August 19, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Backyard Weddings, Bridesmaids Dress, Reception, Receptions, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Shoes

I love the idea of backyard weddings because it gives everyone a more relaxed and laid back atmosphere than traditional church and garden weddings. Personally, when I receive wedding invitations, there are times when I roll my eyes and wonder if the bride really wanted to marry the groom or she just wanted to show everyone that she can spend exorbitant amounts of money for the whole shenanigan.
You don’t have to spend much on your wedding dress and your bridesmaids’ as well for backyard weddings. A nice and casual sun dress would be perfect and in tune with the whole feel, especially if you plan the wedding during the day or early afternoon. If you already have shoes you can wear with your dress, go ahead and wear them. You don’t have to buy new ones just for the occasion. 
Daytime weddings are also great since you don’t have to spend on lighting and you don’t have to spend time and effort in setting them up. You have wonderfully bright and natural sunlight to light up your big day, courtesy of the great old sun right above us all. An added bonus is that you won’t have disgruntled neighbors losing their sleep because of the noise you are making.
Some people may find potluck wedding receptions tacky and distasteful but I think that aside from saving money, this gives everyone a chance to contribute and be proud to have helped make the celebration happen. I know I would be and the next time I get invited to one, I have a great pasta dish that was an instant hit when I served it last Christmas for our family reunion.
You can’t please everybody and there probably will be one or two guests (hopefully no more than that) who’s going to express disappointment or negative feelings about some part in your wedding celebration but just grin and shrug it off. Your wedding isn’t about your dress or your cake or the venue, it’s about you and your partner’s union.