No Place Like Home | Getting Your Home Wedding-Ready
Low-Cost, High-Impact Ways to Get Your Home Wedding-Ready
We all know home weddings are ideal for couples who want to keep costs low and want an authentic and beautiful setting. Not only do you cut the cost of paying for a venue, but you also avoid the need to fill a huge space to create the wedding of your dreams.
Home wedding events still require preparation, but the great thing is you can work with what you have, along with a few low-cost extras. These ideas are low-cost but high-impact - and guaranteed to transform your home from everyday to amazing.
Make the Most of Nature
If you plan on having any events outside, you already have a beautiful backdrop in the natural setting. Of course, this means your lawn and garden need to be in top shape, but with careful planning you can add landscaping that will be in full bloom. Use the setting as inspiration for decorations by incorporating other natural elements. If you need to create an aisle, use small stones for the outline, or make a stepping stone path.
With an outdoor wedding, planning for rain is essential, but putting up a tent doesn’t mean you have to be cut off from nature’s beauty. Bring potted trees inside the tent (that you can later plant in your yard). Or, consider this idea from Brides for creating a dreamy entrance to your tent by attaching gauzy curtains, tied back and bordered with a floral garland.
For any outdoor events, one of the least expensive ways to create ambiance is with lighting. Stock up on string lights and drape them in trees for a casual vibe, or for a more dramatic look, swag lights overhead to cast a romantic glow over the entire space.
Something Old, Something New
Whether your events will be outdoors or inside, the most cost-effective strategy for decorating is to use items you already have along with new pieces that will serve you long term (rather than just one day). Martha Stewart Weddings suggests using heirlooms or your favorite books as centerpieces, and serving guests with family china rather than renting serving ware. For flower arrangements, use an eclectic mix of vases you already own.
When it comes to the things you don’t already own, buy what you need strategically. A personalized welcome mat is a sweet greeting for guests and it makes a nice addition to your home. Instead of renting linens, purchase tablecloths to start your own stock, or purchase scraps from a fabric store that can be used for home projects later on. These strategic purchases are often less expensive and smarter for the long term than renting things for a day.
Accommodate Stylishly Without Breaking the Bank
If you'll be having your reception or another gathering at your home before or after the big day, or if guests will be sleeping at your house, you'll need to look for inexpensive ways to decorate, furnish and accommodate. Before you purchase anything, take time to figure out how to double or triple stack saving opportunities by using coupons, cashback opportunities and in-store offers.
For example, if bed linens or towels are needed, look to stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond or Target, which always have online sales. If you need decor, again, Target or even Pier One can be great go-tos depending on your style needs. Even wedding day makeup deals can be found at stores like CVS, Ulta or Amazon.
Another way to make your wedding expenses do double duty is by thinking smartly about the purchases you make in getting your house ready to accommodate guests. Poufs and accent chairs add extra seating, and they can also be used to create a hip cocktail area. Plus, you will enjoy these pieces (and can look forward to more entertaining) well after the wedding is over. Along with indoor seating, you want to make sure you’ve got comfy outdoor options too. Look to sites like Rakuten to find deals on chic patio sets and lounge chairs.
The great thing about home wedding events is that nowhere else feels quite as special. Your home is an extension of who you are, and the personal touches will make it even more meaningful. These tips, and your own creative touches, will make your houseguest-ready and magical for your big day.
Thanks to Aimee Lyons of DIY Darlin’ for today’s guest blog post! This post contains affiliate links. You can read my FTC disclosure here.