Plans for a small wedding

[weddingatlast]

I am planning a small wedding of 30, all family members of various ages and I'm completely new to weddings as I've only ever been to one. It's going to be at a beauty spot and we are going for a very relaxed theme. Providing it's not raining, we are hoping our guests can relax and enjoy the beauty spot which is the reason for the choice of venue. (Apologies for being vague but my sister is on here and I would like to keep my plans to myself for the time being).

Can anyone critique my plan? I am mainly worried about guests getting bored, if the timings are right and if there's enough food. We would like to have enough time to enjoy the beauty spot without it being too long and boring.

The venue ask for guests to arrive 1 hour before the ceremony, is this normal? It seems quite a wait, especially as there is only a small group of us.

2:30-3pm - Ceremony
3-5pm - Drink reception and canapés, followed by relaxing and enjoying the beauty spot. Guests can bring a book, chat or even sunbathe and there are outdoor games for the children. We will be doing photos during this time as well.
5-6pm - BBQ buffet and pudding.
6-7pm - A quick thank you as we aren't doing proper speeches and a maybe a game with a prize. I know this won't be to everyone's taste but I think our families would enjoy it as they are very competitive and like that sort of thing. Also cutting the cake.
7-11pm - First dance and disco.

At 9pm I was thinking of fish and chip cones and wedding cake.

There will be a sweet/doughnut table and a games table of card games and other games for both adults and children to enjoy. My aim is so guests can pick up a game and have a good giggle (mainly the adults). There will also be outdoor sparklers later in the evening.

This wedding sounds perfect to me. We're planning on doing similar (well eloping). Does Everyone who's coming know it's a small wedding? The only thing I can suggest is maybe put in the invite about suitable clothing, like if they need wellies or if it's best to avoid high heels?

Thank you. Yes they do and I will definitely make sure to remember to put all the information that's needed on the invites.

My next dilemma is the date, I have a choice of two but need to give the venue our final choice tomorrow. One is in April and the other June. June is likely to be warmer but also comes at a £2000 higher fee and is likely to be slightly busier for other people visiting as it's not an exclusive venue. Where as April is the preferred date, cheaper and quieter but I would be worried it's too cold to be sat outside for too long. We are on a strict budget and I know in reality June is probably the better date but it is so hard making the decision. Dp is of no help either

Love the sound of everything from 2.30 onwards but why the hell do the venue want everyone there from 1.30?? that's nuts IMO. Is there a bar or something?

Well that's what I thought, I will clarify tomorrow when I speak to them. There will be a bar.

2 hours is far too much hanging around. What if it's raining?