Anyone have or been to a picnic type wedding reception?

I am getting married in May 2008 and really want to have a picnic reception. Checkered tablecloths, picnic tables, unbrellas, lemoneade. Flowers in mason jars.....candles....outdoor cermony and reception. Some sort of BBQ and picnic type food. Anyone been to a wedding like this? Any ideas? What would you think as a guest?

Anyone have or been to a picnic type wedding reception?
no - it wouldn't seem like a wedding to me; I like traditional weddings.
Reply:what a different and interesting idea. I say go for it. I havent been to many weddings, but mine is coming up so i am looking for ideas. June 2007!
Reply:That sounds good. It doesn't sound like you guys are going to skimp on the necessities. Since it's not formal your not going to ask guest to dress up or anything are you? Since it would be a picnic that would mean it's going to be during the day. So would you have dancing? Just a few thoughts, but it sounds fun. Best of luck.
Reply:I've been to picnic themed weddings held outside and I really enjoyed myself. May is a nice time of year (not too hot). It's really all about celebrating the couple's union anyway. Hall receptions can get a bit routine after you've been to as many as I have...mixing it up a little with a picnic ceremony/reception is a breath of fresh air (pun intended, lol). I don't know where you live, but a drawback of an outside wedding is ALWAYS....the weather. Make sure you have a solid back up plan if weather doesn't permit.
Reply:yes my aunt and uncle got married outside and they had the reception in the state park pavillion with everything you discribed. My father and mom and I did the cooking in a big cooker (smoked) with BBQ sauce if people liked (this same food was served at my reception in a ballroom....it's good and everyone likes it, not some caviar crap) but it was really nice...





the only downfall it was extremely hot and there were a lot of people stung by bee's!








afterwards they had their dance at a country club with the cake there, and my aunt's all made some salad to be served....it's nice cheap, and a lot of fun....as long as there is good weather!
Reply:We had a backyard BBQ wedding "reception"; I thought it worked out great. (We had an out-of-town wedding, and not everyone could make it, so we had this "reception" - more of a party/BBQ - the following weekend; there was no reception following the wedding itself.) I think, your idea sounds fun. I would love that if I was a guest... But then, I'm very laid-back, too! Congrats.
Reply:From what you've said, as a guest, I would really enjoy it, since it seems to be a reflection of who you and your fiancee are. Go for it!!





BTW, I'm from northern Minnesota, and I just heard about a winter wedding a few weeks ago, outside in the middle of the forest, where the bridesmaids wore wool plaid, and all the guests were brought in by horsedrawn sleigh. It sounded wonderful, and a wedding I'm sure nobody would forget.
Reply:However you want your wedding is how you should do it. I think it sounds wonderful. Personally, my Sept. wedding reception is going to be like a Pot Luck/BBQ. Not outside because we're getting married in a church but kinda the say idea. Laid back and fun. Just be careful that you don't pick dresses and stuff that are too dressy. Other than that, I think it sounds great.
Reply:I think the idea is fantastic. Your wedding day should be just what you want it to be, and if that means picnic style then so be it! I have been a guest at a wedding reception just like the one you're describing, and it was so much fun. The bride and groom arrived on the back of a hay wagon. They were dressed in casual attire, as were the guests. They had tables set up on the top of a hill in a field. They used small round tables with umberellas. It was real cute, and it totally reflected the personality of the bride and groom. They served BBQ chicken quarters, baked potatoes, etc. After the meal, the wagon was turned into a stage for entertainment. We all had a chance to tell anything (good, bad, or ugly) that we knew about the bride or groom. Of course, everyone had so much fun doing that, and we kept it clean and nice. We laughed so much, and learned a lot about these two young people. They closed out the evening with dancing on the wagon. So much for tradition! It's your day. Have fun, and do what best expresses your personality.
Reply:Its your weddimg do what will make you happy!!!! I personally like the laid back feel..
Reply:I've never seen anyone do this, but it seems like a great idea to me. Perhaps you could find checkered tableclothes that aren't red and white maybe something softer fora wedding. I like the idea of using mason jars, it's very country. Make sure you don't do it at night unless mosquitos don't live in your area (they thrive here in Mississippi). Try to stay away from overly messy foods that no one wants to get on their nice clothes. Choose dry rub ribs for example. I think this setting will make all of your guests comfortable.
Reply:What a creative idea! I think that is a fantastic idea for a wedding reception. Go for it. And no picnic is complete without WATERMELON! You dont want to do ribs or corn on the cob unless you are willing to make a mess. Hot or cold fried chicken(not room temperature because of the bacteria issues), potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, apple pie, lemonade, etc...Have fun with it and create some great memories