Having your wedding at home, either inside or in your backyard, can make the event more special and give it more of a personal touch for both you and your guests.
However, a home residence or backyard is not usually equipped for such an event. So, if you want your wedding to go off without a hitch, there are some preparations you should make — and precautions you should take — beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly on your big day.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your at-home wedding.
1. Prepare the Area
If you’re hosting your wedding outdoors, you’ll need to make sure the area is prepared for your guests and everything else you’ll need, such as tables, chairs, wedding tent and whatever else you’ll want. That means making sure the grass is cut, the ground is level, the caterers have enough space, and that you plan for unexpected weather. Additionally, be sure to get a permit for the area ahead of time so that you don’t get shut down in the middle of your wedding.
2. Consider a Generator
Most homes don’t have the capacity to power an event like a wedding on their own. Think about everything that requires power, like the DJ’s or the band’s equipment (which might include amps, turntables, speakers, a laptop, etc.), food warmers, the dance floor, and perimeter lighting (and possibly tent lights), among other things. To prevent any accidents, rent a generator that provides two-times the amount of power you think you’ll need, just to be on the safe side. To determine how much juice each source of power will need, talk to your vendors ahead of time.
3. Provide Enough Information on the Invitations
Use your wedding invitations to give your guests a feel for the style of the wedding and to let them know it will take place outside to ensure they dress accordingly. Additionally, send out the invitations six to eight weeks before your big day so guests have enough time to plan, whether that means making travel arrangements or getting a sitter for the kids. Planning the actual wedding can take longer — generally 13 to 18 months.
4. Make the Best Use of the Space
You can make the best use of your outdoor wedding space by highlighting your home’s best features in a number of ways. For instance, start by showcasing the architecture and making sure you have enough space for the dance floor and enough room for people to sit. You might also consider restroom trailers, which are becoming more and more popular so that people aren’t trekking in and out of the house. Another way to ensure you make the best use of the space is to embrace any beautiful views you might have. For example, if your home is near the beach, choose the best vantage point so you and your guests have a spectacular view of the water.
5. Consider Hiring a Clean-Up Crew
After your big day is over, the last thing you’ll want to think about (or do) is clean up the mess that will inevitably be left behind by guests, which is why you should strongly consider a cleaning crew. You might also want to use a cleaning crew ahead of time to get ready for the ceremony to ensure your home is in tip-top shape before guests begin arriving. When it comes time to take the wedding photos, a clutter-free home or backyard is what you want. So, start thinking about that when you’re going over your wedding budget and see what you can reasonably afford.
Make Your Wedding Day Truly Special and Unique
Planning an at-home wedding can prove to be stressful and costly, but with the above information, you can make your wedding day truly special and unique. By ensuring everything is in place ahead of time and taking extra precautions, you’ll be able to plan the wedding of your dreams and make memories that last a lifetime.
