Things to Consider When Hosting a Backyard Wedding

I love the idea of a daughter/son growing up and choosing to have their wedding in their parent’s backyard or maybe their own backyard. However, I think there is a misconception that backyard weddings are simple and inexpensive, so I am here to point out a few things you might not have thought of. Below is a list including some suggestions, as well as, questions to think of while planning the wedding.

1. The condition of the premises. You want to make sure the landscaping is beautiful for the backdrop of your photos.
2. Will neighbours be upset by loud music playing into the wee hours of the morning
3. Ensure the ground is ready for high traffic and high heels. You might want to put some stepping stones down in certain areas.
4. Do you have a backup plan if it rains or are you going to rent a tent?
5. Where is everyone going to park? Is there going to be someone directing the parking so it is organized? How is everyone getting home if there is going to be drinking? Taxi or are you maybe going to hire a bus at a certain time?
6. What if it is too hot or too cold outside? Will you have heaters or fans available?
7. ICE! If you are having a summer wedding ensure you have a freezer large enough to hold a lot of ice for the drinks
8. Consider the flow of people from when they arrive to the ceremony/reception location. You might want to consider putting up signs so everyone knows where to go and when.
9. Do you have enough easily accessible washrooms for the guests?
10. Don’t forget the amount of things you will need to rent. The cost of rentals can really add up. You will need: a tent with a floor, tables, chairs, a bar, music system, cutlery, plates, cups, portable washrooms, decor, linens
11. You might also want to hire servers and/or bartenders
12. If the wedding is going to go into the night do you have any light source to keep the reception area lit, as well as, the walking paths to the washroom and parking lot (ex. lanterns, flashlights, candles)

The Truth about Cash Bars

The first wedding consultants were upper-class women who informed the family on how to host an appropriate society event. Therefore, I feel that it is my job as a Wedding Planner to tell you the proper etiquette for hosting your wedding. According to the rules of etiquette cash bars are tacky and not suggested. Inviting guests to your wedding is the same as inviting guests to your house. You would never host a dinner and charge guests for their glass of wine or a can of beer. The same principals apply to hosting your wedding. If you are having liquor at your wedding it is not polite to ask your guests to pay for part of the wedding. That being said it is also my job to help the bride and groom stay within budget. There are many alternatives to having a cash bar that will decrease costs.

Below are a few suggestions:

1.       Consider having your wedding during the day. Guests are far less likely to drink in the morning or afternoon.

2.       You could have a signature drink. A signature drink can be pre-made with a combination of juice, soda and liquor. This keeps guests drinking, but at a fraction of the cost

3.       You can always choose not to serve alcohol. If you have great music, entertainment and good food your guests will still have a great time

4.       You can also have a beer and wine bar. This decreases the cost as the expensive spirits are not available

5.       The location of your wedding can decrease costs too. If you have a backyard wedding you can purchase your own liquor license and have your provincial liquor commission sell you the liquor. The liquor purchased will be cheaper than the charge per drink or bottle that a hotel, golf & country club or any other wedding venue would charge.

Cash bars or toonie bars have become increasingly popular as a way to decrease the cost of the wedding; however, they really are not appropriate according to the etiquette rules. If you really want to have a cash bar remember to mention it on your invitations so guests can remember to bring cash!

 

DIY BRIDE!

Do-it-yourself brides are a kind of bride that seems to be becoming increasingly rare, which is sad because they are just wonderful to work with. What?…DIY brides working with an event planner? Yes, it is true! Just because you are a DIY bride does not mean you need to do everything by yourself.

Below is a list of the many reasons a bride chooses to be a DIY bride:
1. To save money
2. To be personally involved in everything for your special wedding day to ensure everything is perfect
3. To ensure a really creative and unique vision for the day comes to life exactly as you envision.
4. To make something that nobody else has at their weddings.
5. To feel that what you are creating is more heartfelt and meaningful because you are putting your own time and energy into your event

If a bride chooses to be DIY she is going to be very busy with all of the projects she is deciding to make herself such as centerpieces, favours, table numbers, place cards, thank you cards, or invitations etc. The amount of work required to be a DIY bride should not be underestimated; it takes a lot of time and energy to start and finish all your projects. As the planner I take care of all the other details that the guests might not see. I ensure the event runs smoothly and nothing is forgotten. There is a lot more involved in a wedding then what the guests see. With my help a bride can focus on her projects and relax knowing the rest of the day will be planned and coordinated perfectly. I can also help a bride cut costs as I LOVE doing DIY projects so I know the best places to get supplies, where to get coupons and I can get discounts with many vendors!

Rolls Royce.. Yes Please!

The other day I was invited by Regency Rolls Royce Event Services to view his Rolls Royce that he has recently made available for rent to bridal parties in Winnipeg, MB. This Rolls Royce is beautiful! Reg (the owner) has worked hard to ensure the vehicle is in great shape and is completely perfect for any bride who wants to travel like royalty. I actually sat in the back myself to test it out and there is tons of space. The back of the RR can easily accommodate the biggest of bridal gowns!

At this same event was Aspire Carriage Services. These carriages are gorgeous! With the deep forest green felt lining on the entire inside of the carriage (even the roof) you can’t help but feel like a princess.

This entire event was held at The Gates on Roblin whose servers brought out glasses of champagne for us! The Gates has amazing gardens and views of the river that are hard to beat!

Throughout the entire event there was David from Castli Photography capturing every moment. He took some amazing photos of the RR as well as the carriage and us enjoying our wine!

This is why my company is First-Class... only the best of the best for my clients:)