A report by Abby McCain indicates that at least 1,934,982 weddings happen in the United States annually, further broken down to about 5000 weddings daily. While this number is quite high, the financial commitment to wedding planning is also high. If you’re working within a tight budget, transforming your backyard into an outdoor wedding reception area will save you the money you would have used to rent. Other than making plans for drinks, food, and music, here are ten other ways to prepare for your ultimate reception.
1. Repave the Patio
You may have previously hosted parties on your patio; however, your wedding reception is by far the biggest one yet. Ensure your patio is in its best condition by contracting patio paving services from a local company. On average, a patio paver charges between $10 to $17 per square foot, according to the home guide, but this amount could vary depending on the paving material. Examples of patio paving materials for your ultimate reception area include;
Bricks: Bricks have been used on patio floors for many years due to their versatility. They’re ideal for a neat, rustic, and classic look at your reception. This paving material offers various pattern choices. Some of the most popular include jack-on-jack, herringbone, and running bond.
Flagstone: Flagstones are a great choice for a vintage, classic look. They’re available in different colors, sizes, and shapes; hence, you can customize them to fit your design goals. Examples of flagstones include; limestone, quartzite, sandstone and bluestone.
Tile: Glazed ceramic tiles get slippery when wet, which poses a fall hazard. The last thing you want is for one of your guests to get hurt at your ultimate reception. The best tile to use on your patio is the unglazed tile, as the texture helps to prevent slips and falls.
2. Ensure the Well Works
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 15 million households in the US rely on well water. A well has a lifespan of up to 30 to 50 years. Homeowners view digging private wells on their properties as a cost-effective way to have a constant water supply in the home. If you have a well in your backyard, ensure it’s in optimal working condition for your ultimate reception.
Most people are skeptical about well water since its prone to contamination. It’s also notoriously known for being hard water. However, if you work with a qualified well driller company, you can rest assured they’ll put in place a filtration system that’ll ensure the water at your reception is safe for you and your guests.
3. Hire a Remodeling Service
Remodeling will help transform your ordinary backyard into a functional, elegant space for an ultimate reception. Depending on the theme of your wedding, there are a few remodels that will help you elevate your space. For the best results, hire a commercial remodeling service. Some of the remodeling projects to consider for your ultimate reception include;
String lights: Homeowners are increasingly adding string lights to their backyards, and for a good reason. They create a warm and inviting ambiance, especially at night. Luckily, they’re affordable, and you don’t have to break the bank to install them in your space. All you need to do is erect a few poles and hang the lights to instantly transform your backyard into a cozy and intimate space for your ultimate reception.
Have a rain plan: It would be amazing to have your wedding reception on a day when the weather is perfect. But what happens if it starts to rain? You don’t want to be in a situation where you have to move your guests into your house; they might not fit. It’s a good idea to proactively prepare yourself by hiring tents to ensure your guests are comfortable and dry, even if it rains.
Remodel your entrance: First impressions are everything. The entrance to your reception is the first thing your guests will see as they arrive. Make your entrance grand by draping it with curtains and decorating it with flowers and greenery. If you lack inspiration, you can find other design ideas online.
4. Visit the Dentist
There will be lots of joy and laughter at your ultimate reception, and you’ll likely want to capture each of these moments through pictures and videos. You don’t want to look bad in your wedding pictures. Scheduling a dental checkup before your big day will help enhance your smile. Examples of a few procedures to consider for your teeth include;
Teeth whitening: Stained teeth are normal, especially if you’re an avid tea or coffee drinker. However, you can boost your confidence and allow yourself to be in the moment by visiting your dentist for teeth whitening. With just a few procedures, you can achieve a dazing smile that will look amazing in your wedding photos and videos.
Basic cleaning: Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth still experience wear and tear. Over time, this could result in plaque formation and, eventually, tooth decay. Cleaning your teeth with the help of a professional ensures your teeth stay healthy and will also get rid of bad breath.
Veneers: People don’t normally notice a chipped or oddly shaped tooth. However, your wedding day is not like any other. Whether you’re the groom or bride, you will be under the spotlight, making it easy to spot such minor issues. With just two procedures, your dentist can permanently fix your inconsistencies and drastically improve your smile.
5. Think About Your Pets
If you decide to incorporate your pet into your wedding, you must ensure they look good too. If your pet is a dog, look for local dog grooming companies where you can take your dog to get them ready for your ultimate reception. Other factors you’ll need to consider in preparation for your reception include;
Your pet’s personality: You don’t want your pet to ruin your ultimate reception. Before you assign them any role, consider their personality. Are they aggressive or obedient? Do they enjoy being in a crowd and being stroked by many people?
The truth is, there’s no guarantee that your dog will be well-behaved. Exposing your pet to a new environment may change its personality. Don’t take any chances.
Hiring a pet sitter: As seen above, even a well-behaved pet may start acting up. The last thing you want is to have to look after your pet on your wedding day. Hiring a pet sitter will allow you to relax and enjoy your wedding reception without worrying about your pet. They’ll keep your dog company, feed them, and ensure they have enough water to drink.
6. Make Sure Your Car Is in Working Condition
It’s important to service your car regularly, even more so before your wedding day. Doing this will ensure it’s safe to drive. Take your car to a local mechanic for an oil change and for them to assess the car for any car part repairs that may be necessary. The assessment should include checking the car tires, brakes, and cabin filters. If your mechanic identifies and fixes a problem, you’ll be more relaxed when driving your car to your ultimate reception.
7. Clear The Lot for The Reception
Lot clearing should be among the first things to do on your property when preparing for your ultimate reception. It will transform your property and create room for any remodeling that may be necessary. Clearing your lot is labor-intensive, so be sure to hire a contractor. Clearing a lot typically includes:
Preparing the site: Though time-consuming, this step is vital. It involves the use of specialized equipment. You may have to hire a certified arborist if your property has tree stumps. The cost will vary depending on the size of the plot and the hardscapes the contractor needs to remove.
Stump removal: Your contractor may use either of two methods for this part of the clearing process. The first method involves uprooting the tree stumps from the ground. The second method involves grinding the tree stump to ground level.
8. Make Sure There Are No Leaks
The weather can be unpredictable, so assess your roof for any damages that may cause a leak. The last thing you need is your guests drenched at your ultimate reception. It may be tempting to DIY your roof leak repair. However, there are several benefits to hiring a certified roofing company.
It saves you time: Let’s be honest, the months leading to your wedding will be hectic. You must follow up with the florist, the catering company, and all other service providers you need. Why add to your already full plate? Contracting a roofer will allow you to tend to other pressing issues.
It protects your house from further damage: As the professional roofer fixes your roof leak, they’ll also identify and mitigate other underlying problems. If you decide to fix the roof by yourself, you’ll only fix the problem on the surface. The root cause of the problem will still be present. A qualified roofer has the expertise and experience to address roofing problems effectively.
9. Install Decorative Concrete
Due to its versatility, concrete has been a favored construction material for many years. It comes in different colors and textures and is easy to mold. Opting for decorative concrete such as stamped concrete will give you enough room for creativity, allowing you to realize your dream of having a unique ultimate reception.
You can also choose stenciled concrete. This option allows you to create virtually any pattern matching your style preference. While different types and shapes of stencils are available for purchase, you can opt to customize. You only need a bit of creativity and some elbow grease. Make a rug on your concrete using stencils to ground and center your concrete patio.
Some homeowners decide to stamp their concrete pads completely. Others opt for a more understated appearance by going for a stamped border. Regardless of the direction you choose to take, these designs give your concrete a polished, gorgeous look.
You must hire a qualified decorative concrete contractor to achieve your desired outcome. Professionals have experience working with decorative concrete and know what to do when challenges arise during installation. They’ll also advise on the best concrete decorative elements for your home.
10. Ensure All Pipes are Functioning
Scum, soil particles, and other contaminants in your well water may clog your pipes. Imagine the toilets at your ultimate reception backing up or having a leaky faucet. These plumbing issues may mess up the entire reception area, an unimaginable nightmare for any bride or groom.
To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, you’ll need to hire a plumber for plumbing services a couple of weeks before the wedding. The earlier, the better. Plumbing services will benefit you in the following ways;
It will help to conserve water: It may not seem a lot, but a leaky faucet that drips a single drop of water each second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water annually if you postpone repairs, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Wasting water is bad for the environment and even worse for your wallet. Hiring a plumber to fix a leaky faucet will help conserve water and save you money.
It prevents the spread of diseases: It’s common for waterborne diseases to spread in an area with plumbing issues. Contaminants lurking in water may cause digestive health issues and infections that can even cause death. Hiring plumbing services will ensure guests at your ultimate reception don’t contract diseases that can be fatal.
Weddings are a time to celebrate love and the start of a new life with your partner. The reception is one of the most expensive parts of planning a wedding. However, you don’t have to spend your entire life savings on your reception. You can still have an ultimate reception without breaking the bank with a backyard wedding and these tips.
