Summer's Hottest Unconventional Wedding Reception

OK, so we know it isn't summer, yet, but for you brides in planning-mode, this is a great idea!

You want a romantic, memorable wedding reception, but everyplace in town is booked! Are you sure?

Some say you need over a year to plan a good wedding and reception. I say you can do it in less than three months. When planning your reception, first figure out your goals. Seriously! Is it to get lots of gifts? Spend time with relatives you'll never see? Show off your dancing skills? Write it down & make sure your groom contributes to the list!

Once your list is complete, you may realize that a formal reception is unnecessary. Or, you'll see that the standard just won't do!

This summer's hottest unconventional wedding reception is a "Memory-Filled" Picnic Lunch.

Objective:
Allow guests to relax, eat, greet the bride and groom, and get to know the "other" side.

Challenges:
All the reception halls are booked that day, or out of your price range.
Budget is between $500-$1000 for 100 people.
Your sisters have all done this before--you want your wedding to be memorable.
Your mother-in-law-to-be really wants to help.

Solution:
Serve lunch, family-style in picnic baskets at the park.

Find a local park (or even the yard of the church). It should be close to the ceremony and provide ample parking. Check with the city or county to get any permits to use the park for a large party. There may be a fee, but it will be a small fraction of the cost of a reception hall. Parks with shade, pavilions, tables and restrooms are a must!

If tables are not available at the park, see if you can rent them from a local church. Depending on the "age-ility" of your guests, you may not need tables for everyone!

Check your big box stores in the Summer Section (items should be marked down by mid-June). Look for the makings of a picnic. You do not need 100 of the same thing. Just find matching items for each table or picnic basket.

Coming to our next post...all the essential details to make this reception happen, including shopping lists, and pricing! Check back tomorrow!