Some brides have their hearts set on having their wedding in the backyard where they grew up. Sometimes it is their parent’s backyard, or it could be their grandparent’s backyard. It is a place that holds special memories for them and that is why they want to be married there. It will add one more very special memory.

Of course, the wedding ceremony and reception would have to be a small one, unless it is a huge backyard. But a nice, small intimate wedding has much to recommend it. Booking locations for the ceremony and wedding reception can be stressful, time consuming, and expensive. By having a backyard wedding, you avoid that and can enjoy the simple pleasure on decorating the yard.

For the wedding ceremony itself, you can rent a canopy and folding chairs for seating. By not having the expense of renting a location for the wedding and reception, you may be able to afford more on decorating than you would have otherwise. Even here, you can save by using tulle and ribbon for the biggest part of your decorating. Add in silk flowers here and there, and you have a beautiful setting for your nuptials.

Arranging the yard for both ceremony and wedding reception is fairly simple. With a good sized yard, one side can be set up for the ceremony and the other side set up for the reception. With a small yard, the tow can be combined to an extent. At the opposite end of the yard from the canopy, a table for the wedding cake can be set up and another table for the other foods.

For a backyard wedding reception, the food can be as simple as a few snacks to go with the cake and punch, or be cold cuts or a barbecue. It can be more casual than weddings held elsewhere. As it is in a familiar place, it is so much easier to relax and enjoy the day.

As with any outdoor wedding, one thing you will have to take into account is the possibility of bad weather. You may have to move everything indoors. Of course, another option that could keep it outside is to have canopies over a good part of the yard, as long as the wind isn’t blowing too hard.

Finally, planning a backyard wedding has many benefits. There is less expense, which helps a lot, so you don’t start your marriage in debt. There is less stress, partly because of the reduced cost. You will be able to relax and enjoy the preparations, even having a ‘decorate for the wedding’ party the day before. That will be a wonderful way to spend time with your closest friends and family before the wedding. It could even be part of the rehearsal.