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PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION
All About Weddings in Vacation Homes
By Nanette Kallestad, The Proper Setting, LLC (Outer Banks)
Beach location choices for your wedding day are endless and potentially mind-boggling, especially when it comes to vacation homes. While event homes are popular choices, each has its own policies and procedures. The choices can be further complicated by local ordinances unique to each township.
With the help of our vacation rental companies, we’ve put together these tips to help make the choices easier before signing the contract to rent that perfect home for your wedding.
Not all vacation rental homes allow events.
Property management or rental companies who manage them refer to homes that allow events as Special Event Homes or Wedding Homes. Most companies have a section of their web site devoted to these homes and outline their policies, as well as list the homes in their event program. Make sure you ask the rental company for details about their deposit policies and rules.
Pay attention to the check-in and check-out pattern.
Generally, Friday or Sunday check-in/check-out days are available for some homes and allow for Saturday weddings. However, most rental homes rent Saturday to Saturday, consider a weekday or Sunday wedding to give you more rental home options.
Plan use of the home with your planner and spouse.
Do you intend to use the home during the week before your wedding day and depart soon after? Or do you want to check-in, have the wedding, and then relax and honeymoon in the home the remainder of the week? These factors will determine which dates you will need the home.
Consider the home’s floor plan.
Factors you will want to consider are space in the entry area for vendors as well as guests; location of the dance area or floor; location of the food and bar; adequate space for seating; and an open floor plan for ease of traffic flow and accessibility.
Some homes look spacious on paper, but become cramped with limited accessibility to pool or patio areas when crowded with guests. Renting a 14-bedroom home does not guarantee that it will have a large living area, kitchen, and commons areas.
Don’t assume that you can put up a tent.
Many communities do not allow them under any circumstances. Your rental company will know the local regulations concerning tents.
Plan for the unexpected.
If you are considering an oceanfront wedding ceremony, put an inclement weather contingency plan in place and consider whether or not your home will accommodate your ceremony and guests.
Transportation and parking.
Many Coastal Carolina wedding destinations hve limited or no public transportation, and public parking in many vacation rental neighborhoods is limited. There’s nothing worse than having cars towed or ticketed during your celebration so be aware of local parking regulations and obey signs.
Also, you will need to keep the driveway clear for your caterer, photographer, cake delivery, and other vendors. Consider a shuttle service for your guests.
Noise.
Adjust the volume as needed for DJs or musicians. Be respectful of those around you. To prevent an unexpected visit by the police, visit adjacent homes prior to your event and ask residents to call a designated person in your party if the noise disturbs them.
Town ordinances.
Learn what you can and cannot do regarding signage, balloons, banners, fireworks, pets, chairs on the beach and so on. Inquire about registration or permitting processes that may be required. We've listed most town office contact infroamtion on our individual destination web sites.
Safety.
Never use deck areas as a collective gathering place for your guests. Champagne toasts, cake cuttings, and first dances should be done in other areas of the home or grounds. Many decks are not designed to withstand the weight of dozens of guests.
Insurance.
We highly recommend that you obtain liability and event insurance. The cost is minimal compared to the coverage and peace of mind that you and your spouse will have in the event that anything goes off track.
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