Planning an Event at a Private Home
I just returned from looking at a home where a spring wedding will be held in the beautifully landscaped yard. Having an event at a private home may make it more personal and recall special memories, but it isn't necessarily the least expensive way to go and there can be numerous drawbacks. Before deciding to have an event at home, consider the following:
Is there enough space to accommodate the anticipated number of guests?
Is adequate parking available?
Will the noise disturb neighbors?
Will the homeowners need or want to make repairs or landscape? Some people use a special event as a catalyst to make home improvements; just don't start remodeling the kitchen 3 weeks before a major event.
Do the homeowners or neighbors have pets that might be a problem, such as an excitable dog?
Do any guests have allergies or asthma that might be triggered by plants or pets?
Is the home or yard handicapped-accessible, if necessary. Could someone in a wheel chair or using a walker get through doorways, down narrow halls, into restrooms, across the lawn, etc.?
If the event will be held in a yard, are there obstructions, such as sprinkler heads, that might cause a problem? What about insects? Is lighting adequate for evening events?
If weather is bad, sidewalks may need to be shoveled; guests may need to be met with an umbrella, and space will be needed for wet or muddy shoes and coats.
Showers: Private homes are excellent locations for bridal and baby showers, either indoors or in the yard. All you need is space for seating, food and gifts.
Rehearsal Dinners: A backyard is an excellent location for a casual rehearsal dinner. You might have a BBQ or hire a caterer. Tables, chairs, linens, dishware and other items can be rented. Just be careful of music levels and disturbing neighbors.
Family Reunions: Again, a home or yard can be an excellent location for a family reunion if you have the space. Consider setting up activities for children in an area away from the adults yet where they can play yet be supervised.
Company Picnics and Parties: A private home may be a good place to have a company party or picnic if your company has a small number of employees. If you have a swimming pool, volley ball area, or another feature, your employees may enjoy the relaxed setting.
Weddings and Receptions: Many homes can accommodate only a small ceremony in the house, but a larger one in the yard. Space will be needed for ceremony seating, guest tables, food tables, gift and guest book tables, cake or dessert table, and beverage tables. It is not necessarily less expensive to have a wedding at a home because of the cost of renting tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and other items. If weather could be a problem, it may be necessary to rent tents or canopies, as well as an item to create a focal point for the ceremony (an arch or small gazebo). Dancing can occur on a patio or deck. If that's not available, then a dance floor may need to be rented.
The homeowner should plan to mow the lawn the day before the wedding, not the day of it, so grass stains on shoes and clothing can be minimized. The lawn should not be watered within 24 hours of the wedding.
Parking may be a problem. It may be necessary to arrange for guests to park at a nearby school or church then be shuttled to the home. Blocking narrow streets can result in guests being ticketed for blocking a fire lane if a fire truck is unable to drive down the street, even if there is no emergency.
Neighbors should be informed of the event so they won't mow their lawns or engage in other noisy activities. They can be encouraged to keep dogs inside if the dogs would bark at guests.
Be careful of loud music. Many communities have noise ordinances that must be observed. Be certain your band leader or DJ is willing to cooperate.
The homeowners should decide in advance whether they want caterers using the kitchen or guests entering the house to use the bathroom. If not, porta-potties can be rented. Plan on one for every 50 guests.
If a caterer will be engaged, let them know where they will be working and where power outlets and water are located. If you don't want caterers in the house, then set up a work area in a garage. If alcohol will be served, you may be able to do it yourself, but you will reduce your liability by hiring a professional bar service or at least a professional bar tender.
Be sure to provide plenty of trash containers. You may also want to set up a recycling station with containers for glass, cans and plastic.
Clean-up: The clean-up after a home event can be huge, so don't leave it all for the homeowner. Instead, arrange for people to help with dishwashing, trash removal, stacking rented tables and chairs, and other chores. Choose someone to be in charge of removing gifts and any personal items, such as a bride or groom's clothing.
Having a special event at a private home can be more personal and relaxed, but it involves a lot of work and often more expense than having the event elsewhere, so consider your options carefully before deciding on a home event.
Is there enough space to accommodate the anticipated number of guests?
Is adequate parking available?
Will the noise disturb neighbors?
Will the homeowners need or want to make repairs or landscape? Some people use a special event as a catalyst to make home improvements; just don't start remodeling the kitchen 3 weeks before a major event.
Do the homeowners or neighbors have pets that might be a problem, such as an excitable dog?
Do any guests have allergies or asthma that might be triggered by plants or pets?
Is the home or yard handicapped-accessible, if necessary. Could someone in a wheel chair or using a walker get through doorways, down narrow halls, into restrooms, across the lawn, etc.?
If the event will be held in a yard, are there obstructions, such as sprinkler heads, that might cause a problem? What about insects? Is lighting adequate for evening events?
If weather is bad, sidewalks may need to be shoveled; guests may need to be met with an umbrella, and space will be needed for wet or muddy shoes and coats.
Showers: Private homes are excellent locations for bridal and baby showers, either indoors or in the yard. All you need is space for seating, food and gifts.
Rehearsal Dinners: A backyard is an excellent location for a casual rehearsal dinner. You might have a BBQ or hire a caterer. Tables, chairs, linens, dishware and other items can be rented. Just be careful of music levels and disturbing neighbors.
Family Reunions: Again, a home or yard can be an excellent location for a family reunion if you have the space. Consider setting up activities for children in an area away from the adults yet where they can play yet be supervised.
Company Picnics and Parties: A private home may be a good place to have a company party or picnic if your company has a small number of employees. If you have a swimming pool, volley ball area, or another feature, your employees may enjoy the relaxed setting.
Weddings and Receptions: Many homes can accommodate only a small ceremony in the house, but a larger one in the yard. Space will be needed for ceremony seating, guest tables, food tables, gift and guest book tables, cake or dessert table, and beverage tables. It is not necessarily less expensive to have a wedding at a home because of the cost of renting tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and other items. If weather could be a problem, it may be necessary to rent tents or canopies, as well as an item to create a focal point for the ceremony (an arch or small gazebo). Dancing can occur on a patio or deck. If that's not available, then a dance floor may need to be rented.
The homeowner should plan to mow the lawn the day before the wedding, not the day of it, so grass stains on shoes and clothing can be minimized. The lawn should not be watered within 24 hours of the wedding.
Parking may be a problem. It may be necessary to arrange for guests to park at a nearby school or church then be shuttled to the home. Blocking narrow streets can result in guests being ticketed for blocking a fire lane if a fire truck is unable to drive down the street, even if there is no emergency.
Neighbors should be informed of the event so they won't mow their lawns or engage in other noisy activities. They can be encouraged to keep dogs inside if the dogs would bark at guests.
Be careful of loud music. Many communities have noise ordinances that must be observed. Be certain your band leader or DJ is willing to cooperate.
The homeowners should decide in advance whether they want caterers using the kitchen or guests entering the house to use the bathroom. If not, porta-potties can be rented. Plan on one for every 50 guests.
If a caterer will be engaged, let them know where they will be working and where power outlets and water are located. If you don't want caterers in the house, then set up a work area in a garage. If alcohol will be served, you may be able to do it yourself, but you will reduce your liability by hiring a professional bar service or at least a professional bar tender.
Be sure to provide plenty of trash containers. You may also want to set up a recycling station with containers for glass, cans and plastic.
Clean-up: The clean-up after a home event can be huge, so don't leave it all for the homeowner. Instead, arrange for people to help with dishwashing, trash removal, stacking rented tables and chairs, and other chores. Choose someone to be in charge of removing gifts and any personal items, such as a bride or groom's clothing.
Having a special event at a private home can be more personal and relaxed, but it involves a lot of work and often more expense than having the event elsewhere, so consider your options carefully before deciding on a home event.
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