Are we mad to want a garden wedding reception?

Not been to one so not sure how much help I can be! Would you really be able to relax if it's in your own home? I would be really worried about making sure everyone was entertained, fed and watered and would probably run around being a waitress rather than relaxing and enjoying my day. I'd also be woried about all those people trekking through my house to the toilet ?. Actually, the weather would be the last of my concerns, that is what marquees and gazebos are for after all! That said, it would be ideal for something low key and intimate. It would work really well with a BBQ/hog roast or picnic type food.

Thanks CD. The only time I can ever say thank you for a downstairs bathroom (which I normally hate!) because then guests wouldn't have to traipse through my house!

My granny and grandad had a garden party for their 40th wedding anniversary, they had a marquee. I have considered having our reception in the back garden too, but the thing that puts me off most is that we live in a small cul-de-sac and parking for 70-odd people would be a nightmare! I also went to a cocktail party in a marquee in someone's back garden - but that was a real no-expenses-spared kind of affair, and you really didn't know you were in someone's back garden once you were in there.

I do think it's a lovely idea if you've got the room. Maybe you could have just the marquee roof so it's still got that garden feel but with some extra cover from the elements. You need to consider things like toilets, seating and lighting. They can all be hired, but not sure how much they'd cost.

I know what you mean about reception venues, I can't find anything that looks pretty and doesn't cost the earth. I like the idea of an old converted barn but there's nothing even remotely near us!

That's not too bad then!
I guess so long as you have enough people to help, especially if you are doing the food yourself, then it'll be fine. What sorts of ideas did you have in mind?

I'd be quite happy with just a plain barn! But around this area (Hertfordshire) it's just not likely. There are some great venues around here but I (and i'm not knocking anyone who is having one) just can't justify spending so much.

Keep hunting - I'm sure you'll find something special.

If I do the food myself it will be Dominos pizza all round! No, I've spoken to a caterer who although I've only spoken to them twice, have been really helpful and for the same amount of money in a venue, I can probably feed 25 more people. And they've been quite happy to suggest things to me as well about whether to use my kitchen or (don't laugh!) our shed.

I thought we could probably do the buffet bit ourselves (well, M&S or Waitrose could - there's a bit of a theme here - not really a DIY wedding after all!) but the caterer is also happy to do sausage/bacon/hot cheese toasties for later on in the evening.

Is the garden big enough for a Marquee? Doesn't have to be a huge one depending on guest numbers. And ideal if it doesnt take up the whole garden so there is outside space too. My cousin had a marquee in parents garden - with an apple tree inside it as they didn't want to cut it down!

I'm having a garden ceremony and a marquee reception - but my dad has about an acre of gardens and 3 acres of fields!

Our garden is split in two but it's about 250-300 foot long (no idea what that is in metres).

The first part of our garden is about 100 ft which I thought we could use to have drinks/canapes if the weather was okay and we'd set up the marquee in the second part of the garden.

Your's sounds fab. My dad has a heeeeooooge garden but it's unlikely he will suggest holding it there.

Do it! Sounds gorgeous! And if it does rain, you just mingle in the Marquee!

How many guests do you reckon? If only a few you can probably let caterers work from your kitchen and open your downstairs toilet. If lots, you may need a toilet trailer and catering tent.

Flipping heck, your garden is massive ?

I think it sounds fine. I had visions of people being squished into a 20ft long garden but with all that space it'll be lovely. And if you've got caterers then there's really nothing to worry about, let them get on with it and you can enjoy yourself.

Well girls I think I am > < this close to saying it's a definite. Thanks for helping!

Milna - i've just seen from your ticker you haven't got long to go now. Can't wait to hear a report which will hopefully make me even more confident about a garden reception.

Might put you right off if this weather doesn't perk up! ?

I am currently checking Metchecks 14 day forecast for 30th May numerous times per day. And it is constantly swinging between 'fair' , 'torrential with high winds', 'overcast' ,and 'glorious'! I must stop torturing myself like this - even the forecasters wont really have a clue until a day or so before!

Jules, I can see your point about the marquee at the other end - it is something we will have to think about especially with the great british summer!

Stop checking!

I'm sure it will be fine (fingers crossed) for you.

In fact on the 31st we're having a party for my 2 year old. It had better be nice because I don't think my house could hold 12 tearaways and their parents plus family!

In fact fingers crossed for you and me!

I have been to one really great home wedding, but the couple had a huge garden and a spare field for parking. The weather was lovely, it was great! I have also been to an ok wedding in a garden. It was still a nice day, but the garden just wasn't big enough. By the time the marquee was in the garden there was no room to move! I have also been to an absolute disaster in a graden.

The heavens opened as it can in the UK. People were covered in mud, the wind was blowing water under the marquee skirts meaning that the tables were moving ever closer to the centre of the dancefloor. By the first dance I would say that a good half of the guests had left, and several wanted to leave but their cars were stuck.

I know you don't want to think about it raining on your wedding day, but sadly we live in the UK and there is a possibility it might!

Sorry to put a slightly negative slant on the thread, but I've been there when it really wasn't so great.

Pete

?? ooh la la has a re-think.

ETA - What time of year was this Pete?

I think that given that the wedding was in the UK, it could have been at any point of the year, surely?!?!

god the poor bride!

No no no no I only want people to tell me positive stories lol!!

We're still not definite about this whole marquee malarkey (despite the fact that it has in fact been delivered today and is at this precise moment sat in a big wrapped up heap on our driveway).

We;re going to put the marquee up mid week, see how the garden looks and then make a decision I think.

Plus there's a company round the corner with a car park and we're hoping we might be able to sweet talk them into using their gravel car park.

I suppose. I just wondered if it were a Spring/Autumn thing, then that's just silly! But a Summer wedding, then it wasn't their fault.

We do have some nice days in the Summer.

Pen - you actually BOUGHT a marquee? Was it expensive? What are you going to do with it after the wedding?

Also, got a photo of it?! ?

Before you get too excited, it's not a lovely, all singing all dancing one!

We might have to get another one to extend on the back if we find we can't fit everyone, but this is it when up.

We might keep it as I'll be 40 in a couple of years (aaarrgh) for my big party or we might sell it on.

I think it's a fabulous idea!!

Sounds like you've really thought it through and got it all covered - shame you can't guarantee the weather, so hope the marquee is suitable.

How many people are you planning on having?

Have you thought about entertainment? Will you need a dancefloor for the marquee?

A friend had her reception in a marquee (although was at a rugby club), and it was lovely. They served fish & chips in the paper - it was very yummy.

Pen - will be ideal for what you want though.

My 40th next year (although am not 39 yet!).