Asking neighbors not to call the cops for a loud-ish backyard wedding?

What she said^^

You can't ask people not to call the cops. I'm sure your town has noise ordinances, which you must follow. And while people are understanding for big occasions, you have to realize some people work weird hours. And I would be upset if I got woken up or kept up.

I would also just invite them. If you don't know them that well, they probably won't stay long anyways. It's worth it to lessen the chance that they will call the cops.

Bribe them with food.......

My best friend got married in her parents back yard last year. They went door to door a few days before and gave their neighbors a little gift (I can't remember what it was, but I believe some sort of food) and a note about their wedding so people knew it was happening. You definitely should let everyone know, not only for noise level, but also since I'm assuming you'll have a lot of cars parked on the street. They live in a good community, and everyone was very understanding and excited for them.

Does that say 300 people?

Did you mean 300?

Where do you live?

In this case, I'd say your best bet is to either

A: find a new venue where you can be as loud as you want.

Or

B: Don't be loud.

You could also

C: Be loud and hope that they let it go this one time.

I think C is the worst choice.

Nothing keeps the neighbors at bay better than inviting them to the party.

You invite them. If they aren't actual friends, they probably won't linger into the dancing part of the night but you've ensured goodwill. Or, you know, find a venue.

I think giving people a heads up is polite. In addition, include information on when the event will be over. I wouldn't push it past 10 or 11 with music/DJ/speakers in a residential area. People may get angry despite your efforts.

If my neighbors had a loud party that went late into the night, I would absolutely call the cops. However, if they had warned me ahead of time that it was a wedding celebration, I would totally understand and let them have their celebration. It's common courtesy.

I had a roommate that threw a lot of wildish party, he always when over to the two neighbors next to use and the retired cop couple houses down the street and let them know. He would give them his cell # and tell them he would try and keep the noise down. He was only called once and the police never came.

I think its a really good idea (polite) to let them know (even invite them if you have room). Plus where are your guest parking? Near their houses?

Thanks to everyone who has commented so far! We are only having 50 people so we don't qualify for any special event perks. As I was reading the noise ordinance, I got the understanding that as long as there is "unreasonably loud" noise not created from construction work or a business, it can be shut down with a complaint especially if it is in a "peaceful neighborhood." Parking won't be an issue because there is a nearby business that we are paying to use their parking lot.

I was thinking about delivering cookies and notes the day before because I am so hesitant to invite neighbors we've met twice and not cousins we spent childhoods with.

I like the cookie delivery. You might add a bottle of wine for good measure!

I would definitely go door to door beforehand (sometime the week if the wedding) to warn them that you'll be having your wedding celebration in your backyard. I like the recommendation to include the end time so that there's a clear boundary and the neighbors know what to expect.

I disagree with inviting your neighbors. Just tell them that you're hosting your wedding on x date, and give them someone's phone number (maybe the DJ?) to call if it's too loud.

Yes deliver them some goodies! I second the wine idea

I think that letting your neighbors know is an incredibly nice courtesy and that goes a long way with most people. Maybe go to cupcake or gourmet candy shop and have a few things individually packaged.. I'd knock on the doors and just say something along the lines of... I just wanted to say hi and drop this off. We wanted to let you know that we are having a wedding at our house next week and there might be some extra noise or cars around. Any person with half a heart will congratulate you and understand.

If it isn't too cost prohibitive you might add a gift card for the movies so they can go out if it does get loud. If you're going to like 10 houses this will probably be too expensive.

Definitely let your neighbors know, but I also think you have to end it fairly early, 10 pm or 11 pm. I think you also need to keep the music level down lower than you might like. Definitely no blasting the speakers. There are trade offs when you have an at home wedding and these are a couple of them.

We have a huge Summer party every year. The 1st couple of yrs, whenever I would see any of my neighbors outside, doing yardwork or whatever, I would just go talk to them & let them know that our annual party was coming up. I asked them to please come speak w/ me or my FH if there was any problems that night.