Why I love Backyard Weddings

Alright, folks, let’s set the scene: You’ve got a party tent pitched up, tables strategically placed, and some fancy-but-totally-disposable "linens" draped over them. Everything is as perfect as a Pinterest board. Right there, in the spotlight, is an arch adorned with flowers that would make a florist weep with joy. Your backyard has never looked so snazzy. You’re about to tie the knot with your best friend, your partner in crime, the person you can’t always live harmoniously with, but definitely can’t live without. And the best part? You’re doing it all in your own backyard, where you’ve already started building your empire of love. No limos, no fancy DJs, and no worrying about spending your wedding night lost in a hotel maze.

You’re greeting your guests as they arrive, grinning like a Cheshire cat, excited for this epic moment. The caterer is ready to roll with snacks and drinks, gearing up for the final countdown to married life. You and your partner decide to saunter down to the flowered arch together, where your fabulous officiant awaits to make it all official. There’s no shortage of giggles and nerves because, holy guacamole, everyone you know is in your backyard, and they’re all staring at you! The officiant guides you through the ceremony, and before you know it, you’ve swapped rings, promises, and a kiss, and boom, you’re married!

How could you possibly feel more elated than at this moment you’ve been dreaming of your whole life? Everyone’s clapping, some are crying, kids are bouncing like popcorn, and all you want to do is grab your newly minted spouse and have a moment. So why not? Instead of the usual post-ceremony shuffle, have your first dance right then and there. Your BFF nails the timing on your song, and there you are, lost in the eyes of your spouse, having your first dance as a married couple. Forget everyone else is there and just get lost in the moment.

After your song wraps up, you hug your loved ones and gear up for the celebration. Everyone’s getting comfy because, hey, it’s your backyard. Your nearest and dearest are there, and you get to chat with each and every one of them because you’ve kept things cozy and simple.

When everyone’s danced out and the party winds down, guess what? You’re already home. That long-awaited wedding night is finally here, and you get to spend it in your own bed—the one you both picked out and share every night. How could anything be more special?

The next morning, you step outside, and it hits you: your wedding was right here, in your backyard. You can relive it every time you step out there. When life gets tough, you can sit in your backyard and remember those perfect moments that made you smile. Those cherished memories are right outside your back door.

I absolutely adore the coziness of backyard weddings. If I were to renew my vows with my spouse, I’d do it right here at home in my backyard.

Now, let’s be clear: I’m not throwing shade at big, fancy weddings. I had mine at the Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst, NJ. We spent more on our wedding than on the down payment for our first house, and we only had about 65 people—just a smidge over a micro wedding. My point is, you don’t need to drop a fortune on a wedding if you don’t have the cash. A backyard wedding is the gift that keeps on giving.

If you’re planning a wedding and want to skip the glitz and expense of a venue wedding, don’t overlook the charm of an intimate affair right in your own backyard.