At-Home Weddings: A Dream Come True?

Planning a wedding at home can be a great way to make your big day more personal and intimate. There are many benefits to hosting a wedding at home, such as a sense of familiarity and the ability to invite as many guests as you can fit. However, it's important to consider the logistics and challenges that come with hosting a wedding at home. From creating a timeline and determining your budget to planning the catering and rentals, there's a lot to think about. One of the first steps is deciding if a backyard wedding is feasible and planning out the spacing. You'll need to consider parking, permits, and guest comfort. Then, you can start planning the basics such as a tent, chairs, tables, and catering. It's also important to find and book vendors, including a photographer, florist, and DJ. Finally, don't forget to prep and clean your space, and create a plan for parking, garbage, and guest comfort.

Catering and alcohol services

Catering Options

When it comes to catering for your at-home wedding, you have a few options. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, you may be able to manage the catering yourself. However, if you have a larger guest list, it's advisable to hire caterers. They can advise you on the best options to suit your needs, whether that's a buffet, food stations, or a seated meal with table service.

Discuss the space and electrical limitations with your caterers, as domestic kitchens may not be ideal for a professional team. Consider the option of having food partially or fully prepped off-site, and check if you need to supply any additional equipment.

A food truck is another great option for an at-home wedding. Whether it's a pizza van, BBQ truck, or taco stand, your guests will love the interactive element.

Alcohol Services

There are a few options for providing alcohol at your at-home wedding:

• Make your wedding a 'bring your own bottle' event, although this may not be suitable for the formality of a wedding.
• Contact a local bar to provide alcohol and bartending services. This ensures you comply with any legal requirements for serving alcohol.
• Buy and supply your own alcohol, and hire a bartending service or ask a friend or family member to serve. Check the legal requirements for serving alcohol, as you may need a liquor license.
• Hire a mobile bar catering service, which can provide professional bartenders, drinks, and equipment.

Other Considerations

When planning your catering and alcohol services, keep in mind the following:

• The number of guests you plan to invite, as this will impact the amount of food and drink you need, as well as the space required for catering setup.
• The level of formality you desire, as this will influence the type of catering and alcohol service you choose.
• Your budget, as catering and alcohol can be a significant expense.
• The space and electrical limitations of your home, to ensure the caterers and bartenders have what they need.
• Any permits or licenses required for serving alcohol, to ensure you comply with local regulations.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure your at-home wedding is a memorable and enjoyable event for you and your guests.

Hiring a wedding planner

Deciding to hire a wedding planner is one of the first and most important decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. Wedding planners are knowledgeable experts who can help you coordinate, access exclusive vendors, manage your budget, and even save you money in the long run.

Start the Search Early

It's recommended to find a wedding planner at least 12 months before the big day, so you have ample time to work together to create your dream wedding.

Determine Your Budget

According to The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding planner is $1,900, but this can vary depending on factors such as the location and scope of your wedding. Having a clear budget in mind will help you choose a planner who fits within your financial plan.

Utilize Your Network

Ask friends and family members for recommendations, especially if they've recently had a wedding that you loved. Social media is also a powerful tool; check Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to find planners whose style and personality resonate with you.

Research and Compare

Create a list of potential planners and do your research. Check their websites, read reviews, and look for real weddings they've planned to see if their aesthetic matches your vision. You can also attend bridal shows or open houses at venues to meet planners in person and see how they engage with couples.

Consider Your Vision and Values

Before deciding on a planner, it's helpful to have a clear vision of what you want your wedding to look and feel like. Choose a planner who has experience executing weddings that fit your desired theme and style. Additionally, look for a planner who shares your values and with whom you feel comfortable and completely in sync.

Discuss Services and Fees

Be clear about the services you need, such as day-of coordination, partial planning, or full-service planning. Ask about their pricing model and whether they offer customizable packages. Ensure they can provide the level of communication and support you need throughout the planning process.

Prepare for the First Meeting

When meeting your top choice, bring information about your vision, such as ideas for the theme, décor, and any bookings you've already made. A good planner will add to your ideas and make you feel confident that they understand your wedding day goals.

Remember, your wedding planner should be someone who feels like a teammate, advocating for your vision and making the planning process enjoyable and stress-free.

Parking and transportation

When it comes to parking and transportation for your wedding, there are several factors to consider. Here are some detailed instructions and ideas to ensure smooth logistics for your special day:

Parking Considerations:

• Assess your parking options: Determine whether you have sufficient parking space on your property, including fields or driveways, that can accommodate your guests' vehicles. If not, consider utilising street parking or nearby lots, such as church or school parking areas. Ensure that the parking areas are well-lit and have navigable sidewalks for your guests' convenience and safety.
• Valet parking: If on-site parking seems tricky or confusing, offering a complimentary valet service can be a great solution. A reputable valet company will survey your home beforehand and advise on any concerns. Ensure they arrive early and stay until the end of the event to assist your guests.
• Off-site parking and shuttle service: If parking near your home is limited, consider directing guests to a nearby parking lot and providing a shuttle service to and from your wedding venue. You can rent passenger vans, minibuses, or even school buses for this purpose. Alternatively, you can also suggest carpooling and provide clear directions to your home.
• Plan for vendor parking: Don't forget to account for parking spaces for your wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, bands, and other staff. Ensure they have designated areas to park their vehicles, especially if they have larger vans or trailers.

Transportation Ideas:

• Personal vehicles: Guests can drive their own cars, which is a common and affordable option. However, consider your venue's parking capacity and inform guests about any limitations. Also, encourage guests to arrange safe transportation if they plan to drink at the wedding.
• Rideshare and taxi services: Apps like Uber and Lyft, or local taxi services, provide convenient and affordable transportation options. They solve parking issues and offer a safe alternative for guests who have been drinking. However, ensure these services are readily available in your area and not in high demand during your wedding day.
• Hotel shuttle services: If you have booked hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests, inquire about complimentary shuttle services. This is especially useful for destination weddings or when your wedding venue is far from guest accommodations.
• Chartered wedding transportation: You can book professional transportation services, such as limousines, shuttle buses, or party buses, to transport your guests. While this option may be more costly, it ensures a comfortable and timely journey for your guests.
• Mix and match transportation: Combine different transportation options to suit your needs and budget. For example, you can offer valet parking for guests driving their own cars and provide a shuttle service for those staying in nearby hotels.

Additional Tips:

• Communicate with your guests: Use your wedding website or invitation suite to inform guests about the parking and transportation arrangements. Provide clear directions, pick-up and drop-off locations, and any relevant information to ensure a seamless experience for your guests.
• Plan ahead: Book transportation services well in advance, especially if your wedding falls during peak seasons like summer or fall. Reserve your preferred transportation options at least three to six months before your wedding date to ensure availability.
• Consider guest comfort: Opt for spacious vehicles that offer breathing room and comfort for your guests. If you anticipate a large number of guests, you may need to arrange additional transportation to accommodate everyone comfortably.
• Think about the timing: Factor in extra travel time to account for potential delays, such as traffic or bad weather. Additionally, consider the travel distance between the ceremony and reception venues and try to minimise costs by keeping them relatively close.

Permits and insurance

When planning a wedding at home, it's important to consider the permits and insurance you may need. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Permits

Every city and county has different requirements for permits when residents host events on private property. It's essential to look into these rules ahead of time, as permits can sometimes take a while to process. Here are some common instances where you might need a permit:

• Live music and/or noise ordinances: Check with your county or city's noise restrictions. There may be specific rules regarding the volume of music and the end time for your event.
• Portable bathroom facilities: If you're bringing in portable restrooms, you may need a permit from the health department, although this is less common.
• Serving or selling alcohol: Depending on your location, you may need a permit to serve alcohol at your wedding.
• Parking: Consider the number of guests and vendors and ensure you have adequate parking space. You may need to arrange additional parking options, such as contracting with a local lot or hiring a valet.
• Tents or temporary structures: If you're setting up a tent or other temporary structure, permits may be required, especially if there are open flames involved. The fire department will typically have requirements regarding marked exits, fire extinguishers, and enclosed candles.

Insurance

It's important to have the right insurance coverage in place to protect yourself and your property during your wedding. Here are some key points to consider:

• Liability coverage: Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy includes liability coverage for hosting events. This type of coverage is also known as special event insurance.
• Coverage for damage: Ensure your insurance covers any potential damage to your property, rented equipment, wedding gifts, and decorations.
• Injuries to guests and vendors: Your insurance should provide coverage for any injuries that may occur to third parties, including guests and vendors attending your wedding.
• Cancellation costs: In case you need to cancel or postpone your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, insurance can help cover the associated costs.
• Wedding insurance policies: Consider purchasing a separate wedding insurance policy. These policies are typically reasonably priced and can provide peace of mind in case something goes wrong. They can cover a range of issues, from adverse weather to illness to property damage.

Remember to do your research and consult with qualified insurance agents or legal professionals to determine the specific permits and insurance requirements for your wedding at home.

Decor and lighting

Indoors

If you're marrying inside, you could create a ceiling of lights, using dainty string lights or fairy lights, to define the dining space. You could also hang a statement light fixture, such as an eye-catching chandelier, or a cluster of modern beaded chandeliers.

For a rustic wedding, a greenery chandelier is a great option, or you could mix antique chandeliers with greenery. For a vintage or rustic wedding, a quirky mason jar chandelier is a cute option.

To highlight the unique features of your home, use spotlights to showcase beautiful venue details, such as stone walls or rustic barn features.

Outdoors

For outdoor weddings, you could hang chandeliers from trees, or use trees as a frame for displaying lights. For a whimsical look, use paper lanterns of different sizes above the dance floor.

For a magical effect, float luminaries in a pool, fountain, or other water feature.

Moroccan-inspired lanterns are a great way to keep an open-air tent well-lit, while adding a metallic accent.

Candles

Candles are a great way to add a romantic, intimate feel to your wedding. For an indoor wedding, you could line the aisle with candlelit lanterns, or add taper candles to the tables. For an outdoor wedding, surround the altar with pillar candles and lush greenery.

For a dramatic look, light hundreds of candles to accentuate the natural beauty of the ceremony site.

Dance Floors

For your dance floor, you could hang a disco ball for a retro feel, or create a dreamy ambiance with a backdrop of string lights.

Personalised Lighting

You could add a personalised touch with a custom wall projection, displaying your initials, the wedding date, or a sweet phrase. Alternatively, use a marquee sign to showcase your last name.

Practicalities

Don't forget to illuminate staircases and paths to the bathrooms and bar.

If your wedding is at night, or you're expecting dark and cloudy weather, you may need to bring in extra lighting. Consider hiring a generator to ensure you have enough power.

Frequently asked questions