Choosing to have your wedding, a shower, reception, or rehearsal dinner at a private home can save money and add special meaning and memories to the event, but there can be drawbacks too. Before choosing to have your event at a private home, consider the following things:
• Is there enough room for all of the anticipated guests?
• Is adequate parking available?
• Will the noise disturb the neighbors?
• Will the homeowner need or want to make repairs, paint, or landscape before the event? Some people choose to use the special event as a catalyst to make repairs that they have been putting off. Just be sure to complete the work well before the date of the event. (Remodeling the kitchen 3 weeks before a wedding is definitely poor timing.)
• Are there animals that might cause a problem, such as an excitable dog, either at the home or at a neighbor's home?
• Do any of the guests have allergies or asthma that might be triggered by plants or pets?
• Is the home and/or yard handicapped accessible, if necessary? People who use wheelchairs may have difficulty maneuvering on grass, getting up and down stairs, down narrow hallways, through narrow doorways, or into bathrooms, etc.
• If the event will be held outdoors, are there sprinkler heads or other obstructions in the lawn that might cause a problem? What is the bug situation? Are there mosquitoes, bees, or other annoying pests? If the event is being held in the evening, is there adequate lighting?
• If the weather is bad, sidewalks may need to be shoveled, or guests may need to be met with an umbrella. The host will also need a place for wet or muddy shoes and coats.
• Is there enough room for all of the anticipated guests?
• Is adequate parking available?
• Will the noise disturb the neighbors?
• Will the homeowner need or want to make repairs, paint, or landscape before the event? Some people choose to use the special event as a catalyst to make repairs that they have been putting off. Just be sure to complete the work well before the date of the event. (Remodeling the kitchen 3 weeks before a wedding is definitely poor timing.)
• Are there animals that might cause a problem, such as an excitable dog, either at the home or at a neighbor's home?
• Do any of the guests have allergies or asthma that might be triggered by plants or pets?
• Is the home and/or yard handicapped accessible, if necessary? People who use wheelchairs may have difficulty maneuvering on grass, getting up and down stairs, down narrow hallways, through narrow doorways, or into bathrooms, etc.
• If the event will be held outdoors, are there sprinkler heads or other obstructions in the lawn that might cause a problem? What is the bug situation? Are there mosquitoes, bees, or other annoying pests? If the event is being held in the evening, is there adequate lighting?
• If the weather is bad, sidewalks may need to be shoveled, or guests may need to be met with an umbrella. The host will also need a place for wet or muddy shoes and coats.
| Below is a list of events to hold at home Bridal Showers Private homes are particularly appropriate places to hold showers. All you really need is enough chairs for everyone, and room for the gifts and the food. The shower can be held either indoors or outside if the weather is nice. Rehearsal Dinners A home can provide a relaxing setting for the rehearsal dinner if there is room. You won't have to leave as soon as you might if the meal were held at a restaurant, so your guests can relax and enjoy visiting. If the weather is nice, consider having a BBQ or a potluck outdoors. Be sure to alert the neighbors to the increased traffic and watch the noise level. Unless the home is in the country, you may not be able to play loud music. The homeowners will need to have enough tables and chairs for all of the guests and perhaps provide activities for the children as well. Tables and chairs can be rented, as can other items that might be handy, such as a large coffee pot or punch bowl. Consider using paper plates to cut down on dishwashing. Lawn chairs are convenient for an outdoor dinner. Weddings: Indoors Most homes can accommodate only a small wedding indoors. Therefore, it is best to limit attendants to only a maid/matron of honor and a best man. Large pieces of furniture may need to be moved out of the room where the ceremony will be held. Chairs should be provided for the elderly and the mothers even if most guests stand. A fireplace makes a nice focal point for the couple to stand in front of, or you might rent an arch. Decorations can be minimal, mainly flowers and plants. Wedding: Outdoors Unless the wedding will be very small, it is usually best to hold it outside in the yard. Again, you will need to watch the noise and the traffic. The homeowner may want to alert neighbors to the event and discourage them from mowing their lawns or engaging in other noisy activities that will disrupt the service. If a neighbor has a dog that barks or is easily excitable, they should be alerted so that they can arrange to keep the dog inside during the wedding. You may need to rent tables, chairs, linens, and decorative items, such as an arch or gazebo, to create a focal point for the bride and groom. If the wedding day is expected to be hot or rainy, you may also need to rent a canopy or tent. The homeowners may want to do some additional landscaping before the wedding as well. Mow the lawn at least one day prior to the wedding so that grass stains are kept to a minimum. Don't water the lawn on the wedding day either. The homeowners should decide in advance whether they want people coming in and out of the house to use the bathroom or kitchen (other than members of the wedding party to get dressed). If they prefer that guests and caterers remain outside, you may need to rent port-a-potties. They rent for about $70 each per day. One will suffice for groups of less than 100, but you will probably need 2 if you have more than 100 guests. If you don't want people in the house, consider blocking the door with a food table or another item that can't be easily moved. Receptions If the reception is held at a home, you will need tables for the food, gifts, wedding cake, and beverages, as well as tables for the guests. All can be rented from a rental center. Home receptions are perfect times to hold a BBQ or another informal meal. If a caterer is engaged, the homeowner should let them know what is available in the way of power outlets and inform them of any restrictions on the space they can use, and whether they can use the kitchen. Many caterers have mobile kitchens or grills, which may require a special location. If you are planning to hire a D.J, it may be necessary to keep the sound down to avoid upsetting the neighbors. If you plan to dance and a patio is not available, dance floors can be rented in 3 foot square and 4 foot square sections. Canopies or tents can also be rented if it will be a warm day. |
Clean-up
No matter what the event, someone needs to clean up afterward. If the hosts are not able to handle the necessary clean-up, someone should be chosen to assist. By using disposable plates and cups, total clean-up will be reduced, but trash removal will increase. Be sure to have enough large trash cans with extra liners on hand for paper plates and for used gift wrap. The homeowner may need help with dishwashing, food storage, removal of tables, chairs, and trash and other activities.
Choosing to have your wedding or reception at a private home can make the event more personal, but it may require more work and may cost more. Only you can decide what is best for your special day.
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