How to plan an at-home wedding: Five top tips!

For many reasons, lots of couples are now opting to have their wedding at home. It can be a great choice for those with room to spare or an amazing garden or outdoor area. Most home weddings are catered to a smaller guest list, but it all depends on the amount of space you feel comfortable filling. Home weddings can save lots of money and are certainly more personable. As an added bonus, they can be tailored exactly to your taste–the perfect way to get creative! As with any wedding, there are things you must keep in mind. There are many, but below are the top five to help get you started!

1. Expect the unexpected

Always rent a tent if you’ll have any portion of the wedding outside. Since you are saving money by having an at-home wedding, be sure and purchase a good quality tent. Did you know some tents have special features such as clear roofs for viewing the stars? So pretty! You may also want to look into breezeways, sturdy fabric linings, and secure flooring (if that’s in your budget).

2. Hire a professional caterer and bartending service

You’ll want to hire a professional caterer. Some couples may be thinking of having family members do the cooking, but to take the stress out of the day, it might ease your mind to have a pro do the job. Some catering companies, unless you opt for a few fun food trucks, also provide tables for seating–be sure and ask! You can always put your stylistic touch on it. Consult your caterer or bartending service for the quantity and types of beverages available to obtain an accurate quote.

3. Don’t skimp on the music

Even though you are having an at-home wedding, you still want an amazing vibe to fit the day! When you arrange music for the ceremony and reception, it’s important to consider the size of your home venue. Some homes and yards are large enough for a smaller band or live music for both the ceremony and reception. Couples that have a smaller area to work with might want to consider a guitar/flute or harp/flute duo for the ceremony and a DJ for the reception. Make sure you have a surface for dancing and plenty of safe electrical connections for the entertainers and for lighting.

4. Have easy restroom access

Ask yourself if your restroom facilities are adequate for the number of guests. If you are not sure, consider renting additional ones. If you decide to rent, feel free to ask the company how many facilities they recommend.

5. Hire a professional cleaning service

That last thing you want to worry about is cleaning up after your wedding. You would be surprised at the mess left behind even after smaller affairs! Invest in a professional cleaning service. It will be money well spent. You have worked hard to create the perfect home wedding, now let someone else handle the cleanup.