How to Prepare Your Home for a Lakeside Wedding

Lake living offers beautiful views, easy access to the water and a wonderful setting for special events. Fall and spring are especially ideal for outdoor weddings, with moderate temperatures and natural color.

Hosting a wedding or reception at home takes careful planning so the day goes smoothly and guests have a memorable experience. The earlier you start, the better, especially if you want to renovate any spaces first. Here are ten steps to help you prepare.

10 Ways to Prepare for a Home Wedding

1. Create a Timeline and Checklist

Outline every task leading up to the event, including cleaning, decorating, setup, rentals and services. Plan staging space for vendors and make sure caterers have easy access to the kitchen or a designated prep area.

2. Declutter and Touch Up

Declutter every area guests will use, including bathrooms, the kitchen and common spaces. Consider professional cleaners. If you have time before the date, touch up paint and make any needed repairs.

3. Prepare Outdoor Spaces

• Trim the lawn, shrubs and trees, and remove deadwood.
• Clean and repair outdoor furniture.
• Walk the site with your photographer to clear branches that block key views.
• Plan shade for hot weather.
• Inspect decks and patios for rotten boards and trip hazards.

4. Decorate Indoors

Even for an outdoor wedding, decorate inside to match your theme or colors with flowers, candles and centerpieces. Secure decorations so they do not create hazards.

5. Arrange the Furniture

Rearrange furniture to open up space for mingling, dining and dancing, and rent extra tables and chairs if needed. For outdoor events, plan a backup such as a tent, covered porch or under-deck dry system in case of rain.

6. Plan Lighting and Audio

String lights, lanterns and updated fixtures set the mood. If you do not have a sound system, rent one that covers the full event space for music and toasts.

7. Solve Parking and Transportation

Most homes cannot park a crowd. Share nearby parking options or arrange a shuttle so guests do not damage landscaping or neighbors' property.

8. Focus on Guest Comfort

Provide restrooms, seating and fans or heaters as the weather requires. If children are coming, set up a designated kids' area.

9. Take Safety Precautions

Fix loose rugs or boards and uneven surfaces, and keep emergency contacts and a first aid kit handy.

10. Communicate Clearly

Share directions, parking details and any house guidelines with guests ahead of time so everyone enjoys the day and your home stays in great shape.

Make Your Home Wedding Ready

With organization and planning, you can host a beautiful, memorable wedding at home. If you would like to renovate before the big day, from a new porch to a refreshed kitchen, call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

This article originally appeared in the October 2023 issue of Lakeside News.