Is Your Backyard Wedding More Cost-Effective Than a Charleston, WV Wedding Venue
- evermoreridgewv
- Jan 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Planning a wedding is an exciting adventure for many couples, filled with dreams of love and celebration. Particularly in West Virginia, backyard weddings are often discussed because of all the natural beauty. When the idea of a backyard wedding pops up, it can feel like the perfect solution. The cozy setting, familiar faces, and perceived low costs can be incredibly appealing. However, the reality of these events can be quite different. Unforeseen expenses can turn what seems like a budget-friendly option into a financial strain. In this post, we will explore the hidden costs and benefits of hosting a backyard wedding to see if it truly is a more economical choice than a traditional Charleston, WV wedding venue.
The Initial Allure of a Backyard Wedding
The idea of exchanging vows under the familiar trees in your backyard or in grandpa's farm is enchanting. Couples often believe they can save a significant amount of money by eliminating the venue rental fees, which can range from $1,000 to over $10,000 depending on the exact location and time of year. Yet, while this might seem like an immediate saving, the truth is often more complicated.
The warm, intimate environment does have its charm, but hidden costs can quickly turn savings into spending. Couples must be prepared to understand the full scope of what a backyard wedding entails.
Hidden Costs of a Backyard Wedding
Rentals: The Unexpected Necessities
Even a beautiful backyard requires special accommodations to host a wedding. At a minimum, most couples will need to rent tables, chairs and linens. These rental costs can vary widely based on your guest count. For example, if you have 100 guests, rental fees can easily reach $2,000 or more, especially if you are incorporating larger items like tents, dance floors, trashcans and portable bathrooms. She may not say it, but grandma does not want 100 people using her bathroom.
Obtaining quotes from several rental companies can help you prepare a realistic budget. Without this research, you may end up overspending on unexpected essentials.
Catering: More Than Just Food
Caterers typically require a prep area to effectively cater a wedding. At the very least, a refrigerator and a temperature-controlled space are essential to keep your food (and desserts!) fresh. Picture a summer wedding with food exposed to bugs and your costly cake, or other desserts, melting under the sun. Certainly not ideal.
Additionally, think about the amount of waste generated by a wedding. With over 100 guests eating and drinking for hours, often using disposable plastic items for ease, a significant amount of garbage is produced. Who is accountable for managing all this waste once the wedding has ended?
Who’s Responsible?
Who is responsible for setup, cleanup, and parking? Wedding venues usually have clear-cut contracts. When a couple books a venue, they know precisely what their responsibilities are compared to those of the venue. For backyard weddings, the hosts handle everything. It's crucial to determine who will ensure that one of the most important days of your life goes off without a hitch. You can hire assistance, but this could add a few hundred to a few thousands of dollars to your budget. If you gather family and friends for assistance, you may feel the pressure of asking loved ones to work instead of enjoying the celebration.
Benefits of Booking a Charleston, WV Wedding Venue
Stress Reduction Through Convenience
Though backyard weddings seem cozy, traditional venues greatly reduce stress. Venues often come with a variety of services that simplify planning. For example, many offer staff to handle logistics and parking, help with set up, and other services which cut down the burden on couples.
When you book a wedding venue, you benefit from the expertise of experienced staff. They know how to coordinate with vendors and manage schedules and can offer valuable insights that can enhance your event.
This professional guidance can be invaluable for couples who are new to planning weddings. By choosing a Charleston, WV wedding venue, you can focus more on the joy of the day instead of coordinating every detail, allowing you and your family to savor the celebration.
Facilities and Accommodations
Many wedding venues come equipped with the necessary facilities for events: indoor options in case of rain, restrooms, chairs, tables and catering kitchens. These features often eliminate the need for additional rentals.
Furthermore, wedding venues usually offer lovely spaces for the couple to prepare for their wedding day. While these spaces might not be "essential," they often become the setting for some of the couple's most treasured memories and are typically designed for the perfect preparation pictures.
Insurance and Liability Protection
Liability is a significant concern when hosting events at home. In contrast, established wedding venues provide liability insurance, giving couples peace of mind. This can protect you and your guests from unexpected mishaps, reducing stress and potential costs related to injuries or property damage.
Tackling the Budget: Is a Backyard Wedding Worth It?
Emotional connections to a backyard wedding are undeniable, but practicality is equally important during budgeting. The perception that backyard weddings are inherently cheaper can fade quickly when you factor in the hidden costs.
By comparing these potential costs with the advantages of a Charleston, WV wedding venue, it often becomes evident that the value of a professional setting may not only provide a more seamless experience but can also save time and money in the long run.
Comparing Wedding Venues and Backyard Weddings
To better comprehend the costs involved, couples should establish a budget that includes all essential expenses. Comparing the services provided by a venue with the requirements of a backyard setting can shed light on the financial side of your choice. An effective starting point is to contact several local wedding venues and inquire about the amenities they provide. Then, investigate the costs of renting or purchasing those amenities for your possible backyard wedding.
Final Thoughts from a Charleston, WV Wedding Venue
The allure of a backyard wedding can feel strong, offering personal touches that commercial venues may not replicate. However, hidden costs can shift the financial balance in unexpected ways.
Ultimately, choosing between a backyard and a Charleston, WV wedding venue requires careful thought about your priorities and budget. By weighing the hidden costs against the benefits, you'll move closer to making an informed decision that reflects your vision for your special day. Evermore Ridge wedding venue believes in being transparent about our pricing. You can find our pricing by clicking the link below!
As always, Evermore Ridge wedding venue near Charleston, WV is committed to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we publish, we will feature 10 locally owned wedding venues that use their articles to support their peers and the wedding industry in ways that may not always be recognized but are vital. If you're looking for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned option. You can find locally owned wedding venues highlighted on this wedding venue map.
Many couples dont realize just how much planning and expense goes into a backyard wedding until they start adding up all the rentals: tents, tables, chairs, restrooms, lighting, and even a dance floor. Not to mention the logistics of parking, permits, and insurance! A wedding venue often includes many of these essentials. Thanks for writing this blog to make couples aware!