To think that this wedding sounds okay

[Cornishandpastey]

Planning a wedding B&G both mid thirties . Largish families small social circle total guests including 20 children is about 60-70
general plan of the day is to arrive at registry office ( really lovely old building in centre of town overlooking a lake ). Plenty of parking .No posing for photos , the photographer is just going to snap the service and people entering and leaving the building. Then about a 20 minute drive ( some will take their own cars , we’re laying on 3 limos after checking who want to drink / who’d prefer their own car etc.
arrival at converted barn will see them all either able to seat themselves ( little round tables of 4-6 plus seating around the bar. There’s a corner with big chesterfield sofas and a big box of toys and goodies for the kids.
food is served pretty much straight away with a large selection of food from grilled meats to salads, breads , olives , deli type stuff and childrens party food up one end for the littlies.
dJ is playing background music and the tables have storm lanterns and simple posies in jam jars . There’s really lovely fairy lights across the beams but it’s all fairly simple .
4 speeches , 5 minute limit on each , lighthearted , funny and warm - nothing serious .
everyone encouraged to dig into food and chat for a bout an hour. Bar is unlimited and is craft beer , local wine , 1 whiskey and 1 gin and various ‘posh sodas’ .
we have a use or return arrangement with our booze suppliers who are friends .
caterers have a fridge van and will refresh plates as they run out meaning people can graze and take their time.
deserts are just British favourites like apple pie, trifle and chocolate cake with jugs of cream and custard - also local baker we know.
dj plays till 8pm ( service at 3 / arrival at 4:30)
then our band will start around then ( fairly well known chaps from the 70’s my Dad knows) we all get merry and have a boogie , all over about midnight.

Details:first dance is ‘Stand by me’ Ben E King.
my dress and the bridesmaid are ‘country fairy ‘ style , simple cream gowns with flower head bands and bride and groom will arrive to the barn on a cart pulled by Shire horse just to
Add a bit of ‘wow ‘to our pics and go with the country theme.
Band is easy rock / soul stuff.
we have 2 couples and one family travelling over 40 miles so we’ll stick them in the local premier inn for the night .

i feel like this is short , sweet , no standing round starving while photos are done and the kids are well catered for so hopefully will behave…
have I missed anything?
it’s a September wedding so mild but not hot .

Sounds very instagrammable, if that is even a word. My word of caution amidst the fairytale is to beware the weather. Our September wedding was torrential rain all day, a very wet Shire horse and my bridal gown covered in rather fetching blank dustbin liners topped off with an Alliance and Leicester building society Golfing Umbrella.

It sounds so wonderful. I know I'd love to be your guest.
The only thing that gives pause is the pictures. I'm older now and just want to stress how very important it will be later to have professional grade photos of you, dh, parents, grandies, siblings, etc. Don't go wild, but you really do need to do some. My parents and grandies are gone now, and I can't tell you how much it means to me to have a lovely, well lit, nicely composed photo of us on my wedding day (not a stiff, formal portrait, btw). We were so young, so joyous, it makes my heart light even after all these years. I hope you'll consider it.

Sounds well thought out. I agree with poster about some sort of seating chart, tables of 4-6 are small and not really conducive to socialing/mixing. I would also be concerned about how substantial the food will be? It's a long reception with open bar, I would need either a full sit down meal or access to the buffet all night.

Your wedding sounds absolutely lovely! Love the idea of a photo wall! The puddings sound perfect 🤩

Agree re formal photos, I didn’t have many and wish I had some of my close extended fam and friends. It’s lovely to see them and their outfits given all the effort, and look back at them. The candid photos didn’t capture everyone which was such a shame. Or you get many drunk photos.

With respect to the buffet which sounds lovely, I would be concerned about food running out or some people taking much more than others. You may need some kind of system going to ensure people don’t rush the table. I had a manned buffet which was topped up, so would think about how you can ensure everyone is fed. I like the idea of a late snack, especially as people will be dancing and drinking. Helps to soak up the booze too!

As someone with dietary requirements, it’s nice to make it very clear for people with allergens etc where their food is, it’s embarrassing enough having to trouble people for this info at events; or having non allergy people eating up the food that is set aside for those with special diets.

Re the horse, could you forgo the cart and just walk with the horse whilst wearing wellies. Get some lovely pics? Not a fan of animals being used for labour. Alternatively, you could rock up in a VW beetle or tractor - cute pics & rain won’t ruin the day.

Re the dj, your brothers partner may well like to have a day off as I imagine he prob gets asked to dj at weddings/events all the time? He could still do a playlist for you if he wants to help out, but at least he can just enjoy himself. Just a thought.

Other points I can think of:

Do you have somewhere for gifts?
Are you having a cake? I read a tip that cake after getting hitched with sparkly is a nice way to ensure the cake is eaten & it helps line peoples tummy’s. People don’t tend to eat cake after dessert, it’s too much. Plus great pics 😊

You could get some shawls or blankets for warmth?
Maybe some flip flops for dancing.
Is the lighting in the barn okay for photos? Have you designated someone to deal with issues on the day so they don’t bother you?
Will you be feeding/watering the band & photographer?

You mentioned a pool - I would make sure no one had access to that, especially with kids and people drinking.

Is there anything special you and your partner love which you could incorporate into the wedding?