Hi everyone
I've been lurking around for a while - thank you for all your wonderful ideas and insights!
Just a little info first: I'm getting married in Denmark, which is, as far as I can see, quite different from getting married in the US. Here, a big wedding is anything above 50 guests, and a sit-down dinner is a must. I'm Norwegian myself, and my groom grew up in Belgium, but the style is pretty much the same; ceremony at around 13.00, then a two-hour standing up-reception for everyone and then off to a sit-down dinner and party for the 60-70 closest.
Now I'm in need of inspiration! We've gone with the church and fancy venue thing, but I find myself feeling like it's all too formal! The reception will be on a lawn, and the church is small and informal, but the venue is a free masons mansion that's all... mahogany and crystal. It was the only one that suited our area, budget and time schedule, but how do I "de-formalize" it? We've gone with DIY eco-vintage invitations, and want to continue on with touches of a travel theme... but how do we add touches that will tie in the cloth napkins and table serving with our wish for a relaxed and informal atmosphere? We've added a "pick the honeymoon destination"-game and a late-night marshmallows-grill, and there will be wild flowers on the tables. There is a vintage bowling alley at the venue, three lanes, maybe that could be put to use without dividing the party up too much?