Creating A Wedding Stage: Home Edition

Planning a wedding at home? You're in for a treat! Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful and memorable wedding stage that will leave your guests in awe.

First, consider the size of your home and guest list. If you have a large home with ample space, you may not need a tent, but for a more intimate setting, a backyard tent can provide that extra room. Highlight the unique features of your home while also adapting it to your desired aesthetic.

Now, let's talk about the wedding stage itself. Floral arrangements are a timeless classic, and you can go as grand or simple as you like. If you want to incorporate your heritage, consider using traditional flowers and colours such as red and yellow, or opt for a pastel-themed stage with soft hues of peach, blush, and mint.

To make it even more special, add personal touches like using a special table or incorporating family china and candlesticks. Since home weddings tend to be smaller, you can leave handwritten notes at each place setting, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Don't forget the lighting! Fairy lights, spotlights, and uplighting can transform your stage, creating a magical and romantic ambiance.

Lastly, ensure you have a team of top-notch vendors to help you execute your vision. They can assist with everything from catering to photography, ensuring your special day runs smoothly.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning wedding stage that will leave lasting memories for you and your guests.

Highlight the property's best focal points

Highlighting the best focal points of your property is crucial to creating a memorable wedding stage at home. Here are some tips to help you showcase the unique features of your home and make your special day even more extraordinary:

Assess Your Property:

Start by taking a step back and looking at your home with fresh eyes. Identify the areas that stand out, such as a grand foyer with a spiral staircase, beautifully manicured gardens, a lavish pool, or a sprawling lawn. These features can be accentuated and transformed into stunning backdrops for your wedding ceremony or reception.

Embrace the Indoors and Outdoors:

Don't be afraid to utilise both the indoor and outdoor spaces of your property. If you have a garden, consider hosting the ceremony there, followed by cocktails by the pool. This will create a seamless flow and keep your guests entertained. If the weather is unpredictable, having a backyard tent ready can be a great backup plan.

Highlight Unique Architecture:

Showcase the unique architecture or rustic features of your home. For example, if your home has a barn-like foundation, accentuate it with soft colour palettes and twinkle lights. By playing up the existing features of your property, you can create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that your guests will adore.

Focus on Sentimental Value:

Incorporate areas of your home that hold special meaning to you and your partner. Perhaps it's the dock where you first confessed your love or the front lawn where you shared your first kiss. These sentimental spots will not only make for incredible photo backdrops but will also add a layer of intimacy and sentiment to your wedding day.

Get Creative with Nature:

If you have a garden or outdoor space, get creative with the natural elements. For instance, a willow tree can be transformed into a breathtaking canopy for your vows, as demonstrated by SQN Events, where the father of the bride crafted an arc-shaped branch structure.

Enhance the Entrance:

Think about the entrance point for your guests and create a memorable first impression. You can line the path to the backyard with flowers or bistro lighting, or you can set up an elegant floral arch at the front door with a champagne tower in the foyer. This will not only welcome your guests in style but will also set the tone for the entire celebration.

Mix and Match:

If you want to avoid rentals, get creative and mix-and-match furnishings from within your home. Eclectic chairs and unique pieces can be arranged to add whimsy and charm to your design scheme. It's a great way to showcase your personality and create a homely atmosphere.

Remember, while it's important to highlight the best focal points of your property, it's also essential to adapt the space to your unique vision and style. Don't be afraid to get creative, incorporate sentimental touches, and showcase the beauty of your home on your special day.

Embrace your time at home

Utilize All Available Space

Think beyond the obvious and make use of both indoor and outdoor areas. If you have a garden, consider hosting the ceremony there, followed by cocktails by the pool. If you're worried about the weather, set up a tent to provide some cover for your guests. For dinner, you can transition to a different area, such as a tent or even inside your house. This will create a nice flow and keep your guests entertained.

Get Creative with Your Surroundings

Look for unique features in your home or garden that can be incorporated into your wedding design. For example, if you have a willow tree, it can be shaped into an arc to serve as a canopy for the couple's vows. Or, if you have a hundred-year-old tree, adorn it with fresh flowers to create a stunning focal point. Embracing the uniqueness of your surroundings will ensure your wedding day vision comes to life.

Reserve Special Spaces for Getting Ready

Eliminate the need for transportation by organizing all of your wedding prep within your home. Reserve a room for the bridal party to get ready, ensuring it has ample lighting, space for hair and makeup artists to set up, mirrors, and access to outlets. This will make for some great photo opportunities and will add to the intimacy of your special day.

Incorporate Sentimental Touches

Since your wedding is at home, there are bound to be spaces that hold special meaning for you and your partner. Ask your photographer to capture these areas, such as a favourite reading nook or a dock where you shared many moments. You can also repurpose family furniture or use your family china, glassware, or candlesticks as part of the table décor. These personal touches will make your wedding design even more special.

Elevate the Experience

An at-home wedding may allow for a bigger budget in certain areas, so consider splurging on some unique elements. Work with your caterer to create a tasting menu with wine pairings, add a whisky tasting experience, or hire live musicians. You can also set up a fire pit for guests to roast s'mores and provide personalised blankets to keep them warm and serve as a memorable keepsake.

Repurpose family furniture

Vintage-inspired Stage

Add a touch of old-world charm by repurposing antique furniture as part of your wedding stage decor. Look for pieces with intricate details, curved lines, and a well-loved patina. An old dresser can be converted into a bar or vanity, bringing a unique twist to your special day.

Rustic Bohemian Stage

Create a bohemian-inspired stage by mixing and matching wooden furniture with rustic arches, dreamcatchers, and macrame hangings. If you have a collection of vintage doors, use them as a backdrop or a unique ceremony entrance. For an extra whimsical touch, incorporate wildflowers and pampas grass.

Whimsical Fairy Tale Decor

Bring your favourite fairy tale to life by repurposing furniture as props. An old bookshelf can become a castle turret, a dresser can be a magical creature's lair, and a collection of mirrors can create a "magic mirror" effect. Repaint and redecorate the pieces to fit your colour scheme and theme.

Intimate Candlelit Ambiance

Create a romantic and intimate atmosphere by incorporating various candle holders and candelabras of different heights and styles. You can also attach candles to furniture pieces for a unique, glowing effect. Just be sure to follow proper safety guidelines and consider using flameless candles.

Eclectic Mix-and-Match

If you have a variety of chairs and other furniture pieces, embrace the eclectic look by mixing and matching them on your wedding stage. This approach adds whimsy and charm, reflecting the unique blend of your personalities. Don't be afraid to reupholster or repaint the pieces to create a cohesive look.

Remember, when repurposing family furniture, you can always give them a fresh look with paint, stain, or upholstery. Get creative, and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Incorporate personal touches

A wedding is a celebration of you and your partner, so it's important to add personal touches that reflect your interests, personalities, and love story. Here are some ideas to incorporate personal touches when creating a wedding stage at home:

The Guest Book

The guest book is one of the most personal items at your wedding, containing handwritten names and notes from your guests. Instead of a traditional book, you could use a small calligraphed globe if you and your partner are avid travellers. Alternatively, you could have guests sign a model plane or a globe if you enjoy travelling, or use messages in a bottle or notes slipped into a frame.

Gifts and Cards

You can infuse your personalities into the way you collect gifts and cards. Think mailboxes, wine barrels, vintage suitcases, instrument cases, or rustic crates. You could also opt for a modern glass terrarium or box and add an engraving to display in your home as a memento.

Cocktails and Desserts

Offering a signature cocktail is a fun way to reflect your relationship. Put a twist on your favourite cocktail or create something new using your favourite ingredients. You could also choose a drink that's native to your hometown.

Dessert is another opportunity to add a personal touch. Whether you go for a classic cake or something different, you can add custom toppers, florals, or edible decorations.

Decorations

If you're changing your last name, you could incorporate your new initial by printing and placing it around your reception venue. Centrepieces, napkins, and other items could also benefit from this personal touch. You can also use stand-alone letters or marquee letters on tables or at the forefront of your venue.

Wedding Favours

Wedding favours are a great way to show appreciation for your guests and can be an extension of you and your partner. If you're both plant lovers, gift each guest a baby succulent. Or, if your hometown is known for a certain beverage, give mini bottles of the local drink.

The Wedding Stage

When setting up your wedding stage, consider using a backdrop of a favourite quote or book excerpt. You could also showcase a photo display of family and friends, which can double as escort cards. If you have a beloved pet, include a sketch of them on cocktail hour essentials like coasters and drink stirrers.

In addition to these ideas, don't be afraid to mix and match furnishings found within your home to add whimsy and charm to your wedding stage and overall décor.

Utilise indoor space

Utilising indoor space is a great way to make your guests feel welcome and is also a good option if you need a rain plan. Here are some ideas to make the most of your indoor space:

Think about the guest entrance and flow

Consider the entrance point for your guests and the flow of movement throughout your home. You could create a special entrance to the wedding, such as a floral-lined or bistro-lit path to the backyard or an elegant entry through a floral arch at the front door.

Create a special welcome

Welcome your guests with a beautifully stacked champagne tower in the foyer or another indoor space. This will create a sense of grandeur as soon as your guests arrive.

Use indoor spaces for different events

Make use of various indoor areas in your home by hosting different events in different rooms. For example, you could have the ceremony in one room, followed by cocktails in another, and then transition guests to a tent or indoor dining area.

Get creative with your indoor spaces

If you're looking to add a unique touch to your wedding, get creative with your indoor spaces. One idea is to transform one of the rooms into a bridal suite, complete with fresh flowers and a mimosa bar. This will also create a beautiful space for your pre-ceremony photos.

Mix and match your furnishings

If you want to avoid rentals, mix and match chairs and other furnishings from within your home. Eclectic chairs can look great together and add a touch of whimsy and charm to your design scheme and decor.

Don't forget the lighting

Fairy lights, spotlights, or uplighting can highlight your indoor spaces and set the mood. Consider soft, warm lighting for a cosy atmosphere or colourful LED lights for a dynamic effect.

Frequently asked questions