A home wedding can be just as unique and special as a wedding hosted at a venue, if not more so. Even with a tight budget and limited space, you can create a gorgeous setting that’s perfect for saying “I do.” This guide will help you decorate a home wedding for any season.

Winter

If you’re dreaming of an elegant wedding, winter is the season for you. Cold winter weather invites formalwear and intimate interiors — just check out this gorgeous wedding at Brides!

However, throwing a home wedding during the holidays presents some unique challenges. For one, wet shoes and bulky outerwear can quickly make a mess of your home. Designate an area for guests to stash their winter clothing and schedule professional carpet cleanings before and after the wedding. Winter weather is also a safety issue, especially for older guests. Assign someone the task of clearing walkways of ice and snow on the wedding day. You’ll also want to improve your outdoor lighting to account for early nightfall.

Spring

Blooming flowers and trees make spring a lovely season for a garden party wedding. For couples in hot climates, spring is the ideal time to beat the heat and humidity of summer.

If planning a home wedding for spring, you need to start preparing in fall. Fertilize your lawn and reseed bare patches so the grass fills in quickly in spring. If you want vibrant flower gardens as a backdrop, fall is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs. Wet spring? Make sure you have a solid backup plan in case of rain. The Knot details what to consider.

Summer

Wedding season hits full swing in early summer. It’s hard to beat gorgeous weather, relaxed schedules, and nature in full bloom! Summer is also the easiest season to plan a home wedding in much of the country. With dry weather and warm temperatures late into the evening, you can make full use of your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

Take advantage of the summer weather to host a backyard wedding. However, consider that not everyone can withstand long stretches in the heat, particularly the youngest and oldest guests. Ensure there’s plenty of water to drink and provide cool, shaded areas where guests can rest.

Fall

Fall is the go-to season for rustic backyard weddings. Vibrant autumn leaves provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photos, while brisk evening weather encourages guests to mingle around a crackling fire. Your biggest challenge for a fall home wedding is keeping guests warm outdoors. Fires are a cozy touch, but unless you’re lighting up the whole yard, there probably won’t be enough room for everyone. Rent outdoor heaters and strategically place baskets of blankets around the seating area to keep everyone cozy.

Home Wedding Tips for All Seasons

Many home wedding preparations are the same no matter the season. Whether it’s summer or winter, these are a few things every couple must do before a home wedding.

1. Clean the house from top to bottom. Hire professionals instead of doing this yourself.
2. Declutter, packing up decorations, trinkets, and other household items that don’t fit alongside your wedding décor.
3. Maximize floor space by rearranging furniture, and consider storing excess items in a self-storage unit if needed.
4. Fix up the landscaping.
5. Designate a bridal party staging area and clean it up so it photographs well.
6. If you’ll be hosting guests, furnish the guest bedrooms with fresh bed linens, towels, and toiletries. If you don’t have enough towels and linens, stock up now (but make sure linens aren’t also on your registry)
7. Rent tables, chairs, and tents. If you’re not renting tents, make sure everyone can fit indoors if it rains. Don’t forget a dance floor and portable bathrooms!

Planning a home wedding has many benefits. You’re not worried about competing for dates at the most popular venues, you can decorate and cater to your own whims, and you avoid those high-priced venue fees. However, that doesn’t mean a home wedding is an easy solution. A lot goes into pulling off a home wedding. Use our tips and work with your wedding planner to create a foolproof plan for your big day.

Written by Alice Robertson.

_________

Hey friends, Steven here!

Today’s blog post was a collaboration with Alice Robertson. She’s a home organization expert and when she asked me to be a guest writer on my blog I thought it was a great idea!

Even if none of the wedding events takes place at your home, you’ll inevitably need to use the space as a staging area, meeting location, and/or guest quarters. I hope this helps!