Casual Wedding-I think I'm the only one!

2crazycats

I'm having a very casual wedding in the spring. It's a big BBQ with 150 of our closest friends. After reading about all of the formal weddings here i'm feeling like I'm the only one going with the no tuxedos theme. My bridesmaids are wearing sun dresses out of their closets becuase I can't bear to ask them to spend money on dresses they will never wear again. The groomsmen are wearing black shirts and chinos. Our guests can wear whatever they want. I don't care if they show up in their pjs as long as they come! The reception is catered BBQ. Salads and cake will be made by mom and friends. Paper plates and paper towels rolls are the table settings of choice. Soda and beer will be on ice. I think the whole thing will be a blast. I've always hated stuffy white weddings. Am I the only one out there doing this?

ScarletGem

While I didn't have a picnic-in-the-park wedding, I assure you you're not the only one on these boards who is planning that sort of event!  We seriously considered it, and I can see the appeal to it.  The Outdoor Weddings board would likely have more of the casual-wedding brides you could exchange ideas with.

MLC613

Oh my god i LOVE this and i love that you're doing this!! I think it's awesome!!! You hear about so many people after their wedding regretting the big wedding and all the money they spent! Yours will be a party! I love it so much!! I can't wait to see pictures!!

spamstar3

That is super cool! My FI would love to do something like that! It sounds like its going to be a fun wedding!

Kristin789

Well, we didn't have a casual BBQ, but we didn't have the Saturday night formal dinner-dance either. We had 25 people, no WP/attendants, and I wore a tea-length winter white dress and FI wore a gray suit he already owned. We were married at 11:30 and had a luncheon following.

kmmssg

I think your plans sound wonderful and I'm sure I would thoroughly enjoy attending a wedding like this!

faith194

Well, I didn't have a stuffy white wedding nor a BBQ wedding, but our family and friends(and vendors) are still raving about how much fun they had. We probably  had a mix between the two. It was outdoors(the ceremony) and we had tons of family involved in the process. The reception was semi-casual with a "classic" look.  I've been to some bad weddings, but they didn't have to do with how much the couple spent--it was all about the atmosphere they created.Yours sounds like a lot of fun, too, except the paper plates and paper towels(that is the Green side of me coming out, though). You are not the only one doing this type of wedding, especially with the economy the way it is!

AlexiaANDRobert

I do not think you're the only one! And there are so many ways to dress that either up or down!  Google BBQ weddings or Outdoor Receptions. Depending on what you want, and what time of year, there are LOTS of ways to make this look awesome. Also, not all white weddings are stuffy.  Our guests will tell you that it was anything but - and we were on a very small budget and still had what we wanted! GL!

AdeleDazeem

You aren't the only one!  I never wanted the big to do with tuxedos and a fancy ballroom.  I've planned a much quieter and more relaxed affair.Your wedding sounds lovely.  Have a great time!!

shellybeth

Our wedding may not be as casual as yours, but it isn't fancy either. We are getting married outdoors on the lawn and the guys are wearing black suits (no tuxes, but I still wanted them to look nice). Also, we are having 60 guests. 3 more days to go, I am so excited!Ps. We originally wanted a wedding at the local park, but we found a really affordable bed and breakfast to have it at instead so that is where it will take place.

jbwed1

I love this idea - I think it's smart, economical, and really fun! If you had a super formal wedding, there's probably a very good chance you would not be able to mingle and enjoy your guests near as much as you would in this type of atmosphere. I'd LOVE to go to a wedding like this, and I'm sure you are not the only one!

mina&douglas

I'm having 50s rock n' roll wedding.. can't get more casual than that!No BBQ for us though.. we're going hamburgers with chips & milkshakes We're not even catering, a friend of mine is cooking, Aunt's making the cake, etc. you are not alone!

brownhenry

Definately not the only one 2crazy!! I am doing something similar lol. My reception is at a Rod and Gun Club and we are doing a BBQ. Our ceremony will be a little more formal because FIs mom said he MUST wear a suit lol. Its a good idea and I think it saves money becaue you can get more food at a BBQ and for much less. Good luck!

2crazycats

I feel a little less lonely now! My biggest goal for the day is to have fun and let our guests relax.

Soon2b_Mrs.F

I think that sounds like a lot of fun. Don't feel lonely. It's a great idea and it's what you guys want. I'm sure you'll have a lot of guests who are happy not to attend a big stuffy wedding. Plus, it sounds like you're main goal is for everyone to have fun, and I think that will definitely shine through. Good luck!

catmama11

our wedding is casual!!! no tuxes for the guys just jeans, we did get the girls dresses but something they can wear again and although our guest list is at 280 we are encouraging guests to come in jeans and prepare to just have a blast

Jamie124

I'm super jealous.  I wanted this kind of wedding but his family said NO WAY!  They are very traditional and basically didn't want to be without A/C. So to stop the complaining I agreed to have the reception at a local country club.  After the tent rental, catering, AND port-o-potty rentals it would have costed about the same anyway.  I'm still bummed that i can't have my dream backyard wedding though.  Enjoy it, you will have a great time.  Not only cause it's going to be fun and casual, but because it's going to be YOUR way.

Anon I. Mouse

I am not even having bridesmaids or a wedding party.FI and I are getting married January 2, 2010 at a resort in the next province. We are having under 20 people, including us. We are getting married in a small banquet room they have by a fireplace.We actually DO have guests showing up in their pjs (or bellydancing outfit, or whatever else). My FI is even wearing "fancier PJ's" as he is sewing a silk outfit for himself that is basically a PJ pattern. I AM wearing a simple wedding dress. With chalet slippers underneath. Our guests are invited to sing, dance, share, do whatever the heck they like before we have the official vows. It will be a surprise to us, though I have heard rumours of a bellydance along to a drum rythym, and perhaps a guitar solo. We are hippies at heart. I have asked the resort to get some flowers in their to warm the room up, but no specifics on colours. Our guests are going to be sitting on chairs, in a circle. We don't have an aisle. My FI are showing up at the ceremony together.And then we are all meandering down to the resort dining room so guests can order whatever they want (including for dessert - we are not having a cake).Believe me, I look at your wedding details (150 people and a wedding party) and that to me is too much - it's all about perspective and everyone can have the wedding that works for them. It is a good thing we don't all like the same things.

TobeSymes

I'm going for a semi-casual bbq wedding. I was going to go for really casual with paper plates and even friends bbq for us but when i realized how many guests we were going to have (at least 150) I decided it was too much work (and stress) to feed all those ppl . So I got a bbq caterer and am renting dishes, and he takes care of it all, he is even supplying bar. Because of this the casual feel we wanted kinda flew out the window, so to offset the formality of the dinner we are having a late night bonfire with marshmellows and hotdogs. I figure in my invites I will mention the fire so guests will dress appropriatly.

smcopp89

You are definitely not alone and I think your wedding will be fantastic! I am getting married on October 24, 2010 and my wedding will be fairly casual as well! I will be making my own gown, which will be pretty simple with a few lace and possibly fabric flower embellishments. I am also pairing my dress with a cardigan to give me an elegant, yet casual look. My fiance will be wearing a button down shirt with a pair of nice pants, and I couldn't be happier. I think this path is more "us." We are also going down the DIY route. We will be doing everything from the flowers to the invitations, the cake to the favors and everything else in between. I think it'll make it more personalized and unique. We are also having a BBQ. We will also be incorporating family favorites into the menu, as well as homemade pies made from family recipes. I want it to be a romantic, yet fun celebration of our love! I want to enjoy it as much as I possibly can! We're even going to have a bonfire at the end of the night! I think it'll be amazing, just as your wedding will be!Please, go with what makes you happy! I know it'll be perfect!

smcopp89

I also wanted to add that I am not having bridesmaids. Since my fiance's brother will be his best man, I wanted my brothers to be up at the altar with me. They will most likely be wearing button down shirts and nice pants like my fiance. I am also doing a DIY photo booth and possibly a game/arts and crafts table and bobbing for apples for the kids. As for beverages, we will most likely have water, soda, beer, hot apple cider and hot chocolate as well. I couldn't be happier with the choices we've made in regards to our wedding! Your wedding will be great! Best wishes!

dojo1

All hail the bride who can perfectly excute a "stuffy" white wedding with no faux pas, without offending a single person and without committing some form of wedding tackiness (Bridesmaids all in the same gown?!  GASP, *faint*). My wedding may be considered stuff for some, untraditional for others, and I have certainly be told by no less than 10 people from this board to "skip the cutesy stuff" (which I like, btw - so I will not be skipping it.)Do what makes you happy and makes you feel like a good hostess to those who have come to celebrate with you.

Kim&KyleVT

We are having a pig roast, along with a BBQ and salads and such. I liked the idea of it being more like a family reunion then stuffy. I just want everyone to be relaxed and have a good time.

mkr42

You are definately not alone! I have always been a tom-boy, and with 2 brothers I didn't really have a choice!My girls are wearing knee-length convertible dresses that my mom and FMIL are making out of a spandex-cotton material, pretty casual, almost t-shirt  jersey like.The guys, including the groom, are wearing khaki cargo shorts (which are my FH absolute favorite thing in the world) flip flops, and white button ups. My mom was appalled at first, but I started showing her pictures and she came around.I am still doing a floor length dress, mostly because I have always wanted one, and I don't want to regret it, yes I will be over-dressed compared to the rest of the party, but it is pretty simple, and isn't the bride always the most formal?We are doing a catered buffet of Italian food - lasagna, veggie alfredo, marinara, italian sausage and peppers. We thought about doing a BBQ, but we both LOVE anything pasta, and decided to go with what we want.  We are getting married at a historic ranch - Kleffner Ranch in Helena, MT - and since there is not a kitchen available in the barn where our rehearsal is, we are also doing paper products. We are having ice tea, water, soda and huckleberry lemonade available on ice, and then we will also have a bar for beer/liquor.Like you, my FH and I aren't big fans of "stuffy" weddings, we are both pretty casual, and really just want everyone to have a good time. Plus, we are getting married on July 3, and we feel like that weekend just begs for a casual wedding, so guests can kick their heels up and not have to worry about formality. I think there are quite a few brides out there who are doing more casual weddings, but perhaps, because of the informality, they do not have as many questions or post on the boards as often!Sorry for the long post, but to sum it up, do what you and your FH want to do, because in the end its about you and doing what you feel comfortable with.

CharJustinStearns

It is your wedding. Do it the way you want to! We're only having 16 guests at our wedding and just going to a restaurant that serves great food. And I assure you we'll have a blast. I had tried so hard to make myself believe that I wanted a big beautiful wedding with all the fixings, but then I realized what is most important and that is marrying my fiance. Our wedding guests will only be extremely close friends, our siblings, and our parents. It is not about inviting a bunch of people whom we don't even see or talk to anymore. What's important is each other and the marriage that is happening.

HollyGolightly2

My wedding is going to be similar!! I love the "untraditional" weddings!! My bridesmaids are wearing a navy blue dress of their choice. I told them it is all completely up to them. The guys are wearing khakis and white shirts. For dinner we are having brats, burgers, hot dogs and pasta. Your wedding sounds amazing!!

BlueTopazBride

FI and are are doing the same thing in southerrn california (May 29th).  Catered BBQ, the guy is coming out with the smokers and everything.  We are doing potted daisies as centerpieces. Our colors are white green and yellow for a fresh spring vibe.  My girls are also doing nice sundresses.  FI wants to wear chinos with a crisp white shirt and maybe a jacket.It all came out of us wanting to do a tailgate style reception.  Our ceremony will be be short sweet and meaningful, but we both agreed that we want a to party our butts off afterward.  We had been to 4 weddings together over the summer and were so tired of the a falsely important and overly formal receptions where you get crammed 10 to a table with people you barely know.  We are trying to keep things light hearted and fun. Beer and soda with BBQ was the perfect match for us.  FI is doing the music playlist because he used to dj for a radio station in college so I know the music will get peoples toes tapping and bootys shaking!You are by no means alone!  I would love to hear your ideas and some of the other details for your day.  Best of luck planning, anad dont let anyone disuade you from your fun bbq wedding.

alsjenn

not quite a bbq, but we are actually doing a saturday morning brunch! semiformal (mother's insistance) but i am loving the idea of getting to have eggs and bacon at my wedding. it is refreshing- and my favorite meal. I have committed myself to actually eating and mingling with each guest (a whopping 60, lol) and i want to enjoy myself. no dj, just background music. nice and simple and just right for us.

180miles

That sounds really fun! I am having a semi-casual wedding.. only around 70 guests in the morning. No tuxes. It will be a garden ceremony followed by brunch! Your wedding sounds really nice though, I think everyone will enjoy themselves!

asl71476

Your wedding is the one I wanted! Due to the size of the guest list, we had to go with Plan B (aka my mom's dream wedding...sigh). Enjoy every second of it!

heddab

Sounds awesome! We are doing something similar. We're having about 115 friends at our home for our reception. We're doing lots of finger foods, beer, wine and soda and of course our cake. We're going to have a fire pit outside for everyone to gather around, talk and hang out. I want this wedding and reception to be relaxing and fun for all our guest, and myself and hubby to be!