Advice/Opinion on a very nontraditional wedding.

[Amanda[STB]Smith]

I am getting married May 5 2009 in Oregon. Since our wedding party is going to be relatively small [30 ppl max] I wanted something cheap and unique. I was thinking of a waterfall hike. The wedding party would hike on trails 1-1.5 miles through a forest. There are many many small and medium waterfalls and plenty of nature to appreciate. When we get to the last [and biggest] waterfall, they will see a picnic already set up. We will have a very short exchanging of the vows to be official, then eat. I can't figure out what to serve, though. The food wouldn't hike with us, it would be set up while we were on the trail. Any suggestions?

As a side note of how untraditional it will be, about half the wedding guests will be playing paintball after the picnic. [The groom will, of course, change his clothes. =]].

I was also wanting to come up with special favors to hand out. I want them to be sort of a spy theme, since my hubby and I will be Mr and Mrs Smith. I can't think of what those should be though...

[tortoisegirl]

This sounds fun. Off the top of my head I'd have a few things to think about: if elderly family members or people who could not make the hike are invited if it would still be accessible and keeping it casual enough that guests feel ok to wear jeans and boots for example (you may not be wanting a formal dress and fh may not want to wear a suit).

The spy sort of theme might be easiest to incorporate into the invitations...I'm sure some of the more eloquent members here could help you.

What about picnic foods, such as sandwiches and sides (things that are easy to eat and would be ok to sit out for a bit if you are delayed)? Would it be a full set-up with folding tables and chairs? I guess that would depend on how "formal" you want it. I'm sure for a price you could get some people to hike in any supplies you'd want, or it could be very simple with food set out on a rock and some blankets, with paper products and a cooler.

Best wishes! Sounds like a wonderful idea.

[Amanda[STB]Smith]

This sounds fun. Off the top of my head I'd have a few things to think about: if elderly family members or people who could not make the hike are invited if it would still be accessible and keeping it casual enough that guests feel ok to wear jeans and boots for example (you may not be wanting a formal dress and fh may not want to wear a suit).

The spy sort of theme might be easiest to incorporate into the invitations...I'm sure some of the more eloquent members here could help you.

What about picnic foods, such as sandwiches and sides (things that are easy to eat and would be ok to sit out for a bit if you are delayed)? Would it be a full set-up with folding tables and chairs? I guess that would depend on how "formal" you want it. I'm sure for a price you could get some people to hike in any supplies you'd want, or it could be very simple with food set out on a rock and some blankets, with paper products and a cooler.

Best wishes! Sounds like a wonderful idea.

My grandparents are the only elderly ones that may not be able to make the walk. I'm still not sure they're even going to be able to come (they'll have to fly in). If they do come then my mom is going to drive them straight to the picnic site and they'll help set up. They're the kind of people who like to be doing something.

As for the jeans, the trails are wide, clear and frequently used. People won't be caught by branches or twigs, so no worries about dirty clothes. I'll probably about encourage flip flops or flat sandals for girls, since the walk is pretty long for heels. I'm definitely going to wear a dress that hits just below the knee, though instead of heels I'll probably go with wedges.

I'm thinking sandwiches are a good idea. Maybe have a wide variety of deli meat and condiments.. perhaps croissants instead of regular bread, just to make it a more formal. I'm thinking I want picnic tables too, covered with gingham tableclothes, and I saw another post on here with the idea of the tea plant as a centerpiece. Loving that idea. You're right about the spy theme being easier to incorporate in the invites. If I can't figure out favors I'll probably just do that. Thanks so much for all your input, I really really appreciate it!!

[RosieAngel]

OMG, this is such a cute idea! I grew up in Oregon and I also had a group about the same size as yours (30 people), so I know how gorgeous the hikes are and I definitely think it's feasable! Are you planning to get married at Silver Falls? That would be awesome!!!

Maybe you'd want to hand out umbrellas as favors to deflect the spray from the waterfalls, or in case it rains?

I love the luncheon idea! Guests can RSVP on what kind of lunch meat they want, you can serve platters of veggies, fruit, and maybe those yummy cocktail shrimp from the local grocery store, snacky sides like chips and salsa/dip and mixed nuts...

Since you'll be setting up there, you might want to consider wedding cupcakes instead of a traditional wedding cake, though I'm sure a wedding cake can be transported there with a little forethought...

I just like the idea of wedding cupcakes on picnic tables. :D

[tortoisegirl]

It sounds like this could work for your group. I'm excited to hear more.

[Amanda[STB]Smith]

Oh my goodness! I LOVE the umbrella idea! I was actually debating between Silver/Golden Falls and Spirit/Moon Falls. I'm going to go on both of these hikes soon and see which ones I like best. I've been to Silver Falls.. it's GORGEOUS. I haven't been to Moon Falls though, which I hear fabulous things about. Also love the food suggestions. Thanks!

[RosieAngel]

No problem! Glad to help. :) If I was still living there, I'd have totally had an outdoorsy wedding, too! Oregon is so pretty, unlike here. :purplex:

I've never been to Moon Falls, either! Crazy. I'll have to bug my Dad to take me there the next time I visit him. Tell us which one you like more!

[neebelung]

Hmmm... if you can afford it, I'd say splurge and get Camelbacks for the guests (if you can't afford it for everyone, then do this for the family members and wedding party).

A cheaper alternative would be a cool insulated water bottle that can be clipped to a backpack or belt loop (maybe see about getting them imprinted with your names and date).

[amisteratwisterandme]

Love the idea of things like cheese and crackers, wines, grapes, strawberries, breads, things like that. Cupcakes would be way cute!

Also like the idea of the personalized water bottle holders. That would be great after a hike. Here we have alot of sicount stores that sale the picnic baskets for $5 to $10 that come with plates, wine glasses, utensils and table cloths. That would be kind of expensive, but would make an awesome favor, escpecially if you have mostly couples. Then you are looking at about $200.00.

[SafetyHarborBrideAtLast]

What if, in addition or in lieu of wedding cake, you did s'mores? You can get those small tabletop hibachis (sp?) for people to toast marshmallows.
Saw a cute idea for a picnic wedding where they served lemonade in mason jars (could be spiked or not) with pretty gingham ribbons.
Also, maybe along the hike you could set up little "rest stops" with pictures of you two and a cute little tidbit about your relationship, cute story of how you met, etc? This would be really nice for older guests who might want a rest anyway, and would keep your guests talking along the way.
Another favor idea might be a guidebook to popular Oregon day hikes?
I LOVE this idea, do NOT let anyone talk you out of it! :-)
(P.S. do you have a rain plan for the picnic? Are tents an option?)

[ChristineLS]

Your wedding sounds fantastic. I'm an outdoors gal, and I was getting a bit envious reading out it ;)

You could ask one of the bridal/grooms party (do you have anyone in this room? You said a small wedding) to put some granola, maybe a cheese and cracker tray the type with the formed tops so it doesn't move around), fruit and beverages in a backpack (like small waters and such). Kind of goes with the hiking theme. Or, you could get someone to hike it up and do a picnic style lunch. Sounds like you'll have a gorgeous wedding :)