The familiar and cherished setting provided by a family home is the dream wedding venue for many couples. It’s easy to see how the rooms and gardens that played host to childhood dreams may be the very place that someone wishes to celebrate the love of their life. There are many perks to having your wedding at home, but there are also details to consider carefully; details that could spell the success or failure of your event depending on how they are treated.
South Florida is home to some magnificent properties, and many luxurious Miami weddings are celebrated on rolling lawns beneath clear skies, and with ocean views that only dreams are made of. We have catered and produced many such home weddings, so we’ve gathered a few pro tips from our planners to share with you.
1: Permits and county regulations
Find out whether you need permits for your event. Every county and municipality has different requirements so you'll want to figure this out as soon as possible in order to get a clear understanding of what your wedding’s requirements will be. Whether your neighborhood requires permits or not, be sure to check in with your neighbors and let them know what your plans are.
2: Use the entire property
Use different areas of your property for each event. Perhaps guests arrive for the welcome drink inside, followed by a garden ceremony, cocktails poolside and dinner and dancing under a tent in the garden. Whatever flow you choose, make use of all the best features of your home.
3: Have a rainy day plan.
This one needs no explanation. If you’re planning to dine al fresco, reserve a tent just in case the weather isn’t on your side. Be ready to take outdoor events indoors if necessary or have a plan B whatever that means for you.
4: Hire a cleaning service
You’ve probably already thought of hiring a clean-up crew for after the event, but consider getting a team in to clean prior to the event too. With all the out of town family and friends coming and going in addition to the vendors, your house may quickly get messy. A team of professionals will make sure your home is spotless and clutter-free so your wedding pics will have a perfect background .
5: Select décor that compliments your property.
This may be an obvious recommendation but you’ll be surprised how many people don’t think of it. Make sure the décor, flowers, color theme and rental furniture complement the decor, architecture and landscaping of the home.
6: Dedicate rooms for wardrobe, hair and makeup.
The bride, bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen will all need an area to get ready. The bride and bridesmaids may need to change and touch up hair and makeup between the ceremony and the reception. Be sure to allocate a private suite for this.
7: Make creative use of spaces that have special meaning.
Whether it’s a rose garden, a pergola, an old oak tree or a spacious patio, places in the home that hold special memories can be used in various creative ways for your event.
8: Strategize the catering
Remember that the caterers won’t be preparing hors d’oeuvres and plating appetizers and entrees for up to 100 guests in your family kitchen. They will need to set up close to a water source and bring in equipment — a power source and probably a tent to set up an on site kitchen. Keep this in mind. Where will they set up that remains out of sight but easy to access?
9: Use the family heirlooms
A wedding reception is the perfect occasion to use the family china or linens. Don’t hesitate to use meaningful family items as part of your wedding decor.
10: Restrooms, generators & other details
You will need restroom trailers. The few restrooms in your home will probably not handle all the wear and tear of a large party. You may also need furniture rentals like additional lounge setups, bars and tall cocktail tables.
11: Ensure ample space for entertainment and dancing
Ensure plenty of space for the DJ and band. Whether it’s indoors, outside or inside a tent, make sure the dance floor is big enough.
12: Are children invited? Hire babysitters.
If this is a child-friendly wedding, which home weddings often are, consider hiring babysitters to keep the children entertained and safe.
13: Valet parking
Consider offering valet service if the on-site parking at your home is tricky or confusing for your guests. If you don’t offer valet or shuttle bus services, make sure your guests can easily find parking nearby or on your property.
14: Plan a spectacular send off
Make sure you leave space in front of your home so you can set up an spectacular send off. This would mean not having parked cars in that area.
Photo Credits: Photography by Alisa Ferris; Catering by Thierry Isambert; Wedding planner Pilar Pava Events