Need Help W/ Table Decorations

[mamabear4]

My son is getting married in Northern Idaho in a few months and my husband and I are planning to host the rehearsal dinner ourselves in the church fellowship hall.This is our family's first wedding, so we're a little unsure of ourselves.

We plan to have a grilled hamburger bar with all the trimmings, which will be sort of a down to earth dinner. I would like to decorate in a down-to-earth style too but until this week had few ideas. One of our daughters just returned from overseas and brought me a beautiful piece of driftwood, seashells and sand from the beach in that country and also some of their ethnic foods. So one night this week she prepared a wonderful dinner for us and I decorated the table with the driftwood and shells, plus some tea lights. Below you'll find a picture of them. You may have to click on the picture to really see it.

My question is this: what is your opinion about using pinecones and driftwood from the rivers in my son's area with tea lights for the decorations at the rehearsal dinner? My daughters aren't sure about that because they say it's not wedding-ish. I thought the decorations the other night were very pretty, but it is true, it's not wedding-ish at all. But do you always have to have ribbons, lace and candles to match the wedding colors at the rehearsal supper? I'd appreciate any and all suggestions, especially if you've hosted a wedding or rehearsal dinner already.

 

[whitetiger]

I helped my sister with her wedding. It was a simple wedding.
Your idea is good for a dinner with fam. But for a wedding I wouldn't.
But no you also dont need lace and things like that. If you want down to earth you could try something like....
salt and pepper.. lol ok just kidding
we did a plate type thing, with flowers around it and a candle in the middle, but that may be a little to elegant if your wanting real down to earth...
Maybe you could try invitations that were sent out for the wedding, Then again if this is just the rehearsal you dont really HAVE to have a center peice for the table... it also depends on what kind of tables you are having round or rectangle...
I'm not sure if you like my suggestions, but thats just my thoughts.

 

[CarrieAg93]

People are getting away from "tradtion" when it comes to weddings. I think your centerpiece idea would be great. I would just run it by your son and future daughter-in-law. If they're ok with it then go for it. Good luck.

 

[akasmom]

I got married in a redwood forest grove with a bbq, picnic tables and a 9 foot grand piano - everyone there and everyone who has seen the pics thought it was one of the best weddings ever (I do too but I'm biased ). Do what you think is pretty, as long as your son and daughter like it, it doesn't really matter what others think - it's not as though you're intending to disrespect anyone. Have a wonderful time!

 

[country woman]

I think that this is a wonderful idea for your son . Some day if ever I get married I would like to have the wedding in a small country church or the one I go and the reception I would love to have it in a barn with counrty music and home cooking

 

[mamabear4]

You've given me some good ideas. Like using the wedding invit. for decorations. My future dau-in-law is a pianist/teacher and I love the idea of the grand piano at your wedding. Of course, I dont' want to go to all that work for only a re. dinner but the idea of the grand piano would be good with miniature pianos maybe. I dont' think i like the idea of the candles and flower rings a whole lot, but may use a few just to stay within the boundaries. We plan to serve app. 100 people with long tables set up, so the decorations will have to be simple but nice.

 

[jenptcfan]

I like the picture you attached. I think it's very pretty.

 

[mamabear4]

Thank you for your comments. I appreciate all the help I can get. If any of you have any more suggestions please feel free to give them.

 

[akasmom]

If your daughter-in-law is a musician, what does your son do? Maybe something that symbolizes him playing the pianos? Or sitting on them? Connect the two somehow.

 

[mamabear4]

My son is a great outdoorsman. In the winter he's snowboarding, in the summer he's camping, fly fishing, panning, or bicycling, or any number of other hobbies, but always outdoors. He's also a wonderful poet and writer, and an avid reader. He also collects old vinyls and 8-tracks and lives in the cutest little mountain cabin you could wish for, which will be their first home together. So if I were to combine their individual interests I could go with the driftwood, pine cones or any other native plants and miniature pianos. Cool!

 

[fireboy]

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