As much as we would all like to celebrate our wedding reception in the best resort in town, it's time to face the financial facts. If you pull enough strings and borrow money from parents and the bank, sure - you may be able to afford it. Question is: do you want to come out of the wedding with debt hanging over your head? Or would you rather have an intimate cost-effective wedding that costs a fourth less and that's 100% regret-free?

Ask for Help
You can easily achieve this with a backyard wedding. And it doesn't have to be your backyard; you could ask a friend or relative for use of their residence for your wedding event. Use your imagination and think of places that you used to visit as a child. Although it may be a little awkward proposing the question, the worst they could say is “no.” What do you have to lose? Most of your relatives will be more than happy to accommodate to a cause as selfless and romantic as you tying the knot with your soul-mate. Don't feel like you're putting anyone out; if they're willing, why not?

Table and Chair Set-up
The first challenge in planning a backyard wedding is figuring out the layout. You want to make sure that there is enough room for all of the tables and chairs, as well as an area for the dance floor and entertainment. After achieving a realistic visual as to where everything should go, next is deciding where you're going to acquire all of the necessary items. Since you're working basically from scratch, this can be problematic. Table rentals come in all shapes and sizes. It will be up to you to determine whether you want long rectangular, small square, small round, or large round tables. A table which seats 6 people is an ideal size – it's large enough where it doesn't feel like a casual dinner party, but small enough so that everyone can easily converse.

Table Decor
When it comes to the décor, nothing could be more perfect for a backyard wedding than patterned linens. You could go for a pastel tablecloth with eyelets, or for a summer and spring reception, a colorful criss-crossing material. Try to stay away from anything too reminiscent of a picnic in the park – such as a red and white checkered pattern. This will look tacky and cheap. Colors which would be lovely for an outdoor backyard party: pinks, greens, blues, creams, and yellows.

Finish the Look
Also keep in mind the less tables there are, the less arrangements you'll need to have. Rather than having the standard glass vases with roses, consider substituting watering cans or pots of assorted daisies and tulips. These would play very well against the alfresco theme. Complete the look with patterned plates and napkins, colorful chair covers, and shabby-chic candle holders.

Planning the Menu
A backyard wedding demands a menu which is both fresh, light, and summery. Appoint a signature drink such as herbal iced tea or a freshly squeezed lemonade with cherry juice. Some other appropriate beverages are: sangria, watermelon margaritas, or blueberry mojitos. Save yourself money on alcohol and have the bar serve only 2 or 3 of these specialty drinks.

Rather than have the wedding catered (this could be difficult to accomplish if you're working with a small space), set up a buffet with family-style favorites. Next to it you could have a dessert table with glass vases filled with candy that aligns well with the wedding color scheme. Utilize baskets, contrary-patterned bowls, and unique containers. While it's important that everything looks good together, over-coordination will cheapen your party by making it appear too ordinary.