is it giving up or giving in???

Question

hopefully this is a close to feeling "bridezilla" as I'll get....lucky you- I choose to vent here :+/

the reception venue has to change ( long story short....was going to be in my backyard- lots of room, etc...but my neighborhood association doesn't allow parties of more than 50) and I just found this out (my own fault- but I had no idea)

I'm a bit overwhelmed...

I want an outdoor reception...I know (and plan) to check my local parks for availability...but decorations??? food??? can I still get the classy feel if my guests are sitting at picnic tables??

I feel like such a brat, but its very upsetting...

I'm usually much better with strife than this!

Answer 1

No, that would make me really upset too. Youre not being bridezilla. The place sets the tone for the whole event.
I dont know where you live (small town, city?), but in addition to calling parks, try just driving around and looking for anything that could work. For example, if there is a university nearby there may be a nice lawn area that you can rent out. Botanical gardens.
If you go with the park, yes, I think you can still make it nice. Draw from the park for inspiration: checked tablecloths, baskets of flowers for centrepieces, etc. But you may want it to be more casual because guests have to climb in and out of the picnic benches. Good luck!

Answer 2

Maybe you don't have to give up yet. How long do you have until the wedding? You could build up support for the wedding with your neighbors, and then lobby your neighborhood association for a variance (or whatever they call "making an exception"). It's not like you plan to get married every weekend, after all.

Also, think carefully about whether you want to live in the kind of neighborhood that would Squash a Wedding!!! There may be time to buy a new house. Or, if you love your neighborhood, well, maybe that will help you find peace with the decision to do an outdoor reception elsewhere.

Many places have "done" weddings and would be able to help you plan your wedding in their park. You could check the bridal section for pics that look outdoorsy, for hints about the places you could try. Also, you might want to check out local bed and breakfasts to see if you can have your wedding there.

I assume that none of your wedding guests have a suitable yard you could borrow.

Good luck. I know it's disappointing but who knows -- the new wedding site may be even more beautiful, and entail less cleanup!

Answer 3

I don't know the details of your budget but you can rent a white tent for the reception. You can make them really pretty with lots of white lights, candles and some even come with chandeliers! Don't rent chairs for the ceremony and the reception, ask your caterer it they will move them to the reception space after the ceremony during the cocktail hour. You can also look into local country clubs. Sometimes they have deals during different times of the year. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

you are just stressed. Breathe deep. A park reception can be very pretty. Covered the picnic tables and add your centerpieces. Work it into your reception and it will all work out. Just think now you have entertainment for the younger ones, and the older ones can enjoy your reception more. Best Wishes.

Answer 5

You don't sound like a brat! This really sucks. You had everything all planned out the way you wanted and now it's screwed up. Totally valid feelings you are having. I would try to talk to the neighborhood association first. See if they will make one exception. If not, I guess you may have to give up and give in.... Good luck!!!

Answer 6

This is your moment, your day. It should be wonderful.

Picnic tables will NOT do. You can cheaply rent white plastic tables and chairs, and with tablecloths and centerpieces in the center of a grassy area this can turn out classy.

Your city parks probalby have hundreds of weddings an receptions. Ask them where those go and how they do things. There might be something interesting there.

Answer 7

Check for Wedding facilities. My area has a banquet rental hall that includes outdoor space. And it includes tables and chairs and special decorations and all the trimmings. You don't have to switch to picnic tables.

Answer 8

Let a wedding planner arrange it . If you are wondering about picnic tables, you don't have a clue. What about the weather ,the bugs, etc.,?

Answer 9

http://www.uniquevenues.com/virginia-wedding.html

Hope this helps you out, I really feel for you on this one, good luck and happy planning!