Tips on Planning a Wedding at Home
Backyard weddings paint an image of a cozy home mixed with a sprawling green lawn. Couples trim expenses when they exchange vows inside a private home. Plus, the wedding feast starts as soon as the couple says, "I do." Without a lot of preplanning, that special day is vulnerable to storms, noisy neighbors and bathroom disasters. Professional wedding guides offer tips on planning a wedding at home to avoid glitches.
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Space
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Brides and grooms typically stage at-home weddings in backyards or living rooms. Kitchens and hallways also require attention because the wait staff and guests congregate in those areas, according to The Knot website. Caterers require a lot of counter and refrigerator space, and visitors tend to mingle in hallways. Unless a homestead offers ample space, invite only family and close friends to avoid overcrowding.
Rentals
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Wedding hostesses choose between dragging furniture and supplies from the garage and attic or renting those items for an at-home wedding. This covers tables, chairs, tents, grills, linens and dishware. If outdoor dancing is on the agenda, a platform or stage becomes a necessity, but only if the ground is level. Consider a power generator to furnish electricity for lighting and sound in the backyard. Planning for all these items starts at least six months before the wedding date.
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Bathrooms and Bedrooms
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Portable toilets hardly fit into any matrimonial gala. But planners expect each guest will average three bathroom flushes during the festivities, according to The Knot. Most household toilets cannot handle this volume, so the options are to stick with a small guest list or rent outdoor commodes Only the immediate family of the bride and groom are entitled to stay overnight at the home. Otherwise, the bride could find herself standing in line to use the shower on her big day.
Neighborhood
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Wedding planners suggest informing neighbors of the upcoming soiree. This ensures that the nex-tdoor residents refrain from mowing their lawns or hogging curbside parking during the ceremony. Engaged couples should ask city authorities if permits are required to stage an outdoor event. Municipal noise and parking ordinances typically govern any plans for outdoor bands or on-street parking, and couples should understand local laws before guests converge on a private home.
Weather
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Rain and blazing sunshine represent two nemeses to outdoor wedding plans. A tent prevents guests from getting sunburned but may not be effective during heavy downpours. Couples should have a backup plan in case of extreme rain or heat. The bridal party's attire must be comfortable regardless of the weather forecast. Otherwise, groomsmen swelter in their tuxedos in the summer, while bridesmaids shiver in sleeveless dresses during cold snaps.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
