Looking For The Ideal Location To Say I DO? Look No Further Than Your Backyard!!

What could be a better send off into married life than a family celebration that unfolds in a place with a special meaning? Allow your outdoor space take center stage by keeping a simple color scheme for your decor. Also keep in mind that you will need to rent everything - must-have items are tables, chairs, dinnerware, napkins, table linens, place settings, barware, portable bathrooms, and a tent. Rent enough chairs so everyone can be seated for the ceremony. If you need more room for the reception, remove most of the chairs after the meal, keeping just enough around so half the party can sit during the festivities. You Can't Do It All Yourself!!! Hiring a wedding coordinator will give you a fresh perspective on the property and what you should and should not do. You will also need people to cover all the basics: setting up, cooking, serving, parking cars, and cleaning up. Make sure your vendors stop by for a visit. Have your caterer survey your kitchen to make sure it is well-equipped and large enough to prepare the menu, etc. Plan a Creative Menu Offer clever cocktails. Jazz up the cocktail hour with sophisticated seasonal drinks (watermelon margaritas, blueberry mojitos) or even a bar of assorted sangrias. Include family favorites. Put a picnic-y spin on serving. Encourage conversation among your crowd by having food served on large platters, to be passed family style or arranged on a buffet. Vary the heights and types of containers you use (wicker baskets and tiered stands along with the more typical silver trays) to add visual appeal. While Mother Nature provides the basics think about dividing your space into two separate areas: one for the ceremony and one for the reception. This gives your guests the feeling that they are not in the same place all day. Options for dividing your space include installing a trellis, stringing ribbons between shepherd's hooks or adding rows of flower or plant filled urns. Tie the two areas together with complementary decor and a unifying color scheme. For an intimate outdoor party consider seating guests at long tables rather than dividing them into smaller round ones.