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A backyard wedding and reception can cost far less than other affairs. here are a couple you can plan yourself.
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With the average wedding ringing in between $25,000 and $30,000, brides are looking to cut costs wherever they can, without sacrificing class and style. The first place to look? Out your back windows. Backyard weddings can be fabulous, sophisticated—and inexpensive. Two area event planners thought up their backyard dream weddings—daytime and evening style—to show you how. Plan now for spring.
Swingin’ on Star Beams
Budget: $15,000 • Guests: 100
Romantic starlight sets the mood for this evening ceremony and reception, says Erin Proud of Proud to Plan in Wilmington. At 8 p.m., the bride will proceed down an aisle lined with clear glass vases and cylinders filled with elegant candles of various heights. She’ll glide to the sound of an acoustic guitarist, a member of the four-part bluegrass band that will play throughout your three-hour reception. (Try The Blue Bayou Band, around $1,200.)
Above the bride is the warm glow of paper lanterns and string lighting, and various trees around the property are strung with white Christmas tree lights. A nifty and thrifty surprise are the tin cans placed here and there—on table tops, hanging from various tree branches—that, with the help of a do-it-yourself hole punch and tea lights, add pinpricks of glittery starlight in unexpected places. (Lighting options can be found at local retailers, around $350.)
On high and low tables throughout the yard, find clear 4-inch square vases with water, clear marbles and poofs of fresh-cut hydrangea. (For glassware and candles, talk to your planner. Many have loads that they’ll rent to you for reduced rates. In this case, Proud to Plan rents at around $150.)
Because times are tough for everyone, save your friends and yourself money by not having a bridal party. It’s not as unusual as you may think. With only the bride and groom needing flowers, your floral costs will decrease. Expect to spend around $260 for a bouquet and boutonniere, plus various fresh-cut flowers bought at wholesale for DIY décor. (Try Celebrations Design Group, and Costco for wholesale.) At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests celebrate the new couple with a fun, fabulous and inexpensive send-off with sparklers. (Try Fulton Paper Co., $100 for 20 packs).
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