A Wedding at Home: Couple Has Simple Winter Wedding at the Home of a Former Senator

     Thinking of having a wedding at home? Debra and Chuck did. And lucky for them, they had the perfect spot. A stately home owned by Debra’s cousin was the perfect location to say ‘I do.’
     “The home was a very large house built by my uncle years ago. He was a state senator and was very much into entertaining,” says Debra. “I was thrilled, as it is a lovely home and I got married in a room that had memories for me.”
     Sixty-five guests attended the simple winter wedding, which cost the couple $6,000.
     The afternoon ceremony took place in the home’s formal living room.
     “It has huge picture windows the length of the room and looks out over the family’s apple orchards,” explains Debra.
    The reception was held downstairs in the home’s family room.
     Since it was Christmastime, the couple didn’t have to worry about decorating the home.
     “My cousin’s house is gorgeous and has been on the local Christmas tour of homes, so decorating was minimal. We had a few flowers, but mostly used her exquisite things, including over a thousand snowflakes hanging from boughs everywhere,” says Debra.
     What’s her advice to couples planning a wedding at home?
     “Only use someone's home that really does a lot of entertaining and knows what it entails.  I can't tell you how wonderful my cousin is and how much she loved helping plan the wedding.”
      She also advises couples to hire a wedding coordinator on the big day to help with the wedding day details. Debra’s one regret was not hiring one.
     “We didn't have a wedding coordinator and I ended up bossing folks around when I really wanted to play.  There are so many things that are very simple but take a person with authority in their voice to get done efficiently.”