Picnic Reception?

friendlypeanut

I found the perfect venue for a very good price with access to kitchen and bathroom and a 1 night stay, but it seems a little small. I'm not sure if there would be enough room for tables and chairs and dancing. I kind of like the idea of a picnic reception, but I could see people complaining, any thoughts?

Sue-n-Kevin

I think it sounds like a fun idea, and you could do whatever you wanted to with it.

Our ceremony & reception will be at a historic village. They have a chapel for the ceremony, and historic home for the reception. Like yours, the room may be small for what we want.

My plans at this time are to have a tent outside for the dancing and fun part after dinner. The location has picnic tables outside that we can have free access to. It's my plan to have them placed under the tent, but decorated just as elegantly as the tables inside. I'd like to get linens for the tables, and have centerpieces as well. I may use Mason jars for the flowers instead of vases, to give it a cuter look to go with the tables.

If your reception is more casual, there's no reason people should complain about a picnic theme. Were you thinking of picnic tables, or blankets on the ground? You weren't clear.

Anyway, if you are a DIY sort of person, I've seen small baskets that look like picnic baskets, with lids on them that could be painted to match your theme. You could put seasonal flowers in them, along with branches if you'd like. You can dress this up or down in many ways.

The only complaint I can see, and I've thought about for our wedding, is if people dress up, their dresses or pantyhose might catch on the wooden seats of the picnic tables. Other than wrapping color coordinated plastic tabletop sheeting around the seats, I can't see how else to make it better. This is probably what we will do.

You don't say if this is daytime or nighttime, but if at night, you could sprinkle solar or battery operated candles or holders on shepherd's hooks around the area to make it look nice.

Good luck.

mbcdefg

"Picnic reception" in terms of what ... the food you serve? Eating at benches outside? Sitting on blankets on the ground?

In terms of food - a lot of people go this route. You could do sandwiches, fried chicken, barbecue, etc.

Eating at benches outside - sounds fine, just remind people of this so they can dress appropriately. Also remember that in case of bad weather, you need a good tent or a backup indoor location. Which could blow your budget anyway.

Eating on blankets on the ground - ehhh. DEFINITELY inform people of this ahead of time if you go this route. Sitting on the ground in a skirt or dress isn't always fun. And I would have chairs and tables for older people.