I love outdoor weddings, they are my passion!  I have so much fun traveling to different cities and seeing the variety of scenery that Kentucky offers.  There is just something special about creating from the ground up a completely different setting for a wedding; whether it is in your own backyard, or in the middle of a field, or even at a public outdoor venue.  I love helping my brides bring their wedding vision to life among the beautiful vistas that are as alive and vibrant as the love they are celebrating.

When planning an at-home wedding there are several things to consider. The amount of flat unobstructed space on your property is first and foremost to know. Then parking, space for catering, and restroom facilities are next.  Once you determine the size of your guest list, then you can estimate the size of the tent you will need. If you do not have enough space for one large tent, satellite tents may be necessary.  Then you will need to think about providing electricity for lighting and reception entertainment for the tent.

Parking is another important aspect.  Again, you will need to have a large unobstructed space and be able to light the area to and from your reception area.  If you are parking on neighborhood streets, be courteous and let your neighbors know when the event is and be careful to make sure that guests do not block driveways.  Parking at a neighborhood clubhouse and shuttling guests is an option is if street parking is limited.  A small bus or six passenger golf cart  are excellent ways to transport guests to and from their cars.  If you are planning on having guests  park on grass, make sure that it is mowed short and rows are plainly marked.  Having a parking attendant to guide guests into spaces is a good way to ensure the maximum number of cars can be parked.

Caterers will need to view the property to determine if they can use the house kitchen or if a catering tent will be necessary to provide dinner service and stock drink stations and bars.  Prep space and distance from the main tent will need to be considered.  If a catering tent is needed, it will run adjacent to the main tent and will need electricity and water.  It is important to hire a caterer who is experienced in off-premise catering and depending on your menu, will be able to provide you with a complete list of what is needed.

As with any event, the comfort of your guests is paramount when entertaining outdoors.  When designing your event, think about what the guest will see and need to know from the time they turn into the driveway until the end of the reception.  Parking needs to be clearly marked, a clear path to the ceremony and reception area should be designated.

At-home wedding in Jackson, Kentucky

Restrooms need to be easily accessible from your tent.  If its hot, consider fans to circulate the air, they will not cool the outdoors, but will provide a light breeze.  Careful placement will also keep them from disturbing your reception decor.  The same goes for heaters, which may be necessary in late fall. Tables and chairs need to be on level ground.  There needs to be enough room between tables and around the buffet, drink stations and dance floor to allow easy access for guests and wait staff.  Reception entertainment and their equipment placement needs to be carefully considered to be near an adequate power source and avoid guests being too close to speakers.  Visualizing the space and how it will be used will be essential when you go to do your floor plan.

A carefully planned and thoughtfully executed at-home wedding exudes a warm sense of family, bringing family and friends together in a familiar atmosphere that is already filled with happy memories.  And who knows, it may be the beginning of a family tradition!

Rickerson Photography