Reception in my backyard…?

Question

I am having my wedding in this beautiful chapel, but im having a real hard time finding a reception site. All the ones that I have found are going to charge my $20.00 - $25.00 a head just for dinner…our guest list is about 65-75 people.

My question is:

Would it be ok to have my wedding reception in my backyard? I have a decent size backyard and I will have a ‘buffet’ style dinner.

Please tell me what you think? I know it’s a wedding and this sounds like another family bbq…but, I think this will be more comfortable for everyone and a lot cheaper for me and my fiancé. We just don’t have the thousands of dollars it take to have a nice catered reception.

Thanks for your input.

Answer 1

Your back yard would be just fine! Out of all the wedding's I've been to the ones at someones house have been the most fun! My husband and I got married this last July and we had the wedding in a little chapel at a floral shop and for the reception we just had cake and our dances then we got out of there! lol It's your day and what ever make's it more fun for you is what you should do. And I know you wouldn't have much fun if you spend the whole day thinking about how much money it's costing you. Have fun and Congrats!

Answer 2

If YOU and your fiancé are comfortable with it - GO for it. This is just my opinion. I think, most of your guests will be so happy for you and your husband, they won't even notice! :) (If anyone's going to "judge" you because of it, or turn up their nose - it's their problem, not yours; they don't really deserve being on your guest list to begin with, and they don't have to attend.)

We had a "reception" in our back yard. It was actually one weekend after the wedding itself, as the wedding was out of town, and not all people could come. One of our friends volunteered to "cater" the event - he's a great cook, and made all kinds of good BBQ food; another friend (who is Korean) made some great Korean dishes that everyone loved. All in all, everyone had a great time; it was a very happy event, and not terribly stressful - emotionally or financially. We were very comfortable doing this, we never wanted to have some big-deal-formal wedding and reception to begin with. So if you're more of a low-key couple, and don't mind the "informality" of backyard fun, you should by all means do it, and not worry about a thing!

Answer 3

I have been to such receptions and always always have they been more relaxed and enjoyable. I remember one particular one where the couple had very little money at all and the families got together and made all the food. What a comfortable friendly group gathering it was. People wandered about the grounds as they pleased after the meal and toasts.. nice!
I also on the other hand went to a garden reception of a very rich couple. The meal was indoors but everything else outside and aside from not knowing many of the well to do people there, it was also a great success. Socializing seems easier outdoors somehow.
Go for the garden reception and save your money.

Answer 4

My husband and I got married on $5000 dollars (including my dress!). We had it at an American Legion hall, which had the benefit of a bar downstairs. If you have the reception in your backyard, just make sure you have enough family/resources to handle it. You can find a GREAT party house/caterer to deliver food to your home according to your specifications, regardless of where you live. The party house that catered to me charged about $13 for a buffet meal because my family went early to set it up and the party house didn't have to provide servers. If you shop around, you can also find a really great DJ for a very good price-- just because they are affordable doesn't mean they aren't good. My DJ even got on the dance floor to show everyone how to do each dance! Your family, and everyone you invite, love you and are going to your wedding for YOU. They WILL be comfortable in your backyard, if they are close to your heart, and they will always remember what a great time they had at your wedding because they came there to celebrate your happiness.

Answer 5

It would be fine, but you can find a space that is cheaper! Also, if you have it at your home, you have to get additional insurance in the event something bad happens to you or your guests. I once heard of a wedding that was held on someones property and then one of their guests left, driving drunk, killed someone on the way home, and that family was sued. I wouldnt take that chance personally. Also you may want to think of the neighbors- if your party gets too loud will they mind, or will they call the law? what are the restrictions in your town on parties- do you need a permit. Will weather be humble for you?

Try the local VFW or American Legion. Try using your church's main area (they rent those too believe it or not). Try in a smaller town near yours. (i found one that is only charging me 200 bucks for the room rental, and will cost about 10 bucks per head WITH 2 meat choices AND ALL drinks are $2 each- the only sacrifice was this ballroom- which is gorgeous- you can only have dancing for 4 hours- but ceremony music and cocktail hour music isnt included.)

It is all in where you look. Try apple orchards, farms in the area, nature reserves. Also try any Bridal Shows that come to your area. You can find great deals!

Also, try the local community center. They rent out their space, and you can bring in your own caterers or bring your own food!

Answer 6

I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. To avoid the family bbq feel, I would try to budget in some nice "tents" from a rental company and fill them with white lights. For 75 guests, I think you would need to budget about $500. Ask neighbors and guests for tables and rent white tableclothes from the same dealer.

A few items to think about when doing a reception at home:
1. Dishes: you will either need to rent dishes (very costly) or use paper plates.
2. Insurance: Often times people need to up their home owners insurance in case of problems at the party.
3. Clean Up: With a reception hall, you just leave. At home, you need to clean up before heading for your wedding night. Make sure you have an army to help you.

Best of luck with your planning!

Answer 7

Yes, backyards are great. Just make sure there aren't any holes in the ground and no doggy piles either...that would be gross. Maybe plant some new flowers and candles hanging in jars in the trees at night always looks great. The money you save by not going to a catering place can be spent on beautifying the yard for YOUR SPECIAL NIGHT, which is what the wedding is.

Answer 8

Go for it. I would dress it up. definately rent some tents get tables and chairs, and table cloths for the tables. There is no way anyone will mistake this for a family bbq. You can still decorate with center peices. I would also wrap some tulle around christmas lights and hang that above the tent and around your cake table, it looks very elegant. It can be done. Just don't forget the small details, like the wedding guest book, ect. good luck.

Answer 9

Why not. As long as you have enough room to comfortably fit everyone, then go for it. Only recommendation, rent a tent in case it rains, and if it doesn't it gives it a more intimate romantic feel. It would make it jsut different enough that you wouldn't feel like your having a backyard bbq

Answer 10

The most recent wedding I attended was at the people's home - ceremony AND reception! And it was a beautiful wedding even though they got rained on and they had to marry in the house (kitchen was their aisle - one stood in the living room, one in the dining room during vows). The reception was good too. I loved it and it inspired me for my own wedding.