Background: I don't need a wedding per se, but fiance does want an event of some sort. As a compromise, we agree that we want an event, but low-key (no wedding cake, DJ, videographer, floral centerpieces, etc) and low-budget. I also would love to use the opportunity to spend more time with guests and like the idea of a "wedding weekend."
There's a summer camp on the New Hampshire lake my grandmother has a cabin on (sentimental value: check) that rents their property for $3,000 for the day of the wedding (unlimited access to chapel area + dining hall) and has cabin rentals for ~$60 per person per night, with the option to add activities like tubing, archery, swimming, etc. Cabins each have 5 beds, electricity, and a toilet/sink (half the cabins also have showers). I would expect to invite appx. 75 people, mostly active young people who would be more interested in these options. We expect no children.
My ideas: 1) Labor Day weekend itinerary: Saturday = arrival, afternoon ceremony and reception, Sunday = summer camp activities, Monday = departure 2) we pay for cabin rental up-front then charge guests who want to stay overnight some amount per night ($60? not more than the cost of a cheap hotel room) but provide their linens (not included with cabin rental but might be more convenient versus asking people bringing their own), basic toiletries, all food, drink, and activities for the weekend.
What are people's thoughts on this idea? What are some barriers to attending a summer camp wedding weekend that we could anticipate/address up-front? Would having it over Labor Day weekend be more convenient or would you consider that annoying/a hassle? Keep in mind that in keeping it small, these are people we are fairly close to, many of whom know each other already. But also in general, is a wedding weekend presumptuous? I don't want to take up too much of people's time if they're not into it.
