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We're Going to the Backyard and We're...Gonna Get Married
It’s #NationalWeddingMonth and what better way to save duckets by having your celebration…
“For me it was holding onto the magic of it all. What woman doesn’t want to sip her tea or coffee in the morning while gazing upon the spot she said “I Do”.”
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux
Kai and Sam Parker tied the knot at their gorgeous historic farmhouse last year.
It’s February, which means love is in the air and it’s officially National Weddings Month. February does own the most weddings to a single day. The trajectory of matrimony has evolved in recent times. No longer are couples waiting to buy homes after they tie the knot and couples are being more cost conscious when thinking about the thousands of dollars spent on a one day event.
Think about it. Would you rather start your life together in debt or would you rather have a budgeted wedding day where you can maybe take a fantastic honeymoon or maybe save for a future endeavor? I love a backyard wedding. There’s so much you can do without the hassle of extra costs or stress from dealing with vendors to time restraints to transportation. Home is where the heart is in this scenario. As of 2022, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $30,000, which includes the ceremony and reception and that’s only in some states. Depending on where you are, you could be looking at 40K+ for your big day. Imagine how much you could within your home for that much! I don’t—thank you very much.
Here are a few money saving ideas for your backyard wedding, but remember, it is about what you want in the end.
Local Author Ward Howarth and wife of 20 years, Amy had a beautiful and intimate wedding.
“It felt more personal, less formal. No rules, just more like us.”
Lights: You can’t go wrong with a dusky wedding. Ground lanterns to light up walkways or hanging jars with electric candles. And of course string lights will work nicely for the occasion.
Picnic: A great idea is having a picnic wedding in the backyard. Having blankets strewn about as you lay about for the happy couple.
Projectors: Using a projector to provide a slideshow backdrop can be sentimental and fun.
Trees: Trees are great for swings, hanging lights, photos, fabrics, and are great to hold a laundry line where guest can pin up the polaroids or sentimental notes.
Privacy Fences: These are great to hang family photos, lights, or use as a photo backdrop.
Food: Use a local caterer or make it a potluck, it doesn’t have to be from a Michelin star restaurant so make it easy.
“We were about to make a life together. We loved our house and it just felt like the natural thing to do. It is a memory that is etched into where we live and love.”
Have a look at these RVA backyard lovebirds!
Karen and Doug had an intimate ceremony in their backyard and then did it again in Poe’s.
Kristy and Keith Rader opted for the front yard underneath their pretty magnolia tree—how Southern of y’all.
Victoria and Joe Deroche did the casual thing with her children by their sides under the pergola.
Austen and Savannah vowed to have a great time with their fun backyard nuptials.
For more simple and budget friendly ideas:
Away with Romance
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching so get to planning and fall in love, rekindle, romance, and let Virginia take you in its arms!
I think it is quite safe to say, we are over being at home all the time. I think even introverts would agree on that to some extent. Valentine’s Day is usually littered with fancy dinner dates and broken hearts club outings, but this year is obviously lending itself to more creative adventures. For all of you looking to get out of town on a romantic rendezvous or something different, here are some suggestions.
Primland Luxury Mountain Resort
Meadows of Dan, VA
If you’ve got the money to spend time with your honey, this is well worth it. Secluded with the Blue Ridge as your backdrop, this getaway is privately delicious. You can rent a treehouse, luxury cabin, or cottage. There’s plenty to do here as well. From horseback riding to an ATV adventure you and your partner will relive those honeymoon days.
Cabin in Fancy Gap, VA atop the Blue Ridge Mountains
Mountains, Lakes, Rivers, and Beaches Oh My!
One thing I’ve learned during Covid is that exploring Virginia has been the highlight of it all and cabin lodging is not only romantic, but also serene, more importantly it doesn’t have to be beaucoup expensive. Why not stay in someone else’s home for a change. There are so many beautiful lake houses and rustic cabins surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery, how could one not find the romance in that?! Check out Holiday Homes for availability.
Book a Personal Chef
Want a five course meal and restaurant feel? Book a personal chef for the occasion and you never have to worry about listening to Karen complain about her steak not being well done.
Book a Room at The Jefferson Hotel
Go crazy and stay in RVA at The Jefferson. Premier packages are available for you and your honey to lounge, dine, and bed in luxury.
Kick it at Dover Hall
This place is amazing and for a unique stay with the utmost in beautiful lodging and grounds book a room at Dover Hall and partake in their V-Day dining experience.
Cheap Date RVA
RVA is the best wingman! If. you are looking to treat your sweet, but need not to spend that entire stimulus check, start the day off with grabbing some local coffee and pastries, head to Tiffany & Co (yes, a la Holly and Paul) cue Moon River on the phone. After, head over to Forest Hill Park or Hollywood Cemetery for a nice stroll. If it’s too wintry outside, get over to the VMFA and peruse the art while playing hide and seek with your person. Dine for brunch at Amuse and enjoy the view and the mimosas! Time for a nap? Yes, head over to your RVA AirBNB equipped with indoor fireplace to light the mood up to romantic, play that game of chess or Scrabble you never have time for and don’t forget to order the chocolates from Chocolate by Kelly! Have dinner delivered or picked up and dine by candlelight. DO NOT use your phones during your mini dates unless you are taking photos! On Monday you’ll feel relaxed, loved, and cared for by your city.