More couples prefer intimate, small weddings over grandiose ones.
And while there’s nothing wrong with both approaches, less flashy weddings make sense for younger couples who may not have the funds to organize big events.
Therefore, weddings at home have become increasingly popular recently.
They allow newlyweds to stay within a budget, invite only close family members and friends, and celebrate the happy event stress-free.
The sense of familiarity coming from a wedding at home would also be helpful for couples expecting or with kids.
Still, there are things to take care of—from the catering to the ceremony setup—so let’s go through the steps to setting up the best wedding at home.
Consider the weather
If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, even if it’s small, consider the weather, since that space should be used accordingly.
Therefore, it’s ideal to fit all guests comfortably inside in case of sudden rain or wind, so consider the weather before making the list of who’s coming.
Since unexpected guests may show up, such as neighbors who want to congratulate you, inviting them in for a glass of champagne would be nice.
Thus, it’s easier to plan for the wedding during the driest months of the year in your country or city.
Take advantage of the entire space
Decorating the interior will be necessary, but your backyard can accommodate people or create spots for photography or chilling.
If there’s a backyard garden, use it as a base for a floral altar with arrangements featuring many greenery and plants like hydrangea or magnolia.
If space allows, renting a tent is ideal, especially in hot weather. But regardless, the backyard has a lot of potential if you introduce floral welcome signs, paper fans, chalkboard signs, and other decorative elements that give the place a professionally designed look.
Create dressing rooms
Dressing rooms are important for the bride, the bridesmaids, the mother of the bride, and the groom.
You can organize them in one of the rooms, such as the bedroom, where the photographer will document the process anyway.
Since it’s a home wedding, everyone can get their dresses on a budget, and the bridesmaid dresses don’t have to match to be in theme.
The bride’s wedding dress can also be modest or intricate, and the mothers of the newlyweds are happy not to feel pressured about looking in a certain way, so they can comfortably wear dresses.
Embrace the surroundings
If there’s not enough space in the backyard for the pictures or gathering, you can opt for the nearby parks or green spaces that can be easily arranged to fit the wedding design theme.
Massive trees can become the ideal focal points of the ceremony, but for those who are more adventurous, getting married in the supermarket is really doing it.
If there are special places for both of you near the house, taking full advantage of them for the photoshoot or other parts of the wedding is a bold and fun move.
Young couples show that places matter less in marriage, as memories and feelings weigh more.
Discuss with the neighbors
A wedding at home will benefit you and the guests, but not all the neighbors will be pleased.
Considering this type of celebration might extend past midnight, it’s best to talk to your neighbors and let them know your intent to party just a little bit late.
But taking advantage of their understanding does not mean you can simply blast music all night long.
An alternative could be going to a nearby pub or simply renting such a space for late-night partying.
This applies especially to those living in an apartment surrounded by many others.
Decide on the catering
A home wedding is not successful without food and drinks, but you can have the option to cook for yourself, considering the few people attending it.
This doesn’t mean doing sophisticated recipes, but minding the starters, drinks, and sweets is doable.
On the other hand, even if you decide to collaborate with a catering business, you won’t need that many meals or planned courses.
First, make sure everyone can find a seat to eat at your home, and don’t forget the cake at the end of the celebration.
Talk with other necessary vendors
This depends on your budget, but many couples still want their pictures taken professionally or their makeup done well.
Therefore, consider discussing with a photographer, videographer, bakery, and even florists for your wedding and specify it’s held at your home for accurate organization.
The majority will ask for some time to analyze the space in the house so they can efficiently place their gear or dessert tables.
Other rentals may also be necessary for chairs or tables, so plan in advance to accommodate all guests.
Start the cleaning process
Cleaning the house and the backyard is important to keep everything in place and prevent a mess.
With some help from family members, cleaning and organizing the house —from the bedroom to the kitchen — can create more space for decorations and for people to move around.
The backyard also needs some cleaning, since it will become the main spot for outdoor decorations and furniture.
Mending the greenery and clearing the backyard of clutter is ideal. Since some friends might bring their pets, plenty of clean space is necessary.
Final considerations
Many young couples prefer the intimacy of a wedding at home, whether for budget reasons or because they simply want to celebrate with close friends and family.
Therefore, organizing it can take less time and definitely less stress.
There are simple steps to achieve it, such as talking to the neighbors to notify them of potential noise and transforming a room into a dressing room.
In the end, prioritize being happy and fulfilling your dream, based on both your wishes.
This not only allows you to be stress-free but also gives you more creativity for organizing the wedding.
