As wedding budgets retract, and guest lists shrink, the backyard has become the wedding venue of choice for many savvy couples. But backyard weddings are not for everyone.

Are you a perfectionist? Do you make yourself and others around you crazy in an attempt to make everything ‘just so’? If your answer is yes, you might want to cross a backyard wedding off your list. Unless, of course, you want to drive yourself and your significant other looney – but in the end have the most wonderful wedding possible. Kinda like I did.

Perfectionists and at-home weddings can be a volatile combo. There are so many extra details involved with planning a backyard wedding at home that it can be overwhelming for anyone – but especially those who have a penchant for perfection.

Not only will you be trying to eliminate everything on your wedding day to-do list, you’ll also want to make your home extra special for your big day.

If you’re like me you’ll be re-decorating the interior, power washing the exterior and landscaping the heck out of your yard.

Of course, not all couples planning an at-home wedding spend months fixing up their place. Some people don’t lift a finger on home improvements. If that’s the case, planning can be a whole lot easier.

However, there are still things to keep in mind if you are planning a backyard wedding.

• It’s a smart idea to call your local town hall to find out if construction is planned for your area around the time of your wedding. The last thing you want is a muddy, noisy, messy road on the day of your wedding.
• A week before your wedding, it’s wise to let your neighbors know what you are planning, and warn them of potential noise, and traffic. Also, if you are having an outdoor ceremony, let your neighbors know what time it will take place, so they won’t be out with their leaf blowers and lawn mowers during your ‘I do’s.’ Once neighbors know of your plans, they might offer up parking space, or lend a hand.
• Unless you are have a teeny, tiny wedding, you’ll need to rent tables and chairs. You may also have to rent linens, glassware, and dinnerware.
• It’s probably the least romantic thing about your wedding, but it’s probably one of the most important: toilets. No matter where you decide to have your wedding, you’re going to need at least one. If you are having your wedding at home, you might decide that guests can use the washrooms in your home, but after giving it some serious thought, you might change your mind. Do you really want your guests traipsing in and out of your home? Can your plumbing system take the wear and tear? Is it possible that your septic system will be overstressed, causing a plumbing nightmare on the biggest day of your life? (Ever see Meet the Parents?)
• If you are having a backyard wedding, it makes sense to use protection against the elements. I’ve heard horror stories of daring couples whose decision to marry out in the open left them, and their guests, all wet. And rain is not your only concern. A hot sun blazing down on you and your guests will not only cause discomfort; it can cause sunburn and heatstroke. If you’re a risk-taker and don’t want to bother with a tent, make sure you have some sort of back-up plan in case the weather doesn’t co-operate.
• Another tip for an at-home wedding is to invite your caterer over before the big day so s/he can scope out your kitchen. S/he’ll need to know how much space there is to work in – as well as fridge and stove details.
• Although the words wedding and home can be a match made in heaven for many, they are not for everyone. Depending on how elaborate the wedding is, they can be more costly and stressful than a wedding elsewhere.

For us it was all worth it. Will it be worth it for you?

Photo: Hanna and Mathew’s real wedding photographed by Katelyn Demidow Photography