At-Home Wedding Planning: A Practical Guide to Crafting a Magical Memory

Planning a wedding can seem like an overwhelmingly daunting task for any couple, but deciding to host a traditional wedding in the family home is sure to add extra pressure. While the thought of tying the knot at home may seem more personal and magical than opting for a more formal venue – it does come with additional considerations and tasks that shouldn’t be overlooked.

As you get started on planning an at-home wedding, don’t forget that the most special day of your lives should still reflect the two of you. So pour your hearts into the details while ensuring they are feasible so you don’t set yourselves up for any surprises down the line.

To help you create your dream wedding in the comfort of your home, here’s a no-nonsense troubleshooting guide.

First Things First - Do You Have Enough Space?

Before you can even consider making grand plans, assess whether or not you have the space to accommodate your guests. Take a minute to sketch a layout of your current living environment to ensure you have enough space for your desired number of guests. Is your outdoor area large enough for a tent? Do you have enough seating area? Will your kitchen have enough counter space to spread out catering platters?

Enlist Friends and Family - Get Creative!

One advantage of hosting a wedding at home is being able to ask friends and family to help out with some of the larger tasks. From building a dance floor to hanging lights, it may turn out that you need extra bodies to get the job done. Don’t be afraid to get creative and ask for opinions - you might be surprised to learn that your neighbor is part of a local band or your dad is a bit of a whizz with DIY.

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate – but Don’t Go Overboard

Speaking of delegation, it’s important not to go overboard when planning a wedding at home. It’s OK to assign tasks to friends and family members that are willing to help, however there is also something to be said for hiring professionals to handle some of the bigger responsibilities. Rely upon event planners, florists, bakers, bartenders and caterers to take care of the essentials so you don’t end up spreading yourself thin or dealing with any last minute emergency scenarios.

Keep Your Safety First

Even if you think the task at hand is quite simple - always keep safety first. You'll want to avoid any unfortunate accidents taking place especially on your special day. If a project requires knowledge or skills beyond your reach, call an electrician, plumber or any other licensed professional to lend a hand.

Curate Thoughtful Touches

You know your family and friends best, so use this knowledge to your advantage as you plan the details of your wedding. Utilize photos of the two of you throughout your home - it can be quite a magical touch for your guests. Collect items from around the house and repurpose them for decorations. Use the dinner table as your “love story” backdrop with candles, meaningful mementos and photographs from the special days of your relationship.

The sky really is the limit when it comes to crafting your own unique wedding experience at home, just remember to take your time and put sufficient planning into the event to make it meaningful and memorable. With careful thought, you can end up with a one-of-a-kind celebration that will stay in your memories forever.