Bonfire Reception

Do both. But make your wedding later.

My reception is having a bonfire along with all the usual activities. It will give the people that don't want to dance something to do but still keeps it feeling weding like if that makes sense

We're having a fire pit outside at our traditional reception if the weather cooperates.

I love the idea of both! But I agree with everyone else, you may want move your ceremony to a little later in the day. Why not have a traditional reception and have the bonfire at the end? I think it's a cool idea.. It sounds fun!

I like pp's suggestion, a bonfire at the end is a nice send-off and the kids will really enjoy smores if you choose to do them.

Reception then bonfire but make sure you have a change of clothes

I think doing both would be cool, but you should move your timeline back. I think you could start at 6pm and serve catered BBQ for dinner. Then after dinner, set up the bonfire and offer s'mores for dessert. I do agree that you will need a backup plan in case it rains.

@Cats It's a little late now, but no one actually suggested haybales.

OP said "very country" and "bonfire" and I was worried there might not be seats, so I brought it up as an example.

It depends on how country you want to make it. I'd go the whole nine yards with the fall theme and use leaves and other fall foliage as decor. Do s'mores and even hot dogs, maybe some cute fondue and hot chocolate stations.

And obviously you don't have to but if it's bonfire that's more casual to me so I would put on the invitation something about casual dress welcome and bonfire reception to follow.

If you're trying to be fancy, bonfire probably isn't your best option.

RJMargo has the perfect idea! I could see a casual ceremony, then dinner followed by bonfire being really fun!

@bryce my comment wasn't directed at you!

I have no problem with your bonfire idea, and props for refusing to compromise on chairs! But if you want to skip the whole thing, you should seriously consider eloping. Planning a party for 60 people at a farm will be a lot of work, so if you go into it unenthusiastically, you could end up being miserable. Is someone pushing you to have a big wedding?

We're having a traditional reception in the barn on the venue property but she will also have a fire pit there too for later on in the evening. We're doing S'mores as part of the dessert, besides the cupcakes beforehand. It's a totally cute idea if you combine the two but would I plan my whole reception around it? Nope.

As others have suggested, make the bonfire sort of like part b, or an after party as it gets dark. That's what we're doing, and we're having a bag check where guests can leave a change of clothes, then go change when the fire starts. Put on some comfy clothes, grab a stick, and make a Girl Scout cookie S'more baby! I think it would work wonderfully for a wedding on a farm. Since you're not having alcohol, I agree with pps that you should have hot cocoa and cider too. Mmmmm sounds fun!

Also, the food truck idea sounds perfect!

So, after thinking it over and talking about it with my side of the family. I've decided to have just cupcakes and punch after the ceremony and then once we get back from the honeymoon, we're going to have a bonfire with the close friends and family that really matter to us.

I'm with the first poster. Do a more traditional reception at first and then as people fade out do a bonfire with more intimate friends. You could have a mini-smores bar for that. Depends on your budget.

Bonfire, BBQ, beer. I don't even think you need to do beer and wine with a super casual BBQ bonfire reception. I wouldn't do dry if you're going that informal.