by Ellen Kudlicki

Created on: June 08, 2008

In this day and age, where multiple weddings or economic downfalls are the norm more than the exception, the option of a home wedding is a warm and in expensive way to celebrate your wedding. To do this, you need to consider several basic concepts-the date, the place, the time, the theme, the reception and who is going to organize all the details.

First consider the date. The season of the year will have a huge impact on whether you have an indoor or outdoor wedding. In some areas, having a fall or spring wedding outdoors is a safe bet, but you should always be prepared with an alternative site should the weather prove to be unreliable. In terms of the date, you also want to consider possible conflicts. Weddings in June are always going to be part of a mass collection of weddings. Likewise, weddings on significant dates, such as this year's August 8, 2008 (8/8/08) or Valentines' Day will draw a great deal of competition for a wedding site and for flowers, caterers and other accouterments. Holiday weddings are very popular, but be aware that if you want to include those outside your family, there may be serious conflicts over those guests' own family gatherings. Some people prefer to pick a date that is important to them. The anniversary of your first date, the date that you proposed, the date you bought your dog-whatever date is important and memorable is certainly open for use. Choose wisely, you should be celebrating this date for years to come.

Think about the setting. Outside weddings will allow you more leeway in terms of creating the ideal setting than an inside wedding. If you are arranging this wedding on your own, consider renting a tent awning, especially if you live in a normally sunny part of the world. Most rental companies will provide set-up and take-down services as part of the fee. This is well worth it because setting up a large tent is not the same as the pop-up tents used on camp-outs. Consider inexpensive covering for the ground. This is especially important if there has been recent rain. You don't want guests traipsing through the mud. While backyards offer a lovely backdrop, you can also seek out local parks. One historical park in the Dallas area has an old church that has been the site for many small weddings. Water features are always nice. If your setting features a pond or pool, consider floating bouquets of flowers or floating candles as a way to uplift the area. For a night wedding, tiki torches work well, although you need to be

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