Planning a small wedding

A home garden wedding is a romantic, intimate event perfect for both formal and casual ceremonies. If you have a small family, or limited wedding budget this type of wedding might be perfect for you.

The most difficult part of planning a home or garden wedding is finding a location to have your wedding. If you are lucky you will have a family member or friend who has a lovely backyard and is willing to let you celebrate your special day there. If not, there are private homes you can rent for your special day. No matter which route you go, there are things you need to keep in mind when choosing your wedding location.

1. Is the home large enough to hold all of your guests? You want to choose a home that has enough room for everyone you are inviting.

2. Are the bathrooms adequate for the number of guests you are inviting? You do not want your guests having to stand in line for a long time to use the facilities. Realize there will be some wait time, but having more than one bathroom is optimal.

3. If you are having your reception at the same location, will your caterer be able to use the kitchen and is it large enough for them to use? Being able to use an oven, refrigerator and sink at the same location as the reception would mean maximum food quality and temperature.

4. Does the home have enough electrical outlets? Depending on the time of day you have your wedding you could need lights, heaters, or fans to keep your guests comfortable. If you are having your reception at the same home, you would need outlets for the band or DJ, as well as the bartender and caterer.

5. Is there enough parking around the home for your guests? You want to pick a house that has legal parking around it close enough so the guests do not have to walk blocks to get there. If not, consider having valet parking for your guests.

6. Do not forget rentals. Even a private rental home is not going to have enough chairs, tables, and specialty items for your wedding day. Be sure you can have your rental company, caterer, and other wedding necessities arrive early for set up.

Those are some of the things you need to consider when looking for a home. Now, here are some things you should consider if you are allowing someone to use your home for their wedding.

1. Check with your home owner's insurance company to see if you need an extra wavier for the event. Bad things can happen, whether it is someone tripping and being hurt or property damage. You want to be covered in the event of an accident.

2. Secure valuables. It does not matter if you are renting your home to strangers or letting your best friend use it for her wedding. You have no control over who is invited into your home. Extended family, friends and their guests are going to be inside your home, so make sure you secure what you do not want damaged or taken.

3. If you allow the caterer to use your kitchen ware, be sure to have it labeled as belonging to you. Often times, the caterer will have a staff who may not realize the items they are packed away after the reception belong you. Be sure you let them know what stays and what goes.

4. Send your neighbors a note letting them know you are hosting a wedding, especially if it is going to be an evening event or there will be a band or DJ. Consider having a thank you party after the event for your neighbors.

5. If you are renting your home consider being home that day to ensure your home's safety. You do not have to come to the party, but be on hand in the event of an accident or problem.

A home wedding is a wonderfully intimate way to exchange your wedding vows. It might take a little planning, but the end results will be well worth the efforts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Arkin

Planning a small wedding

Discretion, minimal organization effort, intimacy and low budget considerations characterize best the need for planning a small wedding. Very many couples have to start preparations on a very low budget and therefore, they would only invite a close group of family and friends to be there with them on the big day. Planning a small wedding diminishes by no means the importance of the event as such, on the contrary, the increased level of intimacy makes it even more romantic for the couple. So, if you're planning a small wedding you'll have to decide on an appropriate location and get to work.

Outdoor premises are very often considered ideal for planning small weddings; you may choose between a beach, a park, a public garden or any other natural site that matches the requirements. Needless to say that, such a location is great for your budget when planning a small wedding. You won't have to bother with too many decorations, since many of them come with the natural surroundings. An arch dripping with flowers is perfect when planning a small wedding and it looks great in photos.

If you're planning a small wedding, it's obvious you want things as simple as possible, for instance the wedding cake may be a delicious combination of your favorite type of dessert. When planning a small wedding the reception meal won't be too sophisticated either, talk to your caterers in advance and decide on which courses to serve and when, since the moment when dinner starts is very important for the guests who may be hungry. There are special precaution measures you should take when planning a small wedding outdoors, for examples you'll have to keep bugs and mosquitoes away. Have someone spray the bushes a day before the wedding for the comfort of your guests.

Planning a small wedding matches very well with the concept of thematic reception party, and many couples consider it a very original idea to follow a specific theme in organization. For very resourceful ideas and general tips on planning a small wedding, have a look at planning a dream wedding and take advantage of some professional advice for the best solutions to a perfect wedding. Planning a small wedding requires just as much attention as a large one, the only difference is in the costs and the number of guests, but basically you have to deal with the same issues. May you live happily ever after!