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Original poster

Wedding...

13 replies

SenoraPostrophe · 04/03/2004 14:44

OK www - here's a thread just for you!

W're getting married in October in Spain. Don't know how many people can come yet, but it's likely to be 50-100. It'll be a civil ceremony (as we're not catholic) then reception.

The invites I have in hand - we're going to make them. I really want to sent plain card ones with an embossed ball and chain, but maybe this is a bit tasteless! (so probably quite plain modern ones)

For the reception I'm hoping to have it outdoors at a local picnic site - lots of space for kids to run around and some swings. We'll get a local restauarant to cater it. But will that cause problems? it'll save place name tags anyway! Should there be an evening do as well?Should we lay on taxis? and should we pay a few people to remain sober and watch the kids?

other ideas appreciated - haven't got very far with plans yet. Also we need an alternative reception plan in case of bad weather.

OP posts:
M2T · 04/03/2004 14:50

SP - You can still have a religious ceremony if you're not Catholic. Are you Protestant or just not religious? We had a Civil ceremony as DH's family are Catholic and I have no beliefs so seemed most sensible.

What time is the ceremony? You don't need to have an evening reception. Our ceremony was at 3.30pm. Sat down for the meal at 6pm, music and dancing by 8pm. Fab! And no need to provide an evening buffet. It saved us about £2k!

You shouldn't have to put taxis on, people will organise their own. Although you could recommend a taxi firm who might them all a discount for mass bookings?

How old are the children and how many of them are there likely to be?

Northerner · 04/03/2004 15:00

Ooh M2T my wedding format was very similar to yours. We had a late civil ceremony, which led straight to wedding breakfast and then dancing and that worked really well for us. When I organised weddings I hated those horrible gaps in the afternoon after the service but before the breakfast.

Congrats on your wedding Senora, will the picnic site be exclusive to you or will there eb other people there?

CountessDracula · 04/03/2004 15:02

Ditto, we got married lateish in the afternoon, but only invited a few people to the reg office and then had the reception starting at 6.30pm with drinks & canapes, then sit down dinner and dancing. None of that horrible hanging around!

Senora re the alternative venue, could you get a marquee or awning put up in the picnic site (presumably even if it rains won't be cold so awning would do) so that there is somewhere to go if it does rain?

Original poster
SenoraPostrophe · 04/03/2004 15:13

Hmm, didn't think of the time thing. Have booked late morning, but then if we do have an outside reception we'll catch the best of the sun afterwards.

Can't have a marquee as it's on a mountainside and yes, there may be other people (suspect not many though as its a weekday).
Do you think this could be a problem?

Also re taxis - the problem is people won't be able to book their own as the vast majority of guests will speak no Spanish. I think I'll have to ask our friendly local taxista to find a few who speak English.

OP posts:
Original poster
SenoraPostrophe · 04/03/2004 15:15

m2t - we're not religious anyway, so not bothered.

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Northerner · 04/03/2004 15:16

I was just wondering if the other people might come and help them selves to your food!

Will there be enough tables and chirs for everyone to eat and stuff?

WideWebWitch · 05/03/2004 09:54

Oooh, oooh, ooooh, glad you started this Senora! The picnic sounds like a great idea. I have a vision of a child friendly event when we get married (eventually) too. Got to go, baby crying but will come back later, definitely

Marina · 05/03/2004 10:23

Sp, congratulations!
Can't think of much at the mo but I'd definitely book some 100% sober babysitters, then you and your guests can relax. I am imagining the stunning view from your reception venue and the scent of lemon trees etc...mmmm.

Twinkie · 05/03/2004 10:24

Oooohhhhh let people look after their own children - selfish of me to say but they are not your responsibility and other people's children are the last thing you want to have to worry about on your wedding day!!

Hope you have the bestest time

Original poster
SenoraPostrophe · 05/03/2004 11:27

yes, Twinkie, but what about my own??

Plus, people are coming a long way and I want them to be able to relax. The picnic site is not enclosed and, well, I'd worry.

Must find out more about whether we'd be allowed to do it or not!

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WideWebWitch · 05/03/2004 11:57

Senora, my vision of a posh child friendly picnic wedding includes a bouncy castle and an entertainer to keep the children happy, (A bouncy castle and they're so happy you don't see them for hours IME. Would need supervision though and don't know if you can get them there), strawberries and champagne, picnic rugs, a jazz band and sunshine. You've probably got the sunshine sorted but I suppose you do need a wet weather alternative, even in Spain. I don't see the problem with getting a local restaurant to cater it. How far is the picnic site from the hotels/b&bs etc? If it's a way then yes, I'd organise taxis. Or a couple of coaches? That'll up the expense though. Oh yes, do pay people to stay sober and look after kids if you can - what about nursery staff? (can't remember if your dd goes but maybe she's not old enough come to think of it). Will come back if I think of anything else.

slug · 05/03/2004 13:44

My brother got married on a hillside in Germany, followed by a reception in a nearby restaurant. It was fabulous, there was an inside and outside part of the restaurant (more like a cafe really) so we sat outside till it got dark then moved in. The bit I remember best was the 'wedding party games'. Immediatly after the ceremony my SIL's sisters whipped out a giant heart printed on a huge piece of paper. My brother and SIL were given scissors, they cut the heart out and he carried her through it. Later in the evening they came out with a helium balloon for each of the guests. Attached to the balloons by string were sparklers. We lit them and set them drifting off in the evening sky. There was supposed to be some point to it like sending our wishes off with them, but who cares, it was pretty.

Northerner · 05/03/2004 13:51

Love the helium balloon idea.

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