Planning Your Outdoor Wedding Reception
An outdoor wedding reception can be host to an almost unlimited
number of guests and has the aura of nature that can never be
duplicated in an indoor ballroom. Some of the following outdoor
wedding reception ideas should help to get you started with
planning this special day, including avoiding some of the
dangers involved with an outdoor setting.
One of the great advantages of outdoor wedding receptions is the
cost. If you have your own suitable parcel of land, you can save
thousands of dollars over the rental of a reception hall. Even
renting someone else's private land for the event is generally
cheaper than a ballroom.
Hosting an outdoor wedding reception at a public park is not
recommended because public parks are just that: public. It can
be difficult to control who will and will not end up wandering
around eating the hors d'oeuvres. There is plenty of private
acreage for rent just about anywhere, quite suitable for a large
outdoor wedding reception. This allows you more managed access
to the event.
A great thing about the outdoors is that you can have games and
entertainment that wouldn't be possible indoors. Outdoor games
such as horseshoes and croquet are always a hit and can help to
keep the younger guests occupied and out of trouble.
The one thing you simply can't control is the weather. Outdoor
wedding receptions are always at risk of being caught up in a
storm. Plan for rain, hope for rain, even pray for rain! This
way, the worst streak of bad luck will result in a beautiful,
sunny day. Set up plenty of sheltered space to ensure adequate
coverage from the elements. Even if the weather stays clear,
large canopy tents provide your guests with some relief from the
sun.
Even when the sky is beautiful, any open space is subject to
being hit by gusts of wind. Assume that anything able to blow
around, will. Some things to keep in mind are tablecloths,
napkins, disposable cups and plates, centerpieces, seating
arrangement cards, and SCENTS from trash cans, neighboring pig
farms, etc.
Supply bug spray and sunblock for your less-prepared guests.
Perhaps a small booth off to one corner of the lot could be
dedicated to this task. Citronella candles around the perimeter
can also be quite effective in this regard.
Distribute a large number of trash receptacles throughout the
outdoor wedding reception area. Guests are more likely to pick
up a fluttering plate or napkin when they are near a place to
discard it. You will also want hire an attendent whose sole job
is to patrol the site and keep things stocked up and litter-free.