I am also thinking about possibly having our wedding reception in his mothers yard. I'm sure many people have done this - I would love feedback about how everything went. I think I would worry until the day of about many things like rain, cold weather, hot weather, and so on and so on. Thanks again. These boards are great!!
I was at a backyard wedding last labor day out east. It was great...and still had a formalness to it...AND IT POURED!!! Harder than Ive ever seen outside a hurricane...but the tent covered everyone and it made it a memory none of us will forget...they had air conditioners to control some of the heat and humidity.
was it at someone's house or a rented facility?
I have no personal experience but from what Ive read the costs of renting everything and catering can be as much or MORE than having it at a hall..
Keep in mind that you will need to rent a tent, all tables, chairs, linens, plates, etc...add that to the caterering costs. Depending on what time of year you may need to rent outdoor heaters.
I think a backyard wedding can be lovely but if its done for cost considerations it may not be worth it.
My girlfriend had an outdoor wedding (tent in her brother's backyard). It was beautiful and it all worked out perfectly. All they served was cocktail food and when she told me that it was at least $15,000 for the reception part, I almost fell over...
Renting everything and hiring staff can add up rather quickly. Also, no matter how good your tent is if it rains there will be mud and it is damp. I have heard horror stories about the band not being able to set-up because of the rain getting on the electrical equipment.
Also consider the bathroom and parking situation.
But if you really want an outdoor wedding speak to a cooridnator that has set them up before.
The wedding was in her sisters backyard...they have an acre...I agree that it is also very expensive, but I think what they liked is that the party could go on until whenever...the grooms family is from UK and it was pretty much an all day...all night event...
It was very muggy from the all the rain, and there was no mud...the brother-in-law is a florist and used to rent tents, so I think he knew what kind to get...I think michelle is right to speak to a coordinater.
They probably spent a little more, because the party was longer than 5 hours.
If you have a unique place to have your wedding, I don't think its a bad idea.
