2.4.12

Where is the magical wedding fairy when you need her?

Planning a wedding is hard, (if I could pull off saying "ya'll" this would be the place for it)! We sat down last night for a little while and started throwing some more ideas around.  I honestly hate planning things so far in advance, it's one of my flaws. I figured the first step would be to each write out a guest list of everybody we wanted to possibly invite to help us figure out if we actually wanted a slightly larger event, or a private shindig just between the two of us. While we still have no plan set in stone, I think we decided on doing it both ways. The ceremony being a private, intimate little thing (on the beach maybe?), and then the reception being with all of our family and friends afterwards.

So we had our tentative guest list, but now what were we supposed to do?  Having never had a wedding before and only ever being to one in my lifetime, I wasn't sure what to even think about next. Where will we have it? That sounded like a good place to start.


It just so happened that we also had a meeting with our landscaper yesterday. We have plans for our backyard but Dustin is all, "oh I don't know if we should spend the money on that..."  So I thought, "hey, why not spend the money on that and have our wedding in our newly landscaped backyard?" It sure beats throwing money away on some pricey venue that we'd only get to use once. Am I right?  I'd so much rather put our money into our yard and be able to enjoy it every day, not just for one day.

So right now, that's what we're sitting on. Backyard reception? Oh I have so many ideas for decorations already! (You can check out my Pinterest board here). Our yard is huge and backs onto a forest which would be perfection with lights hanging from all of the trees. It would be more casual like we wanted and less of a fancy event. My only worries:
  • People running in and out of the house the whole time
  • The weather... I would die if it rained!
  • We currently have no fences and would need to block off our neighbors yards.
  • Our grass. We are still waiting on the builders to come back and finish our property.
  • 4 months. Yep, we only have 4 months to pull this off.
What do you think of this idea?  I know that it's "our wedding and we should do whatever we want" but from the perspective of a guest, or from someone who has been to/had a backyard wedding perhaps, any tips?


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39 comments:

  2. I think a backyard wedding would be awesome! I have friend who had one last year and it was so much fun. They got a large tent for everybody to sit under. There are so many things you can do. I can not wait to plan my own wedding.

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  3. YESSSSSS you could have magical back yard wedding like on Breaking Dawn 1 I think that suits you perfect.. You could do lights, logs, and all that wow its amazing and your home will be even more special.

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  4. I think backyard weddings are intimate and charming. Just make sure there is enough room for people to move around. You should also check out theknot.com. It was my favorite tool in the planning process. They have checklists and budgeters for those of us who are wedding planning newbies. Good luck!

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  5. I think it's an absolutely wonderful idea for a wedding! With all the lights at night, it'd be magical :]

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  6. I love the idea of a wedding to look like on breaking dawn! Seems like the look your going with. Good luck

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  7. Oh my gosh, you're right you have so many things to think of. I'm already getting intimidated in planning my own LOL I guess it's important to already have your budget set before planning - helps you get to the right direction :)

    xo,
    janmloves.blogspot.com

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  8. I just got married last month & we had a very intimate ceremony with only our parents and siblings & then a huge reception the next day. I thought it was perfect! I don't do well with loads of people so having the ceremony be just us was perfect. I think the idea of having a backyard reception is amazing!! Also, I definitely really planned things about 2 months before the wedding because I am the same way about planning that you are! Good luck =]

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  9. A backyard wedding sounds lovely!

    And, in regards to the rain, maybe just have a back up plan for where you would have the reception. (As in maybe find a simple and large building venue that you could use if the weather didn't treat you kindly.)

    I hope that everything comes together well as you plan!
    =)

    Happy wedding planning to you!

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  10. I had my wedding in my inlaws backyard and we loved it!!! the weather wasn't the greatest (even though I got married on july 2d!!!)but we had a barn were guests could sit when it rained! you should take a look at theprettyblog.com !really beautyful weddings in South-Afrika (all outdoor weddings!) it's such a pretty site, I wish I could get married all over again!hahaha (sorry if my englisch isn't as good, I'm a Dutchie!hahaha) have a geat time planning!

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  11. A back yard wedding sound really nice but having only 4 month to get the yard in shape would worry me. Have the landscapers gave you a deadline yet? You can put a tent on standby for rain so thats not a big problem. You could also rent port-a-potty to keep people from going in and out the house. The special event ones look really nice. Also look into getting wedding insurance. It doesn't cost much but it great to have. It would protect you in the event that an accident happened at your house without messing with your homeowners insurance.

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  12. i think it's perfect dana.
    whatever you decided will be beautiful. don't stress to much.

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  13. a backyard reception sounds lovely!!... just have a rain plan. But rain or shine it will be a beautiful amazing day :)

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  14. I think I'm loving this plan. If I had actually HAD a backyard at the time of my wedding I think I'd be stealing this idea from you ;) It's simple (even though it doesn't feel like it) and personal. And oh the pretty things you can do!

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  15. Here is my pinterest wedding board.

    http://pinterest.com/beevintage/wedding/

    The escorting board is the cutest!

    Carolin

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  16. you have only been to one wedding? wowie! maybe that will work in your favor as your expectations will be different and you won't have real, live weddings to compare with.
    i think you definitely SHOULD have an outdoor wedding in your backyard. YES, YES, YES. people can be very accommodating and as long as you have weather in mind, you'll be okay. for instance, you can provide fans for the guests if it is hot. or even umbrellas if it's very sunny...they could also work for if a light sprinkle occurrs. i'm sure you could order them in bulk somewhere.
    have fun planning. i know it's overwhelming!1

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  17. My neighbors had a backyard wedding, and it was amazing! They had a temporary gazebo set up with a heater (since it was a little cold). People could celebrate inside and out, which was great if you got too cold (it was held at night)! I think it's a great idea!

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  18. Wow! I think that's a great idea! We just got engaged and those ideas are swimming in my head yikes! You shou check out young house love blog they did a great DIY backyard wedding and have great advice :) happy planning!

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  19. my wedding is also in 4 months! we had decided on my using my parents backyard but the same things came up, only one bathroom... and its inside the house, and what if it rains? where will the guests go/ so we finally decided it was worth it to rent a barn in an apple orchard. we found a pretty new venue (theyve only had 5 weddings so far, so they are only going to charge $500.) i already bought a dress and im just letting the bridemaids wear whatever they want. you should start looking at booking an officiant, we havent done that yet but i found out we should have booked one months ago. whoops. we are pretty far behind on planning. this week are finalizing the catering. im pretty much going to make all the decor and bouquets are going to made from fabrics and fibers. good luck planning! i look forward to reading more about your wedding!

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  20. OMG! I love planning!! Aghh can I help? lol Looks like you are off to a great start though! :)
    -Meesh :)

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  21. My dream wedding is an outdoor wedding!!! I think thats a great idea and you should definitely go for it!! Not only is it more affordable, you are there everyday and are able to arrange, and re-arrange the layout as often as you need! There are so many sites that are out there with helpful ideas, but my favorite blog for wedding inspiration is this:

    http://www.100layercake.com/blog/

    You could literally spend hours!! I know I have!!

    Happy wedding planning! :)

    Anna (http://wildwithwanderlust.blogspot.com/)

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  22. My friend Ruth had an outdoor wedding.. she's also super Christian, so there were people praying for a year for good weather... and it was beautiful out. I don't know if I'd have the same luck. I did see another commenter suggested a tent. That would be a way to have your outdoor wedding but still get coverage from the rain!

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  23. a backyard wedding sounds absolutely magical! we had ours outside too. with lots of twinkle lights and just desserts. keep it simple. it's hard though, planning a wedding now with pinterest around. they just have TO many ideas!!
    xo TJ

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  24. I've never been to a backyard wedding, but I think you've got some really beautiful ideas. You could always have a back-up plan for if it rains.

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  25. The couple that writes the Young House Love blog had their wedding in the backyard of their home and wrote up the details in this blog post: http://www.younghouselove.com/wedding-album/

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  26. If it gets to the point of having to cut guests do to sizing location or cost, start doing an A,B,C list... A would be those that MUST be in attendance IE grandparents, parents, etc... B is next on the list and C is those that you would be okay with either way, if they couldn't make it, or maybe those you felt compelled to ask because you've been to their wedding, etc etc...

    Good luck, ps out door weddings are so much fun! :)

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  28. The magical wedding fairy does exist -- she's called a wedding planner! Best money I ever spent - and it wasn't as expensive as everyone thinks it is. I sent her ideas and she did the leg work and she knew what was realistic, what wasn't, etiquette, where to spend money, where to budget, and the best thing was, when the wedding weekend came around, she took care of everything so I could enjoy the time with my friends and family.

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  29. I did the same thing... had a small ceremony in the afternoon with just us two & our close family, then we had a large reception that night with a large crowd. We also did a backyard wedding & reception in his parents back yard. We put a little team together to take care of food & drinks during the reception, so that also ensured there was almost someone in the house at all times to help wayward guest find the bathroom & such. We did all the decorating & such ourselves... we put the food tents in front of an area we wanted to hide (it has a sheer-ish backdrop), lots of twinkly lights, & planted flowers in the colors we wanted in the spring all over the place so they would be pretty during the summer for the wedding. i love backyard weddings... aside from myself, a good friend, & my brother both had their weddings in this same backyard... all 3 were really different & they all went really well.

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  30. I'm planning a wedding too, it's a lot of work! If we had nice weather in the UK I would love to have a backyard reception, full of candles and fairy lights...it would be beautiful!

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  31. I think backyard is a great idea. What better place to celebrate your union than your own home. It is inexpensive and comfortable and I agree the decorating possibilities are endless! Rent some tents in case of rain? The big white ones and you could decorate with the twinkles. As far as your home- maybe plan to have someone come and clean before and after to alleviate some stress. Have fun!!

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  32. Wow what wonderful comments and advice! A backyard wedding would be beautiful and the money would be well spent. How exciting for you both. Congradulations to you and good luck on planning everything. I'm sure it will be amazing!

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  34. I think a backyard wedding is perfect! That's what I want to do when Hubby & I renew our vows.

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  35. Such beautiful pictures, good luck with the planning!

    Nikki – inspire nordic

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  36. this is absolutely gorg!! thanks for sharing!

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  37. Hi! First off - I just LOVE your blog! :) Second - I am planning a wedding too! Ours is in September of this year. We considered a backyard reception too and thought it would be cheaper, but come to find out, it was actually alot more than doing it at a local country club! With a backyard reception we looked up costs for a big tent, dancefloor (so no one's heels were sinking in grass when dancing!) tables, chairs, linens, silverware, catering, etc...needless to say, it was a lot. We could have probably gotten away with cheaper options for the backyard but then I thought of all the hassle, especially with it being so soon! Depending on your area, it could totally be different! Here in New England weddings are a lucrative business so everything is more pricey as soon as you mention the word wedding. We went thru the same struggles of the type of wedding, how many people, and came pretty close to jumping a plane to Las Vegas, NV until we realized we do want some of the traditional things! It is all up to you guys and what will make you the most comfortable on your special day. Remember it's a party for and celebrating you! Good luck!! :) xo-Michelle

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  38. love it. love the lights. so romantic!

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  39. Was just coming here to link to the Young House Love blog's wedding, but I see someone beat me to it. Lots of solid ideas and advice there. Also seconding the idea of hiring a wedding planner. When I got married in '98, we hired one, and she coordinated all the vendors during the planner and was on site from beginning to end of my wedding day - total cost was $750, mind you several years ago, but totally worth it.

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