These heartfelt reasons might convince you to have a home wedding
They say every little girl dreams of her wedding day (I [Amy] never did, so if you didn’t either, you’re not alone). But in those ‘90s movie-montage scenes of little girls in curls cutting out photos from bridal magazines, their wildest, grandest visions of their wedding day usually involve horse-drawn carriages, sweeping ball gowns, and stately banquet halls.
But when adulthood hits and that ring finally makes it to your finger, planning a wedding looks nothing like our childhood imagingings. From finding out your dream wedding venue costs how much?! to late-night arguments *ahem, discussions* about wedding budgets with your soon-to-be-spouse, the reality of planning a wedding—especially in this economy—can be a bit…daunting.
So when you’re cozied up on the couch, scrolling through wedding venue options and feeling the sting of those hefty price tags, consider a thought: what if your dream wedding venue was just a few steps away?
Getting married at home might sound unconventional, but it’s an increasingly popular trend that’s not just practical but full of heart. As a micro wedding photographer, we at Author Made have witnessed the rare beauty of home weddings, and we’re here to spill the beans on why you should consider this heartfelt option.
SHOULD YOU HAVE A HOME WEDDING? THESE HEARTFELT REASONS MIGHT CONVINCE YOU TO GET MARRIED AT HOME.
A home wedding makes for the most meaningful wedding venue
“There’s no place like home”, they say, and if you’re a homebody like me, no truer words have been spoken. However, if your own home isn’t quite the wedding venue of your dreams, never fear. Perhaps a beloved family member’s house might suit the occasion. Especially if your wedding takes place in a home that’s packed with family memories, such as holiday get-togethers, vacations, or heartfelt moments, planning a home wedding is a wonderful way to infuse meaning into your special day. I’ll always remember my own cousin’s home wedding, which took place at the groom’s family’s vacation home in scenic upstate New York, and how the entire weekend was filled with anecdotes of beloved memories from years of family reunions held in this special place. Even better—now your home (or your loved ones’ home) will have a new priceless memory to cherish!
A home wedding brings together your loved ones
It’s not just about the setting. A home wedding invites your family and friends to play a starring role in your special day. Whether lending a hand with food preparations, baking a wedding cake, or even using family heirlooms to decorate your wedding, loved ones are central to making a successful home wedding happen. Inspiring a feeling of togetherness, your home wedding brings family history to the forefront of your special day (though, of course, never overshadowing your own love story).
A home wedding is the most intimate kind of wedding
Here at Author Made, we love intimate weddings—the ones that feel infused with emotion and quiet, tender moments—and we can’t think of anything more intimate than a home wedding. Not only do home weddings typically necessitate a limited number of guests, but that comforting homey feeling just can’t be replicated in a grand wedding venue. Whether exchanging vows in the living room of your grandparents’ home or having your first dance under the stars in your own backyard, the emotional tone of a home wedding just hits different.
A home wedding provides a relaxed, casual atmosphere for your guests
If you’re the “kick-off-your-shoes”, laid-back type of bride (or groom—we see you, wedding-conscious grooms!), a home wedding might be just your style. Say goodbye to strict wedding day traditions and formalities. An at-home wedding allows your guests to join in on the relaxed, casual vibe where one and all can quite literally make themselves at home. Turn up the cozy factor with long family-style dining tables or a fire pit with s’mores; bring out extra pillows or allow guests to carry the festivities into dedicated spaces inside your home such as the kitchen or family room. At the end of the day, a home wedding isn’t just a celebration; it’s a gathering of family and friends in an atmosphere where everyone feels at ease—and right at home.
A home wedding is incredibly cost-effective
In this economy, who isn’t looking to cut wedding planning costs? Home weddings are a budget-friendly way to tie the knot, enabling you to allocate funds to what truly matters—creating unforgettable wedding day memories and starting your journey as newlyweds on a solid financial foundation. With most popular wedding venues charging $5K or more for the venue alone (not to mention catering, rentals, and decor), a wedding in this budget range is simply unattainable for many engaged couples, or it doesn’t reflect how they value spending their resources. But with a home wedding, you not only get to say “I do” in a location that’s meaningful to you but also invest in your financial future.
If you’ve been considering a home wedding—or even if it wasn’t at all on your radar—we strongly encourage you to consider this heartfelt option! From involving loved ones more deeply in your wedding day to relaxing with guests in a warm and cozy atmosphere, there’s much to love about getting married at home.