Big, Bold, And Beautiful: Planning A Large Casual Wedding

Planning a big casual wedding? You're probably trying to find the balance between sophisticated and fun. The first step is to find a venue that suits your style. This could be a barn, a meadow, a ranch, or even your parents' backyard. Opt for a location that allows your guests to stretch their legs and let loose.

Next, think about your invitations. For a casual wedding, consider using handmade papers with soft, sumptuous surfaces and textured or detailed ribbons. Incorporate unexpected colour combinations and personal, imaginative wording.

When it comes to the ceremony and reception, there are plenty of ways to keep things relaxed and fun. Offer pre-ceremony refreshments and snacks, and get creative with your seating arrangements. Mix and match different types of chairs, textures, and colours to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

For the food, serve up some comfort foods that reflect your personalities. Whether it's pizza, tacos, or a southern comfort food menu, your guests will appreciate the laid-back vibe.

And don't forget the lighting! A simple way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere is through bistro lighting and focal point chandeliers.

Most importantly, remember that your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. So, stay true to yourselves and ditch the formalities if they don't feel right for you!

Choose a comfortable and unconventional venue

If you're after a big, casual wedding, the venue is a key part of setting the right tone. Opting for a comfortable and unconventional venue is a great way to ensure your wedding is relaxed and unique.

When considering venues, think about the places you feel most at home. This could be your own home, your parents' backyard, or a lake house that holds fond memories. A memorable location like this will also mean you need less decor, as the space will already feel like you. If you want to go one step further, you could even rent an Airbnb for an intimate wedding weekend.

If you're after something a little more public, consider your favourite restaurant. Do they have a private room, or are they able to accommodate a large group? If you and your partner are foodies, this could be a fun way to make your day feel more personal. Alternatively, do you enjoy museums or art galleries? These can be great, unconventional venues, and often have beautiful backdrops for photos.

If you're after an outdoor wedding, consider a national park, or perhaps a meadow, a ranch, or a beach. You could even set up a white tent on the sand and have a more relaxed, picnic-style reception. If you're more of a city person, a small town in the country could be a great option, offering a little seclusion and a change of pace.

Whatever you choose, the key is to find a venue that allows your guests to feel comfortable and let their hair down. You want a space that invites a laid-back atmosphere, where guests can mingle, play games, and even throw a frisbee if they want to!

Offer pre-ceremony refreshments and snacks

If you're planning a big, casual wedding, you might want to consider offering refreshments and snacks before the ceremony as a way to enhance the guest experience and create a welcoming atmosphere. This is especially thoughtful if your wedding is outdoors or in warm weather, as your guests will likely appreciate a chilled drink and a bite to eat. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Drinks:

• Offer a selection of drinks such as iced tea, lemonade, fruit-infused water, or even champagne for a celebratory touch.
• For a tropical twist, serve coconut water, or slices of citrus fruit for a refreshing note.
• For a fun presentation, set up a mobile bar cart decorated with vibrant flowers, or use a lucite sign to denote the drink table.
• If you're looking for a drink with a kick, try a jalapeño margarita, or a classic cocktail like an Arnold Palmer.
• For a non-alcoholic option, consider water infused with cucumber and mint, or lemonade, presented on a mobile cart.

Snacks:

• Charcuterie cones are a trendy and portable way to offer a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, and fruits.
• Single-serve guacamole and chips are a crowd-pleasing option that's easy to grab and enjoy.
• For a heartier option, miniature lobster rolls are a great choice, especially for coastal weddings.
• Quinoa shooters are a healthy and protein-filled snack, perfect for vegan or vegetarian guests.
• Popcorn is a nostalgic and crunchy treat, and you can even print your wedding hashtag or monogram on the boxes.
• For a sweet option, offer fresh fruit bowls, with locally-sourced varieties for the highest quality.
• Cheese- anything is always a crowd-pleaser. Try fried, breaded cheese bites for a comforting, indulgent snack.

Remember, the pre-ceremony refreshments and snacks should reflect your style as a couple and complement the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you choose to set up a simple table or a fully-stocked mobile bar, your guests will surely appreciate the gesture and it will add to the festive atmosphere of your big day.

Mix and match seating

If you're planning a casual wedding, you'll want to find a good balance between a sophisticated and fun atmosphere. One way to achieve this is through your choice of seating arrangements. Here are some ideas for mix-and-match seating to create a relaxed and intimate environment for your big day:

• Mixing family and friends: You can choose to mix and match seating by combining family members and friends at the same table. This approach can encourage interactions and create a more social atmosphere. It's a great way to facilitate introductions and conversations between guests who may not know each other.
• Balancing familiar faces: While mixing tables can be a great ice-breaker, it's important to ensure that guests don't feel uncomfortable or awkwardly silent. One strategy is to aim for a balance. You can seat guests with people they already know and are comfortable with, while also introducing a few new faces into the mix. This way, they can branch out and socialise, but also have familiar company.
• Table sizes and configurations: Consider the size of your tables and the number of guests per table. Rectangular tables can seat anywhere from 4 to 10 guests, while round tables typically accommodate 8 to 10 guests. You can also opt for a mix of table shapes, such as both round and rectangular, to add visual interest and flexibility to your seating arrangements.
• Seating arrangement strategy: When mixing and matching seating, it's a good idea to have a strategy. One approach is to pair guests who have similar personalities or relationships to you as a couple. For example, you could seat coworkers together or group friends from the same social circle. This increases the chances of your guests having something in common and makes it easier for them to strike up conversations.
• Creating a relaxed atmosphere: Casual weddings often emphasise comfort and intimacy. To achieve this, consider using lounge furnishings and comfy seating arrangements. This can include a mix of traditional tables and lounge areas, providing guests with options to suit their preferences.
• Outdoor seating considerations: If you're having an outdoor wedding, think about how the seating will complement the natural environment. Long, family-style tables can be a great option for an informal meal under the stars. Benches can also add a laid-back vibe to your ceremony or reception, especially in outdoor settings.
• Lighting for ambience: To enhance the atmosphere, consider bistro lighting and focal point chandeliers. This simple addition can create a warm and inviting ambience, encouraging guests to relax and socialise.
• Intimate guest list: Finally, consider keeping your guest list intimate. A smaller gathering can make the event feel more relaxed and comfortable. With a reduced number of guests, you can also be more flexible with your seating arrangements, allowing for more personal interactions and a greater chance of guests mingling.

Remember, the key to successful mix-and-match seating is to ensure your guests feel at ease and have the opportunity to socialise and connect with others. By creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, your guests will be sure to have a memorable time at your casual wedding celebration.

Choose greenery over florals

If you're looking to have a big, casual wedding, choosing greenery over florals can be a great way to achieve a natural, ethereal, and fresh look while also keeping costs down. Greenery is a versatile option that can be used in wedding bouquets, centrepieces, wreaths, and much more. Here are some tips and ideas for choosing greenery over florals for your big casual wedding:

Types of Greenery

There are dozens of different types of greenery to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. Popular choices include:

• Eucalyptus: A very popular choice for weddings, eucalyptus comes in several varieties, including seeded eucalyptus, silver dollar eucalyptus, and spiral eucalyptus. It has a beautiful scent and works well in bouquets, garlands, centrepieces, and wreaths.
• Ferns: Ferns offer a more structured look and are perfect if you're going for a mix of boho and classic styles. Types of ferns used in weddings include leatherleaf, sword, plumosa, maidenhair, fiddlehead, and button ferns.
• Ivy: Ivy vines create a cascading bouquet shape and are perfect for a quaint, English garden-inspired look. Ivy has been a favourite of royal brides, including Princess Diana and Princess Eugenie.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves have a dark olive green colour and a rustic, earthy look. They are densely packed, so you only need a few to make an impact.
• Dusty Miller: This greenery has a light green hue and a fuzzy texture, making it ideal for a vintage-inspired or pastel colour palette.
• Succulents: Technically a plant, succulents are often used in greenery bouquets and come in various sizes, shapes, and colours.

Ways to Incorporate Greenery

• Bouquets: Greenery can be the star of your bridal bouquet or a complementary accent to a few small flowers.
• Centrepieces: Add depth and dimension to your tables with greenery centrepieces. You can use a variety of greenery types and textures to create full and lush arrangements.
• Garlands: Greenery garlands can be draped around arches, chairs, and other fixtures to create a natural and elegant look.
• Wreaths: Greenery wreaths can be used to decorate doors and walls, adding a festive touch to your venue.
• Boutonnieres and Corsages: For a unique twist, use greenery instead of flowers for boutonnieres and corsages.
• Arches and Arbors: Weaving greenery into your arches or arbors will give them a full and elegant look.
• Flower Crowns: For a free-spirited look, create flower crowns with greenery and small flowers.

Benefits of Choosing Greenery

Greenery is a cost-effective alternative to flowers, especially if you're looking to decorate a large space for your big casual wedding. It can be used as a filler to add volume and texture to your arrangements without blowing your budget. Greenery is also very versatile and can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks, from rustic to boho to classic.

Serve comfort food

When it comes to serving comfort food at a big casual wedding, there are many delicious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to make your wedding menu memorable and enjoyable for your guests:

Opt for a Buffet

A buffet-style meal is a great way to serve comfort food at a casual wedding. This allows guests to help themselves and choose their favorite dishes. You can include a variety of comfort foods, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Mac and cheese
• Fried chicken
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Sliders
• Tacos
• Chili
• BBQ

Family-Style Dining

For a casual and intimate dining experience, consider serving comfort food family-style. This means placing large platters of food on each table for guests to pass around and serve themselves. This encourages a sense of community and creates a relaxed atmosphere.

Interactive Food Stations

Interactive food stations are a fun and engaging way to serve comfort food. Set up different stations with a variety of comfort foods, such as:

• A popcorn bar
• A waffle bar
• A pizza station
• A taco bar
• A salad bar
• A bagel bar
• A grilled cheese station

Late-Night Snacks

Keep the comfort food coming with late-night snacks! After a night of dancing and celebrating, your guests will appreciate some tasty treats to refuel. Here are some ideas:

• Mini grilled cheese sandwiches
• French fries in cones with dips
• Chicken tenders with dipping sauces
• Ice cream sundae bar
• Churros
• Mini pies or hand pies

Drinks

Offer a variety of drinks to complement the comfort food, such as:

• Signature cocktails
• Lemonade
• Tea
• Fruit-infused water
• Sangria
• Wine from local vineyards

Remember, when it comes to a casual wedding, the focus is on creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for you and your guests. Choose comfort foods that you and your partner love, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions