Bonfire Reception

You could do something like a BBQ for dinner and then maybe once things slow down have a bonfire. That way you get a little bit of both. I would be scared of my dress catching on fire though.

What is a bonfire reception, exactly? You're going to have to explain that a little more, this is the first I've heard of that.

If you want to just have cake and snacks, then it needs to be mid afternoon during non mealtimes.

If you do a bonfire, you might want to check into a food truck. Also, you might want to check if there is a city/county/town ordinance against bonfires.

On the list of things that are important to have at a reception, chairs, tables, and food are at the top. (also liquor)

You can have an outdoor reception with a bonfire, but you should still have tables and chairs for your loved ones to sit at - things like hay bales don't count. Would you want to sit on one for 3 hours?

If there is going to be alcohol (and there should ) you HAVE to serve a meal, or if the reception is going to be longer than 2 hours, you HAVE to serve a meal.

The only way to get around a meal for your guests is a cake and punch reception that lasts 2 hours and is before or after dinner, but not during.

It was actually his idea. Our ceremony is going to be at 3:30 in the afternoon. It's not going to be a huge wedding, only about 60 guests or so. I actually just want to skip the whole thing all together.

You could do a little bit of both so that you're not compromising a whole lot. You could have a part of the night where you do dinner with everyone and as the drinks start to roll out (if there are any), you can easily transition into a bonfire area. Haystacks could be used as seats.

Also, there won't be any alcohol because him and I both are not old enough to drink yet and there will be kids invited.

If you (or he) wants to have drinking and dancing you should have food as well, but if it's only going to be a couple hours 3:30 is the perfect time for a reception with cake and punch or just snacks.

ALTHOUGH, I feel like a bonfire before dark is a little... pointless.

ETA Just saw your above comment about the alcohol. I wont get into that, because I'm sure someone else will. But alcohol or no, I'll leave the previous statement.

Hay bales make me itch like MAD, i know im not alone there. please have actual chairs.

how long are you planning for this to last? If less than 2 hours, then you're cutting it close but you can get away with cake and punch... otherwise, you need to serve a meal and drinks.

also, i second that a bonfire before dark seems kinda pointless.

We are going to have actual chairs. That's one point I'm not compromising on

I'd include smores in the plan somewhere if you do a bonfire!

I agree that you'll want to wait until it gets dark to start the bonfire. You will also need to give your guests a heads up that the bonfire will take place later in the evening so they can bring a change of clothes. It would be great if you could also provide an area for guests to take turns changing before the bonfire gets started. As for making sure the bonfire doesn't start until after dark, I'd suggest having some beverages (sodas, iced tea/lemonade, apple cider and hot chocolate if you want non-alcoholic) and snacks available immediately following your ceremony, and some activities set up to create a relaxing atmosphere. Then you and your guests could have dinner, change into bonfire clothes, and get the bonfire started. Do cake and the smores?

We had a fire at our backyard wedding, but we also had a tent across the yard. It was fun? I don't know what more to say!

Oh wait, yes I do. The user who suggested hay bales as seating by a fire must not have graduated high school. HAY IS FLAMMABLE.

You would definitely need a plan b in case the weather doesn't go in your favor

We are having a fire pit and a "traditional" reception. Why not do both?

As PPs have said, I'd do a mixture of both and not force your guests around a bonfire. My FI says I'm no fun, but I personally don't like bonfires unless it's freezing cold and I'm wearing super casual clothing...otherwise the smoke/smell really gets to my eyes and throat and I have to take a shower immediately after.

I would do a mixture of traditional and a bonfire away from the main area. I love bonfires but my clothes and hair smell horrible afterward

A bonfire reception.... no comment.

You could have a bonfire at the reception, but still have a traditional reception! I love bonfires, but don't know that I want to stay around one all night in my fancy clothes and smell like a campground when I go home.

I adore the bonfire and food truck idea!! I want to know how it all turns out.

I like the suggestions of both! Sounds like you definitely want to go with a more casual outdoor reception which sounds awesome. I'd just have the bonfire start a little later and do s'mores or something. Have the reception turn into the bonfire!