Add Value to Your Backyard Wedding Venue
Home is where the heart is, so why not save some money on hefty venue prices and celebrate your love right at home! October is one of the most in-demand months for weddings, thus venues not only book up incredibly fast but you’ll often find yourself having to pay premium prices simply due to the time of year. Not only that, but wedding prices in general have been spiking over the last year. According to a study performed by the Knot, 15,000 couples who wed in 2021 ended up paying an average venue cost of $10,700, an increase from an average $10,500 in 2019. So, if a cozier more intimate backyard venue is sounding better and better by the dollar sign, keep reading below.
Scout Out the Perfect Location
It’s important to make sure that your backyard wedding venue is not just aesthetically pleasing, but practical as well. Deciding on the guest list ahead of time will help you determine what size space you’ll need in order to comfortably accommodate everyone. If your or your fiance’s own backyard isn’t ideal, ask some trusted friends, family members, and even neighbors if they’d be willing to lend you their location for the big day. If possible try to secure a spot that holds special meaning for you and your partner, as it can make your wedding all the more memorable.
Have a Backup Weather Plan
Weather is unpredictable, and chances are unpredictability is one of the last things you want to deal with on your wedding day. Having a wedding ceremony outdoors, especially during fall also means having to prepare for precipitation. Invest in a large tent or tents you can put up on the grounds to keep guests dry just in case. While this may feel like an unnecessary cost at the moment it will end up saving you money lost on ruined decor, and the inconvenience of everyone having to huddle in the house. Plus, a tent can be a beautiful addition to your decor. Think of it as a blank slate you can match to your perfect wedding aesthetic.
Take Advantage of the Greenery
One of the best parts about having a backyard wedding is the naturalistic backdrop. October is that time of year when the trees begin to transform into romantic reds and oranges, creating beautiful fall foliage your photographer is sure to take advantage of. Easily compliment these colors with rich fabrics like velvet and deep burgundy accents for a picture perfect setting at a lower cost.
Upcycle What You Already Have
Upcycling is an excellent way to make sure your big day not only has beautiful decor but stays eco-friendly as well. No matter what theme you choose, you can always elevate the space with warm lighting like paper lanterns, refurbished buckets filled with colorful blooms, and fabrics reused as table cloths. Another idea is to hang up an old clothesline interwoven with string lights to display meaningful pictures and polaroids. Greater Niagara FCU offers members exclusive discounts like 40% off a 1-year membership at Sam’s Club, so you can pick up all the supplies you’ll need to turn your creativity into a reality. With a little vision and DIY determination the artistic possibilities are truly endless.
Get Creative with Entertainment
Keeping your guests entertained is a big part of any wedding, whether it’s in a cozy backyard setting or a mansion style venue. However, entertainment doesn’t have to cost a fortune as long as you get creative with the planning. Think about setting up some lawn games like a custom large jenga set or even custom painted corn hole boards. If you’re an avid wine lover, ask guests to bring a bottle of their favorite wine and play a wine tasting game. As for the music, consider bringing in a small band or even a single singer and acoustic guitar if you’re working with a smaller space.
Make Your Special Day Even Greater
Everyone’s wedding preferences are different but if you’re looking for an intimate celebration that can also save you nearly $10,000 in venue expenses talk to your partner about the details above.
