There are so many ideas for making a wedding unique, but nothing is quite as relaxing and quaint as a picnic-style wedding. If you’re looking for calm, outdoorsy vibes and you love things that are unexpected, then a picnic wedding could be perfect for you.

One of the best things about picnic weddings is they can be delightfully casual or classic and fancy. You can style it either way depending on your preference. Rest assured that planning a picnic wedding doesn’t need to be hugely difficult or complicated, but it’s a great way to make everyone comfortable and embrace some non-traditional styles.

1. Narrow Down a Date

Picking the date for your wedding affects more things than you might think, especially when you’re planning a wedding with a specific theme. Keep in mind that you aren’t limited to any specific time of year. Consider your preferences and dreams. Do you want it to be indoor or outdoor? If it’s outdoors, do you need a backup plan in case of bad weather? Are you planning it for the summer or winter? Don’t say “no” to ideas before thinking them through because anything is possible (for example, an indoor, winter picnic wedding by the fireplace could be incredibly cozy and romantic). A picnic wedding is a great avenue for creativity, so make sure you pick a date that works best for all your ideas.

2. Give Your Guests a Heads Up

While you don’t need to spill all the wedding details, it’s a good idea to give your guests notice if you’re planning a picnic wedding. Wedding invitations are a great way to give your guests a general idea of your wedding’s theme and you can include any necessary details on the invitations. Let them know what to expect, especially if you have a certain dress code for your event. Whether you want people to come in casual attire or to be as dressed up as possible, this is a great way to let them know.

3. Choose Your Location

The ideal location for your picnic wedding depends on your preferences and the style you’re going for. Likely, you’ll want to choose a location that offers enough privacy that you can achieve the calm, intimate setting that a picnic wedding allows. You want plenty of space for all your guests to fit sitting (or laying!) on the ground. You want to ensure that all of your vendors can access the location without too much trouble. Whether you go with a professional venue or a neighborhood park is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that “picnic-style” doesn’t need to be limited to the outdoors. This event can be as small or grandiose as you desire.

4. Consider Comfort

A great way to ruin a picnic wedding is if it’s entirely too uncomfortable. Prioritize the comfort of your guests and wedding party and think about ways to make the experience more enjoyable. This could mean laying down a rubber mat under blankets and pillows to ensure no moisture seeps up from the ground. It could mean investing in plenty of bug repellent to keep away gnats and mosquitos. It could mean covering a hardwood or concrete floor with several layers of blankets and plush pillows so your guests remain comfortable for hours. Remember: just because it’s a picnic doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider your guests and their experience.

5. Pack Picnic Baskets

What is a picnic (or a picnic wedding) without a proper picnic basket full of food? While you certainly can do a buffet (or picnic table) spread, picnic baskets or boxes might be easier. Provide your guests with an easy, convenient supply of food. Remember that they’ll be sitting on the floor, so choose options they can easily hold in their lap and don’t need a table, knife, and fork to eat. Some of your guests will likely want to get up, stretch, and move around a bit so making sure the food is accessible and easy to carry can make a big difference.

6. Embrace Your Dreams

Remember what prompted you to host a picnic wedding in the first place. Maybe it was a photo with adorable decorations and a cozy atmosphere. Maybe it’s your budget prompting you to keep things small and concise. Whatever the motivation, keep your dreams in mind when planning your picnic wedding—or any style of wedding. Don’t be pressured into making it anything other than what you envision. Go with your gut and create the day you want!

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