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.

Write Your Own Wedding Vow

In your wedding ceremony, there are two things that make your marriage official. The first one is the exchange of wedding band. The second one, without any surprise, is the wedding vow. Your wedding vow reflects the love to your spouse. Some couple may choose to use the standard vows provided by church or other officials. Some other couples, on the contrary, may decide to write their own vows. This article will give you some tips when you are writing your own vow.

Confirm that you can use your own vows before your write it
You have to firstly confirm that you can use your own vows in your wedding ceremony. You need to consult the minister or registrar before you make the decision to write. It is certain that you have to use the standard vows if it is not allowed to use your own vows. It will be unwise to spend so much time on writing it and eventually you are not allowed to use or read it.

Write it from your heart
The best vow is a vow which tells your true feeling and story. When you are reading the vow, you are telling all the guests, and most importantly your spouse, about your true feeling. You have to bear in mind that you are not an actor in a movie and you do not need to make it like a touching story. The most touching story is a true story that expresses your feeling and love to your spouse.

Recalling the good old memories
You can recall some memorable stories. For example, if one of your friends helped you in your love affair, you may try to mention it in your vow. The advantage of doing this is that your vow can help to make a connection between your guests and your marriage. And at the same time it is also a way to say thank you to your guests.

Try to be humorous
When you decide to write your own wedding vow, it is assumed that the vow will not be an extremely formal one. You can be humorous when you are writing vow. You should bear in mind that reading a wedding vow can be quite boring to the guests. As a result a sense of humor may continuously draw the attention of them. Of course you will also need to read it with that sense of humor.

Practice reading the vow
It is always true that practice makes perfect. You will need to practice reading the wedding vow before your big day. It will be a pity if you have written a beautiful vow but you cannot read it smoothly.

Start writing the vow as early as possible
Concerning the time to write the vow, there is no doubt that it will be prefect if you can start to write once you confirm that you can use your own vows. You will certainly need some time to research and revise the vow. It will not be a good idea to write it in a rush. You should at least leave two to three months for yourself to write and revise the vow.

Wedding Poetry to Make Your Day Memorable

Wedding poetry can make your day even more special and memorable. The right poem can help you capture a romantic mood, say what you want to say in a beautiful verse, and bring a personal touch to the ceremonies. With so many great choices out there, you’re sure to find a wedding poem that says just what you need it to say.

You can use wedding poetry in many different parts of your wedding. Some people include a favorite poem on the invitations or wedding program. You can use a poem for your vows or have someone recite a meaningful piece of poetry during your wedding. Another option is to include a wedding poem at your reception or on the thank you cards that you’ll send out afterward.

With so many romantic poems out there, your biggest challenge will be picking the perfect one for your wedding. Many different books of poetry and online websites dedicated to romantic wedding poems exist for you to look through. You can also read through general poetry books for other options. Sometimes you can find a beautiful prayer or poem that isn’t directly romantic but that speaks to you as a couple.

Some individuals prefer the romantic classics like Shakespeare’s sonnets or Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The works will be instantly recognized as romantic and your guests may have their own personal attachment to the classic you choose, making it even more special. Others prefer lesser known romantic poems that will make them more personal to the two individuals getting married. Whatever type of poem you prefer, it should have meaning and be special for you as a couple.

If you can’t find that perfect wedding poem, try creating your own. This will make the poem more memorable because it will come from your heart and be very personal to you. Don’t feel like you can write one good enough? Jot down some of your ideas and hire a poet to write a poem just for you. It helps to find someone whose poetry you like so that you have a better chance of getting that perfect verse. Include personal details about how you met, characteristics, or other items that make the poem unique to you and your spouse to be.

Including wedding poetry in your wedding will up the romance and capture artistically the meaning that you want your wedding to have. What better way to share a favorite, meaningful poem with your friends and family? Regardless of where you include it, your guests will share in your feelings when you use wedding poetry on your big day.