I am having a backyard wedding and am thinking of having the ceremony in a clearing under a canapy of trees. Because of the space, and because the ground is not level, it would probably be difficult to arrange chairs for 70 people so I am thinking of having them stand in a circle or semi-circle around us for the actual ceremony. I can't imagine the ceremony will be longer than 15-20 minutes. Would this seem strange or rude to the guests? The few people I have mentioned this too seem shocked that I would consider having people stand. There will be tables and chairs for the reception in another part of the yard.
2007-03-20 06:08:46 · 15 answers · asked by non-traditionalist 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Great, the ceremony will only be 20 minutes, but remember, people start arriving 30-60 minutes before the ceremony. And 70 people jockeying for position just doesn't seem fun.
I'd also be peeved if I got dressed up to come to a wedding and then had to ruin my heels and kill my feet by standing for an hour.
As far as the other advice of 'supply chairs for the elderly', where do you draw the line? I have a bad knee, but I'm not on crutches, so will I get dirty looks if I take a chair? How bout aunt rose who weighs 300 pounds and wilts outside? Are there kids invited? Have you ever tried to get kids to stand in one place for longer than 5 minutes - if there isn't a parade involved?
If there isn't room for 70 seats, then invite less people. JMHO.
2007-03-20 08:00:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had to stand during a ceremony at the beach, and I think most people would prefer to sit. I recommend at least having some chairs for the elderly, like a couple of other people suggested as well. I think it also depends on how long your ceremony is going to last. Many people will get fidgity after a while and then they find it difficult to concentrate since they are only wondering when it's going to be over and how much their feet hurt in their nice shoes they're wearing. I don't think having your guests stand is rude or strange, just a little inconsiderate. Afterwards though, your guests will forget all about it and enjoy whatever reception you have planned. It also might be a good idea to note in the invitations that there will be limited seating during the ceremony, just so your guests will be prepared and possibly wear comfortable shoes.
2007-03-20 13:56:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember standing 15 - 20 minutes for you may not be a problem. Issues arise when you have guests that can not stand that long of a time..
How are you going to address the issue of seeing the ceremony for people that are vertically challenged?
What about those that wish to take pictures? All they may get photos of are the backs of peoples' head. Any way it is your wedding, if that is what you want to do, go for it.
2007-03-20 13:19:58 · answer #3 · answered by whitehairblueeyes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You definitely should have SOME chairs...for those who physically CAN'T stand for twenty minutes. The older people should be able to sit, too. I would say, if you are having 70 people, have a couple rows of chairs, depending on how wide they area was how many chairs in a row. I would venture a guess of at least 20 chairs. Plus, if you are going to be walking to meet your groom, you can make yourself an "aisle" by splitting the rows of chairs in half.
2007-03-20 13:19:31 · answer #4 · answered by Just tryin' to help 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not ask guests to stand for any longer than 10 minutes. Presumably, there will be older people there, and believe it or not, they may have physical trouble standing for that long. I like the standing around in a semi circle idea, but you really must consider your guests' physical limitations.
2007-03-20 13:21:14 · answer #5 · answered by melouofs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm torn on that one. I think it's best to have chairs for all. I think, as someone else said, people would prefer to sit. It's kind of an awkward thing to remain standing for a wedding ceremony. Whatever you decide, definitely at least have chairs for the elderly and people who can't stand.
2007-03-20 14:07:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would like to share the experience from other country,
In my country which is indonesia.. most of people have standing party which we call it a buffet style where people can eat, chat and move around with other guests.
The reason why some of us always have standing party is because we always invite thousands of guests in a huge full decorated ballroom or poolside or garden. And everybody seem to love to hang around with each other.
But we do provide some tables for families and close friends.
Hope it gives you a better idea
2007-03-20 13:31:12 · answer #7 · answered by mscotton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's fine to have people stand. It's only 15 minutes. However, make sure you have some chairs ready to pull out for those people that cannot stand. That could be really embarassing if there is someone that cannot stand comfortably and you haven't made arrangements for them.
2007-03-20 14:30:38 · answer #8 · answered by Laura M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's just 10-15 minutes it will be fine. Just have some chairs reserved for the guests that you think will need to sit and put their names on them (with a few extra) so no one who can stand will sit just to be comfortable.
2007-03-20 13:17:35 · answer #9 · answered by TJTB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seating should be provided. The unlevel ground is usually solved by sheets of plywood covered by carpeting. If you can't seat all 70, I would suggest at least half. Good luck
2007-03-20 13:59:39 · answer #10 · answered by J M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋