Weddings at home......

Ive been doing a lot of research about outside weddings and as those summer months are coming, I thought I would share with you a few helpful tips and advice I have put together, Outside weddings can be so personal and if you family have a big manor house or a view over the amazing English countryside then using what you have already got can be a big money saver... or maybe not ....
                                                      
There is something about about home weddings that makes them so special!  Maybe it’s that they’re a memory to a time when all family christmas's and birthday's were shared year after year under the same roof or, is it the choice of having the garden you’ve grown with and played in as a child? Whatever the reason, weddings in your own home are, well can be, simply incredible.

I'm going to show you that with a lot of DIY home weddings can be a beautiful setting for your big day and not only that but life long memories can be created.

 Although it may be more work (and more expensive) than you first thought, you won't regret saying your vows in the place that means the most to you. It's all about being prepared for what it takes to throw a wedding in your very own  home.
                                                        

You Need space to Say "I do"

Does your garden have enough space for all your guests? If not, you may need to start trimming the list.  If you plan to use a combination of indoor and outdoor space, remember that if the weather takes a turn for the worst, everyone will need to fit indoors. Will there be enough space indoors?  remember a ceremony room will need to have folding chairs with a wide enough space for an aisle,  The general size is six to ten square-feet of floor space per guest for row seating. Also remember your guests need somewhere to park.

You Can't Do It All Yourself

As you're so used to your home surroundings, consider hiring a wedding coordinator as they will give you a fresh perspective on the venue and what you can and cannot do. You may also need to hire people to help cover all the basics, for example, setting up, catering, waiters, cleaning up. Hiring a cleaning crew may be the best decision you'll make. In the days leading up to the wedding, the last thing you (or your parents) want to have to do is major housework..
                                                        

Make Your sure that you can marry at your home,

Make sure your wedding officiant will give you their blessing at your chosen location (some aren't able to perform the ceremony outside their place of worship because it's not recognised by the church). You'll want to give yourself plenty of time to find a licensed officiant who will do the honours.


Hiring out extra items.

You will need to hire out extra must have items, such as tables, chairs, dinnerware, napkins, table linens, place settings, a bar, portable loo's, and maybe a marquee/ti pee. Hire enough chairs so everyone can be seated for the ceremony. If you need more room for the reception, remove most of the chairs after the meal, keeping just enough around so half your guests can sit during the reception.
Another important item to consider is a generator, Most homes wouldn't be able to give you the extra amount of electricity needed and the last thing you need is the power to go when your caterers are cooking your meal. Have your vendors and suppliers come and visit your house so they can see what they have to work with on the day. Check that your ground space is level, remember if you intend to make an outside dance floor your need flat ground as well as the area for the cake or you could end up having a disaster! Remember you will need enough outside electricity for lighting and the DJ to use in, an out building may be a good option !

DIY decorations...

Think about what makes your home special to you, maybe its an elegant hall way, a massive oak tree in your backyard with your dads home made swing, or a gorgeous view in the country, whatever the feature use it to its full advantage for your day. Use different centrepieces from around your home, maybe a tall vase for one table and Granny's vintage candlesticks for another, try to mix-and-match vases and china. If possible use fresh, home grown flowers or use lots of outdoor lighting, such as Garden lamps, paper lanterns, and tiny white lights strung on branches will create a stunning cosy look.

                                                       

Insurance, insurance, insurance!

From your evening guests dancing on your lawn to vendors coming in and out, your home may take a bit of a beating. A good idea is to find out what your home owner's insurance covers.  It may be worth considering getting a extra policy. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers third-party liability, and with your vendors to make sure they have their own insurance policies.

It will all come together on the day...

I want to help you to be prepared, not worry you about having a wedding at home!, a home wedding is an event your family will always remember. The best thing about having your wedding at home is how personal it can be. Nothing will compare to getting ready in your childhood bedroom and coming down the old staircase in your gown. Make sure you have the right people to help, and you'll walk down your homemade aisle stress-free ready to make your dreams come true.