We are trying to save on money and the reception halls in southern california are expensive.
2006-06-17 18:14:50 · 10 answers · asked by Dana 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
It depends on how you are planning to handle the reception. It could be cheesy in the finest reception hall, or elegant as all get out in the park or back yard. My son and his bride had their wedding in his boss's front yard - under an arbor with gorgeous flowers and a pond with a fountain as a backdrop, along with lush gardens, their guests seated on white chairs in the lawn set in rows. The reception was in the back yard, food was kept hot in rented chafing dishes and cold in trays of ice under the bowls, the guests danced on the deck and patio, linen covered tables and chairs were set up in the yard, and there was a DJ. Chinese lanterns glowed as did candles in hurricane lamps on the tables as it grew dark, and people had a blast in the moonlight under starry skies. My daughter had a reception hall a year later, and it was just as nicely done, but with a roof overhead. Both receptions were quite elegant regardless of where they were held. They both had a special touch - firework fountains went off at the end of the toasts. Oh - watch Father of the Bride if you are wondering if backyard receptions can be elegant or if you want tips, there was one in that movie too.
2006-06-17 18:28:01 · answer #1 · answered by still learning at 56 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From a professional Wedding Consultant:
Definitely not cheesy - especially if your backyard has an ocean view or really nicely done gardens. Think about it - how many celebrities actually hold their receptions in halls. Most of them have outdoor weddings in California.
If my garden was big enough, I would definitely have my reception there but it just isn't big enough to do it in. I've been to several weddings with the reception in the back yard and they were beautiful. Rent a tent and the tables and, if you don't like how your garden looks, start doing some work now. Gardening can be very relaxing and therapeutic when you're planning something stressful like a wedding.
Best of luck with your wedding. Hope it turns out beautifully. If you have any other questions, check out this website below and e-mail me through the "How to Reach Pat" page.
2006-06-18 08:57:29 · answer #2 · answered by Patricia D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh goodness. I live in southern CA too - and yes everything is expensive.
We finally decided to have the whole wedding and reception in the back yard. We have a large yard and it seems like it will be nice with all the decorations. And it's nice in the summer time.
So no, I do not think it is cheesy at all.
However if you do not like the backyard idea, many parks allow for things like that. Some even have private areas for rental.
Good luck!
(My wedding is less then a month away)
2006-06-17 21:13:37 · answer #3 · answered by Miss. Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's beautiful (i went to a wedding in a backyard with a bbq and bonfire reception, and it was the best wedding I've been to) It's a fun way to spend time with friends and family on such a wonderful and celebratory day. You don't have to put on such a show to look good, the focus is much stronger on the couple, and the meaning of the occasion, rather than all of the small details. Plus, saving money and the stress of dealing with halls will allow you to focus more on yourself, your fiance, your relationship, and the wonderful future you will have together.
Congrats and good luck. Whatever you decide to do, have fun, relax and enjoy the day for what it is - not a destination but a new beginning!
2006-06-17 18:24:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think all receptions are beautiful in their own way. I think a back yard reception in such an expensive area is a really good idea. The point of the reception is to celebrate and you can do that anywhere. good luck.
PS make sure you have enough seating for everyone. Nothing worse than having to stand for hours.
2006-06-18 11:16:08 · answer #5 · answered by maigen_obx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. Had my mom not sold the house I grew up in I would have had my reception at home in my backyard. It would have been so much fun.
I also know my God Daughters Parents are also having all three of their daughters wedding receptions in their back yard.
Wedding halls get so expensive and you can at least control what goes on in your home.
My father in law said that when he was younger that is where everyone held their receptions and he remembers it being so much fun.
2006-06-17 18:22:20 · answer #6 · answered by Mrs. Mac 4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not at all. My sister had one and everyone had a great time. It was more casual and relaxed. It's a good idead to save money any way you can on a wedding cause they seem to end up so expensive. If you don't need gifts, you can ask for cash which can be used for the price of the food
2006-06-17 18:23:20 · answer #7 · answered by sharkgirl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not at all! i think it is a fabulous idea and i have attended a few myself. every wedding reception i have been to in a backyard has been absolutely beautiful and much more fun! this sometimes gives people motivation to landscape their yard too ... so it is money well spent. i say go for it!
good luck!
2006-06-17 18:22:31 · answer #8 · answered by truckturner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not cheesy. Just make sure the food is good.
2006-06-17 18:22:08 · answer #9 · answered by R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it will be fine as long as you take care of everyone's needs properly (shade, tables, food, drink, bathrooms).
2006-06-17 20:21:37 · answer #10 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋