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Just Said Yes October 2018

Backyard wedding advice

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Marisa, on July 30, 2016 at 8:23 PM

Posted in Planning 48

Hi y'all! My FH and I have been searching for venues to no avail. It seems we don't have a big enough guest list for most, and my date got booked at one place while I was talking to the owner. ): We have decided that my parents have a nice enough plot of land with a small barn and shed, and we wouldn't mind having our big day there if we just put a little work into it. Regardless, it would save us a nice chunk of change, since we already have quite a bit of tables, chairs, etc. My parents have also hosted a wedding on this plot before. I've been contemplating though, how to make a backyard wedding still feel like an official wedding? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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48 Comments

Master June 2016
JamieLynn · on July 31, 2016 at 1:11 PM
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Hay or straw - No. Please don't do that. As a guest, my allergies would hate you.

I get it that your family said they want to help you out the day of -- Question, do you want them to enjoy your wedding day? Please think of them as guests, and treat them as such.
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Celia Milton · on July 31, 2016 at 1:48 PM
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Don't ask your family and friends to help. Read the 'worst wedding I ever went to' threads and note how many of them include friends and family as labor.

They will say yes, they will resent it, they will not be as effective as you hope, and they won't get it done. And they won't say anything to you.
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Super September 2016
OregonGirl · on July 31, 2016 at 3:54 PM
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Rentals that deliver, day of coordinator could help with set up. Catered food! We are doing our rehearsal dinner in our backyard (for 30). I agree more to organize but we will save money. Good incentive to get the back yard looking nice! We are using thick white paper plates and big red tumbler cups for a picnic feel, so it's very casual. We are hanging string lights and having candles. We got Cuban food catered and found a great table rental place that had very cute white chairs.
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Super September 2016
OregonGirl · on July 31, 2016 at 3:55 PM
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We are making a big batch of sangria and will have sparkling water for the rest!
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Super August 2017
mandybeth · on July 31, 2016 at 3:59 PM
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We planned a back yard wedding and were dead set on it until we realized how much goes into it and the cost. We canceled all our vendors, lost the deposit (which in comparison to how much we would have spent is nothing) and now we're planning to elope. So there's your answer.
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Celia Milton · on July 31, 2016 at 4:20 PM
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Chairs. Ask for them by name.
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Super September 2016
I am Mrs. rjd · on July 31, 2016 at 4:33 PM
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Even putting a cloth or something on a hay bale doesn't make it comfortable. I would not be happy if the hay kept jabbing me in the butt the whole time--hay does poke it's way through cloth! And if that cloth is only on the top, your legs will get jabbed all the time. Nope, chairs were invented for a reason.
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Super September 2016
OregonGirl · on August 1, 2016 at 9:50 AM
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I'm doing my wedding and reception at the same place indoors. I'm pretty outdoorsy, but got overwhelmed with the logistics of the outdoor ceremony and bagged it for something easier. I'm glad I did mostly though I do love the idea of getting married outside! So like I said we are doing the backyard thing for the rehearsal dinner, but only 30 people not 125! September is such a great month to be outside in Oregon.
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