Outside Wedding Table Setting

by Iris

I would like to have an outside wedding, and I want a buffet. How does it work with table settings, etc.? Any help is appreciated.

Our Thoughts

Outside weddings can be a lot of fun, and as wedding planners we have planned and coordinated many outdoor wedding events. In general the same rules apply for an outside wedding as they do for an inside wedding reception.

Typically a tent is brought in from a rental company along with tables, chairs, linens and everything that the caterer will need to serve your meal. Some reception locations will wrap all of this into a wedding package which can make things easier sometimes.

Regardless of whether it is a buffet or sit down, you will want to have tables and a place to sit for each of your guests. Work with your caterer, rental company and reception location (if you are using one) to figure out what will be needed.

To Your Wedding!
Danielle & Stephen

Small Outdoor Wedding

by Katie
(Couer d'Alane, ID)

I am planning a low budget, outdoor wedding in a park. Still with only 50+ guests, I have limited space. Would it look funny to have them seated at the tables for the ceremony? I would define the 'aisle' with petals and even have a row or two for the 'bride/groom' parents.

Also, we are having a BBQ type buffet dinner. Plus the wedding is pretty casual, but still semi formal. Should I make a seating chart for the guest if the ceremony is in the same spot? I wouldn’t mind a little DIY projects. I have 5 months before my wedding. Those little touches look so good in a smaller wedding.

Do you have any suggestions or ideas?

Our Thoughts

Dear Katie,

Over many years of planning wedding events, I have really found my niche in outdoor weddings and just adore both planning & running them. They are just so unique and guests love something different. Kudos for hosting an event in the park! It sounds lovely and very intimate.

Many couples have their ceremony in the exact spot in which the reception will take place due to limited space. I would strongly suggest having your guests sit at their reception tables for the ceremony as you have envisioned above.

The floral aisle is a beautiful idea and it will definitely define where you and your party will walk down.

Having a seating chart or assigned formal seating will be a great way to cut down on any confusion going into the ceremony. I suggest not putting your parents in a row of chairs, but instead make sure that the parent’s tables are closest to your wedding ceremony so they get an up close view of the celebration.

If you are planning on having a small cocktail hour before your main reception, try to make good use of your reception space. For example, if you are having a dance floor, have cocktail tables located on the dance floor for your guests.

This encourages people to get out of their seats and mingle after the ceremony. Prior to the beginning of your main reception, the tables can quickly be cleared and people once again can take their formal seats.

Enjoy the event and congratulations!

Regards,
Danielle

Outside Wedding Entrance

I am planning an outside wedding on this beautiful grassy meadow. What is the best way to have the bridal party enter since there isn't any building or anything to help make a grand entrance? Any suggestions?

Our Thoughts

Your grassy meadow sounds so charming. Since there is nothing in the immediate area to act as your grand entrance, I would suggest creating one.

You can go to a local rental company to see what they offer in pillars or arches to act as a starting point for your party to walk through. Or, you could also go to your local nursery and rent trees, tall plants or flowering bushes to act as your entrance way for the wedding.

Regards,
Danielle