9 Important Factors to Keep in Mind When Hosting an At-Home Wedding Reception

In collaboration with Oscar Collins

Are you thinking of transforming your private residence into a stunning reception space? An at-home wedding reception creates a more intimate atmosphere, making it perfect for couples who want to celebrate their big day in the comfort of their homes. 

Here are nine considerations for creating an extraordinary party that will win your guests’ attention.

1. Clean and Organize Your Home

Wedding planning can be stressful, especially when hosting it at home. Hire a professional house cleaning service a few days before your big day so you won’t have to worry about anything other than preparing yourselves. 

The average cost of hiring a house cleaner is around $230 to $400, depending on the type of cleaning you want. For instance, deep cleaning can add $100 to $150 to a standard service’s price.

2. Finalize Guest List

The good thing about hosting an at-home reception is that you can invite as many guests as you like, as long as there’s enough space to accommodate everyone. When finalizing your guest list, have a realistic vision of your home’s indoor and outdoor capacity. 

If you have pets, consider hiring a pet sitter for the day so you can enjoy the fun without worrying about muddy pawprints on your posh carpets. Ideally, this person should be someone your pet knows to ensure they have a comfortable time.

3. Plan for a Tented Celebration

Pitching a tent atop your green space when hosting a reception can elevate your celebration. Choose the best type of tent you’ll need for your space. Consider hiring a reputable tent rental company to ensure you’ll get something perfect for your event’s size, style and location.

A tent is a blank canvas, so use decor to spruce up your space. Whether you want a whimsical-themed wedding, a romantic garden theme or a chandelier-filled elegant atmosphere, work hand in hand with your event stylist and tent provider to ensure all goes well. If you’re using ceiling decorations, ensure they’re secured to ensure the safety of your guests.

4. Plan for Reception Breakdown

Part of having a party is cleaning up after it. A dumpster can help your catering staff clean up a lot quickly. When thinking about the ideal dumpster size, consider the number of single-use containers, utensils, decor and other items you’ll need to dispose of. The volume of garbage after your wedding might be overwhelming to manage without the right dumpster size.

For instance, a 10-yard dumpster can accommodate small to mid-sized items at your wedding. A 20-yard container may be ideal if you expect many guests and trash. To ensure your wedding remains litter-free, ask a reputable dumpster rental company about the size of your celebration.

5. Consider Restroom Accessibility

Restroom accessibility might not be an issue if your indoor space has plenty of available bathroom spaces. Consider renting mobile bathroom trailers if you want your celebration to be held strictly outdoors. Restroom facilities are vital to any social gathering, especially a wedding, where people usually need time to relieve themselves after eating and drinking. 

It’s recommended that there be one bathroom stall for every 25 guests. Therefore, if you have 150 guests, hiring six portable toilets should suffice. That way, you can ensure your guests remain comfortable throughout your reception.

6. Add Entertainment Activities

Incorporate games and activity areas to keep guests entertained. Consider the following ideas:

• Giant Jenga: This classic game requires 48 pieces from 2×4 wooden boards. You can prepare the pieces yourself or hire a local lumber yard to do them for you.
• Connect Four: Get an oversized version of this all-time favorite to garner the attention of kids and adults.
• Themed photo booth: Get creative with your photo booth. Get a vintage camera or rent an adorable VW bus.

7. Prioritize Guest Comfort

Do you have enough chairs to accommodate all guests? Are there areas where they can step away from the cold or heat outside?

When hosting a summer wedding, prepare umbrellas, cooling fans and shades. During colder months, provide guests with scarves, blankets and heaters to ensure they remain comfortable. If you’re inviting children, consider adding a playground where they can play while the reception program is ongoing.

8. Give Transport Guidelines

Make sure to set out clear guides and location pins for your guests. Aside from this, check if you have enough space for parking. You can also outline public transportation options to ensure everyone gets to your home on time.

9. Inform Your Neighbors

You don’t have to invite your neighbors, but it would be nice to warn them about potential traffic and noise. If you’re planning an outdoor reception party, inform them when you’ll start so they won’t be out with leaf blowers and lawnmowers. 

Plan a Successful At-Home Reception

Hosting your wedding reception at home requires proper planning. Unlike booking a separate venue, it allows you to make personalized experiences you’ll remember for years. While it may need more time and effort, these tips will help you make your party successful.