back yard wedding/reception

[2CheekyMonkeys]

just after some opinions on what would be a suitable time for a backyard wedding and reception? reception will flow on straight after ceremony (no professional photography in between). not sure on food situation as of yet. possibly proper meal, possible finger foods. thanks for you opinions.

[Cass72]

Awesome idea!

DH and I had a backyard wedding and it was perfect. We had close family/friends only for the wedding itself and invited others to join us afterwards.

We got married at 10.30am (early I know!). Immediately after we said our vows and sat to sign the registry my brother (who was best man) handed out champagne to everyone. After this my mum (who catered - ie, she made loads of finger food) started to bring out the food and other guests started to arrive. (Oh, she also made a couple of curries that people could eat as something more substantial - she brought these out around lunch-ish time and went down a treat with the fellas!)

People were free to mingle, drink and eat the day away!

FWIW we didn't have professional photography either. People brought their cameras and downloaded them straight onto our PC - actually, we got the kids to do this. There were a few shots that just captured the day perfectly (and I don't think we could have captured them more perfectly with professional photography as they were intimate, non-posed, shots).

[Beach Mama]

We went to one that was around 4ish with an early buffet style dinner, and the celebrations went on into the night so that was fun - twilight in summer with fairy lights - was gorgeous!!

[nothing2lose]

Ooooo...I love the idea of a backyard celebration!

I reckon it depends on the vibe you are going for - lunchtime is better for families with kids; evening with dinner and partying into the night is better for an older crowd.

Another consideration is cost. If you are cash strapped, lunch is definitely cheaper (less food and alcohol). People would expect a more substantial meal and more alcohol at night.

Hope this helps! Good luck!!!

[jacklicky]

We went to one which was around lunchtime....they had a caterer do a spit roast type meal (with desserts) and they had a small marquee just incase of bad weather and a jumping castle for the kids.
It was a wonderful relaxing day just as they wanted and they only had a friend do a few 'offical' family photos and the rest were just friends capturing the day.
Most of the guests changed into 'relaxing' clothes towards the end and it was just a beautiful day.

[misty]

My elder sister had a beautiful backyard wedding. Lots of kids and adults. She had an afternoon wedding (3pm from memory) so that it wasn't held in the heat of the day and the reception carried on from there, with BBQ / buffet style dinner and lots of mingling and drinks for the adults, ball games and crafts set up for the kids. It was so fabulous. Those of us with young kids left as we needed to (my kids fell asleep in the pram - we just took blankets for them, so we didn't actually leave until about 11pm). Pretty sure the bride and groom were there until 4 in the morning with their friends (my sister and BIL had flown in from the UK, so wanted to spend as much time as possible catching up.

[2CheekyMonkeys]

thanks for the advice everyone. i think i might make it 4pmish. :-) Just wasnt sure because most traditional receptions are at about 6pm.
Another question i have though .... we are going to provide a selection of alcholoic drinks but i dont want to run out.. also i dont want to buy too much. how would i write on the invitation we have alcohol but BYO just in case we run out? LOL

[Beach Mama]

we are going to provide a selection of alcholoic drinks but i dont want to run out.. also i dont want to buy too much. how would i write on the invitation we have alcohol but BYO just in case we run out? LOL

I think a lot of places like Dan Murphys will refund cases if you don't end up using them ( I might be wrong!) so it might be better to stock up and then return the slabs/cases you don't use?

[2CheekyMonkeys]

oh really? i didnt know that. thats a great idea. i didnt want to sound rude on the invite! :-)

[Beach Mama]

This is what I found on the Dan's site

For party orders and functions we encourage you to work with the Dan Murphy's team to help correctly cater for your needs. If however you find you have excess then simply call 1300 72 33 88 and one of our team will manage your return request**.

There you go so maybe they do find a way to do it if you need to?!

[Novella]

Congratulations. We went to a backyard wedding of DH's friends and it was lovely.

Alcohol running out was a problem as it was a November wedding and got to 40C, most of the women were drinking beer as well as the men, (generally their female friends drink wine/champagne) probably due to the heat and they ran out of beer before the caterers started serving, luckily a couple of the blokes did a quick run to the bottleo for them and stocked up. If you can do something with Dan Murphys and return them that would be a fantastic option.

Their friends hired a couple of portaloo's and a mobile cold room too, just things to think about.

My cousin is having a back yard wedding in 2 weeks so Ill let you know how that goes, they are having a spit roast catered meal. My Sis and BIL have a wedding supply company and are setting up the chairs, marquee and umbrellas free of charge. They are getting professional photos done before the ceremony in the morning.

Finger food is good because you dont have to worry about supplying enough seating/cutlery/plates etc also if space is limited you dont have to worry about clearing away chairs and tables to make room for dancing.

Hope you have a wonderful day

[2CheekyMonkeys]

wow, i will definately be in touch with dan murphys! thanks heaps.
yeah, the finger food thing sounds good in regards to those points you made above so i am leaning towards that howver all the finger food type weddings i have been to in the past i felt that there just wasnt enough food to go around. plus i dont want to have to be fussing around in the kitchen all day. hmmm.. something to think about! :-)

[Beatrix]

I just had my wedding 3 weeks ago. We had a garden ceremony and a back yard reception. It was a amazing day. Everyone told us they had a great time.

We had caterers which cost about $21 a head which was fantastic. Included 4 roasts salads roast potatoes and deserts.

We spent around $600 on alcohol. Averaged about 8 beers per male and a bottle of wine per female.

Was perfect day.

Congrats and good luck.


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[Phteven]

I think the time of day is dependent on the time of year. In the heat of summer an evening party is kinder to everyone.

[2CheekyMonkeys]

well it will be end of march next year. we are near brisbane so it shouldnt be too warm, but not too cool either. it will be the week before easter.