Planning A Wedding Reception At Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding reception at home can be a stressful experience, but it's also a great opportunity to emphasise your unique wedding vision and personal style. If you're doing everything at home, it's a good idea to allocate distinct, separate areas for each part of the day, so you can set everything up in advance and don't have to worry about rearranging furniture and decorations. For an indoor reception, you'll need to clear space for the ceremony, dinner and dancing, but if you're planning an outdoor reception, there are a few more things to keep in mind, such as checking the arrival route.

Planning the ceremony and reception in different areas of your home

If you're planning on hosting your wedding ceremony and reception at home, it's a good idea to allocate distinct, separate areas for each part of the day. This way, you can set everything up in advance and don't have to worry about rearranging furniture and decorations during the event. For example, you could exchange your vows in the prettiest room of the house, then head outside for canapes and cocktails before sitting down to dinner in a marquee.

If you're planning on having an indoor reception, you'll need to clear some space for the ceremony, dinner and any dancing or other party activities. If you're planning on having an outdoor reception, there are a few more things to keep in mind, such as checking the arrival route by calling your local town hall.

It's also important to consider the unique features of your home and how you can incorporate them into your ceremony and reception. For example, if your home has a picturesque view, make sure to embrace this during your ceremony or reception.

Renting equipment from a professional company

If you're having an indoor reception, you'll need to clear some space for the ceremony, dinner, and any dancing or other party activities. For an outdoor reception, there are a few more important things to keep in mind, such as checking the arrival route by calling your local town hall.

When renting equipment, you can emphasise your unique wedding vision and personal style. If your home's location is as special as the home itself, make sure to embrace any one-of-a-kind views throughout your ceremony or reception. You could exchange your vows in the prettiest room of the house, then head outside for canapes and cocktails before sitting down to dinner in a marquee.

If you're doing everything at home, it's a good idea to earmark a distinct, separate area for each part of the day, so you can set everything up in advance and don't have to worry about rearranging furniture and decorations halfway through.

Clearing space for the ceremony, dinner and dancing

If you're planning a wedding reception at home, it's important to clear some space for the ceremony, dinner and dancing. If you're hosting the ceremony inside, you'll need to move furniture and decorations to create a clear space. If you're hosting the ceremony outside, you'll need to consider the arrival route and call your local town hall.

It's a good idea to earmark a distinct, separate area for each part of the day, so you can set everything up in advance and don't have to worry about rearranging furniture and decorations halfway through. For example, you could exchange your vows in the prettiest room of the house, then head outside for canapes and cocktails before sitting down to dinner in a marquee.

If your home's location is as special as the home itself, make sure to embrace any one-of-a-kind views throughout your ceremony or reception. Evaluate your home, both inside and out, prior to the big day, to maximise space and pinpoint picturesque hotspots.

Checking the arrival route

When planning a wedding reception at home, it's important to check the arrival route. This is especially important if you're having an outdoor reception, as there are a few more things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth arrival for your guests:

First, call your local town hall to inquire about any permits or regulations you may need to be aware of. They can also advise you on any potential issues with parking or traffic flow. It's better to be informed ahead of time so you can make alternative arrangements if necessary.

Next, consider renting equipment from a professional company. They will be able to advise you on the best way to set up your reception, taking into account the arrival route and ensuring a seamless experience for your guests. This will also save you the hassle of setting up and taking down the equipment yourself.

Additionally, if your home's location is as special as the home itself, make sure to embrace any unique views or features. You can incorporate these into your arrival route, creating a memorable first impression for your guests. For example, if you have a picturesque garden, consider having guests arrive through that area, or if you have a grand driveway, you can decorate it to make a statement.

Finally, if you're having both the ceremony and reception at home, it's a good idea to earmark distinct areas for each part of the day. This way, you can ensure a smooth flow from one area to the next, without having to worry about rearranging furniture or decorations during the event. For instance, you could have the ceremony in one room, cocktails and canapes in the garden, and dinner in a marquee.

Embracing the unique views of your home

If you're planning a wedding reception at home, it's important to embrace the unique views of your home. If your home's location is as special as the home itself, make sure to incorporate any one-of-a-kind views throughout your ceremony or reception.

Before the big day, evaluate your home, both inside and out, to maximise space and pinpoint picturesque hotspots. If you're doing everything at home, earmark a distinct, separate area for each part of the day, so you can set everything up in advance and don't have to worry about rearranging furniture and decorations halfway through. For instance, you could exchange your vows in the prettiest room of the house, then head outside for canapes and cocktails before sitting down to dinner in a marquee.

If you're having an outdoor reception, there are a few more things to keep in mind. First, check the arrival route by calling your local town hall. Second, consider renting equipment from a professional company. That way, you can simply book a consultation appointment, decide what you need, sign the contract, and you're done! Your entire reception will be constructed and deconstructed for you.

Frequently asked questions