Go barefoot and celebrate a life-changing day in casual style.
A wedding is a time to celebrate love among family and friends; for some, the perfect way to do that is to give the formalities a miss and instead have a casual gathering in the backyard. Many wedding guests greet this plan with a sigh of relief, as a backyard reception can mean comfortable clothes and a casual atmosphere among friends and family.
It is no less special a gathering for its informality, and a few creative ideas can make it a memorable event.
Games for Kids and Adults
Plan some activites to keep kids and adults alike busy and having fun.
A wedding reception doesn't have to be a party where the only entertainment choices are chatting and dancing; take advantage of the backyard environment. Set up ladder golf, horseshoes and badminton for the adults, but don't forget the kids. Arrange a scavanger hunt to keep the kids busy, and as the night progresses, consider hooking up a projecter to a laptop and screening a movie on the side of the wedding tent.
Not Just for Summer
Prepare correctly and the seasons won't keep guests inside.
A long summer evening might be what springs to mind when thinking of a backyard wedding reception, but outdoor receptions don't have to be limited to a few months out of the year, as long as the correct preparations are made.
For an autumn reception, make sure that there are plenty of outdoor lights to keep the yard illuminated long after the the sun goes down. Set up firepits with chairs surrounding them for a cozy, romantic atmosphere. In addition to cold drinks and alcohol, make sure there are plenty of hot options available as well; coffee, tea and hot cider can be a hit with guests of all ages.
Even a winter reception can be held at least partially outdoors. Bonfires and hot chocolate can help guests keep warm, and plan on having snowshoes on hand. For those fortunate to have a backyard pond, consider ice skating and sledding as well.
Participation
Take advantage of the open outdoors.
Invite guests to participate in the reception and lend a hand with the entertainment; on the invitations, ask for entertainment ideas to be returned with the RSVPs. Suggestions can include having a musically inclined guest perform a special song for the wedding couple, for an artist to design a work for the tables, or even having someone set up a fireworks display for after dark.
Plan Ahead for Decorations
Christmas lights can make excellent tent decorations.
Knowing well in advance where the reception will be hosted can allow for some unique decorating opportunities. When planting flowers in the spring, choose those that are the same colors as those featured in the wedding. Be on the lookout for decorations throughout the year; purchase lights in the wedding colors at Christmas, pick up some fireworks around the 4th of July, and outdoor linens, plasticware, tables and chairs in the spring when the seasons change.
Tags: keep kids, make sure, there plenty, wedding reception