Picnic Ware

How do we do a wedding on a budget, however nothing cheap or tacky?

We're having under 100 people, the groom and all his grooms men are in the navy so we don't need to worry about tuxes thank goodness! However, when it comes to food, dinner ware, linens, tables, and chairs we only want to spend around $2,000 or less. I'd like something like a picnic but nothing hillbilly like or tacky. I'm not into big and fancy I just can't decide what would be casual elegance

$2000 for 100 people will be tough, but possibly doable.

You could find a nearly free public park, and use one of their pavilions. Maybe you could do a late-afternoon dessert reception, and have cakes and cupcakes and candy from Costco. Or you could do a morning brunch in someone's backyard, if they have a nice one. Again, food from Costco (or similar). If you're a member of a church, you could maybe have your reception in their hall (though, they usually do have pretty strict rules).

Also check out Craigslist or similar for linens. Bonus points if you don't mind a sort of vintage-y, mis-matched look and feel (which I've always loved, personally). Antique shops and thrift stores will be your friend.

Basically, avoid an evening event, and forget serving alcohol (except with maybe a champagne toast). An afternoon event around 2pm would be best, because then people don't expect a meal like they would if you start it before 10am or after 5pm. You can keep the food really light and just do cake and punch if you want, with simple appetizers.

Also, check out offbeatbride.com. It may not be your style, but they've got some creative, out of the box ideas for budget weddings.

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