How to Host an At-Home Wedding
If you are like most couples planning a wedding, then you may have been affected by several unforeseen circumstances such as Covid-19. Whether you’re planning a large, formal gathering or a small and intimate celebration, your guest list, planning timeline, and the date of your wedding may have needed to be altered. The plus side is, there’s no place like home.
The size of the interior and exterior of your home, the transformation budget, and the legal requirements of an at-home wedding are all things to consider before committing to one. If you are looking for tips for hosting an at-home wedding, below are four ways to guide you through the planning process.
Your Wedding Budget
We all know weddings aren’t cheap. But, by having an at-home wedding, you can save a tremendous amount of money by not having to rent a venue. However, there may be other expenses that you need to be prepared for in your budget. Hosting an at-home wedding will require vendors, caterers, a band, or DJ, and renting equipment such as a dance floor or special lighting.
The first rental service you should factor into your budget is a wedding furniture rental company that offers different packages and types of seating and tables to fit your aesthetic and budget. Next, find a catering company that offers an assortment of dinner plates and hors d’oeuvres that can be served restaurant or buffet style. Because it’s an at-home celebration, renting a stocked bar with a bartender may not be in your budget, so you may want to look into other options such as filling coolers with a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. You might also want to include a professional wedding photographer in your budget to help memorialize the big day. Nonetheless, having a budget in place will help you plan what you can accommodate when it comes to bigger projects needed before the wedding.
Transform the Exterior & Interior
Here comes the expensive part of hosting a party at home – transforming your space. A few ideas to elevate the space are by sprucing up landscaping with new mulch or a complete hardscaping renovation of the backyard, such as a new fence or pavement. Along with elevating the exterior, you may want to look into updating the interior as well. Indoor renovation ideas could be a new paint job, a kitchen remodel you have been putting off, or perhaps revamping the guest bathroom. If you don’t have the financial flexibility for a complete indoor project, updating the furniture could make all the difference in appearance.
A noteworthy option to consider that will help you pay for the project you choose is a home equity line of credit. Now, you may be wondering, “What's the difference between a home equity line of credit and a home equity loan?” A home equity line of credit can be used for a variety of purposes, including home improvements. The flexibility allows you to borrow funds as you need, which is beneficial if you are unsure how much your renovation project will cost. Home equity loans, on the other hand, provide you with one lump sum that you can use however you want, but the interest rates are fixed whereas HELOC interests rates vary. Both options, however, allow you to use the equity you’ve built up in your home, and by using the money for home improvements, the interest you pay may be tax-deductible.
Consider the Safety of the Space
Now that you are committed to hosting an at-home wedding, you will need to evaluate the space you have and how you will need to accommodate for your specific guest list. Party On, Stay Safe: Top Home Entertainment Safety Tips provides a great resource for making your home a safe place for entertaining.
Ceremony, Reception and outdoor activities
If you plan to celebrate outdoors, make sure you have enough space for the aisle, alter, and depending on the number of guests – enough rows for seating. For the reception, you will need tables and chairs for dinner, a head table for the wedding party if you decide to have one, and an area for dancing and mingling. And dont forget that you are out of doors. A great way to get your guests mingling is to offer lawn games and entertainment.
Catering and Other Features
Be aware that lighting, decorations, and the space dedicated to serving food will all take up more space than you might think. Renting a party tent is highly encouraged because we all know how indecisive the weather can be. Inside the party tent, you may want to look into renting a portable dance floor, just in case, the ground is dirty – no guest wants to celebrate in the mud.
Legal Requirements
Now that you have a few planning ideas for how to host an at-home wedding, it’s important to make sure you are following the legal requirements. Make sure to look into your state and county laws on social gatherings, so nothing can ruin your special day.
You also don’t want to forget about the legal marriage requirements. To legally get married, you will need to apply for a marriage license. You can apply for a marriage license at any county clerk’s office in the state you will be getting married in. There may be a small fee involved, and don’t be alarmed if you don’t get the license right away – it may take a few days. A marriage certificate is something you will receive once you are married that you will also need to bring to a county clerk’s office to be filed. The officiant of the ceremony can be anyone you wish as long as they have been qualified by the county.
Think of your wedding as good motivation to spruce up your home just in time for the special day. Although you may feel overwhelmed about wanting everything to be perfect, the beauty is – it’s your home! You can make it as big or as small as you wish. Happy Planning!
One last note- if you are unsure of where to start with any or the processes listed above, here is a great resource so you can keep your ducks in a row https://www.wed2b.com/wedding-dresses/wedding-checklist