Hi friends!
As the weather heats up and the days grow longer, I can’t help but let my mind wander back to all of the lovely backyard weddings I’ve had the opportunity to photograph throughout my career. And you know, so many of those events occurred in the past year as we navigated pandemic restrictions and social distancing protocols. Such circumstances kept guest counts low and ceremonies so intimate that I grew to love these small, personal celebrations with every “I do” I witnessed.
Even as the world begins to return to a sense of normalcy, I think backyard weddings are a trend that’s here to stay. And for plenty of positive reasons that have nothing to do with a public health crisis! Today I want to share a few of those perks with you in case you’re pondering walking down the aisle at home.
They’re Sweet and Sentimental
When you choose to get married in your backyard or that of your parents or grandparents, you automatically connect with the space on a deeper level. Maybe it’s where you jumped off a swing set for the first time or caught your first baseball or watched your first puppy run and play. It’s a sentimental space so full of memories for you and the people you love most, and adding your wedding to that list is just such a special thing.
They’re Ideal for Older Family Members
If anyone in your wedding party or on your guest list has mobility limitations or a condition that makes it challenging for them to leave home for an extended period of time, you no longer have to stress the logistics of it all. Bring the party to them, and let the rest fall into place! (Not to mention, it saves you so much time in the venue hunting part of wedding planning.)
They’re So Much More Flexible
Your house, your timeline! If you decide to start your ceremony a bit late — or carry on your reception festivities well beyond the initial plan — no one is going to kick you out of your own backyard. Of course, it’s nice to be considerate of your noise level for your neighbors, but it’s really up to you how you choose to structure the day and how much you want to just go with the flow of things.
They’re Very Budget-Friendly
When you eliminate the cost of a venue and reduce your guest count to close family and friends you want to invite into your home, your wallet can take a huge sigh of relief. Better yet, you can enjoy allocating more to other details that matter more to you, be it a particular catered meal, charming florals from your favorite local flower shop or that epic veil you just can’t live without.
Think a backyard wedding sounds perfect for you and your partner? Send me a note! I’d love to hear about your vision, share some of my best experiences with you for inspiration and help make your dream come true.
Happy Wedding Planning!
Sarah Keenan, Photographer
Knoxville, Nashville, Asheville
Johnson City + Chattanooga
Travel Photographer
