Park Wedding

[chobysauce]

HI all! Newbie here :)

So we're thinking about having the ceremony and reception at the park. There is a pavilion there that will seat 150 people, so there will be more than enough space for our guests.

I'm actually thinking about buying dinnerware sets instead of plastic/styrofoam/paper, because I hate to create that much waste (plus I love the idea of building my dish cabinet...teehee).

Here's what I'm wondering... should I skimp on renting chairs and such and just hold the ceremony/reception under the pavilion or would it just be too awkward to have people sitting at the tables where they'd eventually be eating?

[Panthers Bride]

I had people sitting at the round tables where they'd be eating. It worked out really well. I also had the tables in a "round" surrounding the ceremony/dance floor area.

[PGDesigns]

As of right now, we're planning on having people seated at their dinner tables during our ceremony. That way, we'll have more space to PARTY during the reception, and there will be less work required to move chairs/tables between the ceremony and reception.

[chobysauce]

These would be picnic benches, though :(

[SouthernQueenBride]

I think it would be fine! Why not? I would not object and that just saves you some $$$$ on renting chairs!

[chobysauce]

I guess they wouldn't have to stand when the bride entered! That's the other thing... they would most likely see me before the whole thing started. Not that it would be a bad thing, but I'd like to give them a bit of anticipation and mystery, yanno?

Any decoration/table set-up suggestions?

[lizardbnorton]

I agree with Southern Bride. Why not save the money on the chairs. You could probably use it elsewhere. I wouldn't rent chairs for a seperate ceremony.

[SouthernQueenBride]

I guess they wouldn't have to stand when the bride entered! That's the other thing... they would most likely see me before the whole thing started. Not that it would be a bad thing, but I'd like to give them a bit of anticipation and mystery, yanno?

Any decoration/table set-up suggestions?

Heck no honey! They can still stand for you!!! You are the bride and people will want to stand when they see how beautiful you look!

Concerning decorations - what are your colors? Have you picked your flowers? I know you mentioned something about picnic benches -- so are all the tables long? Just wondering - it helps to know the basics before you start with decorations/centerpeices.

[chobysauce]

Just thought it would be kind of inconvenient to step in and out of those tables. Small price to pay, I suppose :)

I'm still in the brainstorming stages now, but my dress is white with black embroidery. Silk or latex callas for flowers, stargazers on the cupcake cake... still deciding on centerpieces. Most likely a mix of flowers in vases and candles in bowls. The tables are pretty long. They can't be smaller than 8ft. Oh, and I was going to incorporate ivy garlands also.