If you’re planning on putting together quite an intimate wedding, a picnic ceremony could be just the ticket to creating a relaxed vibe for you and your guests to enjoy your “I Do’s”! Imagine settling in with good food and company to celebrate your day, lounging on cushions and picnic blankets with your nearest and dearest. Melina from Regnier Cakes, along with a dream team of wedding vendors, has advice on how to create the perfect picnic ceremony, and this stunning inspiration shoot to go with it! 

Shot by Immerse Photography, with florals & styling by Naomi Rose Floral Design and props from Tyde Boutique. The gorgeous gowns were from Fairy Tales Bridal Boutique & Georgia Young Couture, with rings from Sally Rose White Label, and hair & makeup styling by KA Hair and Makeup. The beachside venue at Phillip Island was Cape Kitchen, with the delicious cakes & desserts created by Melina from Regnier Cakes. 

Time of Day & Duration

Picnics are best held between meals – brunch, morning tea, afternoon tea or at sunset. If it is a setup solely for your ceremony (not leading into your reception) the duration should be about an hour to ensure enough time for guests to enjoy time with you both and indulge in your gourmet picnic! If you are planning on staying on, keep an eye on the weather forecast beforehand to make sure you have umbrellas at the ready in case of rainy weather.

Food To Serve

When it comes to the food you serve at your picnic ceremony, my advice is to pick your favourite items, making sure whatever you choose can be left out of the fridge for a few hours. To take the pressure off, why not order grazing boxes or picnic packs from your favourite restaurant, cafe or caterer?! That way you get a great selection of goodies to cater for all guest dietary requirements. Caterers are also brilliant at creating a stylish setup of the food you serve, so it will look amazing and delicious for you and your guests.

Clever & useful tip – have food covers handy to keep birds and insects away. (Light cloths, fancy cloches or even insect fans are a great idea). And the all-important esky with ice for drinks!

If you are not using a set caterer, don’t forget a bottle opener, garbage bag, cutlery & glasses (plastic/biodegradable are definitely lighter but won’t look as effective) and containers or boxes to put leftover food in. Hot tip – delegate! Ask your caterer or a family member/friend to be in charge of bringing along these items so you don’t have to worry about them on the day.

Styling and Decor

Pick a colour scheme and add some natural elements like wood or stone to match your outdoor location.  Have an assortment of different level tables and props to make your setup look amazing and eye-catching! Picnic rugs or blankets, comfy cushions, low chairs and benches look fantastic and can make the set-up more comfortable for your guests. Finish off with some floral arrangements in different sizes and heights to bring the whole picnic to life.

Make Your Guests Comfortable 

Lots of rugs and cushions of different shapes and sizes, try some fancy style bean bags for younger kids or teenagers. Also, have an assortment of comfy lounge chairs for elderly guests or those with injuries. Shade on hot days is really important, so large market umbrellas, parasols or even setting up under large trees will be ideal for keeping your guests out of the sun. Creative & arty hand fans are also a terrific looking stylish element and can help keep guests cool. These could also double as a wedding favour.

When planning a picnic location, make sure there is easy access, with a small distance to travel and carry items to set up, also make sure you know where the closest toilet is, that there is parking within walking distance and check with any guests if they have any specific requirements for accessibility and how best you can cater to these.

Leave It To The Pros!

Remember even though you are having a small wedding, it’s still your day. You want to enjoy it and relax.
Hiring professionals to come to do the heavy lifting for you can make such a difference to how relaxed you are on the day. While a picnic ceremony could be an easier event to create on your own, it sure does help to have wedding vendors who know what they’re doing swoop in and create the picnic ceremony of our dreams!

About Regnier Cakes: I’m Melina from Regnier Cakes. As a child I was always a bit cake crazy, helping mum in the kitchen every chance I had. In grade 5 I entered my very first cake competition at my school fete. I selected the piggy cake from the famous Women’s Weekly cake book. To my surprise, I won my first competition. After this, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do with my life. Regnier Cakes was born, crafting cakes for friends and family. I worked for years refining my skills and inventing new recipes. Using my skills and knowledge from my pastry background, I’m now not only designing amazing cakes for my clients, but I’m also creating mouth-watering flavours to tempt all taste buds. The dream continues, finding a new space to share my love of everything sweet.