Are you planning a backyard wedding? Are you fortunate enough to have a swimming pool in your backyard? Then your opportunity to turn your backyard into the perfect wedding venue is amazing. A backyard wedding is ideal for couples who want an intimate and personal event, who love being outdoors, and who are on a budget. Let’s take a look at how to design a backyard for a homey but lovely backyard wedding in Pennsylvania.
Advantages of Planning a Backyard Wedding
There are many advantages to holding a backyard wedding, cost being one of them. The average wedding in the United States costs $30,000. It turns out that it is possible to plan a backyard wedding that costs considerably less than that.
Another advantage to holding a backyard wedding is that you have your pick of dates. Additionally, there are no time constraints on how long your party can last. Plus, if you hold your wedding poolside, it is the perfect backdrop for your ceremony, your photographs, and your dining experience.
First Steps to Planning Your Backyard Wedding
No matter where your wedding is going to take place, there are some basic decisions you need to make right away. Obviously, if your backyard wedding is going to be a small one, the more things you may be able to do yourself or with the help of friends and family. You should decide:
- How many guests will you invite? A backyard wedding is naturally more intimate and is an ideal reason to keep your guest list small.
- What vendors do you need to line up? Florist, caterer, DJ, rental furniture, tent rental, photographer, and cake baker are just some of the vendors you must arrange for.
- Will you need a serving and clean-up crew?
- What landscaping or yard work is necessary to ready the venue?
How to Use the Pool to the Best Advantage
The swimming pool is a lovely setting for a party. Here are some ways you can decorate the backyard to make it an ideal backdrop for your celebration.
- Setting up an altar by the pool. This is a wonderful way to make exchanging your vows a memorable vision for guests and photos.
- Extend your floral decor into the pool with floating arrangements. Floating lanterns are a lovely touch as well.
- Make sure you have plenty of extra atmospheric lighting for when the sun goes down.
- Set up a photo-op area with the pool as a backdrop. Your guests will enjoy composing and taking their own photos.
- Set up your dining area under a tent, with a view of the pool for guests to enjoy while dining.
Have a Back-Up Plan For Rain
Here in Pennsylvania, we have over a 30% chance of rain each day during the month of July. These statistics indicate that it is a wise move to have a backup plan for your backyard wedding in case of inclement weather. It is a good idea to rent a tent or even two. One tent can be dedicated to dining and food/drinks serving and the other can be designated for dancing at the reception, and as a potential retreat should the skies open up at the time of the ceremony.
Saying “I do” in a homey setting generates a nostalgic feeling that can’t be duplicated in an unfamiliar venue. Your backyard pool setting will create cherished memories for you and your guests and make the day even more special. We hope these ideas on how to design a backyard for a homey but lovely backyard wedding in Pennsylvania have been helpful! We know how important having the details of your wedding be perfect, and we think holding it poolside will be the ultimate choice. Remember Goodall Pools is here with all your Central Pennsylvania pool supply needs, and is dedicated to helping our customers make their backyard dreams come true.