no chairs ???

ryansjenni

we are getting married at the overlook located at Frances park, how ever they do NOT allow you to have chairs on there grounds.. what am i to do?? i know all my guests are aware of that but i just read a post about not having chairs. our site is already paid for and no other sites were available for the ceremony.

QueerFemme

I would seriously rethink your ceremony location, even if you lose your deposit.  I have said this in many posts.

But, go get dressed in a cute dress, put on some heels, and go stand in your front yard for 45 minutes.  You will regret asking your guests to witness your wedding standing up.

Talk to the venue and see if you can have any other type of seating options. Benches, even covered hay bales.  If they won't accomodate you, I would look for another venue, and use that spot to take photos or something, if you love it.   I am sure there is another location somewhere in your entire city where you can have your ceremony.

Summer2011Bride

You need to have a seat for every butt at your wedding. Definitely re-think your venue. Many people cannot stand for that long, even people who, in your eyes, look perfectly physically fit. Some people have back problems, knee problems, etc that don't allow standing for long periods that are invisible to the naked eye. Plus besides that it is very uncomfortable to stand around in most likely heels and dress attire for over 30 min. Most guests show up early to the ceremony, then it may not start on time, then they have to stand for the ceremony and wait to exit. So even for a short ceremony, it ends up being not that short.

PP gave good suggestions on ways to bring in seating that isn't chairs. Otherwise I think you need to switch venues.

firstmatelh

I agree....your guests need to sit down.   Even if it is a short ceremony, they will be standing for at least 30 to 45 minutes. You want to have them focused on your ceremony, not their sore feet and backs! 

If you really can't switch venues, maybe you could do something cute like give out flipflops or slippers to all your guests to wear at the ceremony.

Summer2011Bride

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_outdoor-weddings_no-chairs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:666Discussion:d08e7c9f-f321-4802-83bd-0a07ef9ab4dcPost:1ed1c635-7653-4197-afde-a68037168031">Re: no chairs ???</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree....your guests need to sit down.   Even if it is a short ceremony, they will be standing for at least 30 to 45 minutes. You want to have them focused on your ceremony, not their sore feet and backs!  I<strong>f you really can't switch venues, maybe you could do something cute like give out flipflops or slippers to all your guests to wear at the ceremony.</strong>
Posted by firstmatelh[/QUOTE]

I agree with the first part of your post but not this. For those who physically can't stand for long periods, like I explained in my first post, this would absolutely not solve the problem at all. Besides that, I would not want to show up to a wedding and have someone say, "Well we don't have chairs for you-sorry!-but here wear some slippers." Slippers and/or flip flops might be even LESS comfortable. I would stick with your first piece of advice--OP either needs to find seating for everyone or change the venue.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_outdoor-weddings_no-chairs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:666Discussion:d08e7c9f-f321-4802-83bd-0a07ef9ab4dcPost:1ed1c635-7653-4197-afde-a68037168031">Re: no chairs ???</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree....your guests need to sit down.   Even if it is a short ceremony, they will be standing for at least 30 to 45 minutes. You want to have them focused on your ceremony, not their sore feet and backs!  <strong>If you really can't switch venues, maybe you could do something cute like give out flipflops or slippers to all your guests to wear at the ceremony.
</strong>Posted by firstmatelh[/QUOTE]
 
I agree with summer. I don't this is a good idea.  It's not always about someone's feet or sinking in grass in heels.  Back problems knee problems, etc. or just generally, being uncomfortable standing in one spot for a long time (and yes, standing in one spot for 30 minutes is a LONG time unless you are very used to doing it (i.e. - traffic cop or something)). 

Figure out seating arrangments or move your ceremony.

annie912

You need chairs. Everyone needs a place to sit. Regardless of their shoes.

aragx6

To me, seats for everyone is completely non-negotiable. I can't imagine standing in heels for that long even at my age.

kmmssg

OP - I attended a wedding at Francis Park a few years ago.  I really encourage you to change your venue.  I am 5'9" tall and I couldn't see the wedding because the families were tall people and they were up front.  What was really bad about that was my DS was the ring bearer and apparently he was being a little pill.  Luckily DD was MOH and did her best to keep him in line.  I couldn't see a thing.

I do remember when it was over, thinking I would not attend a wedding their again because my feet were killing me.  I know there is no work around there for shoes so I encourage you to change your plans.  It it the kind thing to do for your guests.

Knottie1450123632

not only due to health issues.  its rude to expect your guests to stand for periods of time.  plus i agree with pp im 4 10 and wouldnt be able to see anything and i would get upset that i wasnt good enough for a chair and may leave. 

thmpper

I think it depends on how long your ceremony is and how many guests you have.  If it's going to be a very short ceremony, and you have so few guests that everyone will be able to see, I don't think standing is a big deal. 

Barbiiieee

I thought the covered hay bales were a cute idea. What about bringing quilts and blankets for guests to sit on? I would also recommend keeping your ceremony short and sweet if at all possible. I personally don't think it is a huge deal unless you have a lot of older guests. I've been to a couple of standing ceremonies, and they were the most beautiful. I think they feel more intimate.