Your Wedding, Your Way
Guest post today by Aimee Lyons!
Planning an at-home wedding is never an easy feat. While you’ll still have plenty of professionals, including photographer Holly Birch, a wedding coordinator, and an officiant, to help out, there’s tons of work left to be done.
Book your photographer
No wedding is complete without an expert photographer. After all, she’s the artist who will capture the memories of the happiest day of your life so you can cherish them forever, so make sure you take care of this task in the early stages of planning. Holly will beautifully commemorate your big day’s magic moments, so be sure to contact her to set up a meet-and-greet!
The big stuff
Your priorities will likely be the dress, reception, and cake, but having a backyard wedding means plenty of preparation beyond the obvious. First, you’ll need a spot for the ceremony to take place. An arbor or pergola is an inexpensive addition to your landscape that will be there for many years to come.
Further additions to your backyard that should be in place by the morning of your wedding include a dance floor, extra bathrooms, and a generator. A tent and tables and chairs should be secured well before the big day. These are safest when set up professionally.
If you have family staying for the ceremony, you will also need to arrange for guest quarters. While not a budget-friendly option, this is the perfect time to add a small guest house to your backyard that can be used over and again through the years. BobVilla.com suggests a vintage camper, abandoned rail car, or tiny house cabin.
Part of your planning should also include inspecting features inside your house, such as the floors and walls, to check for damage large and small. Has a baseboard come loose? Are there nicks or scuff marks on a wall or two? Address such issues as soon as possible. In the case of walls, a fresh coat of paint not only livens up a room but can add a sense of “newness” that matches the feeling of wedding day. Better yet, wallpaper can beautify and add a touch of flair and elegance to a space, especially if it coordinates with the colors and style of the wedding. Some companies offer customizable wallpaper; all you need to do is choose the fabric, colors and texture, as well as send the designs associated with your wedding.
Preventing day-of disasters
Once you have your ceremony location, bathrooms, and entertainment and guest areas together, you can turn your attention to less labor-intensive (but equally essential) preparations. If you’re using a caterer, make sure they are aware of available food preparation facilities or, better yet, book a food truck, which will also eliminate a messy kitchen.
If your wedding is going to take place in the evening, invest in a simple lighting setup. This is something you can do from home with work lights, strung lanterns, or candles. Having adequate lighting in place will reduce the chances of an injury and will add to the ambiance of the event. HuffPost further recommends a sound system to ensure everyone can hear the vows and share in the moment with you.
Master is a flow
Having a home wedding is an intimate way to share your big day with friends and family, but when you have multiple bodies in a home designed for two, things can get cluttered, cramped, and confusing quickly. Organization is the key to making sure everyone – and everything – is in the right place at the right time.
One of your biggest challenges is going to be parking. Viable options include creating a temporary gravel parking area, adding protective mesh over grass, or using a valet service and renting a nearby parking lot.
Indoors, make sure there are easy-to-follow directions that indicate where guests should gather. A sign on the coat room and bathroom door will prevent people from entering restricted areas. Off-limits areas should include the bridal suite and the groom’s room. You’ll make things easier on yourself if you have these rooms outfitted with everything you’ll need for the big day. The bride might, for example, like to have extra makeup and shoe pads handy. Everyone will appreciate snacks, bottled water, and access to a private bathroom.
A final thought: It doesn’t matter if your wedding day is at home, at church, or at an expensive venue. This is your time to be happy. Do whatever you can to manage any stress, including taking deep breaths, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep before the big day. By following these tips, your at-home wedding will be an unforgettable event.