Have you ever imagined your wedding or special event inside your home? Maybe it’s a space that you grew up in, or a new home that you’ve built to start a life with your partner. Home events are not only warm and intimate, but they touch a side of us that hits home in a different way (no pun intended).

The pandemic has certainly taught us how to adapt event plans, but most importantly, has shown us how beautiful re-imagined plans can be. Over the past two years, many of our clients have chosen to re-envision their event plans and this includes hosting intimate events in the privacy of their own home.

We want to share with you a casual look inside some incredible home events we have planned over the past year to show you how stunning these events can be. We are sharing some tips and tricks on ways to elevate your home event, ensuring seamless venue-like execution, even at home.

Take a look below!

cozy and intimate dinner party tablescape with blush and nude colour palette — *Photography:* *Amsis Photography* *| Floral Design:* *Rachel A. Clingen* *| Tabletop Rentals:* *Simply Beautiful Decor*

A Beautiful Backyard Wedding

Sarah & Blake hosted a beautiful ceremony in their backyard surrounded by their closest family & friends. We used the existing fireplace on their wrap-around patio as the backdrop for their nuptials. Blush & Bloom created an incredible floral feature that perfectly complimented the space. This brings us to…

TIP NUMBER ONE: Work and design with your space

Designing events should not be a one-size-fits-all approach - which is one reason why having an event planner & designer is so helpful. Embracing the space in which you are hosting your event is key. As you follow along below you will see several ways in which we not only designed with our space’s decor in mind but functionality also, think a band atop a built-in hot tub, a ceremony in a pre-existing pergola, using a a pool as a focal point by adding oversized balloons and even a band on the roof! Use every possible inch of the space, get creative and you may surprise yourself with how versatile your home may actually be.

A Swoon-Worthy Rooftop Wedding

Designing is easy when you have this type of view! This ceremony and cocktail-style reception was held on our client’s incredible rooftop patio with a breathtaking view of the Toronto skyline. We used the existing matte black pergola for their ceremony and Stemz adorned the entire structure with beautiful blooms and greenery to make it truly wow-worthy. We had oversized white balloons placed in the pool by The Sweetest Thing Confection and we couldn’t possibly be more obsessed with how this intimate event came together. The Food Dudes catered this private cocktail style event and the guests were wowed by the unique and delicious selection of passed canapés. This brings us to our next tip:

TIP NUMBER TWO: Hire a caterer and properly staff

There should be a huge emphasis on food at a home event, you are welcoming guests into your home, therefore should feel no different than if you were hosting a fabulous dinner party. Hiring an experienced caterer ensures flawless food service execution and saves you the stress of preparing and serving food on the day of your event. Also, have fun with it - keep in mind that not every event needs to have a sit-down meal, play with home barbecue, or a large grazing table for guests to mingle and enjoy. A good caterer can also provide you with staffing for your event. We are big fans of overstaffing to ensure you don’t lift a finger on the day-of. Bartenders, servers, chefs and sous-chefs will ensure your day runs smoothly and execution is seamless. They will also take-care of clearing and cleaning for you, who can argue with that?

*Photography:* *515 Photo Co.* *| Floral Design:* *Stemz* *| Balloons:* *The Sweetest Thing Confection*

Photography: 515 Photo Co. | Catering: The Food Dudes

An Intimate Dinner Reception

Deanna & Lenny said ‘I do’ in a beautiful, intimate church ceremony surrounded by their immediate family. Following the ceremony they made their way to their family’s home where a stunning tablescape, incredible food by Castelli Cucina and sweets from Sweet Celebrations awaited them.

TIP NUMBER THREE: Keep your guest list intimate

As much as we love large-scale events, there is something to be said for the feeling of sharing these special moments with your absolute nearest and dearest in a setting as intimate as your home.

A Lakeside Ceremony & Reception

Jessica & Ryan said their vows in a beautiful lakeside ceremony at Jessica’s family home surrounded by their closest family and friends. We loved getting creative in the planning process with this couple and used every single bit of space that was available to us - if you look closely, you will notice that a band stage was built atop their built-in hot tub! This quite literally set the stage for a totally epic party. One of our favourite parts of hosting an event at your home? You don’t have to leave your furry friends off the guest list! We love how J&R included their sweet pup, Dave, in their big day.

TIP NUMBER FOUR: Budget accordingly

You may think hosting in your home is more cost effective, but often times it’s not. Although you may save on certain things such as alcohol or venue fees, you have to consider all the additional expenses that you may not have at an existing venue provides. To name a few: power for entertainment or speeches, rentals for food & bar servicing (glassware, cutlery, plates, etc.), lighting around the property, staffing, kitchen rentals and portable washrooms. Work with your planner to develop a budget and consider all needs before moving forward.

Photography: Lexy Henderson Photography | Tenting & Rentals: Special Events Rentals | Band: The Lonely Hearts | Cake: The Dessert Room

A Backyard Wedding Celebration

Blair & Ryan hosted their micro wedding at home and we love how this cozy backyard set the perfect scene for their traditional ceremony. Wildflowers & Co. made their beautiful Chuppah using an existing structure in their backyard and with the help of Sole Power Productions, the band Free Label utilized a portion of the couple’s roof for the band to put on a stellar performance!

TIP NUMBER FIVE: Have a weather plan (Plan B)

Being that this event was entirely outdoors, we worked with B&R to determine a solid weather plan in the case of rain. Reserving a tent on backup as a just-in-case gave us the confidence to move forward in planning for an entirely outdoor event. It is never a fun conversation to have and luckily it wasn’t needed, but, the weather in Canada is unpredictable and as planners, we have to plan for the worst case scenario. We suggest you do too!

Hosting Events at Home