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VIP September 2018

How do we feel about picnic tables at the reception?

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HowCo Industries, on February 13, 2018 at 12:50 PM

I woke up today and, since I haven't yet booked a venue, started to rethink the entire thing. Change it from beach to park, which would save a easy 1k that I could put toward... well, anything. Our budget isn't terribly strict since it turns out the wedding of my dreams isn't all that expensive.
My only concern is that the beach shelter provides tables and chairs while the park shelter has picnic tables. I'm just not as sure about that. Keeping in mind that it will be a more casual event than probably most of your weddings, would this be a deal breaker?

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36 Comments

Master July 2017
Going to the chapel · on February 13, 2018 at 1:27 PM
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Yes, do they look cute on Pinterest, but in real life, they aren't practical for an event that will go for a few hours. As others have said, getting in and out of the seats can be a problem. For me, I like to have a chair that I can lean back on. Leaning forward on a picnic table or slouching on the bench for hours just isn't comfortable.
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Super January 2019
Sunshine · on February 13, 2018 at 1:32 PM
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There is no graceful way to get in/out of a picnic table with a skirt or dress on. Please warn your guests if you decide to do this so they can dress accordingly.
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VIP September 2018
HowCo Industries · on February 13, 2018 at 1:32 PM
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Today is actually the 15 year anniversary of my "accident day". I was in a car accident where I broke my pelvis, sacrum, 8 ribs, lacerated my liver and spleen, and for good measure got a nice konk on the head. I'm so glad to get this advise! I often think I'm the only one and slog on.
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VIP November 2018
Spaghetti · on February 13, 2018 at 1:33 PM
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Does either shelter have outlets and access to things that your caterer may need?

ETA: My venue is all inclusive so I don't know what all they need. I would probably narrow down a caterer and ask those questions before everything is set in stone though.
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VIP September 2018
HowCo Industries · on February 13, 2018 at 1:35 PM
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Yes, both. This really was my only concern.
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VIP November 2018
Spaghetti · on February 13, 2018 at 1:37 PM
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Well it sounds like you're asking the right questions. It's probably a personal preference more than anything else but I still would be worried about bad weather. I would definitely ask about swapping out picnic tables for rented tables and chairs. As you can see from PPs, there's quite a few people who would be opposed to picnic tables.
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Master July 2018
RZ_ToBe · on February 13, 2018 at 1:38 PM
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I personally don't like picnic tables because they're gross. Dirt, bugs, poop, and who knows what else is on those things. Plus, I agree with them being difficult to get in and out of, especially for the elderly and those that are a little bigger. Granted, I always see people site backwards at the table because it's easier.

However, if you manage to get the tables clean (or at least covered) and get some benches in there, I think that would be more acceptable.
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VIP September 2018
rica · on February 13, 2018 at 1:49 PM
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This wouldn’t bother me at all. Perhaps rent a small number of tables and chairs for older guests if you’re concerned though?
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Super May 2018
Summer987 · on February 13, 2018 at 1:56 PM
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I would say keep what you have. My mom fell off a picnic table seat when she went to sit down. She missed the entire picnic bench at a family reunion. She was 67 at the time.
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VIP September 2018
HowCo Industries · on February 13, 2018 at 2:01 PM
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These are generally my first thoughts, too. To even consider it I would want them clean and covered. (Both tables and benches).
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Expert August 2018
Erica · on February 13, 2018 at 3:12 PM
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You can probably make it work but for me it's a deal break due to the fact that I wouldn't want to have my guest and I climb our feet over just to sit down.
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Super September 2018
Gipperkm · on February 13, 2018 at 3:38 PM
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I love the idea since you're going for a casual vibe, but I agree with others that picnic benches would be hard for older people and people in long dresses to get in and out of.
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Super August 2018
Summer · on February 13, 2018 at 3:43 PM
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Don't make that big of a decision based on only 1K (I know that's a lot but in the scheme of wedding planning, it really isn't - if I had to choose between flowers priced that differently, I'd go with the cheaper stuff, but if I could have a beach wedding I wouldn't give that up for 1K!).
Also unless your dream wedding involves everyone in blue jeans, don't go with picnic tables. If you do, make sure to have folding chairs available, enough for any older people and anyone who might have a bad leg/knee/back/whatever.
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Super December 2018
kbrands · on February 13, 2018 at 5:32 PM
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I think this isn't a good idea strictly for older guests. Like many have said, picnic tables are not the eaiest to get in and out of.
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VIP September 2018
HowCo Industries · on February 13, 2018 at 5:53 PM
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Oh, gosh! Not based on the 1k difference. Based on just not feeling beach this morning. I've got a lot of time to go think my options out.
I really was just asking about the picnic tables. Not all things are equal. The park shelter is actually better, in most ways, but the tables, if they can't be replaced, may be a deal breaker.
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Savvy November 2020
caitlin · on May 24, 2019 at 6:37 AM
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I'm looking into renting a group campground, decorating the pavilion and then us all camping. Or family that doesn't want to camp can get a hotel in town. Every single freind and family member I have told my idea to thinks it sounds super fun. We can all hang out around the fire and drink and play games and there is no end time. But we want fun inviting environment. No one in our family's are judgy.
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