Reception tables

Well thank you all for your input. I have many things to think about now.

It's just as easy to rent tables and chairs, so there's no reason to continue defending the picnic tables. Yes, they're cute and Pinterest-y, but guests don't give a shit about that. They want to be comfortable.

Jessie Marie, your guests are at your reception to be thanked for witnessing your vows.

It's your ceremony, the reception is for the guests' comfort, not for your vibe.

I went to a wedding at a park with picnic benches only, and I did not appreciate it with my long dress. I saw a couple ladies get their skirts or heels caught up while trying to get on or off of the bench. The only way I would go with benches only is if you are having a casual dress code and warn people in advance that it will be bench seating only. Otherwise, plan on renting at least half of your seating as chairs. By the way, a clambake sounds awesome!

It would depend. I would consider older guests, if you plan to have many.

Elayna, old is not it. There are those on here half my age with debilitating problems.

I agree about the struggle for people with back issues, but more importantly, it's going to require some dexterity to get out of your seat if you're not on the end. This is going to pose a challenge for older folks or anyone less than able-bodied, and anyone in a dress and/or heels. It might work better to do the picnic table with white folding chairs instead of benches.

You know your guests, not us. If you go with the benches then I think it's fine because you'll have other seating options available for people that wouldn't do well on a bench. Maybe it's just my experience, but we generally make sure the older people or one with back issues get first choice of seats.

Please make sure you have enough tables and chairs so that your guests do not have to eat clam bake while balancing a plate in their laps as they sit on one of the couches you mentioned. Also, I am super klutzy and awkward- it is likely I would flash the rest of the wedding goers at some point while getting in and out of that picnic table contraption in my dress and heels.

I went to a wedding recently that had tables and benches that they made. They fit the theme and everyone seemed to do ok and I didn't hear anyone complaining about them, but I believe they also had a few regular chairs available. Also, if someone was sitting on the end and everyone else got up, they would tip so something to think about.

You could always rent a few of those for a kids table or a smokers spot. Kids don't care about anything and smokers tend to not sit but if they do they won't turn towards the table

I like those tables! I am doing the same thing, though I am not renting tables because I already have access to them. My reception will have a little more than 120 people and it is completely outside in late winter/early spring (I'm in the south so my day temps are in the 60s and lows in the mid 40s). We have picnic tables to seat 46 and the rest are tables and chairs. Truly, you will know what is best based for your own guest. For me, most of my guest would have no problem chilling on a picnic blankets, so picnic tables will be no problem. Also, I doubt my guest will come dressed up since my reception is outside and it is very casual (we are having a bonfire, pig pick and oyster roast). Ultimately, it is up to you to know your guest and what they may need.

You've already gotten this feedback, but just adding another vote for don't do picnic tables.

I always wear a dress and heels/wedges to a wedding, no matter how "casual." I would be extremely uncomfortable with this setup and would probably choose to stand which would make me unhappy also.

If it's just as easy to rent chairs, do that.

I absolutely love this idea. I'm having a similar smaller wedding and want everyone to be comfortable. The only down side I see of this is if people are dancing or doing activities and more than 2 ppl are seated, the ppl on the ends will have to move every time the middle person wants out.