Help me choose the venue!

I'm guessing you've already looked at lots of other venues, but just to be sure, have you looked for outdoor venues that could provide the ease of a more inclusive venue with the outdoor feel you want? Around me (Florida) there are tons of venues that are either barns or historic homes on big properties. At a minimum, they typically provide bathrooms, tables & chairs, a bridal suite of some sort, and some provide additional things like arches, decor, etc.

But assuming you have already ruled out any other outdoor venues or there just aren't any, it sounds like your heart is set on the backyard wedding. As long as you can afford it, I think you should go with that but definitely hire a coordinator unless you can get all your rentals from a single company who might be able to provide a coordinator for you. Around here, a DOC runs about $1000-$1500 and full service planning packages run around $3000. I would guess Michigan is a bit cheaper than Florida. My BIL had a backyard wedding with a tent, pretty similar to what you described, and it was beautiful and everyone had a great time.

@Dayna, Initially, yes I did look at outdoor/barn venues near me. They are either too far away from the church or too expensive. I might have to look at them one more time, just to be sure. Thanks for the thought!

I would LOVE to make the backyard venue work.... so many logistics that a wedding planner is sounding better and better by the day. Another thought, I might be able to ask the indoor venue if they have any capability of doing a bonfire near the building - they are located on some fairgrounds.

@Melle, I hadn't even thought of this. Hmmm, I wonder if I would have to hire a party bus to transport guests to reduce drunk driving. Either way, it might be much cheaper than the outdoor venue! Great thought!

@Kelsi, The bathroom trailer will only cost me $900. Not bad... considering 3 bathrooms run closer to 1500 in other areas in Michigan!

It does sound like you would rather have a backyard wedding but price wise and logistically it sounds like the indoor one is better but i figured you could still party in your backyard with some of your friends.

How about an outdoor venue with these features that ISN'T your backyard? That will take the stress out of fixing and may be closer to the price of the indoor venue. Look around your area. There could be country clubs that offer both the indoor things and the outdoor patio to meet your hopes and needs! Michigan and Ohio, as much as we try not to admit it (LOL) have a lot of the same options available.

The thing about a wedding in *your* backyard is that you have to clean it all up the next day.

DH and I slept past noon the day after our wedding, we were so exhausted.

Is there a way you can make the indoor one more like your dream with decorations?

So I just spoke to the hall manager and he said YES! I could have a bonfire out back near a gazebo.. and even invited myself and my guests to camp out behind the venue! It is located on some fairgrounds and I had totally forgotten that they have a small camping area near the venue. So maybe that is what I will end up doing! I tour it this Thursday to see if it can carry out my vision.

I did do a quick search of venues near me that specifically advertise a bonfire pit and it looks like there are some that are reasonably priced, but just have limits on guests. So maybe I will have to dive down that rabbit hole a bit more.

See my other comment I just made, but I did find out the indoor venue is willing to offer a bonfire and camping for us for no additional cost! I will be touring it this Thursday!

Hopefully the venue you already liked will have exactly what you need so you can avoid looking elsewhere it will all work out, and your wedding will be fabulous

Thank you so much! I did find one more venue to consider.. look at this one!

https://www.miwildlife.org/weddings.html

Awesome see, no reason to worry, you'll work this out!

There are plus sides to using your yard: You are comfortable there, money spend on yard projects won't be wasted you'll enjoy them for years, You can set up and take down when ever you want! Depending on your area and time of year you might not need a tent rental. Will you look back on your wedding photos are regret not having your dream outdoor wedding?