Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Finding Your Style for a Backyard Wedding

By Renee G Stephenger

When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the hardest decisions is where the wedding and reception will be. If you are not into the tradition of a church wedding you may want to think about a backyard wedding.

Your wedding budget can stretch so much further by having a backyard wedding. This is not some insignificant event, and is more than tossing a few shrimp on the Barbie. This event can range from a potluck celebration after the exchange of vows, to a fully catered event under canopies.

Your theme selection should be a reflection of the couple exchanging vows. Choosing a theme that carries through their personalities and tastes will add a touch of realism to the event, making the wedding more eventful and memorable.

One popular theme is the western wedding. I attended one of these wedding events a few years ago, and it was a wonderfully planned ceremony. A salmon smoke took place in one area, far enough away to prevent smoke interference during the ceremony. The groom and best man rode in on horseback, and everyone was dressed in traditional western clothing.

Looking for something a little simpler? You might want the casual wedding. This is not just a throwback from the hippie days, but hey, what a great theme! You can ask a friend to lead you in the exchange of vows, but make sure they get that ministers certificate first for legality reasons.

There are some details that need to be discussed when planning a backyard wedding. One is the landscaping and decorations. Another is the number of guests, seating, food, and parking. Weather might be worth discussing as well, for a rainy day can ruin an otherwise planned wedding.

There are really few restrictions to your backyard wedding event, but one word of warning: check your community regulations to see if large events are allowed. Check with your local jurisdiction as well, there may be considerations for noise and traffic.

One thing for sure, a backyard wedding is a wonderful way to celebrate the joining of two through love and commitment. A backyard wedding keeps things close to home, quite literally! - 15784

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