At-Home Weddings: A Dream Or A Nightmare?

Planning a wedding at home is a unique and intimate experience that allows you to create a cosy and sentimental atmosphere in a familiar setting. It can also be a great way to reduce costs and make your celebration more personalised. However, hosting a wedding at home comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. From logistics to legal requirements, there is a lot to think about before saying 'I do' in your own backyard. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when planning a wedding at home, including guest lists, permits, catering, entertainment, and more. We will also offer tips and tricks for creating a memorable and seamless celebration in the comfort of your own home.

Planning and preparation

Choose your space wisely

Decide whether you want your entire wedding to take place at home or just the ceremony or reception. If you opt for the former, section your home to accommodate different activities, such as a dressing room, photo spots, ceremony area, cocktail area, and so on. If you're having the ceremony elsewhere, set up the reception area before you leave.

Manage your guest list

Keep your guest list intimate and invite only those who are closest to you. This will not only make your wedding more meaningful but also help with logistics and costs. Don't forget to inform your guests about car parking availability in their invites.

Notify your neighbours

It's courteous to let your neighbours know about your wedding plans, especially if it's going to be a large gathering with music and celebrations that might continue into the night. Send them a polite message or note, and maybe even include a small gift, such as a bottle of wine, as a token of your appreciation.

Prepare for different seasons and weather conditions

The time of year and weather will greatly impact your at-home wedding. For outdoor weddings, have a backup plan in case of rain or cold weather. Consider providing tents, heaters, blankets, and umbrellas for wet and cold months, and fans and air conditioners for the hot months.

Hire a photographer who knows the space

Your home photoshoot will be different from a conventional venue, so choose a photographer who is experienced in shooting weddings at home. Show them the best spots and share stories about why these places are significant to you. This will help them capture the intimate and sentimental value of your special day.

Plan for entertainment and music

Choose a soundproofed area for music and dancing to minimise noise pollution for your neighbours. Consider hiring a DJ or a band, or create a playlist that suits your style. If you're having a dance floor, ensure you have enough space for your guests to comfortably boogie the night away!

Handle the legalities

To have a legally binding marriage, you may need to complete the necessary paperwork at a registry office beforehand. Alternatively, you can apply for a temporary wedding license to make your home a legal wedding venue. Check with your local government for specific requirements.

Prepare a dressing room for the wedding party

Assign a designated space for the wedding party to get ready, such as a room with ample lighting, plug sockets, mirrors, and space for hair and makeup artists to set up their equipment. Don't forget to include space for hanging dresses and suits and for people to change comfortably.

Logistics and costs

There are many benefits to hosting a wedding at home, but it's important to be aware of the logistics and costs involved. Here are some key considerations:

Guest List and Space

The first step is to decide whether your whole wedding will take place at home or if you will have a separate ceremony venue. If you choose to have the ceremony at home, you will need to section off different areas for the dressing room, photo spots, ceremony, reception, and cocktails. Be realistic about your indoor and outdoor capacity, and don't feel pressured to invite more people than you can comfortably accommodate.

Parking and Transport

Consider how your guests will get to your house and whether there will be enough parking spaces. If not, provide clear guidance on alternative transport options in your invites, such as public transport or local taxi firms. You could also arrange group transport, such as a vintage bus or a convoy of quirky campervans, to add a fun element to the day.

Neighbours

It is courteous to notify your neighbours about your wedding plans, especially if it will involve loud music or a large number of guests. You can do this in person or by sending a polite note, along with a bottle of wine or some homemade cookies, as a token of your gratitude.

Weather and Seasons

Always have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Consider hiring a tent to provide shelter for your guests, and think about additional measures such as fans, air conditioning, heaters, or fire pits, depending on the season.

Catering

When it comes to food, you have several options. You could batch cook everything yourself, especially for a small wedding, or hire caterers if you have a larger guest list. Discuss the kitchen space and equipment requirements with your caterers beforehand, and consider bringing in prepped food to minimise disruption. For a more casual option, food trucks are a great choice and allow for an interactive element for your guests.

Bar

Having an open bar at home is much more affordable than at a venue, and it avoids legal issues around selling drinks. You can stock the bar with award-winning drinks from supermarkets at amazing prices, and present them creatively using bar carts, ice-filled buckets, or extra fridges. Don't forget to offer exciting soft drink options as well!

Toilets

Unless your guest list is very small, it's advisable to hire additional toilets for your at-home wedding. These days, you can find chic portable bathroom options with proper porcelain, generous sink areas, and even added amenities like deodorant, hairspray, and pain relievers.

Entertainment

Think about the space you have available for entertainment. Will you have a DJ or a live band? Do you have enough room for a dance floor? If not, you could consider silent disco headphones for your guests. Other entertainment ideas include photobooths, lawn games, magicians, or caricaturists.

Clean-up

Don't forget to organise a clean-up plan for after the wedding. Provide plenty of bins and clearly communicate where guests should leave their dirty plates and cutlery. You may also want to hire external help to ensure your home is whipped back into shape once the celebrations are over.

Costs

While an at-home wedding can save you money on venue costs, there are still various expenses to consider. These include hiring a wedding planner or coordinator, caterers, additional rentals such as tables and chairs, decorations, generators, portable toilets, entertainment, and clean-up crews. It's important to create a budget and carefully track your expenses to ensure you don't overspend.

Catering and entertainment

Catering Ideas:

• Manageable hors-d'oeuvres: Opt for bite-sized, easy-to-eat options that won't make a mess. For example, deep-fried mac 'n cheese on a lollipop stick.
• Aperitif bar: Offer colourful and festive aperitifs, which are lighter than cocktails and aid digestion.
• Beverage station: Provide refreshing drinks for outdoor or summer weddings. Serve them in glass or crystal dispensers for a sophisticated touch.
• Hot beverage station: For winter weddings, offer hot drinks like hot chocolate, toddies, mulled wine, tea, or coffee to keep guests warm.
• Cocktail-style dinner: This option is budget-friendly and encourages mingling. Ensure you have enough hors-d'oeuvres to satisfy your guests.
• Food trucks: Food trucks add a unique and playful element to your wedding. Customise the menu and truck to match your wedding theme.
• Grazing tables: These tables offer a decadent and stylish dining experience with high-quality ingredients and stunning presentation.
• BBQ cookout: An outdoor BBQ is perfect for a laid-back, summertime vibe. Consider grilled veggie skewers and other elevated options for a memorable experience.
• Dessert stations: Create playful grab-and-go dessert stations with donut walls, cupcake towers, and macaron trees.
• Late-night snacks: Offer comfort food in the early hours, such as grilled cheese, pizza, or fried risotto balls.

Entertainment Ideas:

• Photo booth: A fun activity for guests, providing memorable mementos.
• Circus performers: Hire fire performers, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and more for a unique show.
• Live music: Options include a DJ, live band, string quartet, or acoustic guitarist and singer.
• Lawn games: Outdoor games like corn hole, Bocce ball, and giant Jenga will keep guests entertained during cocktail hour.
• Fireworks display: A sparkling lights display will captivate your guests and create a romantic atmosphere.
• Amusement park rides: Discuss with your venue and planner to bring the thrill of amusement park rides to your wedding.
• Caricaturist: A caricaturist will create unique portraits for your guests, adding a memorable touch to your wedding.
• Silent disco: Guests wear headphones and dance to the music, creating a fun and innovative atmosphere.
• Mini golf: Set up a mini-golf course at your venue or host your reception at a mini-golf venue for a fun activity.
• Celebrity impersonator: Hire a celebrity impersonator to perform and interact with your guests.
• Tarot card reader: A tarot card reader will offer unique entertainment and provide insightful readings for your guests.
• Synchronized swimmers: For a truly eccentric option, amaze your guests with a breathtaking synchronized swimming performance.
• Petting zoo: Animal lovers will adore interacting with a variety of animals at your wedding.
• Vintage arcade games: Rent vintage arcade games for a fun and nostalgic experience.
• Live wedding painter: A live painter will capture the magic of your wedding day and create a custom portrait for you.
• Kids' colouring book station: Ensure fun activities for children with a colouring book station, keeping them entertained throughout the event.
• Magician: A magician will entertain guests of all ages and create memorable moments for your wedding album.

Legal requirements

• Paperwork: To hold a civil wedding at home, you must complete the necessary paperwork at the registry office beforehand. Then, a celebrant can join you for an intimate ceremony at home.
• Temporary license: Alternatively, you can apply for a temporary license from the council to make your home a legal wedding venue. However, this is not guaranteed and should be applied for well in advance.
• Marriage license: In England and Wales, your venue needs to have a marriage license for the wedding to be legally valid.
• Check local guidelines: There may be local guidelines and restrictions on noise ordinances, parking, and events. It is important to check these before planning your wedding at home.
• Permits: Consult your local government council and complete the necessary paperwork, as private homes are not typically legalized wedding venues.

Clean-up and post-wedding

The last thing you want to be doing the morning after your wedding is cleaning up. There are a few things you can do to make this process as smooth as possible. Firstly, ensure you have plenty of bins and make it clear where guests should put their rubbish. If you have people staying over, ask them to help in the morning in exchange for a delicious post-wedding brunch, or hire a cleaning company to come in and take care of it.

If you have a large guest list, consider hiring a cleaning crew to help get your home ready before the wedding, too. This will ensure your home is spotless and clutter-free for the big day and any photos you plan to take there.

Another thing to consider is the amount of waste a large group of people can create. You'll need lots of trash cans and recycling bins, and you might even want to rent a large bin to load everything into at the end of the night. Usually, the clean-up crew is a combination of the caterer, coordinator, and friends/family, but you'll need to plan this in advance.

If you're providing food, you'll also need to think about how you're going to deal with leftovers. You could send your guests home with goodie bags filled with treats, or you might package up food to be donated to a local homeless shelter.

Finally, don't forget to thank your neighbours for their patience and understanding, especially if your wedding ran late into the night. A kind note and a small gift go a long way.

Frequently asked questions