The word "picnic" has long ceased to mean just a lazy holiday. The picnic concept is also suitable for various holidays and events, including weddings. It can be part of the wedding day, a time for the bride and groom to relax after the wedding ceremony and before the evening celebrations, or a wedding celebration with all the guests.

Picnic – a way to gather strength before the evening celebration

Wedding organizer Sigita Daniliča / Crystal Events points out that although a picnic may sound seemingly inappropriate in the context of a wedding day, it all depends on what we mean by the word PICNIC.

"The picnic fits perfectly with its format in the events of the wedding day - in nature, free, relaxed, refreshing. Especially if the day is expected to be long and you need a place to gather strength before the evening celebrations. Whether it is enjoyed together with the wedding guests, or if the new couple remains in romantic solitude, it depends on the format of the event and the wishes of the new couple. We have a wealth of experience in this regard. We are professionals. we know how to organize a wedding picnic both in a forest, in a meadow and on a mountain, as well as to make sure that this stop is an aesthetically romantic surprise during the many events of the day," says Sigita.

She also points out that if all the wedding guests participate in the picnic, then this stop becomes a great opportunity for the guests to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere, refresh themselves near nature, enjoy the first glass of champagne in honor of the new couple, as well as settle in with delicious snacks.

"On the other hand, if the picnic is intended only for the new couple, we combine it with a "romantic table", where the bride and groom hang out together, enjoying a delicious meal, writing love letters and allowing themselves to be photographed in each other's presence only, hiding from the eyes of others. For the young couple, it becomes another shining moment among the many diamonds of memories," said Sigita.

Picnic – for lazy time together

The wedding decorator Iluta Piternika / Mint Deco also says that lately the picnic or the so-called romantic table/corner is set for at least four people, including the ushers, not only the young couple. “I don't see much difference between a picnic and a wedding stop. It depends more on the couple - if they are in their nature, so to speak, more hipster, then they will definitely suit better and like the picnic.

Ja pāris ir no modernā elegantā gala, tad viņi noteikti ērtāk un komfortablāk jutīsies pie galdiņa,” tā Iluta. Viņa arī norāda, ka pikniku vedēji daudz vieglāk var uzklāt arī bez dekoratoru palīdzības. “Protams, vedējiem vai draugiem sagatavot pikniku būs krietni vienkāršāk, nekā vest un nest mēbeles, galdautus un citu atribūtiku. In principle, the host mother keeps the young couple at the car, and in the meantime, the host father runs to the previously found place with a basket, lays out blankets, puts treats, and the picnic area is ready. Of course, it also depends on the carriers what they have planned to do at the moment. If the couple is supposed to write letters to each other, then the picnic as a concept will not really work. On the other hand, if it is planned to just hang out lazily together without any symbolic activities, then a picnic will be exactly what is needed," says Iluta. She points out that simpler but more interesting food and drinks, such as lemonades with straws, would best suit the picnic concept.

Picnic as a wedding celebration

Artist Ieva Ekmane-Bite and her husband Pauls Bite got married this summer. When planning the wedding, they decided that they would not have a big celebration, but after the ceremony they would have a picnic for their relatives and friends right there near the church.

Such a concept – a couple of hours long picnic with beautiful snacks, personalized bottles of lemonade and a glass of champagne, was liked not only by them, but also by the wedding guests.

"We didn't want to have a big party for our wedding, so we chose a picnic concept and we are very happy with it.

For those who have a lot of relatives and friends, this type of gathering allows you to invite many more people than if you hold a party.

Mūsu gadījumā zinājām, ka vēlamies vakarā doties uz restorānu ar pašiem tuvākajiem, bet gribējām arī pāris stundas pēc ceremonijas pabūt ar draugiem un radiem.  Therefore, it was the perfect solution. The picnic was laid out very close to the church and was a convenient continuation of the marriage ceremony. Of course, the place does not always allow it, but we had the opportunity to realize it, because the church is located by the lake, and there was a beautiful meadow around.

Of course, when choosing a picnic concept, you have to consider the weather. Maybe you should provide a tent or a shed, so that in case of rain, there is a place to hide and place snacks. You should also think about the size of the snacks at the picnic, so that it is convenient for the guests to take them and the festive clothes are not stained. You should also not forget about the seats, you can use benches, blocks or rent chairs for them. You can also create various relaxation corners with carpets and pillows," advises Ieva.