How can I pull off an outdoor fall wedding while camping?

[Casandra R]

My fiance and I got engaged a year ago and we're having trouble with our wedding planning because we are looking to hold such an unusual ceremony.Even with all of the wonderful advice we've found, none of it has really applied to our situation, so we're kind of at a loss. Making the situation worse is the fact that we have a very small budget.
So here are some of our ideas that we can really use some advice on pulling off;
1. Finding a campsite that would allow us to rent enough space to both accommodate the guests who would like to join us for camping (for a week) and set up a reception type area (for a day) at a reasonable price.
2. Keeping our guests warm enough (fall camping can get chilly at night)
3. Food ideas to keep our guests fed while camping, keeping in mind that actual refrigeration may not be an option and again at a reasonable price. And finally;
4. What can we use to set up a reception area?
oops, sorry, anywhere in eastern pa is fine

 

[Starlet]

First off, you need to figure out where you want to camp. You didnt mention where you are located so its hard to help as much as I might be able to otherwise.

I think you'll have to start by reserving X number of spots adjacent to each other (you are going to have to drive around a lot and check out all these places first). I would look for a campground that has some sort of shelter, preferably a large one, or that is adjacent to a park that has one. I'd use this as your reception area too, as well as the grounds beside it (make sure the ground is flat to set up tables on).

Buffet style would work best with paper plates people can hold while standing.

Keeping guests warm can be accomplished by renting large outdoor heaters (they look like heat lamps but they're not). The place renting them can tell you how much you need every however many feet.

Or you could have a big bonfire depends on how many people you're inviting.

Food ideas- bring a large cooler, refrigeration can be done. Just careful with meats (might want to purchase the day of from nearby town). If I had to feed a bunch of people camping, I'd probably get someone to bring their BBQ and have someone man it for the evening.

Thats about all I can say without knowing where you are and etc

 

[HIS!]

Very unique and invention is the necessity here:

* You aren't responsible for everyone's food except for the reception food
* Get some of the gals together and tell them what you want to do. Ask them to help you with a reception food plan which could actually be lots of fun for everyone to be responsible for helping their one part come together. For example: two or three men in charge of the grills and any meat, someone responsible for the drinks, etc.
* The reception area would be everyone bringing their folding tables and chairs together. If you want to have matching clothes ready for their tables, then get the sizes of the tables beforehand and label the clothes so everyone will know which one to grab for their table
* Many state parks have picnic pavilions. Those would be a perfect place for a picnic reception type activity. And would probably have electricity. (see below)
* Your guests are campers or they won't come. So they can keep themselves warm at night. That is not a problem.
* Try a state park and reserve it NOW. The prices are usually reasonable, but the spaces are gone quickly. So get that done FIRST!!!
* If you want music, you'll need electricity
* If you want music, you'll need to check on the quiet hours. Other people might not like the sound of music at nearby campsites, so you have to know the rules beforehand.