at home with a little attention to detail. Above all, that means putting fresh linens on the beds in the guest rooms, before adding extra comfort in the form of pillows or comforters. Consider also leaving a basket filled with items like bottled water, toiletries, ear plugs, mints, and anything else that can make their stay more comfortable.
Start Early in the Yard
Since the most important moments will take place here, it better look its best, and that means getting started on your landscaping months in advance if you want a new bed of flowers in bloom for the occasion. Also, don’t neglect to pull up any dead plants and keep the grass well watered so it’s lush and green for the big day. In some cases, you may even need to have dead or dying trees removed, especially if they’re safety hazards or could open up necessary yard space. This isn’t a task to handle yourself, so look for local tree removal experts who can quickly cut down and dispose of these trees. Remember to get several quotes, and check online reviews and ratings first.
Install an Arbor or Pergola
Arbors or pergolas garden structures offer your guests a place to relax without leaving the party, and you’ll enjoy the shelter it provides, along with the elegance of climbing flowers climbing up the beams. Professionally built trellises cost around $471 for materials and labor, while a DIY one will cost about $275.
Rent the Extras You Need
This could be a long list depending on how many guests you’re anticipating. You’ll almost certainly need some chairs for the ceremony itself, as well as a few tables for guests to put food and drinks on during the reception. Then there’s the sound system and a generator to power everything, including the extra refrigerator in the kitchen for all the goodies you’re serving.
Block Off a Staging Area
It all revolves around the kitchen, as there could be no reception without food. You may also want to block off an adjacent room for additional prep space, and keep it hidden with some makeshift curtains so your guests don’t catch a glimpse of the magic happening behind the scenes.
Find the Right DJ
The most contained way to provide entertainment is with a DJ service. What’s crucial will be finding the right spot for the DJ to set up, as well as enough yard space for dancing. Depending on your grass, you may want to opt for a dance floor, but dancing on the lawn in bare feet can be just as fun.
Get Clever With the Decor
This could easily suck up thousands of dollars if you’re not smart about it. That may mean ditching the flowers, as hard as it seems. As a writer with Money Crashers points out, candles are much cheaper and more romantic.
Don’t Skimp on Drinks
Do your wedding toast with Prosecco, and your guests won’t know that it’s cheaper than champagne. As for the rest of the occasion, you can’t go wrong with beer and wine, though Bon Appétit has some ideas for signature cocktails that don’t require too much work as they’re made from just three ingredients. Ancho Reyes daiquiri anyone?
It’s bound to be a memorable occasion, so don’t forget to enjoy it yourself. After all, this is your day.
Image via Pixabay.
