Article by Erin Reynolds

There are lots of beautiful venues to host a wedding, but for couples who are budget-conscious,
it can be difficult to find the right one that won’t completely destroy their budgets. That’s why so
many people are planning their nuptials at home, where they can control the costs while still
having a gorgeous, memorable day.

It’s important to make sure, however, that you take into consideration all of the expenses from
the very beginning so you aren’t left with any nasty surprises on the big day. This means sitting
down to plan for the big things, such as food and drink, as well as for a backup plan, like renting
a tent in the event of rain.

Van Elk & Co Wedding Photographers explains that, for most people, there’s quite a bit of work
that needs to be done around the house before a wedding can be held there, from cleaning up
the yard to making minor repairs indoors. Take inventory of the area to figure out what needs to
be done and to get an idea of what your budget will need to be to complete these tasks. You
can always ask for help from friends and family who are handy with tools rather than spending
money on a professional.

Prep the Backyard

Even if you choose to have the ceremony indoors, you’ll probably want to give your guests the
option to head outside, so it’s important to clean up the backyard. Make sure there are no holes
or divots in the grass that can twist an ankle, and cut back any overgrown shrubs or trees in the
landscaping. For the best results, look for well-reviewed Chicago-area landscape companies to
help you get your yard in tip top shape for the big day. A fresh coat of paint to the furniture
couldn’t hurt, either.

Many couples also choose to have an arbor or trellis so they can hold the nuptials outside, as
it’s a gorgeous addition to any outdoor space. A well-constructed trellis and beautiful
landscaping have the added bonus of boosting your home’s value. In the event you want to sell
in the near future, keep curb appeal in mind as you make your changes. It could give your
home’s appraisal a substantial lift!

Declutter

When preparing a home to host a wedding, it’s important not to overlook the little things. Try to
view your house through a guest’s eyes, and remove clutter in each room to not only make it
more appealing, but also to maximize the space. Decluttering has the added benefit of providing
a sense of mental and physical freedom. The extra space will be especially helpful if you’re
going to have guests from out of town staying with you. Clean off surfaces and implement
storage solutions to help make each space clean and inviting, according to Curbly.

Prep for Guests

Speaking of out-of-town guests, it’s a good idea to make sure you have things ready to go for
those who will be staying with you. Making sure there are clean sheets and towels, cleaning the
bathrooms, and providing simple meals will help your guests stay comfortable and happy.

Consider Staging

Having your wedding at home means you’ll need a place to get ready away from the guests but
in close proximity to the location of the ceremony. The Knot recommends you make one room
off-limits to everyone else, and clear out a large space so that you can get ready with your
wedding party without stress on the big day. You can move large pieces of furniture to the
basement or garage. Keep in mind your partner will also need a place to get dressed. If you’ll be
having your hair and/or makeup done, wear a comfortable button-up shirt so you can easily
undress without messing it up.

Preparing your home for a wedding takes a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Cleaning and making minor repairs can work wonders without stressing your bank account, so
start there and make a list of tasks so you can stay organized. With a good plan, you can create
the wedding day of your dreams.