I’m always excited when clients want to have their wedding or event at their house. Using a private home for an event is often a dream come true: it’s unique, personal, and often rich with family history. However, many clients assume that hosting an event at home will save them money. The reality, unfortunately, is that home events can actually be more expensive than events at traditional venues. Why? Because, in most cases, you have to create everything from the ground up. A private home is not designed to be an event space.
For example, most venues already have tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, lights, etc…; all of which you need for big events. Private homes don’t have these items on hand, and that means everything has to be purchased or rented. So, the next time clients ask about having an event at their home, remind them about the costs of doing so. I still love home events, but I’m always sorry when clients are disappointed, because they were under the impression they were going to be saving money.
Dear Readers, do you have a preference? Do you prefer doing events at traditional event venues or in private homes?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
CultofColor
August 4, 2011
I couldn’t agree more. As an events planner I make sure to inform clients that are thinking of going the “private” route to think of the cost/purpose & Benefit. As well as the Pros and Cons (Who is going to clean up this mess?)
Kathy from The Party Place
August 4, 2011
This could not be more true Preston!! Working for a rental company, some brides spends up to $10,000.00 on rental equipment (tenting, tables, chairs, tableware, catering equipment, lighting, etc) because they want the wedding of their dreams and thought they would save money by having it a friends or parent’s house. Just book that beautiful venue and be happy!!
lindsey
August 4, 2011
private homes and outdoor only venues: both need extra toliets, electricity, parking staff and more. it is always worth the trouble but it’s considerably more expensive (unless you live on a vast estate).
sharon jackson
August 4, 2011
Yes, it can be expensive to do “home weddings”. But recently, I did one which involved a total of 40 people. The house was so beautiful already, so I did floral arrangement and called in a prof. group to do the lighting for the back yard. It turned out to be a success!
Julie Blanner
August 4, 2011
So true! While home weddings can be beautiful and intimate, cost is a significant factor. I always try to help my clients see the overall cost of a venue-chair/chair covers (for hotels), any additional rentals, venue rental fees etc.
Sandra
August 4, 2011
Home events are nice and cozy however you have to consider wear and tear on the house as well as the cost. After a successful party the last thing you want to do is sweep and take out the trash.
Monique Johson
August 4, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Monique Johson
August 4, 2011
I love the home event! But, I absolutely agree that the majority of people have no idea how much work it takes and the costs involved. I own an an event planning company and that is one area that takes a bit of coaching to get clients to understand what a home event entails. I have hosted numerous events in my home for other family members and they look at me with 3 heads when I send them the “to do” list and “timeline” to pull the event off. I simply say, you asked to use my home and this is what we need to do to make this event spectacular. When it is all done they are always pleased, but exhausted. One suggestion I have is, schedule the cleaning service to come the day after the event. There is nothing worse than lingering event remants in your home.
Patto fernandez
August 5, 2011
O love to create a nuw proyec with every wedding, but I love your creating wedding.
Kim Eibrink Jansen - Events of Noosa, Weddings of Noosa, Australia
August 5, 2011
Hi Preston, I am so lucky that I have access to some of the most amazing and beautiful Holiday Homes and Estates for Weddings in Noosa, Australia. This is what we specialise in, as it is very difficult for couples to find unique venues for their weddings and as you say we build them from the ground up. So much more innovative and fun than using an existing venue (and challenging as well). I am often contacted by couples to have weddings in houses as a cheap alternative and I have to tell them exactly what you have said – Weddings are more expensive in a private home. Thanks for backing me up! xo
Meagan Vanover, CWP
September 7, 2011
Hello Preston,
I have a home wedding this Saturday. We have a rental bill of nearly $3,000 for a 100 person event. It breaks my heart every time I think of a facility just having tongs, ice, or coffee cups, etc.
Sigh.