As we head into the darkness of winter us Chicagoans agree on one thing – summer is one of the greatest things about living here. It gives us a chance to explore neighborhoods, enjoy the lake, and take a breath of fresh (not frigid) air. Unfortunately if you want to enjoy the outdoors on your wedding day, you are often limited to pictures on the lakefront or trying desperately to find a venue with outdoor space. However if you happen to have a backyard, try going it on your own. This is not as daunting as a task as it would seem. At many venues you’re bringing in (via rental company) all of the tables/chairs anyway so the cost will be the same. Figuring out rentals, with or without the help of your caterer, is not that difficult and suddenly you have a free venue where you can party all night.
Here are some of the advantages to having a wedding at home (and how our clients implemented them into their events):
♥ DIY Decoration– although, in theory, you can do this at a venue when the venue is your home it is much easier. You can set things up long before the event and don’t have to worry about cleaning everything up at the end of the night.
♥ Use the money you saved on the venue for things that are more important to you – whether that’s a kick-ass band, locally sourced food, decadent offerings, or really nice wine.
♥ Get “outdoorsy” with it. Embrace the casual atmosphere with a casual menu, simple place settings, and Ball jar glasses.
♥ Provide your own food/beverages. You may decide to do everything yourself, make it a potluck, or just bring in some of your favorite homemade items and have a caterer take care of the main meal. At many venues this would be restricted or illegal (food items need to be prepared in a commercial kitchen), but having the event at home allows you to do this.
♥ Being comfortable. Get ready with your bridesmaids in your own room, take photos with your hubby on your stairs, and always know where to find the bathroom/water/a bobby pin.
Post by FIG Catering
Photos by
Edyta Szyszlo Photography/www.edytaszyzlo.com
and Sheila Barabad