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As we are still navigating this era of pandemic time, people are still having to revise their wedding and event plans. Whether it is having to change the venue or having to reduce the guest list there are still adjustments happening. You may also have to start getting creative with your venues. As we head into 2022 venues are becoming booked quicker than ever before because people who intended to get married in 2020 had to reschedule and dates are becoming unavailable. Not only weddings are being affected, it's also events that we have been used to doing without much thought on how to proceed as "usual". Movies were shut down for a while and for a period of time you couldn't sit in restaurants either. Even now that things are open and trying to be back how it used to be, people are still being conscious about were they go and what steps are being taken that keep the health of their patrons in mind. As an alternative to public spaces, one venue that can always be utilized is your own backyard.
The backyard that you see everyday can actually be a gold mine for things you'd like to do. It doesn't matter what the size of it is, there is always something that can be done and it's free (aside from the extras you add). Below we have some examples of events you can do. You might not be able to do them during the Fall and Winter months (unless you live in a warm yearly climate) but it can possibly give you some ideas for when the weather breaks and the sun and warm temperatures become regular again. Check out 3 options we think you'd love to consider.
Night at the Movies
This can be done with little effort and not much expense after an initial investment. This investment would require a big enough screen and a projector to shine your movies on. Depending on the size of your yard, you could get away with a good ole white sheet and a clothesline. Then after that it's all about creating the atmosphere. It could be blankets and pillows on the ground, lawn chairs or even lounge furniture that you traditionally use in your backyard normally. Lighting can totally be what you make make it. You can do string lights or maybe just the torches. These will also keep the bugs away if you plan do to this during the summer. Consider a double feature and invite a small group of friends and/or family members out, have them bring a dish and enjoy the evening.
Dinner Under the Stars
It's always thought that eating your dinner by candlelight gives it a sense of romance. What if you decide to eat under moon and starlight? This can be just a family thing or another way you can get to hangout with your friends while still being safe. This option doesn't really require a lot either if you already have the furniture on hand. If not, depending on the number of guests, you can get away with a couple of tables, some linen and some folding chairs. If you want to make it a more formal affair you can find some nice dinnerware at discount places like Dollar Tree or even a thrift store. Hook up your favorite playlist on your blue tooth speaker and enjoy your dinner. The seating for this option can also be as formal or as relaxed as you want it. Maybe you want to have a low table with nothing but pillows for people to sit on. This will create a more casual feel and you're eating family style. Make it however you want it, but know your backyard can be the perfect space to host.
Having an "I Do" Celebration
Backyards can definitely be used as wedding spaces. Yes, even smaller ones. If you have this dream for your wedding, but your finances are proving to make those dreams challenging don't worry. You can create a wedding almost anywhere you choose, including the space in the back of a home if permittable. With things somewhat still limited, or just your desire to keep distant and safe, having a backyard wedding may be the best solution for you. There are ways to create the perfect ceremony and reception space for you and your guests and it still look beautiful. Yes, a bigger yard could provide the ability for more diversity and room, but it's not a necessity. Maybe you just desire your family and 20 of your closest friends. Maybe you just want it to be you, your significant, immediate family and your two witnesses. You can definitely keep costs down with a smaller wedding and it still be meaningful. Rent a few tables and chairs and other elements that are the most important to you like a DJ or spend on a good caterer. You can create your own ceremony space with chairs, a runner and silk petals. You can always use Amazon or some other store you get your table linens, the Dollar Tree or thrift store for reception pieces, or you can make it a family affair and borrow some chinaware and make it your own using the heirlooms from the ones you love. Just because you can't afford the big venues, the fancy dinner and multi-tiered cake doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream of having a wedding.
As you can see, there are things you can do while still spending the majority of your time at home. You don't have to stay isolated and miss out on making memories with loved ones. As long as you take the proper precautions, as we are still in a pandemic, you can still enjoy yourself at your own home. Start making plans to use your space more in the months ahead.