Microweddings are all the rage currently. As the pandemic continues, couples have to be selective with their guests and are opting for smaller weddings.

If you’re struggling to find an appropriate venue or simply want to stay closer to home, your backyard might just be the perfect place to say ‘I do’. You’ll be in pretty good company with this choice. Celebs like Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, and Beyonce and Jay-Z all tied the knot in their homes.

There are so many benefits to holding your wedding at home, but also drawbacks. Here’s what you need to consider.

Flexibility:

By picking your home as your wedding venue, you have the choice of any wedding date. You don’t have to hope your venue is available on a certain day or settle for another.

Beyond this, you can work with your guests availability. Now that most people are working from home, they are likely to be a lot more lenient with their schedules.

Cutting costs:

With your backyard as your wedding venue, there is no need to rent out a spot. You also save on transport to and from the venue. This can save quite a few thousands that you can put towards something else like your food, decor or outfits for your big day. You also avoid extra costs like corkage fees, cleaning up afterwards and possible fines if your wedding is too loud or runs overtime.

At the same time, you might have extra costs you wouldn’t have to consider with a traditional venue. You will have to cover the costs of renting seating, cutlery and crockery. You may also need extra lighting installed.

Rules and regulations:

Most venues have rules on what decorations you may put up, when your music must end and how many guests you may cater for. By hosting your big day in your backyard, you eliminate these concerns.

However, you do have to consider zoning regulations to make sure you’re even allowed to hold a wedding in your home. You’re also working with a smaller space and may have to trim your guest list to accommodate this. Bathrooms may be in short supply, as weddings typically require one bathroom per 50 people.

The parking situation will be a major drawback, as you need a place for your guests to leave their cars that does not inconvenience neighbours. You could arrange for them to park at a nearby park or church and then bus them to your home, but this will be an extra cost.

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