Cancelling wedding and getting married in the backyard?

I don't see a problem with that, I actually think that MANY people are taking this route because times are so unsure due to COVID. I seen a bunch of other brides mention doing it this way within the last few months

Sure, that works. I’ve read a number of posts on here with brides doing the same thing.

That seems to be common. Some people are doing two events: a small backyard wedding this year, and a larger reception next year. Others are still doing only one event, and either changing the venue or downsizing guest list. Your wedding will be beautiful, regardless of where/how you choose to host it!

I think it's a great idea. I posted earlier and added some pics of my friend's backyard wedding. They only had their parents as guests and the total came to a whopping $300. Your costs will greatly depend on how many guests you invite and which caetering you go with. With backyard weddings, you could get away with cheaper caetering like chick fil a or chipotle. Or you matly be able to cook for everyone or I've seen someone order several fried chicken, potatoes, etc from Wal-Mart. The choices are endless. Sit down with your FH and write out your budget and call prospective vendors to get estimates.

I’m doing something similar! Currently planning for a small tent wedding in my grandparents backyard. Less than 20 people. At first it was going to be a very plain and simple ceremony so my grandma (who is not doing well) can see me get married since covid has me anxious about health of loved ones. Now with covid restrictions in MA (where I’m from) not going away until a vaccine, we’re worried we will have to postpone or cancel our big day next year so our minimony has evolved to a nicer event (same under 20 people)

I did a small backyard wedding and a virtual wedding for those who couldn’t make it. No regrets ! I suggest going all out with flowers and decor ! And make sure you have some kind of arch for pictures ! Something to center y’all.

We did a quick ceremony at church, then rented a $400 commercial tent with tables and chairs, ordered catering (groom’s parents paid) from a local restaurant and close family helped decorate. It turned out really great, it makes me double think trying to do a big reception next year

It sounds like a good idea

We got married in an outdoor garden ceremony with 7 people. It cost less, was less of a headache and we still had a lot of fun. Simpler is better and it's all about what would make you happy

Has anyone done it this way?


We did this!

I wore my original dress and we did as much as we could to make it feel special and not just like it could've been any summer party (there's nothing wrong with making it super casual, but I didn't want to).

Would it end up costing more?

Yes, if you're still planning to have your originally planned wedding/reception later on, because this is an additional event with its own costs. If this would be your only wedding celebration, it will probably save you money.

This can cost as much or as little as you want.

Would it cause more stress?

Yes, but it's worth it.

Making a new plan is more stressful than sticking with the one you already made. Cutting your guest list will upset people and dealing with that can be stressful. But both of those kinds of stress are better than the kind that comes from knowing that someone you love is very sick or about to die. I can't even imagine how much worse that would be if I knew they had gotten sick at my wedding and there's a way lower risk of transmission when you're outside and around fewer people.

P.S. Christina is right about the flowers. I don't currently have any pictures of the arch without people in it but here's ours:

We’re doing exactly that this weekend and I could not be more excited! It did require a lot more planning but I’m already so happy with it. Good luck!

We are eloping, hosting a dinner party for under 20 on our orginal wedding day and using our orginal wedding contract to host a destination 1 year anniversary. It will cost a bit more, but its taking away the stresses of what-ifs.