once upon a time (a year ago) when i was in the early days of planning our wedding, i envisioned an amazing rehearsal dinner the night before to treat our family + friends to a relaxing picnic-themed evening complete with barbecue, lawn games, and a buttload of diy. i started a pinterest board about it + everything.
well, that's not how it's gonna turn out. we're having our rehearsal dinner in the private room of a local restaurant. + thank goodness. the stress i was piling on myself to put together this extra event was really unfair. planning a wedding is stressful enough! the rehearsal dinner is going to be perfect just the way it is...and it was an exercise in a very zen (+ rare) understanding of myself to let the picnic idea go. but i had to. i'm glad i did. now i get a make-your-own hamburger bar + a guy who's there to burn your creme brulee to your exact desired crisp.
but listen. someone should do this! this picnic-style rehearsal dinner is a good idea. do it + let me know how it goes. it's all planned already for you right here. just find a bbq place to cater + rent a few picnic tables. then add...
1. invites!
these free printable picnic-themed invitations from hello!lucky are definitely on the list. they're adorable...and free.
2. lawn games
hello, lawn scrabble! english majors, rejoice. i love this idea from constantly lovestruck...although you'd need a pretty big yard. other good ones: a wood bowling set from acme paper co.; pick-up sticks from madewell; yard dice from terrain; a cornhole board (so easy to make); lawn twister idea from splendid la; ring toss; and yes, lawn jenga.
3. diy cutlery pouches
make these adorable cutlery pouches from oh joy! in a red + white gingham to match the invitations. add wooden utensils from garnish. for the record, i said these could double as napkins; kristie said that was gross.
4. a fire pit
like this one, so you can use this adorable popcorn popper. someone, quick, find an acoustic guitar!
5. decor
i love this jute fabric from save on crafts for the picnic table decor. rustic, but still put together. + i'm only going to say this once: chalkboard signs are never not a good idea.
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