Backyard Weddings

Backyard weddings are simple, solemn and sentimental. This is because a most memorable event takes place in a setting very close to the heart of either the bride or the groom. There are a lot of couples who opt for a backyard wedding and rightly so, as there are several advantages to doing this.

Backyard Weddings Advantages
When you have a backyard wedding, you are more in control the situation. You are having it right where the family is and everything you might need for emergencies. You can be very flexible with the lay-out and decorations to suit your needs. There is more control over the flow of traffic of the guests and even the backdrop for those memorable wedding photos.

Of course, let us not forget the cost. It is significantly cheaper to have a backyard wedding, even if you hire a caterer for the reception. The decorations can be done by family and friends and according to your own specifications. You can even have a big decoration day just before the wedding – a special time to hang out with friends who have meant so much to you and your spouse-to-be.

You will also be doing away with the hassle of reserving, booking, and paying for a venue. And, Lord forbidding that the wedding gets canceled or moved, there is no need to cancel or re-book anything. Sometimes, the ambiance you get in an intimate setting like your own backyard is even a lot better than in a hotel or a restaurant.

Lastly, a backyard wedding involves everybody you love. All the members of the family and close friends can all have a share in your special day – the decorations, ushering, reception arrangements and other details.

Backyard Wedding Disadvantages
The possibility of a disagreeable weather is always there if you opt for a backyard wedding. You should be prepared to move the whole event indoors, or at least, have the capability to set-up canopies.

Another downside to having a backyard wedding is the limitation in size. If your backyard is not big enough to hold the ceremony and the reception, you run the risk of limiting and constricting the movements in your wedding. You should plan the lay-out carefully, making sure that there is room for the wedding march and the dancing that might ensue later on. If this is the case, it is wise to set-up the reception table on the opposite side from the ceremonies to give ample space in the middle for the traffic.

Lastly, the location might pose some problems, too. For example, you can not help it if a neighbor chooses to turn on those speakers to maximum volume when you are about to recite your solemn wedding vows.

At the end of the day, your wedding is all about making beautiful memories and tender moments. If it happens right in a familiar backyard, it makes it doubly special.

Wedding Venue Tips

You will probably try to set the date for your wedding when you start your wedding planning. In order to set the wedding date, you will need to check if the venue you would like to have your wedding is available on that date or not. As a result, you will need to consider the venue together with the wedding date.

When you are choosing your wedding venue, you may fall into the trap of the perception that a bigger venue should be better. In fact this is not quite true. First of all, a bigger venue may usually cost you more money. Besides, you will not need a large venue if your are going to hold a small scale wedding. It will be nonsense to book a venue which can accommodate three hundred people if you are going to invite fifty guests only.

To this end you may know that the size of the venue you are going to choose should be determined by the number of guests you will invite. For example, if you are planning to invite 150 guests, you will probably book a venue which can accommodate 200 people. A small buffer for the number of guests to be accommodated can be a good idea since you may end up with 180 guests eventually. It will be a problem if you originally book a venue which can only accommodate 150 people and you finally get 180 guests.

You will also consider the ambiance of the wedding venue you are going to select. In fact this can be a very personal choice. You will probably try to find a venue which can match your wedding theme. It is certain that you will not book a hotel ballroom if you are planning to hold an outdoor wedding. However, if you are planning for a more traditional reception, a hotel ballroom can be already very perfect.

If you would like to hold a more unique wedding, you may consider holding your wedding on a train. Your wedding will be held during a journey on a train. Both you and your guests can enjoy the beautiful and marvelous scenery during the journey. There are different wedding planners which can arrange such wedding venues. Some locations you may consider for your wedding on train will be California, Maui and Arizona.

You may also book an outdoor place as your wedding venue. Among all outdoor wedding themes, beach weddings are probably one of the most popular. A beach wedding is usually more causal than a traditional one. You can forget nearly all the etiquette for weddings and enjoy the time with your guests. Again, the beautiful scenery on the sea side is certainly a plus for your wedding. You cannot imagine how romantic it will be if you are going to have your wedding on a sunny day on the beach. You will enjoy the beautiful sunset with your spouse and your guests.

When we talk about the venue itself, you have to bear in mind that every venue may have its own restrictions. This is usually related to the decorations. You should ask what those restrictions are so that unnecessary arguments can be avoided. You will also need to ask if there are any hidden or extra fees. For example some venues may charge you a cake cutting fee. Besides, asking if there will be any over running fee is a must.

Planning A 50th Wedding Anniversary Party

Are you planning a 50th wedding anniversary party for your parents or friends?
Well, one most useful tip you can use is - go for the gold! Fifty years is such a long time to be married these days. In the United States, there are as many divorce cases as there are weddings. Surely, only the most enduring marriages reach their 50th wedding anniversary. There is no better reason to celebrate, and a party should really be in order. So, now the question - Are you planning a 50th wedding anniversary party and you have no idea where to start?

Are You Planning a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party and Have No Clue as to Who to Invite?
Generally, the guests would depend on whether this is a surprise wedding party or otherwise. If it is a surprise party, and you are quite close to them, you should know all the important people in their lives. But if you are not that close to them, it might be better to let them into it so that those people who truly matter to them are present in the party. It is best to let them decide who to invite.

Are You Planning a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party and You Need Ideas for the Theme?
When planning a 50th wedding anniversary party, remember that gold is the traditional symbol. The theme and décor of the party can include accents of gold like golden candles, bows and ribbons or gold-rimmed white china. You might also want to place gold-framed photos of the couple from various stages of their married life in strategic places of the party venue.
A video or photo presentation of their love story, their ups and downs and their present activities can be made one of the highlights of the party. Be sure to start on this early as the production can be demanding. Do it while the party is still in the planning stage.

Are You Planning a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party and Want to Involve the White House?
Believe it or not, you can actually request greetings from the White House for people celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary or their 80th birthday and beyond. Having one signed by the President for this special party will be a treat for the couple. Just make sure to send the request at least six weeks before the event. Expect the greetings to arrive 10 days before the day.

There are other things to consider when planning a 50th wedding anniversary party like the venue, number of guests or whether it will be a formal affair. Always bear in mind the couple’s preferences. Planning a 50th wedding anniversary party can be fun if you keep in mind these tips. Be honored to be part of such a celebration – one that is becoming rarer these days.