When it is time to plan a wedding there are a million details to consider. Aside from selecting a date, what is the number one consideration? Location, location, location. Have you considered a backyard wedding?

One thing is for sure, a backyard wedding can save you a fortune in church and reception hall costs. We're not talking about scaling back your event either. A backyard wedding can range from a simple menu prepared by family members to a catered event under the stars.

Your theme selection should be a reflection of the couple exchanging vows. Choosing a theme that carries through their personalities and tastes will add a touch of realism to the event, making the wedding more eventful and memorable.

One popular theme is the western wedding. I attended one of these wedding events a few years ago, and it was a wonderfully planned ceremony. A salmon smoke took place in one area, far enough away to prevent smoke interference during the ceremony. The groom and best man rode in on horseback, and everyone was dressed in traditional western clothing.

Looking for something a little simpler? You might want the casual wedding. This is not just a throwback from the hippie days, but hey, what a great theme! You can ask a friend to lead you in the exchange of vows, but make sure they get that ministers certificate first for legality reasons.

There is only one thing that can rain on your parade, or should I say on your wedding day. Consider the time of year and typical weather conditions. Making an alternate plan would be wise, or renting some canopies might solve the problem. Other considerations are the number of guests, seating, parking, and food service.

Last but never least is verifying the code for your area. Check with your local law enforcement to see if there are any restrictions, and if you live in a community with CCR code you should verify that an event such as a wedding is permitted.

Your backyard wedding is a great way to celebrate a joining that can last a lifetime. Make it a memorable event, and while we all have limits on our wedding budget we should never run short of the love and sharing of this wonderful event. Your wedding can be a memorable event that leads to a lifetime of happiness. The sky is the limit when it comes to the creativity and love that you can express by designing and planning your own backyard wedding.