Using picnic tables vs. renting

As long as it's known to be a casual wedding, personally...I would just go with the picnic tables (just as long as they are clean to sit on/linens, etc). I attended a wedding like this & we all just wore bermuda shorts or capris.

Now, if you expect guests to be in dresses...I'd think twice about asking them to try to sit at a picnic table....discreetly.

With your budget and the number of guests you want to include, you need to save money where you can. It's a park. Use the picnic tables. I hope they are under some sort of shelter or you have a plan B.

I would however, also make it clear to guests what type of seating you are going to provide so the women can take that into consideration when choosing their outfit.

Definitely no dresses with picnic tables

My mom had to leave a wedding that only offered picnic tables because she got too sore. Be prepared for stuff like that.

You need a bigger budget for that many people.

I think that picnic tables are chic right now. I actually thought about doing benches instead of chairs for ceremony.

PP do have appropriate concerns about older guests and those with back issues. Something to think about based on your guest list demographics.

What???

How can you even feed and have drinks for 100 people for $5k?

Picnic tables are going to be a challenge for most women with dresses and I can't imagine trying to sit on a bench in a gown

I think your budget is unrealistic for the number of people you want to invite.

No one wants to climb over a picnic bench in a dress!

With that budget, I wouldn't spend the money on tables. You'll need as much of that as possible to go towards drinks and catering. Just make sure that your vibe is cohesive with sitting at picnic tables.

I spent twice your budget for half as many people. And I was cutting back as much as possible. How are you managing this?

Glancing at comments now--

Picnic tables are super uncomfortable and restrictive to get in and out of (if I worked to sit down I'm probably not going to be getting up and down for dancing as soon as a great song comes on)...yes I wouldn't wear a GOWN To a park wedding but I will always wear a dress to a wedding. Not fancy but I want to look nice and I like a chance to dress up (and short causal dresses sound even MORE challenging :o .)

Are ceremony and reception in the same place? If you've budgeted for chairs, you have chairs! You can reuse the same set. You might need additional tables but tables tend to be among the cheaper rentals.

I think the worst part about picnic tables isn't that I'm gonna flash people getting in and out, or that it's uncomfortable to sit on, but more how many people I have to inconvenience to get in and out of my seat. I can't get in and out as I please, I need other people to move to help

Clear space so I can get up and down.

If you want picnic tables, you should make your dress code casual. Dress and heels do not mix with picnic tables.

I think you need to be more realistic about how many people you can properly host with your budget. I think you'll end up finding that you'll have to cut your guest list. I'm just being honest. I tried to save money in any way possible while planning my wedding & spent over twice as much for half as many people. As far as picnic tables, I would say no for a wedding. They're too hard to get in & out of & people will be dressed up!

If you do decide to go the picnic table route, make sure you let your guests know beforehand so they can dress accordingly. Also keep in mind that it won't be very comfortable for you or your guests to be sitting at a picnic table all night.

With that being said, I think a decorated picnic table could look really nice for the right type of wedding. It really doesn't seem like it's in your budget to rent other tables, so it might just make more sense for you to keep the tables that are already there.

My back hurts whenever I sit at picnic tables. I also know a few older family members that wouldn't be able to get into or out of them.

I would make sure you let your guests know about it and maybe have a few extra backed chairs for the people who are physically unable to get in and out of them.

Thank you everyone for the gift of feedback! Probably the best “wedding gift” ever. ;o)

I know our budget is tiny...super tiny. We’re fortunate that the photog, cake, desserts, DJ, DoC, florist and wedding singers are all friends who are gifting their services. We’re so very blessed to be surrounded by people with giving hearts. We are also bartering for other services with some beautiful craftsmanship-level work by my FH.

This forum frowns on using friends, but my bigger question is that the majority of your budget should go to food and drink. How are you paying for that with only $5000? Or is this a 2 p.m. wedding with just cake and punch?

Friendors, bartering and picnic tables.

You don't want to hear this, but this is a recipe for disappointment.

Your wedding is not, "Hey kids! Let's put on a show!" It should be an occasion where you chose a wise, small guest list and treat them well. Not an occasion where you invite more people than you can reasonably hope to entertain and have all your friends work.

A tiny budget begets a tiny guest list. Why is this so mysterious?

Thanks all! Appreciate all the advice and opinions.