Planning an Outdoor Wedding Reception
June 21, 2009
Outdoor weddings can be beautiful, memorable moments for both the wedding party and the families involved. Outdoor wedding receptions can also bring treasured memories that will be talked about for years to come. To pull off a great outdoor wedding reception, planning must take a priority and several key parts taking center stage.
Shade And Shelter
The most important part of your outdoor wedding reception, doesn’t start with food, chairs, tables, music, flowers, or anything else that you would want to put a lot of time into. The most important thing to make sure you have on hand is some sort of shelter or shade. Sun and rain can both ruin your outdoor wedding reception. Too much sun and it’s too hot and the food can spoil. Rain will instantly stop any outdoor festivities. Outdoor party tents are great for this and can be found at most rental stores for a reasonable cost.
Catering And Servers
Once you know that everything will be protected from the elements, then you can think of food. Caterers are busy all year round and waiting until the last minute can severely dampen your outdoor wedding reception.
Tables And Chairs
You have the shelter, and you know food will be there… now it’s time to find tables and chairs to sit at. Round tables make the best reception tables as it allows everyone at the table to talk. Plastic folding chairs - with padding - is the best choice. Weddings are for the entire family and elderly family members will need a comfortable place to enjoy it.
Band And Emcee
If not a band, then a DJ. However, entertainment of some kind should be next on your list. Make sure they know it is outside so they can make arrangements for the sound and protection of their equipment. An emcee is also important. Someone with a great voice and enthusiasm should be contacted.
Cake
No wedding reception is complete without the wedding cake. Outdoor wedding receptions, however, do require cake designers and bakers to take extra precautions. They should know you are planning an outdoor reception.
And outdoor wedding reception can be a lovey time for everyone involved. Great planning will help with the overall experience. Take time in the planning and make sure the above points are covered first.