Help! Outdoor Reception

SugarFoote · February 2012

Hey ladies! I haven't been on here in a while. I've had a lot going on lately. I feel like I have gotten no where with the wedding. We still haven't established if the ceremony will be indoors or outdoors. One day we have a decision and the next we don't. But the reception is definitely outdoors. If we go with an outdoor ceremony (like I think we ultimately will), the reception will be at the same location. Due to our budget, renting a tent for the reception is out of the question. The cheapest rental fee is just under $1000. I wouldn't pay that much even if it was in our budget.
If we went with an outdoor ceremony and reception, I don't want the reception tables to be right out in the open and viewable during the ceremony. Does that make any sense? Like I don't want guests wondering over to the tables before the ceremony. Any ideas?

PrettyInPearls23 · February 2012

You're planning a "definite" outdoor reception and are refusing to rent a tent? Please tell me you have a Plan B. What if it rains? What if it's sweltering hot and the sun is beating down on your guests?

As far as hiding or roping off your reception area...maybe make cute signs that say "Reception will open at 6:00" or "We'll see you here after the ceremony!" Create a perimeter with ribbon or something similar to prevent people trying to enter the area? I don't know what you reception/ceremony space looks like, so it's hard to give suggestions.

SugarFoote · February 2012

The ceremony will *hopeful* be outdoors too, so if it rains that would be screwed up anyway. I'm not worried about the heat because the area is shady in most areas and a creek runs right beside it. I grew up playing in this same creek so I pretty familiar with it lol. I would love to have a tent but it is just not in our budget at all. I have come to terms with this and now, as heartbreaking as it is, accept it. We have a small tent (like the kind you take camping or to the beach) that we could place the food tables under but that is all that would fit. If it were to rain, all of our guest live locally (within 1 hr, most less) of the location, so it really isn't a huge deal to postpone it if need be. Both of our familys have been advised of our weather plan and are ok with it.

Klyn1983 · February 2012

Are there any nice parks nearby that you could rent for a few hours? Most parks have a nice pavillion that would work for your reception area.

I think you need to take into consideration weather conditions and your guests. How many will want to sit out in the elements with nothing to shade/protect them. But like PP said, I can't give great advice without knowing what exactly you are working with or what you are hoping it'll look like at the end.

As for separating the area, I have seen hay bales, ribbon and even tiki torches separate the reception area from the ceremony.

ashlidie · February 2012

OK so this sounds like a very informal wedding, which is just lovely (so much more cozy and sweet). I am a little fearful of your rain plan. Getting the word out to postpone, and then reconvene the wedding would be very hectic and your day will be stressful enough. Is there really no way you can have a tent? I just don't see how you can guarantee a success otherwise. Basically, if its not in your budget, its sort of a huge misjudgement of your priorities to put your GUESTS under the burden of having to reschedule, or to have them hot or drizzled on as opposed to spending money on say a nice dress, fancy food, decor, photos, etc. Not only is it stressful to you, but you're stressing out your loved ones too in case of bad weather, sort of a rude thing to do as the host.

PrettyInPearls23 · February 2012

I have to agree with the last PP on this one -- while your family may not verbally object to your rain plans, it would be a huge inconvenience for your guests. Can you elaborate a little more on your wedding? Is it more laid-back and casual? Are you bringing in rentals/catering/etc. Vendors that would need to be rescheduled as well?

I guess I'm just a skeptic. I've already had the stress of planning one outdoor wedding that HAD a Plan B (thankfully it was 75 degree and not a cloud in the sky), and with wedding #2 I have a Plan B and a Plan C! It's not about my wedding being ruined, it's about ensuring my guests are taken care of and are comfortable.

Meghannsix · February 2012

I agree, my wedding is outdoors, both ceremony and reception, and I am so grateful to have the time to figure out plan B, and C. What can I say, I'm a control enthusiast, I want to make sure everything goes as smooth as possible!

NicoleMarcelle · February 2012

Does your venue have any contingency plans? I live in florida, and rain in the summer is pretty much a given, the venues i've looked at have indoor areas where they can move the ceremony too if rain is in the forecast.

sparkles776 · February 2012

You definitely need a plan b. It is not acceptable to be like oh wells if it rains or is too hot. I am having an outdoor ceremony but an indoor reception. Plan B is it will be moved inside, I really dont hate the plan B either, I would just be slightly disappointed.

Chels&Jimmy · February 2012

I've never been to TN so I don't know what the weather is like there in June or any other month, but I do agree with PP's that it's always a good idea to have a backup plan. My top pick for the ceremony site is outdoors and I'm now trying to brainstorm what my options and alternate plans will be... it's hard! Anyway, if a tent is not in your budget what about renting large umbrellas? The "coverage" probably won't be as good as a tent and I don't know if umbrellas are more cost-effective though - just throwing the idea out there.

As for dividing up the ceremony and reception site, what is the "theme" for your wedding or what look/feel are you going for? There are tons of options. If the two sites are relatively far away from each other you may not even need to worry about people wandering.

AmandaLeigh1014 · February 2012

We are also having and outdoor (tented) wedding. I agree with everyone here, Postponing the wedding to a rain date might be a little more difficult than you think. How will you book any Vendors? I'm not quite sure they would take well to you telling them you have a rain date?

SugarFoote · February 2012

We are going for a simple laid back wedding. Nothing fancy. Just a little county wedding. Basically all our guests are family or friends that live about 10 minutes down the road. Not a biggie for travel. Our caterer is a family member. And a lady at church ownes her own bakery and is making our cake. If we had to postpone, it would probably be the next day. I'm not worried about the rain. I have already starting praying for a beautiful rain free wedding day. So hopefully God will answer that prayer.

AmandaLeigh1014 · February 2012

Im sorry you cant afford a tent. Maybe somewhere between now and then you'll stumble across a few extra bucks to yet one! Keep praying! Surely He'll hear your prayers and theyll be answered !

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