No Place Like Home?
Private homes, which have long been used for weddings, are becoming more popular with couples who want a smaller, more intimate wedding with fewer guests. Whether your home is large or small, a wedding held there can make you and your partner feel comfortable and cherished.
Savings Begin at Home
Savings can be considerable when the ceremony is held at home. You don't have to budget for the usage or rental fee of a church or synagogue, and there's no institutional cleaning fee or transportation expenses. Decorations can be kept to a minimum, since your home is already furnished.
Childhood Dreams
“I dreamed of walking down our staircase to meet my husband-to-be from the first time I saw my family home as a little girl,” a friend once confided. “I used to practice walking down the steps, holding a feather duster and pretending it was my bouquet. My mom and dad were thrilled when I asked if my fiancé and I could be married there. We stood before the fireplace and exchanged vows.”
Ceremonies at home can also take place around a sparkling swimming pool or in a corner of a lovely garden. Even the plainest garden can be inexpensively adorned with candles and pots of flowers from a discount florist or local nursery.
It Doesn't Have to Be Your Home
If a friend has a house you really love, consider asking him whether you can be married there. Most people feel flattered by such a request. New bride Olivia estimated that she saved $400 on ceremony expenses and had a wedding that was particularly special because she decided to have a home wedding.
Alert
If you decide to have a home wedding, don't waste your savings by buying new furniture or drapes. The guests won't be focusing on your home since they'll be too busy looking at the bride and groom.
“A friend of mine had a big Victorian home that she knew I just loved,” she said. “When I asked if Mark and I could be married there, she cried. We planted some flowers for the backyard ceremony and she said that now when she looks at them she remembers that day, and she's happy.”
Olivia figures she saved an additional $500 because she automatically limited her guest list due to the smaller size of the house. She didn't have to order expensive floral decorations for the church and reception site either. Much of the catering was also assembled at home.
