Everybody seems to have a story about their home wedding. The problem is half of these stories are about the disaster the wedding turned into. The other half are fairytales about how the married couple can't imagine having had their wedding anywhere else. Disasters often occur because the wedding was poorly planned due to misconceptions about home weddings. For example, many people think having their wedding at home is going to be cheaper. Unless you're planning on an extremely limited guest list, a home wedding is likely to actually be more expensive. Plus, if you end up expanding your guest list, it's often harder to make last minute accommodations at your home than it is at a regulated venue. On the other hand, if you have the time to plan, a little extra money to smooth the way, and the commitment to make it happen, many couples find there's nothing more intimate and romantic than a home wedding.

Start Early, Think Long
The Gazebo. It might not seem like it, but when you're planning a home wedding you should consider calling a home improvement contractor. Chances are your home is going to need more than just cleaning to accommodate the chaos of the occasion. Have a contractor build a gazebo in your backyard that can serve as your altar, provide you with an extra place to talk and rest during the summer nights, and will increase the value of your home. A built-in source of electricity in this gazebo will also provide a space for a live band and/or use by a caterer.

Build or Remodel. An addition or renovation to your porch or patio is another good home wedding idea. This renovation may be necessary to make it viable as part of the reception space. Take a look at your bathrooms and your kitchen. If you get them remodeled, will they be able to support a wedding reception?

While you may decide to rent a tent, a dance floor, portable restrooms, and/or a caterer, you should first consider permanent improvements that will last beyond the wedding. Permanent installations have the benefit of creating a lasting reminder of one of the most romantic days of your life.

Think Landscaping. Also, you'll probably need to make individual plans for additional floral arrangements, but a landscaping company may be able to take care of your lawn surrounds, creating a breath-taking setting without expensive detail-oriented floral arrangements. Call them now to see what home wedding ideas they suggest so you can start planning and planting right away. A landscaping company may also be able to give you a package deal where they provide maintenance to your lawn after the wedding reception has taken its toll.

For part 2 of this article, Home Weddings Part 2.