I have a few questions, but mostly would like fellow bride's (and groom's) opinions.
We have yet to finalize our guest list, but it will be between 50-80 people, including children. We're planning on just having a small ceremony, and have the reception in a park: it's an open area, kids can have fun, and we can grill! My family and my fiancé's family love grilling. We're planning on burgers and hotdogs, the regular toppings (buns, cheese, pickles, lettuce, etc.), potato salads, bowls of fruit and veggies, simple sides (chips, dills, olives,etc.) and as for drinks, just water, iced tea and coffee (maybe Kool-aid).
We're thinking on forming the burgers one or two days before with wax paper in between the patties and place them and the hotdogs in roaster trays for easy transportation and grilling. I think 2 of each per person would be plenty.
For the cold items, I was thinking about using dry ice and coolers for transportation and platters/bowls in trays of ice for serving. I was also thinking about putting the toppings in larger containers with marked lids, to avoid the 'which lid goes to which jar' hassle, and ease of putting things back into the coolers if needed. I'm still tweaking the amounts for the potato salad. I want at least 2 types, mustard and Amish.
The bowls of fruit and veggies would work better than trays, keeping cold wise, and have to worry less about the look of the trays. Still not sure of the amounts, but I'm thinking on the heavy side since the weather will be warm in May/June.
For the drinks, just large jugs with taps to serve, and have the fixings to make more on hand.
As for the wedding cake, we're doing cupcakes! Easy, less forks and plates, and both of our families love 'em! And we could have more flavours, what with everyone having different tastes.
We were thinking on having a small/short ceremony at the park, then get to grilling (maybe preheating the grills during the 'I dos'?). Just treating it as if it was just another summer party in the park. What do you think?