The answer to this question will depend on many factors. How many guests will you have? How much space do you have? What are the resources you have at the home? Is the home set up for entertaining large groups?
We hear from couples that they are going to do their wedding at their home to save money. They are then surprised to learn that the reality is very different! For some couples the expense and work is exactly what they count on and truly want the wedding on the family property. For others, it just is too much, and they find out too late it is not all they thought it would be. For some people, the desire to get married at home is not at all about saving money, yet they are surprised at the added expenses they had not considered.
Here are some considerations:
- How many restrooms will be available to guests or do you need to rent some?
- If you are inviting 30 or more people to your home your bathrooms are going to get a lot of use, especially when beer is being served!
- Who will unclog the toilet and deal with the overflow?
- Do you want that many people roaming around your home?
- If weather turns bad, what will be your back up plan?
- Do you have a room large enough for everyone to gather in order to get out of the rain and hold the ceremony?
- Where will everyone sit in order to eat?
- Do you own enough chairs and tables, or will you need to rent them?
- Will your guests have to move chairs from the ceremony to the reception area?
- How strong and stable are the table and chairs you have on hand?
- Who will set them up and tear them down for the event?
- Thinking about renting and putting up a tent to protect from the weather?
- Did you know that a tent large enough to host many weddings require a crane to erect? They must be permitted and inspected by building and fire officials.
- Will the tent protect your guests in the event of wind and blowing rain?
- Will your neighbors be okay with cars parked up and down the street, possibly blocking their driveway?
- Do you have enough space to park cars on your own property?
- Can they get out when the grass gets wet?
- Is your kitchen large enough for the caterer to use for final prep and staging of your meal?
- Is there enough counter space?
- Will you have room in your refrigerator for those things that must be kept cold?
- Is the kitchen right in the middle of the traffic pattern for others using the home?
- What are the risks of someone getting burned or injured?
- What is the risk for food contamination with so many people going through the kitchen?
- Will your electrical system support the DJ, lights and other electrical needs during the wedding?
- Do you have a place to put a generator to support the high demands of a wedding?
- Running drop cords across the yard to reach from the house to the dance floor, to the food service area, etc. is a trip hazard.
- Will you overload your home’s residential electrical system and end up with a fire hazard?
- How many days will be required for set up and tear down?
- Who will be responsible for being on site during set up and again when everything is finished?
- Will you have to do the cleanup of your yard, kitchen and bathrooms when the evening is over?
By the time you hire, rent, and make the necessary adaptations to your property, you may find that it is easier, cheaper, and less work to utilize a commercial wedding venue. When you are considering doing a backyard wedding, it is even more vital that you bring a professional planner who is knowledgeable about the many aspects to make your day successful, less stressful and safe! We can help you find a competent qualified professional planner who is experienced with all the details of a home wedding. Give us a call! 336-937-0890
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