Back Yard Weddings

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Today we're going to talk about back yard weddings. In fact, I'd like to share a real wedding story about a couple who got married in a 2-acre yard. In Western Washington, planning an outdoor wedding is always risky business. However, this outdoor September wedding thankfully turned out very well!

It was the groom's parents' home/property, and it needed some work. Rather than spend a lot of money on a wedding venue, the couple and the parents decided to spend the money on upgrading the yard in preparation for the wedding. Not a bad idea, considering it improved the value of the home at the same time, and it could be enjoyed for years to come. They installed a new half-circle shaped concrete patio (for dancing), planted flower beds, installed new grass, and built a large, beautiful pond with a waterfall. The pond and waterfall was the backdrop for the ceremony.

For the reception, they hired a catering company and rented a large tent which was set up in a different section of the yard. A sound system was brought in to play music. Guests danced on the patio after the food and cake-cutting was finished. Some of the flowers that they grew were used for table decorations.

Parking was the tricky part, but thankfully they alerted (and invited) all the neighbors beforehand. The owners of a nearby empty lot agreed to allow parking on the lot.

All in all, this was a great idea. One of the main reasons that this idea was successful, was that it was the parents' property. It was a win-win situation for the bride and groom and the parents.

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Recession-Proofing Your Wedding Budget -Part 2

Brides & grooms often spend $ on "Optional Wedding Service Categories". Which categories are optional? Which are not? In our opinion, the following categories of wedding vendors/services are NOT optional, and even the most basic wedding has them:

• Formalwear (of some sort)
• Officiant
• Photography (to some degree)
• Rings
• Floral (to some degree)
• Cake or desserts
• Invitations
• Venue (can be a free one)

Here are the categories that we feel are completely optional, or could be used at their most basic level for serious money savings:

• Limos & Transportation
• Health (gyms, personal trainers, yoga, dance lessons, etc)
• Wedding planners/coordinators
• Printed materials
• Catering
• Videography
• Music services

Let's take catering as an example. Do you really need a full catered meal? Could you DIY your own catering and have snacks and hors d'oeuvres instead to go with your cake? The price difference between those 2 food options is staggering. Or videography for example too - Have a friend videotape your ceremony and sections of your reception! The $$ savings there too would be immense. Even so, maybe some of these items are not optional according to you! Take into consideration all the options you have in each category. Nearly every category has a DIY option, a basic option and a full service option. Ultimately, it's your wedding so decide the budget priorities for yourselves.

For more wedding planning and DIY information, go to http://www.nwweddingplace.com/ today!