Outdoor Weddings

Casual ro Elegant?

I am planning an outdoor wedding for May 2013 at my mother's cottage overlooking a lake. It is at its most beautiful at sunset. Do I hold the ceremony at sunset and make it formal with a long dress or do i hold the ceremony prior to sunset with a casual shorter dress?????

Wedding Planning is so Stressful!!!!!!

Re: Casual ro Elegant?

  • I think having at sunset sounds wonderful :) Are you talking about your dress or like your bridesmaids' dresses?

    If you're talking about your dress I think you should wear what you want, when you want to wear it. If you want to wear a short dress at sunset, then do so.

    If you're talking about the bridesmaid's I think that all depends on how formal the affair is. I'm having an evening wedding in March, but it's going to be more casual and laid back because I'm having it on a farm.

    Do what makes you happy. I'd much rather be happy with my choices then follow some unwritten 'etiquette' rule book and regret. Just remember to enjoy yourself! This should be a happy time, not a stressful time!

    Good luck!
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  • Thank you! I think you make some very valid points!

    So now the question is: Sunset ceremony with a shorter reception (less booze) or earlier ceremony with the reception during sunset ($$ booze)?

    My kids can sleep during the day and I can make sure they have a second nap, longer nap, or later nap....or they could just go right to sleep at my mother's house since they will be staying there that night anyway...I won't be leaving for a honeymoon for a few days at least so I dont have to worry about getting up early....cleanup, lighting, and rental returns before midnight (how does that work anyway???) are the only issues I see if it runs late but with a party of 35 it shouldn't be that bad....right?
  • That's really your call too. I love the sunset concept so I'd go with sunset ceremony and shorter reception- plus you can always have an after party at a local bar, if you want to make the night last longer.

    Before midnight- yikes! The rental companies will usually come pick their stuff up, but double check what times you have it because I have seen some that will charge you (lots!) extra if you're not careful. With only 35 people it really shouldn't be difficult to get everything cleaned up. Sounds like family and close friends? So I'm sure people will offer to help as everything winds down.

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  • Well with the before midnight think I don't know. That is something I would discuss with the rental companies and at 1030 at night I can't exactly do that so easily! LOL!

    How is your wedding coming along? I feel like I'm going to have to sell a kidney to pay for a caterer!
  • I'm so glad I don't have that. I lucked up and my venue is actually a 3 day rental so I have it from Friday to Sunday at noon.

    Mine's coming along. Trying my best not to bust my budget, but it's starting to pop! LOL! I actually have gotten very lucky with my caterer and photographer. My caterer has great prices and even better food and the photographer is up and coming so her prices are waaayyy more reasonable that the more established photographers. We're having to buy alcohol because unfortunantly my venue doesn't allow you to sell alcohol, so that's an unexpected expense because we always counted on a cash bar...so wine and beer it is! lol

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  • We are getting married August 17th in Northern Illinois. All the rental companies I quoted with (supplying tent, tables, chairs, linens, lights and dance floor), all quoted weekend rentals. Meaning they will come deliver and install everything on Thursday or Friday and pick it back up again on Monday am. The only thing I was supprised by, is that the photography company that we are renting the photobooth from, has full intentions of picking that up at midnight. We are out in the boondocks, so I'm suprised they wouldn't just wait till the next morning but they said that is their policy.

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  • PeavyPeavy member
    1000 Comments 5 Love Its
    edited July 2012
    Rental companies will drop off the day before your event, and pick up the day after.  They're not going to schlep out at midnight to pick up their stuff.

    I answered you about the dresses on the other board.  When you are posting on multiple boards, put XP in your headline.
  • Hi!

    I too, am planning a cottage wedding next August (I am just starting the planning - very surprise engagement).

    It's being held at a family member's cottage, but I did want to share with you because they hosted a wedding there just two weeks ago, and it was really lovely.

    The bride wore a traditional gown, and her bridesmaids wore yellow chiffon dresses that were almost to the ground. The groom and his groomsmen wore tuxedos, but most of the guests wore summery casual clothes (think men in long shorts or chinos and the women in summery dresses).

    The mixture worked really well, so my suggestion is to wear what you want, and don't rely on traditions that might be outdated. It's your day as a couple, and it should be memorable and comfortable.

    PS. I'm also thinking about a sunset ceremony, but can't really decide.
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