Does anyone have solutions for rained out picnics?

Question

My best friend had a really cute idea to have an elegant picnic for her wedding reception. She wants to spread pretty blankets on the ground and have a kind of buffet setup. As her maid of honor and planner I'm worried that the logistics may not make her dream possible. She wants everything to be elegant and a little whimsical.

Answer 1

Set up the large party tents.  Some of them actually look elegant.  They have arched windows and doorways in them.  If it happens to be a great sunny day the sides can be rolled up or at least the windows & doors open on it.  Set up one for the food and one for the pretty blankets.  They come in all sizes and can be rented.  These really are great.  I love the idea of the pretty blankets you may want to consider pretty table clothes instead though since you will be eating on them. You may consider a park setting where they have covered picnic areas.   Have a great time!

Answer 2

Has the bride considered how she will maneuver in a satin dress on the ground? Satin is slippery; the bride sliding all over the place and getting tangled in her gown while people attempt to assist her up is not a pretty picture.

In addition, sitting on the ground, she'll also have more opportunities to spill food and drinks on her gown.

How well does she do sitting on the ground? She can't sit cross legged (it's not very photogenic in a gown) and she'll constantly be shifting her weight. Having your feet or legs fall asleep from sitting on the ground is not very elegant either.

The bride and groom will spend a lot of time rising up from their blanket in order to greet guests and well-wishers. No one looks elegant bending that far down in order to shake hands or hug. On the other hand, the photographer will have many opportunities to get shots with people with their booties in the air.............. Not a pretty sight.

Answer 3

What about doing it at a park that has picnic shelters just in case of rain. Or renting a tent (big white tent) to do it under. You could always have an alternate location reserved too.

To be honest, she might want to rethink the blankets on the ground unless all of her guests are fairly young. I can just imagine my grandma complaining about the wedding she went to, "where they made us sit on the ground like animals". Also, if she wants people to dress nicely they might not like the idea of sitting on the ground either. Just a couple thoughts. What's wrong with some nice picnic tables?