How to Plan a Wedding in a Home

Add a personal touch and a special intimacy to your wedding by planning your wedding in a home. Whether in your own home, or that of a dear friend or relative, home weddings are perfect for couples who wish to have an intimate wedding ceremony and reception. It is also great for couples who are planning a wedding on a budget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Send Out Invitations

1. Make a guest list. Depending on the size of your home, the number of guests you invite can be anywhere from 10 to 50 generally speaking.
2. Create your own invitations using scrapbooking paper and computer stationery.
3. Mail invitations six to eight weeks in advance.

Plan the Reception Food and Beverage

4. Plan a buffet style breakfast, luncheon or dinner. Most home weddings have fairly informal food rather than a full sit-down dinner. You can hire a caterer if you prefer to go more formal.
5. Select foods that can be made a few days or more in advance, such as casseroles that can be frozen. This will save a lot of time on the actual wedding day.
6. Purchase good quality paper plates and napkins or rent extra place settings and linen from a party supply store or catering company. Caterers will usually supply table linens, silverware, and china for an extra fee.
7. Offer one or two selections of wine and a fruit punch for guests to enjoy. This way you need not worry about stocking an entire bar with expensive beer and liquor.

Decorate for a Home Wedding

8. Decorate with fresh flowers if your wedding is in the summer. Take advantage of Mother Nature's bounty.
9. Place decorations wherever guests will be during the wedding ceremony and reception.There's no need to decorate the upstairs bedrooms if no one is going to be up there.
10. Display treasured family heirlooms, such as antique silver frames and delicate china as part of the buffet.
11. Place candles around the house for an evening wedding.
12. Play music softly in the background during the meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure there will be enough seats for all your guests during dinner.
• Make sure candles are placed away from walls, drapes, other fire hazards and well out of reach of children.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.