Camping Reception

If this works for you, that's awesome...but be prepared for a large decline rate. I know a lot of people who hate camping and I wouldn't go to a wedding like this. Even at our backyard wedding, some people have chosen to stay overnight in tents in our yard...but most of our friends got rooms...and our friends love camping.

I agree, camping isn't for everyone, and I would hate you to be disappointed if many people didn't show. (I love camping-others hate it) so I'm sure you will have a mix of opinions.

Don't have a reception if you haven't gotten married yet. If you want to get married in New Zealand, do it first. Also agree with PP. Be prepared for a little higher decline rate. Not all of your guests will want to go camping. I probably wouldn't attend unless it was my brother or best friend.

Are you talking about actual tent camping or staying in a cabin (I know people that call staying in a cabin "camping." They're nuts).

As PP said, this has potential for a very large decline rate...personally, I wouldn't camp after a wedding in a tent as there is so much you have to bring with you, even just for a night: air mattress or cots, bedding, cooler, clothes (usually a couple different layers depending on the location)...not to mention that getting dressed in a tent just sucks, I wouldn't even want to try to get dressed up for a wedding while in.

I do agree with Maltese, camping even for a day requires a lot of stuff, and getting ready is a pain in a tent but if you are making it a casual affair that would make getting ready much easier. Also, if you know that your guests are avid campers who would love camping then go for it.

I think this is a fun idea! Most people might not want to spend the night but maybe you can do a casual reception at the campsite during the afternoon / early evening and then whoever wants to stay over can. I would look into areas with a nice shower/bathroom area and if possibly some electricity for lights. If you rent out a set of camping areas close together you wouldnt have to worry about other people.

So what is your "reception" celebrating? You won't be married yet. Why not do that after? What kind of reception are you imagining, by going camping? I think it's a lovely idea in theory, but just want to make sure you're thinking it through.

No. There are multiple things here that need to be rethought.

First, if you live in the US, you absolutely want your marriage license to originate here.

The concept of camping, for many adults, is when room service is closed.

The details of hosting a big party in a remote local boggle my mind, and I did that for a living.

You're having a party, a hootenanny, not a wedding....not a bad idea, but not a wedding either.

Rethink it. If YOU want to go camping, do your honeymoon that way, but don't expect your guests to embrace the idea.

Camping? Why? I can't even begin to think how this could be a good idea for you and FH but also the guests. All I picture is bugspray, coolers and alot of heavy lifting.

I know someone who got married at a campground this weekend. There was a main building with a big deck that they were able to rent out where they held the ceremony/dancing and people were able to rent campsites if they wanted to. I didn't go, but I saw pictures. To each their own, but honestly, those were some of the most ridiculous wedding pictures I've ever seen. They did have a ton of people there (they posted all the invite info on facebook day of and said anyone who wants to come can) and I'm pretty sure they self-catered. People had a great time. You know your crowd, if they love camping and wouldn't feel weird going super casual to a wedding, then go for it. I would agree with PP's, it doesn't make sense to have a ceremony after a reception.

And stay off Pinterest; it makes completely unthinkable ideas feel like possibilities.

There was a WW bride a while ago who was also going to have a camping wedding, she had some really great ideas and thoughts on the topic, anyone remember her name?

If you really want to do this make sure that there is a hotel near by for anyone who wont want to camp, and if the campsite is a remote location think about getting in a nice trailer (or two) that has running water and setting up a "getting ready tent" with mirrors because getting formally dressed in a tent isn't always the easiest thing (been there, done that).

Also, this is just my opinion, but get married first and have the reception when you come back.