How to Hold a Backyard Reception

With proper planning, you can have an amazing backyard reception.

There are many ways to hold a wedding reception. Growing in popularity is the backyard wedding reception. When holding a backyard reception, lining up vendors comprises most of the work and planning.

Instructions

1. Put up a tent. You need to have a tent that is large enough to hold all of your guests. There are many tent companies more than happy to help you, and this is truly better left up to the professionals. A tent will protect your guests from possible rain or windy conditions that could otherwise ruin the perfect day. There is everything from a basic tent to tents with chandeliers, depending on your budget. A tent company will set everything up for you and remove it after the event.

2. Rent tables and chairs. These rental companies set the tables and chairs up and then break them down afterwards. You can get round or square tables depending on your decor. There are many different types of chairs, from basic to decorative, again depending on your budget.

3. Select decorations. You will need linens and cloths for your tables and other items for the various other areas that you wish to decorate. There are companies that will rent you plates, napkins, glassware and silverware. This company can sell you linens to swag around the poles in the tent or to adorn the ceiling for a more exotic look. The material can also dress up the bar and/or catering tables.

4. Choose your floral arrangements. The flowers, or general decor, is important in setting your theme and for creating ambiance. Beautiful flowers can make a reception look even more inviting. The flower company will rent everything from candelabras to glass hurricane centerpieces. There are many choices to chose from to make your event amazing.

5. Find a caterer and decide what type of food you will be serving. A buffet will take up more room in the tent and so will bars. A key part is planning with the caterer to ensure that everything will fit. Some caterers do not have the ability to cater outdoor events, so determine what they will be using to cook your food, or if they can cook it off-site and just keep it warm until the event.

6. Figure out the parking. In most residential neighborhhoods, if you have an event that will have more cars than your typical house event (10 to 15 depending on where you live), you will have to obtain parking permits from the city that you live in. Check with your local city hall to find out what the requirements are. You can hire an off-duty police officer to direct traffic during the event. This is especially true for the larger outdoor events in residential areas.

7. Design your invitations. Finally, now that you have all of the reception vendors in place, you are ready to design and mail your invitations. There are local companies and Internet companies that can assist you.

Tips & Warnings

• Because there are so many variables and different items to secure for a reception, your best bet is to hire a professional to assist you in planning the entire event. This way nothing will be forgotten.

• Shop around. Do not be afraid to get more than one price quote and then compare.

• The nice-to-have items, which are not required for your reception, include a photographer, videographer and band. These options will enhance the event, so definitely give them some consideration.

• Make certain that you have enough electricity to power the event. The tent company may or may not bring generators to run fans for the tent. Ask other vendors if they will be providing their own electricity. Be wary of paying for the entire event upfront. Most vendors will require a deposit but never ask for the entire amount in advance.