Picnic tables

I'd stay away from this. It's not fun getting in and out of picnic tables in a dress and it could be difficult for older guests. It also says overly casual to me, so f you don't want that vibe, I'd go for regular chairs.

Picnic automatically feels like a casual wedding. I happen to like them and feel you could dress them up well, but absolutely, do rent regular chairs for a more elegant look. Runners with a sheen, bright florals, over a white or ivory table cloth/extra wide runner will look great.

upscale version of picnic table

I wouldn't do picnic tables, sliding in and out of them might be a pain in a dress. But also, if you are renting them it would probably be much more pricey than normal tables and chairs since they don't fold up and would take up a lot more space, the rental company probably wouldn't even be able to fit enough picnic tables for 200 in one truck.

Tables and wooden chairs would be more elegant, and probably significantly cheaper.

I would not want to sit at a picnic table in nice clothes. They definitely are casual seating only.

I think it depends on what kind of picnic table. I would not want to sit at a picnic table that had attached benches, because those are awkward to get in and out of even in casual clothes. If it's picnic tables that have separate benches, or you can add in chairs instead of benches, I wouldn't hate it.

View Quoted Comment Agreed, unattached benches could work. otherwise i wouldnt

No picnic tables, no benches. Get chairs with backs. Your guests will thank you for having a seat that is far more comfortable.

If you choose picnic tables, you are choosing to have a casual look, no matter what you are aiming for. They just aren't appropriate for women who are dressed up.

As a pp has said, they also take up a lot of room so transport costs are high. You could get a similar look with farm tables, but they have the same issues- size and transport.

Regular folding banquet tables with rented chairs would be a better option. If it's the wood look you want, you could top them with a thin sheet of wood called luan (it's only 1/8" thick) or even a roll of vinyl wood grained wallpaper.

Thank you for all the feedback! You have confirmed all the concerns I had. One of the big reasons I even considered it is because we have a LOT of picnic tables (with attached benches) at the farm, so it would be free and we wouldn’t need to transport them. I agree tables and chairs with backs seem to be the best way to go!

I would go for regular chairs & tables & tablecloths. It can still be relaxed but elegant!