I just returned from looking at a home where a fall wedding will be held in the yard. Having an event at a private home may make it more personal and recall special memories, but it isn’t necessarily the least expensive way to go and there can be numerous drawbacks. Before deciding to have a wedding-related event at home, consider the following:
- Is there enough space to accommodate the anticipated number of guests?
- Is adequate parking available?
- Will the noise disturb neighbors?
- Will the homeowners need or want to make repairs or landscape? Some people use a special event as a catalyst to make home improvements; just don’t start remodeling the kitchen 3 weeks before a major event.
- Do the homeowners or neighbors have pets that might be a problem, such as an excitable dog?
- Do any guests have allergies or asthma that might be triggered by plants or pets?
- Is the home or yard handicapped-accessible, if necessary? Could someone in a wheel chair or using a walker get through doorways, down narrow halls, or into restrooms?
- If the event will be held in a yard, are there obstructions, such as sprinkler heads, that might cause a problem? What about insects? Is lighting adequate for evening events?
- If weather is bad, sidewalks may need to be shoveled; guests may need to be met with an umbrella, and space will be needed for wet or muddy shoes and coats.
Showers: Private homes are excellent locations for bridal showers, either indoors or in the yard. All you need is space for seating, food and gifts.
Rehearsal Dinners: A backyard is an excellent location for a casual rehearsal dinner. You might have a BBQ or hire a caterer. Tables, chairs, linens, dishware and special items like large coffee pots, can be rented. Be careful of music levels and disturbing neighbors.
Weddings and Receptions: Many homes can accommodate only a small ceremony in the house, but a larger one in the yard. Space will be needed for guest tables, ceremony seating, food tables, gift and guest book tables, cake or dessert table, and beverage tables. It is not necessarily less expensive to have a wedding at a home because of the cost of renting tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and other items. If weather could be a problem, it may be necessary to rent tents or canopies, as well as an item to create a focal point for the ceremony (an arch or small gazebo). Dancing can occur on a patio or deck. If that’s not available, then a dance floor may need to be rented.
The homeowner should plan to mow the lawn the day before the wedding, not the day of it, so grass stains on shoes and clothing can be minimized. The lawn should not be watered within 24 hours of the wedding.
If parking is a problem, it may be necessary to arrange for guests to park at a nearby school or church then be shuttled to the home. Blocking narrow streets can result in guests being ticketed for blocking a fire lane if a fire truck is unable to drive down the street, even if there is no emergency.
Neighbors should be informed of the event and the times so they won’t mow their lawns or engage in other noisy activities. They can be encouraged to keep dogs inside if the dogs would bark at guests.
Be careful of loud music. Many communities have noise ordinances that must be observed. Be certain that band leaders or DJs are willing to cooperate.
The homeowners should decide in advance whether they want caterers using the kitchen or guests entering the house to use the restroom. If not, porta-potties can be rented. Plan on one for every 50 guests.
If a caterer will be engaged, let them know where they will be working and where water and power outlets are located. If you don’t want caterers in the house, then set up a work area in a garage. If alcohol will be served, you may be able to do it yourself, but you will reduce your liability by hiring a professional bar service or at least a professional bar tender.
Be sure to provide plenty of trash containers. You may also want to set up a recycling station with containers for glass and cans.
Clean-up: The clean-up after a home event can be huge, so don’t leave it all for the homeowner. Instead, arrange for people to help with dishwashing, trash removal, stacking rented tables and chairs, and other chores. Choose someone to be in charge of removing gifts and any personal items, such as a bride or groom’s clothing.
Having a special event at a private home can be more personal and relaxed, but it involves a lot of work and often more expense than having the event elsewhere, so consider your options carefully before deciding on a home event.
©2009, Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC