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Budget Weddings Forum
knottie10468204e07f6975
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Backyard wedding dance floor dilemma! (Pics)
Hey everyone, looking for some advice.
We are having our wedding in our backyard (backup plan in case of rain already in the works), cocktail/station style, so our tables will be scattered. However, most of the yard is quite sloped, so while it's okay for yard games, it doesn't really suit a dance floor. There's a sizeable flat section close to the house (pictured, both before and after that cedar bush was trimmed back) that I would like to use for both the ceremony and reception. We would get married on those steps, then have the music and dance floor on the bottom level.
Trouble is, the dance floor would go directly in the middle of that flat section, which means it would get in the way of the ceremony foot traffic and chairs (my "aisle" goes from the cement pad closest to the house to the steps, so right over where the dance floor would go). My question is this: Would it be too much trouble to assign people to move chairs and assemble the dance floor between the ceremony and dinner, or should I just skip it and go with just grass? Alternatively, I could use the deck as the dance floor, but I'm trying to avoid that. We are already requesting guests not wear heels.
We are having our wedding in our backyard (backup plan in case of rain already in the works), cocktail/station style, so our tables will be scattered. However, most of the yard is quite sloped, so while it's okay for yard games, it doesn't really suit a dance floor. There's a sizeable flat section close to the house (pictured, both before and after that cedar bush was trimmed back) that I would like to use for both the ceremony and reception. We would get married on those steps, then have the music and dance floor on the bottom level.
Trouble is, the dance floor would go directly in the middle of that flat section, which means it would get in the way of the ceremony foot traffic and chairs (my "aisle" goes from the cement pad closest to the house to the steps, so right over where the dance floor would go). My question is this: Would it be too much trouble to assign people to move chairs and assemble the dance floor between the ceremony and dinner, or should I just skip it and go with just grass? Alternatively, I could use the deck as the dance floor, but I'm trying to avoid that. We are already requesting guests not wear heels.
Re: Backyard wedding dance floor dilemma! (Pics)
Another point, you shouldn't be telling people what to wear (including footwear); you certainly can mention the ceremony and reception is on grass, but you shouldn't tell them to wear (or not to wear) certain shoes/clothing.
If you want chairs moved then you need to hire people to do that. Don't ask your guests to move things or set things up. I would not be thrilled to do that if I were in a nice dress and just looking to have a fun time at your wedding.
As for the shoes. You can let guests know that the majority of your wedding will be on grass, but you can't tell people not to wear something.
I agree with PP about the dance floor. Have it laid already and if you are going to move the chairs after the ceremony, hire someone.
Also if you include something in your post that people do not agree with they are allowed to comment on it.
Also, say we were having our reception at a venue that didn't allow heels inside, due to fir floors? We were looking at a venue that simply did not allow heels inside, prior to deciding to do a backyard wedding.
As for dress codes; if the venue requires specific attire (or prohibits certain attire; bare shoulders, jacket+tie, no heels) that's a venue rule and something you're demanding of your guests simply because you want it. If your venue will not let people in without a jacket and tie then you need to communicate the venue's rules to your guests so they can be properly attired.
But requesting a specific style of dress outside of venue requirements or a specific formality of hosting (that needs to be applied to all aspects of the event) is rude because you are for all intents and purposes telling your guests how to dress themselves, which carries the insinuation they don't know how to properly dress themselves.
But if you're the homeowner or principal tenant and you control the premises, it's inhospitable and rude to give instructions or even requests about what to wear.
Also, don't "assign duties" to guests. They're there to witness your ceremony and then be hosted -- not to "work" your wedding.
I would either arrange your dance area ahead of the ceremony along with the rest of the area, or hire and pay someone to set up the dance area for you. But it should not be the "job" of anyone in your wedding party or any guests.