I love weddings! And as someone who really enjoys nature, I especially love outdoor weddings. The last three weddings I attended were outdoors—one in front of a waterfall, one at a lake and one in a grassy area with a backdrop of woods and the stone ruins of an old church. As a romance author, most of my stories end with a proposal, if not an actual wedding. On my blog today, I’ve got guest blogger John Dunbar offering great tips for planning a home wedding, whether indoors or out. Take it away, John!
Image by Kayla Renee via Pexels
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable, exciting days of your life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most expensive. According to WeddingWire, the 2021 average wedding cost in the U.S. was $22,500. The venue is the highest cost, and many couples are seeking alternatives. Getting married at your home or that of a family member can save money, but that’s just the beginning. Here are some tips for a beautiful yet budget-friendly wedding.
Will Your House Work?
A wedding has many moving parts. You’ll want suitable spaces for:
- The ceremony
- Separate dressing areas for the bride and groom along with their attendants
- A reception, including a staging area for caterers
- Flowers and other wedding decor
- Guest parking
Brides magazine notes that you’ll also want to have easily-accessible restrooms for your guests. If out-of-town family or friends plan to stay with you, they’ll need places to sleep.
If your home won’t accommodate all these needs, you may be able to make inexpensive renovations that will both provide a suitable wedding location and improve your property’s overall value. The money that you would have spent on renting a venue for a day can be a long-term investment in your home instead. Be sure to keep all receipts for your capital improvements.
How Can You Prepare Your House for a Wedding?
Every property is different, and the preparations you might make may not work for someone else. However, think about ways you can make these ideas apply to your home.
Your Backyard – Hire Pros for Larger Projects
Many couples plan outdoor weddings. With a little work, your backyard can be the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and/or reception. Think about adding some landscaping, plants that will be in bloom on your wedding date. Of course, for larger projects like tree work, it’s best to call in the pros. For example, removing a tree stump is a tough job that requires special equipment and expertise. Go online and search service directories to find contractors that are nearby, and check customer ratings and reviews to ensure the pros you contact and provide a written estimate are equipped to handle the project.
Also think about building a gazebo or pergola in a prime spot. You can use it as the spot to make your vows.
Your Home’s Interior
If you’re not happy with the way the inside of your house looks, what can you do to improve it? Fresh paint, new area rugs, updated window treatments, and updated lighting can make a world of difference.
Depending on your home’s layout and the number of rooms, choose the best options for guest quarters and dressing areas.
Parking
If your property doesn’t have much extra space for guest parking — especially if the ground is wet at the time of your ceremony — consider getting permission from a nearby school or church for your guests to park there, and arrange for a shuttle-type service to take them to your home. You can hire a limo company or enlist friends and family to provide the transportation.
Inclement Weather
Everyone wants their wedding day to be bright and beautiful, but Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. You’ll want to have alternatives for planned outdoor activities. Renting a large tent is one option.
What Are Some Ways to Make Your Wedding Even More Special?
Personalising your wedding adds to your special day and your memories. If you have friends or family who are pastors, floral designers, caterers, DJs, or singers invite them to participate. Most people are honoured to contribute their skills for special occasions.
A unique way to memorialise the event is by hiring a live wedding painter. Guests can watch as the artist creates your painting in its entirety during your wedding, and you’ll have a truly personal keepsake that will last you a lifetime.
Are You Inspired?
You don’t have to spend lots of money to rent a venue for your wedding. You can make your special day memorable by preparing your home to host the event, including small interior renovations and prepping the backyard if the event will be outdoors. Adding personal touches is the icing on the wedding cake.
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Thank you, John, for all the great info. If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home, you will want to check out John’s website, Housing Secrets.
