Wedding Reception At Home: Is It Possible?

Hosting a wedding reception at home is a lovely idea for many couples. It can be a great way to reduce costs, keep everything customisable, and make amazing memories in a familiar space. However, it's important to recognise that a wedding at home also comes with its own set of challenges. From logistics to planning, there are several factors to consider when deciding to host a wedding reception at home.

In this discussion, we will explore the key aspects of planning a wedding reception at home, including venue options, advantages, and potential hurdles to overcome. We will also offer suggestions for creating a memorable and intimate celebration while navigating any limitations. Whether it's in your own backyard, a loved one's garden, or a historic house, we'll guide you through the process of making your dream wedding at home a reality.

Catering: Consider hiring caterers for food prep and serving

Catering: Hiring caterers for food prep and serving

Catering is one of the most important aspects of your wedding reception, and it's important to make sure that you have enough food and drinks for your guests. There are a few options when it comes to catering for a wedding reception at home. You can hire a professional caterer, self-cater, or do a combination of both.

Hiring a professional caterer

If you decide to hire a professional caterer, it's important to start your search early. Popular caterers can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search online for caterers in your area. Once you've found a few potential candidates, reach out to them to discuss your budget, the number of guests you'll be inviting, and the type of food you're interested in serving. Be sure to taste test their food before making a final decision.

Self-catering

Self-catering can be a great option if you're on a tight budget or if you want to add a personal touch to your wedding reception. It can be a lot of work, so it's important to plan ahead and enlist the help of family and friends. Consider the number of guests you'll be serving and choose a menu that can be mostly prepared in advance. Buffets or food stations are often a good choice for self-catering, as they allow guests to serve themselves and don't require as much last-minute preparation.

Combining professional catering with self-catering

If you want the convenience of hiring a caterer but also want to add a personal touch, you can consider combining professional catering with self-catering. For example, you could hire a caterer to provide the main course and then make the desserts yourself. Or, if you're on a tight budget, you could hire a caterer for the food and then handle the drinks and bar service yourself.

Things to consider when catering for a wedding reception at home:

• The number of guests you'll be serving
• Any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have
• The type of food and drinks you want to serve (e.g. buffet, seated dinner, cocktail hour, etc.)
• The level of formality you want for your reception
• Your budget for catering
• The amount of time and effort you're willing to put into food preparation and cleanup

Logistics: Plan for parking, power supply, and bathroom facilities

Parking

Parking is a major consideration when planning a wedding reception at home. You will need to have space not only for your guests but also for the wedding professionals working at the event. If you have enough space on your property, you can opt for on-site self-parking. In this case, you need to plan exactly where your guests will park their cars. If you expect 150 guests and no shuttle buses, you can estimate that about 75 cars will need to be parked. You could direct cars to park in a large field on your property, ensuring that it is well-lit and has a backup plan in case the area becomes wet or muddy.

If you don't have access to a large lot or field, you may have to rely on street parking. Ensure that the streets are well-lit and have sidewalks for your guests' convenience and safety. Alternatively, you could offer a valet service, which would be a thoughtful touch for your guests. A reputable valet service will survey your home before the wedding and advise on any concerns. Remember to schedule them to arrive before the event starts and to stay until after the official end time.

Another option is to direct guests to self-park at a nearby location, such as a church or school parking lot, and then walk a few blocks to your home. Always check with the institution first and ensure there are navigable sidewalks between the parking lot and your home. Do a test walk in advance to ensure the route is safe and well-lit. If the lot is not within walking distance, you could hire a mini-bus or shuttle to transport guests to and from the reception.

Don't forget to include parking arrangements for your staff, such as photographers, caterers, band or DJ, and delivery crews.

Power Supply

If your wedding reception is outdoors, you will need to consider a power source for any electronics, music, and lighting. One option is to rent an inverter-style generator, which is quieter and does not require gas. After calculating the total power draw, plan to have a generator with at least double the capacity to avoid overloading it. Ensure you have enough fuel to last twice as long as your event.

For a quieter and more environmentally friendly option, consider using a marine battery (a deep-cell) with a 400-watt inverter. This setup is sufficient to power a laptop, powered speaker, and mixer but may not be suitable for a longer reception.

Bathroom Facilities

Restrooms are often overlooked, but a few small touches will be appreciated by your guests. Before the reception, ask your venue what necessities they will provide, such as soap and toilet paper, and then fill in any gaps. Consider the season and location of your reception when stocking your bathroom baskets. For example, include sunscreen and bug spray for an outdoor summer reception or lip balm and hand lotion for a winter event.

Tailor the contents of your bathroom baskets to your guest list. If children are invited, include age-appropriate supplies such as kid-friendly medicine, baby wipes, and colourful bandages. Include snacks for guests who may need to take medication or are diabetic. You may also want to provide different items in the men's, women's, and gender-neutral restrooms.

Whenever possible, provide single-use or pre-packaged toiletries to maintain sanitation and reduce the spread of germs. Some items to include are disposable face masks, makeup remover wipes, disposable cups, individually wrapped breath mints, and deodorant spray.

Assign someone to put the baskets in the restrooms before the reception and to check on them throughout the event to reorganise or restock products.

Decor: Get creative with decor, lighting, and furniture

One of the benefits of hosting a wedding reception at home is that you can get creative with your decor, lighting, and furniture. Whether you're going for a rustic, chic, or black-tie affair, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Flowers, fairy lights, lanterns, bunting, banners, and balloons can fill a space effectively and create a beautiful atmosphere.
• For larger items such as furniture, tablecloths, and flatware, consider renting or scouring charity shops, then donating the items back when you're done.
• If you're having an outdoor wedding, string lights and floral arrangements hung from a tent ceiling can create a magical atmosphere.
• Bring in your unique style by mixing and matching chairs and other furnishings found within your home to add whimsy and charm.
• Use spaces that have special meaning to you. For example, if there's a seat where you loved to curl up and read as a child, consider recreating this scene in your wedding dress.
• If you have a willow tree or another creative focal point in your backyard, incorporate it into your ceremony backdrop.
• Use china that has been passed down for generations or holds significant meaning to you and your spouse-to-be.
• Set up an alfresco reception space to showcase the architecture of your home and add an extra element of originality to your outdoor wedding.
• Use a soft colour palette and twinkle lights to accent any rustic features of your home, such as a barn-like foundation.

Remember, the key is to embrace the uniqueness of your space and add personal touches that represent you and your partner's relationship.

Legalities: Check local permit guidelines and marriage license requirements

When planning a wedding reception at home, it's important to be aware of any local permit guidelines and marriage license requirements. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Firstly, check with your local authorities to determine if any permits or licenses are needed for hosting a wedding reception at your residence. Requirements may vary depending on your location, and there may be restrictions on noise levels, music, parking, and event duration. It's also important to consider the impact on your neighbours and any relevant HOA (Homeowners Association) rules. A smaller guest list may help alleviate some of these concerns.

Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary marriage license and that it complies with the laws of your jurisdiction. Marriage license requirements can vary, so it's essential to research and plan accordingly.

Another important consideration is the number of guests you intend to invite. This will impact the required permits and licenses, as well as the overall logistics of the event. A smaller, more intimate gathering may be more feasible for a home reception, while a larger guest list may require a different type of venue.

Furthermore, think about the comfort and convenience of your guests. Ensure that there are adequate facilities, such as restrooms, and consider providing additional amenities like bug spray, blankets, or flip flops, depending on the season. If possible, spread out the events over the weekend to reduce stress on the day of the wedding.

Finally, don't forget to prepare your home and yard for the event. This includes landscaping, power supply, and rental items such as tables and chairs. Consider the wear and tear on your property during the wedding and plan accordingly.

Entertainment: Create a dance floor and plan activities for guests

When it comes to your wedding reception, you'll want to make sure your guests are entertained and having a good time. Here are some ideas to get the party started and keep your guests on the dance floor!

Creating a dance floor

If you're having an outdoor wedding, there are a few things to consider when creating a dance floor. First, choose a location that is flat and safe for dancing. You may need to remove any debris or rocks from the area to ensure your guests' safety. You can simply lay down a rug or carpet, or you can assemble a modular dance floor for a more professional look. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even build your own dance floor using plywood sheets and joists.

For an indoor wedding, you can rent a dance floor or use the existing flooring in the venue. To make the dance floor stand out, consider adding decorations such as disco balls, neon signage, or paper lanterns. You can also personalise the dance floor with a custom decal or monogram.

Planning activities for guests

In addition to dancing, there are plenty of other activities to keep your guests entertained. Here are some ideas:

• Outdoor lawn games such as corn hole, Bocce ball, or giant Jenga
• A photo booth with fun props and backdrops
• A karaoke booth
• A magician or other live performers such as a band, DJ, or singer
• A bonfire with s'mores
• A bouncy castle
• A silent disco
• A fireworks display

Remember, the key to a successful wedding reception is to provide a variety of entertainment options that will appeal to all of your guests. By creating a fun and engaging atmosphere, your guests are sure to have a memorable time!

Frequently asked questions