At Home weddings Planning Small Home Garden Backyard Wedding

The venue is home. That doesn’t mean that it will necessarily be a small wedding, yet is intimate and warm for your guests. However, there are a few things to discuss.

What considerations might you have? Here’s a check list of factors:
The amount of space compared with number of guests
Furniture (too much or not enough)
Rental of Chairs, Tables and Linen
Rental of Lighting
Rental of Tent or Canopy for outside to transform the yard into the reception site area
Rental of Sound System
Lattice and Garden items
Check with your local government about noise ordinances.
Check with the Police department about parking restrictions.
It is a courtesy to let your neighbors know that you're hosting a big reception---better yet---invite them!
Outdoor dancing? Think bug repellent and spraying the yard beforehand
Rent a portable outdoor bathroom
Send animals to a friend or board for the day
Hire a service to come a day or two after the wedding to clean everything

Determine what style of wedding you might want:
Cake and Punch
Formal champagne and d'oeuvres
Information buffet with d'oeuvres
Set down dinner
Bar-B-Q
Picnic

Display Items
Baby photos and old photos of the engaged couple
Baby Memory Books
Photos of the parents when younger
Courtship keepsakes in a shadow box or set out
Engagement Photographs
Family Tree(s)
Victorian Certificate!

Planting tree or bush if ceremony is held at your new home
In Switzerland, a pine tree, which symbolizes luck and fertility, is planted at the couple’s new home. Take a few moments to lead guests outside to assist with planting a tree. Use small pine trees decorated as you wish and instruct guests to plant their tree as a special remembrance favor. These small evergreen trees are easy to decorate with ribbon, a poem and other items, and is good for the environment. This ideas can also be used when decorating in the home.

Assignment of Roles, Duties & Responsibilities for Agenda

Refreshments / Cocktails
Spokesperson, Mentor, Minister, Moderator, Master of Ceremony, Host, etc.
Photos
Door Greeter or Receiving Line
Registry
Tour guests around Home
Speech Presentation or Start-up
Ceremony
Special Activities, ice breakers or games

Banquet/Buffet

Activities

Fun Things	Serious Ceremonial	Miscellaneous for All
Roast & Toast	Candle Lighting	Presentation of Guest Favors
Paper Puzzles or Games for the kids	Scripture or Verse cards for guests to recite in unison	Special Toasts
	Special Music / Vocalist	Reading of congratulations & messages of those unable to attend
Bubbles (outdoors)	Certificate Signing During ceremony Wedding Certificates Anniversary Certificate Renewal of Vows Certificate	Pass out inspirational cards to guests
Be creative with name tags—indicate relation to guest of honor	Handshake Greetings amongst attendees	Balloon Release (or butterflies or a pair of doves)

Planning an At-Home Wedding Wedding....Anniversary.....Renewal of Vows.....Commitment Ceremonies

Planning an At-Home Wedding
Wedding....Anniversary.....Renewal of Vows.....Commitment Ceremonies