If you've heard that an at-home wedding is a sneaky way to throw a fantasy wedding on a real-life budget, stop right there. Weddings with hundreds of guests nibbling on caviar and milling through majestic tents in your parents' garden are certainly lovely, but they're not cheap. When you factor in all the rentals, down to the generator and portable restrooms, you're better off choosing a hotel reception package. But if you've got something more intimate in mind, say a delightful tea for twenty or a cozy candle-lit dinner, an at-home wedding might be the perfect Rx for all your budget woes. Read on for all the insider tips on at-home weddings.

The Guest List

Half the charm of an at-home wedding is the personal atmosphere. So be strict with your guest list and really limit yourself to inviting only close friends and family. Once your guest list starts expanding, not only will you lose the intimate charm of an at-home wedding, but your costs will start to skyrocket.

Grandma's China

What could be lovelier than serving your guests on your grandmother's delicate Wedgwood china, which she received for her wedding some 50 years earlier? In addition to making your grandmother beam with pride, you'll save on expensive rentals.

The Frugal Gourmet

Because you're having a small affair, you may be tempted to do your own cooking. Instead, we suggest having a close friend take over for you. On your wedding morning, you should be teary with joy, and not because you've been busy chopping onions.

Darling Décor

Getting married in the house where you grew up or in your grandmother's gracious garden is such a joy because you are surrounded by all the memories of your childhood. So don't go overboard on the décor -- funky lighting or huge lace swags may mask the natural charm of your location.

Flower Power

Love the look of lush flowers, but hate the price tag? Don't despair -- you can have bowers and bowers of blooms at a very reasonable price, if you're willing to do a bit of work. Ask around, and find out where your florist does his or her shopping; most large cities have a downtown flower market, where the professionals buy their buds at just a fraction of the retail cost. Just remember, doing your own flowers can be overwhelming if you're having a large wedding.

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