Pros and Cons of Getting Married at Home
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to film weddings at all kinds of venues. I’ve filmed weddings at barn venues, manor houses, historic halls, and private residences. They say home is where the heart is, and it can be where the party is too!
Kerry and Alex married in their local church, then trotted on back via horse and carriage to a family home for a relaxed and fun-filled reception.
So, what are some of the pros of hosting your own wedding?
I suppose the first thing to spring to mind is control. Over your date, over your timeline, over which traditions to include or set aside. You can choose the decor, whether you want a three-course wedding breakfast or a fleet of food trucks, and what time you want the speeches. The choices are yours to make!
Hosting a wedding at home brings intimacy and familiarity to the day too. Whether it’s your own property or a family home, you’ve likely spent time there before and made a lot of memories that will imbue your wedding day. And in turn, your wedding day will imbue your setting for years to come. This brings a different level of comfort and nostalgia too. Maybe you’re getting ready in your childhood bedroom, maybe it’s a symbolic welcome to the family from your new in-laws.
It may be cheaper too, freeing up budget for other things like hiring me for your wedding videography (wink, nudge).
But here are some considerations to bear in mind if you’re thinking of planning your wedding at home.
You’re in control of the fun stuff, and the sensible boring things too - like parking and where people will go to the loo. Is there shade from the sun, cover from the rain, and somewhere to get tap water? Are there neighbours nearby you might need to consider for late-night noise? How much tidying up will you need to do the next day when you might be tired and/or hungover?
It’s a common assumption that having your wedding at home is cheaper than hiring a venue; but hiring a marquee, furniture, decor, catering, lighting, and maybe even some gardening adds up. Not just financially, the time and stress costs of DIYing can stack up over time too.
Wedding planning is a job in itself, and can be overwhelming. Independent planners have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and could be the bridge between DIY and keeping yourself stress-free during your celebrations.
Ultimately, you know what would help you to feel the most comfortable, and how much organisation you want to take on. The venue is one puzzle piece of your day, and wherever you spend it will be beautiful.
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Photographer: I Do Photography
Florist: Tiger Lillies Florist
Evening Band: The Hot Shots
Daytime Singer: Bethany Amelia
You can watch a couple of at-home success stories here:
Frankie May Weddings - Natural Documentary Wedding Videography based in Norfolk UK, capturing beautiful moments wherever love stories are found.