How to create your perfect wedding venue at home

“Home is where the heart is” this well known saying holds a great deal of truth.  What better way to celebrate your marriage than to have the wedding ceremony at home ?

Transforming your home into a boutique venue can be achieved with a little imagination and planning.
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Before you start ask yourselves these questions

Where do we want our ceremony to take place?

Most couples opt for the garden but remember to have a covered area just in case the weather isn’t kind.

How many guests can we accommodate? 

​Couples with limited space often opt for a limited guest list and should you wish you can have a ceremony with just the two of you.
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 If you have more space then you might wish to put up a tipi or marquee and hold your event in there.
 

Creating your perfect wedding venue at home

Step 1 – Choose your theme.
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Deciding on a theme will help with the decisions you will need to make further along the line and it is worth spending some time thinking about this.  Think of what truly represents you as a couple, what you love and what you share.

Popular choices include

​Romantic – Using soft shades and lots of lights and flowers

​Vintage – drawing inspiration from the past, using bone china, bunting, ribbons and treasured family heirlooms             

​Casual – keep things informal                                                    

Whimsical – bright splashes of colour, balloons, mismatched chairs and tables with bold floral arrangements


Other themes include a Historical period, Musical, Art Deco, Natural, Beach party, Festival .......the choice is unlimited.


Step 2 – Set your budget

Setting your budget at the start of the planning process is a good idea because it will help you decide on your priorities.  Think about what you need to purchase and what could be hired or borrowed.  Try to only purchase big items if they can be of use after the wedding.
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Hiring items or asking friends of family to loan you things can be a good option, especially if you are only having a small number of guests.
 

Step 3 – Book a statutory ceremony at the Registry Office

As a legal marriage ceremony can only take place on licensed premises couples wishing to have a ceremony at home should can book a statutory ceremony (often referred to as a “two plus two”)  at their local Registry office. 

For your wedding day use a Celebrant to create and conduct your ceremony.
 
 
Step 4 – Book a Celebrant and engage your suppliers

Just as all couples are different so are all celebrants.  It is worthwhile contacting more than one to see who you feel shares your vision for your day.

It is a matter of personal choice how many different suppliers you engage to make your day special.  You may wish to use the services of a wedding planner or contact people yourself. 

Services to consider are florists, photographers, caterers, venue decorators, marquee hire and cake maker. 

Getting friends and family involved can help to share the load, and the excitement, in the build up to your ceremony.
 
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Step 5 – Enjoy your day

Ask other people to take responsibility for key tasks on the day so that you don’t have to do anything but enjoy your day !