Perhaps you’re thinking about getting married at home or at your parents’ home. These types of decisions don’t come lightly, but saving money and wanting to marry the love of your life in a warm and familiar place just makes sense.
But regardless of the reasons you plan to get married at home, it’s a special event that requires special and thoughtful planning.
Here are four tips to help you plan an at-home wedding that runs smoothly and that you will always treasure and remember.
1. Don’t Plan Everything in One Location of the Property
As appealing as it may seem to hold your wedding ceremony and reception in one location to reduce planning, staging, and clean-up, experts suggest moving your guests to a new space every 30 minutes.
Additionally, create a flow from one area to another, such as an easy pathway from the ceremony area to the patio where guests can gather prior to and immediately after the ceremony to socialize. From there, your guests can easily move to the backyard for the reception.
2. Designate Prep Spaces for the Bridal Party and Groomsmen
Don’t forget to designate rooms for the bride, her maid of honor and her bridesmaids to get dressed, put on makeup and style hair.
Similarly, the groom and his party need a space to get dressed, bond, and prep for the wedding ahead. Plus, having space to roast the groom-to-be isn’t a bad idea, either.
Regardless of the bridal party and groomsmen’s plans, it is important to have space where everyone can bond and get ready.
For the bridal party, this means securing a good location for a hair and makeup team to work their magic and which includes plenty of electrical outlets.
3. Get Your Permits in Order for a Backyard Wedding
Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain one or several permits for your backyard wedding.
In fact, you may have to adhere to regulations surrounding gatherings of more than 50 people, as well as noise ordinances that could affect how late your DJ can spin tunes or your band can perform.
Additional permit considerations may center on building policies and parking restrictions.
4. Create Lasting Memories by Sending Guests Photo Thank You Cards
The chance to make your at-home wedding memorable and special doesn’t end when guests leave after the reception. Sending specially-designed thank you cards will seal your big day in everyone’s memory.
In particular, specialty wedding stationery companies like Minted.com can take your favorite photograph of you and your groom, or a special group photo, and print it on your personalized thank you cards.
Your guests will appreciate your thoughtful gesture of gratitude, capturing a special and defining moment from your loving day of commitment.
Careful Planning Will Make Your At-Home Wedding a Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
As is true with any wedding, one that takes place at someone’s home takes things to the next level and requires its own brand of careful planning.
Don’t fret — it will all be worth it, and you’ll feel so happy that you could share the beginning of your new life together in a warm and comfortable place.
Obtaining permits, scouting out locations for activities, and creating lasting keepsakes with specially created thank you cards are key points in making the day special for everyone.
