A popular trend this year is hosting a backyard wedding in South Florida. A wedding at home is a lovely and intimate way to celebrate your milestone event. However, there are crucial aspects about hosting a backyard wedding in South Florida that you need to consider as you begin planning.
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Space: How much capacity do you have? Your wedding guest list should reflect the amount of space you have available. The right capacity will insure a comfortable and enjoyable reception. If you are planning on tenting the yard, how much land is there for a tent. Request that the tent rental company come out to measure the space for tent size as well as test for any gas or power lines that need to be observed. You will be happy you didn’t disrupt a gas line when erecting a tent on the big day. Additionally, a floor in the tent is important. The ground can be uneven and may be soft or muddy. There needs to be a flat area designated for tables and chairs and a dance floor.
Food and Alcohol: Hire professional South Florida wedding caterers. It’s that simple. Caterers will set up, serve and clean up your wedding reception. Aunt Betty may make an incredible home cooked meal; however, she may not be prepared for cooking in bulk and proper temperature to prevent illness. They also carry the required insurances for food handling and liquor. It is not wise to have your brother bartend either since they are legalities about serving alcohol. And, if someone drinks underage, gets out of hand or into an accident, the host could wind up losing more than the cost of an insured bartender. The caterer can also facilitate linens, tables and chairs and advise on the amount of food and alcohol needed to accommodate your guest count.
Weather: South Florida weather can be, well, unpredictable. This is a very critical component of a backyard wedding. What is your Plan B if it rains? Will you rent a tent? If there is rain during the week of the wedding, the ground may be wet or muddy. Also, you will need to rent lighting for the tent and heaters in cooler evenings for when the sun goes down.
Permits and Noise: Are you knowledgeable about local ordinances? Make sure to check with your local police department about obtaining a permit for a tent and learn about any noise ordinances. No one wants the police to "crash" your South Florida wedding because music is too loud or played too late. Acquire any necessary permits for details like tenting, and parking.
Parking: And that brings up a good point. Where will your guests park? Is there room on your street for 50 cars? Do you have a field or a parking lot nearby that you can "borrow" for your guests? Consider hiring a valet service to shuttle cars to a local shopping center. Whatever options you choose, remember that your guests will need to park somewhere and not get a ticket for attending your wedding.
Restrooms: This is an important concern. Your home bathroom is not going to accommodate a big crowd. Therefore, you may need to rent Port-A-Potties. There are portable restrooms that do not look like what you see at a construction site. They come with sinks and paper towels for drying hands. You will be thankful you rented this amenity as it will save your plumbing and your carpets.
Layout: Are you having your wedding ceremony at home as well? Here are more questions to consider: If so, where will you set the chairs up for that and who will take them down and set up for the reception? Is there enough room for the ceremony and seating for all of your guests? When you lay out your backyard for a wedding, make sure to account for these details. And, where will the portable toilets be place on your property?
Trash: When the festivities are over, there will be trash and bottles and containers. Make sure to have enough receptacles to accommodate the extra trash and check with your trash pick up provider as to how to handle any extra. Where will you store recycled bottles of soda, beer and wine? Make sure you know the policies for getting rid of extra trash.
Finally, consider hiring an event planner in South Florida. They are accustomed to all kinds of weddings and will help sort out the details and make sure you can feel like a guest at your very own wedding at your very own home!