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General - Wedding Reception In The Park

by Vikki
(Derby)

We're having our cheap wedding reception in the park! We want to do something really relaxed and fairly quiet, so we decided to use one of the parks near where we live.

It's a really pretty park with some manicured gardens, so the photos will be lovely. We're going to set up a couple of gazebos on the main park section and bring along some folding tables to put the food on. We'll also pop down some rugs on the grass and we've got some garden games for a bit of fun!

My two friends are going to set it all up before the ceremony and their husbands are going to stay in the park with all our kit while we get married. Then we'll all wander down to the park (it's a short taxi ride) and spend the afternoon there.

For food, we're just having simple picnic food like quiches, sandwiches, sausage rolls etc. There's only going to be about 25 of us, so catering will be easy. For the drinks we're having sparkling wine and some beer for the men.

We only need to pay for the food and the drinks, so it should be one of the cheapest ever receptions!

Now we've just got to pray it doesn't rain! If it does, we'll just pile into the local pub on the edge of park. Luckily it's a really nice pub and we've warned them in advance. Fingers crossed!

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General - Wedding Reception In The Park

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May 25, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Beach reception
by: Chantelle

Hi,
Your idea sounds lovely, exactly the kind of thing i want myself! I live in Mablethorpe which is on the East Coast, and my fiance and i are planning a small church wedding, followed by reception on the beach. We're thinking picnic food, possibly a bbq, a marquee etc. Just hoping there aren't too many red tape issues...!
How's your planning going? Have you come across any problems yet?
x
Feb 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstar 		Public Parks
by: Anonymous

Hiya,

I'm currently looking into this option in Leeds. They have loads of amazing parks with lakes and fabulous gardens and stately homes and so on. I'd love to have a big fun picnic for my reception and save on the money. I'm getting the impression however that this option isn't as easy or as cheap as it seems! They've given me an 'event' guide, and said i'd have to do a full health and safety assesment, use professionals if i plan to have fireworks e.t.c and get public liability insurance. You also need permission to erect anything (gazebo's), and if you plan to drink you need permission for this too and someone with a licence (thankfully my partners dad has one), if you want to BBQ you need permission and a risk assessment. It just goes on! Added to the risk of bad weather and strangers walking in on my little party and ruining it, its starting to put me off. Its such a pity because public spaces can be so nice, but they're just that - public. I know very well i could hold a normal picnic on a large scale with no permission and no problems, but i risk having my party stopped or ruined if any one drinks or if i do a BBQ or erect anything the park wardens don't like. Perhaps i might look into hiring a farmers field for a day or a pub! Seems less hassle and cheaper.
Jul 21, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Party in the park
by: Nicola

I've been to several picnics in the park with between 20 - 40 people and we've never had any problems.

Here in London, you often see large groups of people having BBQs, picnics, playing games etc on the commons and in the parks.

As long as you all behave yourselves and drink responsibly there shouldn't be a problem.

If you do have any concerns ask your local warden or speak to your local council - they'll be able to advise you.

Don't forget though, you'll need cover if it rains, so think of a Plan B!!!

Nicola
Jul 19, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		question!
by: Anonymous

hi really interested in doing this but did you need any special permission etc? thankyou!

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