
The new surge of thinking is to invest the budget into the hosts' own home and garden. The money poured into "your own venue" makes the garden event more personal and may increase home value. Having an important event like this creates a deadline and is an opportunity to refresh & revive. Upside? You get to wake up the next day to time & money well spent on your own space.
You may want a dinner party, Fourth of July celebration or a "full-on" wedding and here are a few helpful hints and links. This post is about planning your party with garden, food and decor ideas that may help inspire you to enjoy a summer gathering.
Where to begin? It is a daunting task to wrap your brain around what you have to do. If you are a "hands on" kind of family, it is a great opportunity to come together for a common cause and make dreams come true. Enjoy the journey. Don't make a dream party your family's nightmare by being firmly fixed on over doing. Stress is a fun sucker!
A budget doesn't have to be the deal breaker. Allow your creativity to be your guide. Push it! Stretch it!! Make it happen!!

Curb appeal. Is the yard big enough? Sometimes garden limits are a blessing!
Plan B for inclement weather.
Staging vs Remodel.
Do you have flexible furniture that can be used in the backyard?
Is ample parking available?
Will your plumbing take the party, or is a well placed portable toilet better?
Investigate City/HOA ordinances and restrictions to ensure code compliance.