Reception in my back garden??!

[overitalready]

Hi All,

So wedding all booked for 31/12/14, however its the 'reception' that im struggling with!!

We are having a registry office for the ceremony, with 40 people coming. We have both decided that the big whole reception thing after really isnt for us..

plus as you can see were getting married on new years eve so trying to find somewhere to hire etc on that day would be a bit of a mare!

right so onto the fact my back garden then popped into my head!! gazebo, beer, food etc? Good idea or not?

Im thinking Dec is going to be freezing and then of course theres all the food to make & the chairs..where do u get the chairs from?!! :)

anyone done this before? any tips?

help!

Well it sounds like a lovely idea... except that it will Dec/Jan! Would you really want to go to an outdoor party in the middle of winter? You might be able to get away with a heated marquee, but that will cost a lot of £££.

You can hire all the things you need tables, chairs, tableclothes, glasses ect but it all adds up and for a Dec wedding I really wouldn't want to be outside.

Again yes you can cater your own wedding but for a winter wedding people would want something more substantial and warming than a summer picnic type thing which is what I did and it was a LOT of work.

Have a look at local halls, council building to hire - some have really lovely properties, ask on here on your local board for ideas.

Congratulations and good luck.

I think it would be lovely in summer (I would have been very tempted to do this if we had a nice big garden!) but might not work so well for December unfortunately. Even with a gazebo for shelter it's going to be freezing, and will get dark early, so you'd have to think about lights and heating which would be a lot of hassle and expense...

It depends on your guests maybe, would they be the kind to dress appropriately and see it as all part of the fun, or would they be miserable/complaining types?

Remember it could actually be lashing with rain/sleet/snow and high winds, rather than just a bit cold. I think you need some inside space.

In the summer yyy.... in the winter it's a very bad idea imo, sorry. Unless you have a big house and people can huddle indoors?

The good news is though that with a guest list of 40 you have lots of options. Personally I'd book a buffet with the nicest local pub you can find - fire non-optional :) - mulled wine, party food etc. Or there is def something to be said for "bring a dish and a bottle" to the village hall, and you spend your money on soft drinks, cake, live music and fireworks. Or both :)

I've been to a couple of garden weddings and they've been great. It was, however the summer. Could you accommodate a marquee with tables and sufficient heaters? There are lots of other things you will nedd to hire, portable loos, glass and tableware, serving staff and a catering company. It could end up costing more than hiring a venue.

Wow that's a long engagement!!!

Yes too cold

I would be looking around for small licensed venues and booking now before they all go.

Do not risk an outdoor reception in the height of winter please, you will ruin your day with worry of the weather.

I've been to a marquee wedding on New Year's Eve. Large marquee with lots of blower heaters that are slotted in to the marquee. Solid floor and proper tables and chairs. Everyone was warm enough but I doubt it was a cheap option.

2014?

Long engagements are just more stressing time imo but as you were...

Hi Bue - yes i thought lovely idea..until i read these :)

@ Melodyangel - The thinking was massive chilli, stew etc something warming!
thank you for the congrats & advice

@ Ephiny, We do have 6 heaters to go inside the gazebo (if we decide this is what were going to do that is) I would say guests would get into the swing of things..who knows though until i announce they have to wear wellies!

@ Bluechampagne, We would be taking the sofas out of the living room which is open plan into the kitchen, we also have french doors so would all be sort of 1 big space..

@ Nutellaontoast, advice appreciated, thanks.

@ Sue52, advice appreciated, thanks.

Gumby, Long engagement? No idea there was a rule on engagements! However reason being is to soon this year, next year is 2013 & i have terrible O.C.D with numbers & refuse to get married in an odd numbered year (dont know why as it now sounds like im odd!)

@ Jaquelinehyde, yes your right..i should start looking elsewhere, just incase..thanks!

@ Bisjo, again appreciate your comment

@ Nutellaontoast...Yes 2014, as i was...

Thanks again all!