Once upon a time you would have scoffed at your friends if the couple came to you and asked you to be a part of their backyard wedding. Most of us have the same picture that Steve Martin did in the remake of “Father of the Bride”; picnic tables, cheesy checkered tablecloths, and dad flipping burgers on the BBQ. Well ladies and gentleman that image has been blown away by the modern brides. Say goodbye to grill-flipping goodies and hello to the tastiest foods this side of the charcoal pit!

For you DIY girls

Choosing to have a wedding at your home might actually be a good idea, but keep in mind, just because you are having your ceremony and reception in your backyard does not mean it will automatically save you money! Granted it may be a more savvy choice, but you will be in charge of finding rental companies to accommodate your guests seating and catering. You can choose to go with collapsible furniture or bring the banquet hall to your backyard. The best part about a wedding at home is that you can do anything you want!

You can be as casual or elegant as the two of you want to be. Dress your duds up with flowing gowns and tuxes, or keep it contemporary with dress pants and button down-shirts… ties optional! Brides, use this opportunity to rock one of this seasons’ hottest looks… the tea-length dress! Pair it with a great pair of pumps and some vintage jewelry and you’ll have a look that can’t lose.

Wedding party not included

In this type of setting you don’t even have to have a wedding party. It can just be you and your fiance and the officiant. Invite your closest friends and family to sit at the head table instead of the traditional wedding party. It will make for a more intimate setting. Have all the traditional toasts or allow an open mic where those who want to speak can (just make sure someone is designated mic handler and will feel comfortable enough to cut off the long-winded and intoxicated speakers!).

Keep the menu and venue simple

Now is not the time for a served dinner. Guests will be just as happy with a nice buffet. It will allow everyone a chance to get up, stretch, and mingle. Skip the D.J. and go with a local band or string quartet. Something a little more intimate for your event. Don’t worry about a dance floor. You can rent one if you like, but you and your loved ones may have just as much fun pounding the grass! If you’re worried about your guests not wanting to go barefoot, you can pick up some inexpensive sandals and provide them for each guests. Look online, at Big lots, or even the dollar stores have great deals this time of year. Tie a little “thank you” note to them and they double as favors!

Whatever you decide to do, as long as it is what you truly want and comes from the heart, you will have a beautiful wedding day you and your families will remember forever. Good luck and a lifetime of happiness.

Images from townandcountryeventrentals.com, oncewed.com, greenweddingshoes.com, myweddingreport.com, blogjerry.com, theryanestesblog.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, paratinovia.com, and paratinovia.com

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 9:20 am and is filed under Trends. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.