How to Plan a Perfect Backyard Event?
We were recently asked how to plan the perfect backyard event and the article was picked up by Huffington Post Weddings. EXCITING!
On to our blog post:
After some thought you have decided to have a backyard shindig for your milestone event. Anniversary party, retirement party, sweet 16, a product launch - whatever the celebration, you want to go casual. Probably because it suits your style and it seems pretty cost effective. True. To some degree. You just need to be realistic about what you hope to accomplish.
Do you see yourself in shorts with a beer in hand, just enjoying another Saturday routine?
OR
Are you trying to have a unique event that people will remember, but you want to cheat the budget?
Those are two very different things.
If you answered that you are just continuing the same old Saturday routine and it just happens to be a milestone event, then cool. A backyard BBQ sounds perfect. Make sure you are really clear with your guests about your goals and it will help ease some of the questions and comments from the peanut gallery.
What do I mean? People are going to ask you why you are serving hot dogs on paper plates for your 50th Anniversary. They will think you aren't taking it seriously, but if that is ultimately what you are about, and how you want to celebrate, then tell your guests just that!
Now - if you are trying to have a fabulous event on a budget and a family catered BBQ sounds like a great way to save, well... then that is a very different thing.
First - ask yourself these questions:
ONE: HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO WORK ON YOUR DAY?
Stop and think about it.
Remind yourself about how much work it is to have all of your family and friends over to host that holiday meal? Are you exhausted after Thanksgiving? Was it a lot of heartache and pain? How many people was that? 10? 20?
Now you are thinking of doing that for 50, 100, or 200 people? With more people comes more logistics.
TWO: WHY DOES CATERING SEEM EXPENSIVE?
While a caterer may sound expensive, they are professionals that come
with piece of mind AND staff to buss the tables, take out the trash,
restock food and wash the dishes.
Those services should be included in the price of catering. If it isn't than you are just ordering a giant take out order and making lots of work for yourself.
THREE: IS THIS REALLY WHAT YOU WANT?
Is this casual backyard affair really what you want? Or are you just placating your spouse?
Are you trying to cheat the budget?
FOUR: IS IT REALLY A GOOD IDEA?
It may sound like a good idea to cut costs, but if you are wanting a beautiful and elegant affair, or just something special from the average weekend activities, how well does finger food smothered in BBQ sauce fit when guests are wearing nicer attire?
Will it really feel effortless like you imagine? Or are you just making a ton of work for yourself that you will regret later?
So how do you Plan the Perfect Backyard Event?
Much like you would plan any fabulous event. Hire professionals who understand your vision, and who will produce the BEST BASH EVER, while allowing you to be a guest at your own event.
Check out the Huffington Post Weddings article where we were quoted along with other national wedding planners, all offering their best tips and advice for planning that oh so perfect backyard wedding.
WE WERE QUOTED:
Were you inspired? We love sharing, so please feel free to share comments or repost to your favorite social media.
We will be back next Tuesday. Until then, here is to making it THE BEST BASH EVER!
xRebecca