Home Is Where the Wedding Is: Budget- Friendly Tips to Prepare
There’s no need to sugarcoat it; weddings can get expensive. For this reason, many brides and grooms are choosing to hold their nuptials at home, which cuts down on the cost significantly. If you are looking to say “I do” at home anytime soon, here are a few ways to get your home ready for your big day without breaking the bank.
Do Your Savvy Shopper Homework
If you’re not already a savvy shopper, now’s the time to become one. To keep costs low, it’s essential that you do your homework ahead of time. Prepare by looking for deals, promo codes, cashback opportunities, and coupons galore.
If you’re purchasing decor or makeup, for example, research sales first, then find online promo codes and cashback opportunities. Becoming a savvy shopper isn’t hard. It just requires a little prep work. A small amount of time can result in a huge amount of savings.
Tap Into Your Personal Network
You might be pretty good at DIY projects, but unless you’re a superhuman, you probably have your limits. For example, if you can barely bake a sheet cake, it’s not the best idea to attempt to create a three-tier wedding cake. Unfortunately, the more you hire out (cake, flowers, decorations, seating), the bigger the price tag.
Now is the time to reach out to your personal network. Ask your cake aficionado cousin to put her skills to good use. Ask if your best friend would mind playing DJ. To reach even more people, use social media. Don’t be afraid to get your craft on either. The Huffington Post notes that there are plenty of things you can DIY such as place cards, invitations, goodie bags, and décor.
Save, But Don’t Skimp
A backyard wedding is a little more relaxed than a traditional wedding, giving you the freedom to provide lower-key food and drinks. You can have BBQ catered, employ family members to cook homemade dishes, or provide your own signature drink. However, make sure you have enough so guests aren’t hungry. Depending on the time of day, you may be able to provide only appetizers, but if it’s around mealtime, you’ll want to accommodate.
The Nest points out that seating is also important. If your ceremony is short, people can certainly stand, but seating should be provided during the reception. Ask local schools and churches (and friends) if you can borrow tables and chairs.
When it comes to music, certainly don’t skimp on the speakers. You may have the best song selection — before, during and after the ceremony– but if the audio is sub-par you’re much less likely to have a packed dance floor at the reception. Go for high-quality wireless speakers that pair with other Bluetooth-enabled devices like Alexa or Google Nest, giving you the flexibility of positioning the speakers wherever you’d like.
Prepare Your House
Your wedding might take place outside, but you should expect guests in your home, too. They will probably mingle inside, especially if food and drinks are served indoors. To make sure you’re not rushed for time, deep clean your home at least a week in advance. It may also be a good idea to purchase a robot vacuum to help with cleaning, especially if you have pets who shed.
In addition, if the reception will be held inside your home, or you’ll be having guests stay the night, you’ll need to find inexpensive ways to decorate and accommodate. Look for multifunctional furniture and decor, and consider borrowing pieces. Additionally, explore different wallpaper colors for your walls. While professional-grade options are available, peel-and-stick wallpaper is easier to apply and can be removed as needed The different designs available are seemingly endless, from simple black-and-white patterns to explosions of brilliant color, giving you an array of different options to play around with.
If the backyard will be used for segments of the wedding like the ceremony itself, you’ll want to make sure the lawn and landscaping is in tip-top shape. Consider planting flowers that match the color scheme — and the bouquets — of the event, a perfect set-up for your photo sessions. Also think about props like a gazebo or trellis, which has the double benefit of helping increase the appraisal value of your property should you decide to sell your home at some point.
Rent the Necessities
There are two things you just can’t do without at a wedding: bathrooms and power. The general rule of thumb is that you should have one toilet for every 10 guests. You can use your personal bathrooms, but if you don’t have enough, consider renting portable toilets. When you factor in lighting, music, and other electrical needs, weddings use a lot of electricity. Renting a generator is the best way to prevent a power surge.
Planning a wedding is hard work, and it can be expensive. However, hosting a backyard wedding is a great way to save if you’re willing to put in a little work. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for their help, but spend when you need to. Don’t forget to clean the inside of your home to accommodate guests, take a deep breath, and get ready to walk down the aisle.
