How to Host an At-Home Wedding ― Setting Up the Backyard, Prepping the Menus, and Having Fun
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Weddings are becoming increasingly expensive each year, particularly with the rising costs of services such as catering and photography.
However, we should also remember that couples getting married have higher expectations regarding these services, along with their families, who want to capture more of the traditions and cultures of the event.
Therefore, the high costs are understandable for a wedding, especially if we include the challenging financial times we live in. Still, that might not be as much of a problem for younger generations, who are not really into big weddings. Having a small ceremony in the backyard can be as special as one at a high-end restaurant, so if this idea sounds just perfect for your wedding, here’s how to do it.
What are the Expectations at an Outdoor Wedding at Home?
If you’re hosting your wedding at home and have a large backyard, don’t stress about meeting big expectations. Most guests will be close friends and family, so the day will feel like a joyful gathering.
Focus on the essentials—decor, food, cake, and a clear structure. To keep things organized, include a printed schedule with your invitations so guests know the timeline.
What Should the Wedding Attire Look Like?
Considering it’s a backyard wedding, you might incline towards casual attire. This could be the perfect approach as both you, as the couple, and the guests can look put-together without wearing formal clothes. Additionally, a casual wedding dress can also be more affordable in terms of budget.
Ladies can wear a day dress, a stylish jumpsuit, or slacks with a blouse. Gentlemen can opt for a smart shirt, slacks, and clean sneakers. While the dress code is relaxed, avoid flip-flops or athletic shorts, as they may not be suitable for a wedding.
How to Manage the Dishes?
Depending on the number of guests you decide on, you may be able to cook at home. For example, in the case of a micro wedding that has no more than 20 guests, it can be possible to buy ingredients in batches and create a simple but delicious menu that can look like this:
· Mozzarella and tomato puff pastries;
· Charcuterie boards with gorgonzola and pears, plums and figs, and ricotta and pecorino;
· Smoked ham with pomegranate molasses glaze’
· Pinzimonio (fresh vegetables dipped in olive oil, lemon juice, and salt dressing);
· Whipped ricotta tartlets and olive oil gelato;
Of course, such a menu still requires a lot of work, even if it can be much cheaper. Therefore, you may want to consider hiring caterers for either the hot foods or the candy bar to help balance the costs with the effort.
How Can You Decorate the Backyard?
An outdoor wedding at home gives you built-in perks like furniture and space for a floral altar. If your garden already has lots of plants and flowers, use them to add even more charm. Create a floral arch using a cattle panel trellis.
Decorate it with magnolia greenery, hydrangeas, and pepper berries for a natural look. Add floral arrangements to the dining tables and use layered lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
How to Set Up the Space?
Setting up the outdoor backyard space can be challenging, especially if you’re limited in space. However, you can expand it by using the entire property. Set up the ceremonial altar outdoors with a few chairs or couches so guests can relax and chat.
Move everyone inside for photos afterward. Once the ceremony ends, enjoy dinner indoors with doors open to create a spacious feel. Concerned about bugs? Try lavender or use bug treatments around your home and garden. Don’t stress about furniture—borrow what you need from neighbors or family members.
How to Make it Entertaining?
Since the outdoor wedding is a larger gathering with your closest people, there are more casual ways to entertain them than by dancing or observing traditional wedding customs.
Hence, you can set up games that are both fun to play for those interested and to watch for the others. Archery, for instance, has become pretty popular at weddings recently, but make sure to play it safe.
Other than that, some great group wedding games include the following:
· The Shoe game involves the couple. The couple sits back-to-back while the host asks fun questions like “Who cooks better?” or “Who has better style?” Each person holds one of their own shoes and one of their partner’s. They raise the shoe that matches their answer.
· The Word Search game requires a chalkboard where you’ll have a classic puzzle game. Since this game is interactive, all guests can join in. Make it more fun by using words that relate to your relationship.
Final Thoughts
Having your wedding in the backyard can be more intimate and affordable than a traditional venue. A backyard wedding with close friends and family can be one of the most fun and meaningful events of your life.
Don’t be afraid to cook the menu yourself and decorate the surroundings. All you need is more imagination!
