I wanted to send you a personal message to say I FEEL YOU on your dilemma. I saw it yesterday but couldn't reply because of work. I have a VERY similar vision. I have been calling our reception a 'cocktail party' to help lead my planning. i want everyone to just DANCE! And it's outside as well. Sometimes I have a hard time envisioning how it's all going to work. One of the things that will have a big influence on whether it's all going to work is your audience. I have a lot of older family members and don't think they will get the 'cocktail party' theme so I know they will need tables and chairs, but if the majority of your audience are friends or are around your age group I think it would be an AMAZING concept and you have nothing to worry about!Does your reception site have a site planner that you can do a walkthough with? You can go over your vision with them and they would probably know best how to set it up to meet your needs (they may even know someone who set it up the same way). Above all, dont second guess yourself! It's YOUR dream and you should be commended for attempting to do something different. It's EASY to just do the norm.We can be planning buddies! As I find stuff that reminds me of a cocktail reception or happy hour reception I'll be sure to pass it along to yoU! Good Luck!