Party in a Box

 What’s in the Box?

 

One year, when my middle daughter went away to a six-week long summer music camp, I mailed her a “party in a box.” 

In the box were streamers, party favors, balloons, decorative paper plates, napkins, and treats. The idea was that she could host an instant party with some of her fellow campers. No muss. No fuss. It was an easy way for her to inject a little fun into the experience.

 

I’m all about making life easier. Therefore, when Mike and I decided to have our wedding at a local park, I was all in. The gazebo we chose overlooks the Great Miami River. It’s gorgeous. There is a picnic shelter nearby.

 

We wanted to keep the wedding simple. And beautiful. An outdoor wedding in April should be warm and colorful with all the trees greening and flowers blossoming. 

 

Should be. But the weather can be sunny and warm one day and cloudy and cool the next. We knew we'd need to be able to change venues at a moments notice. 

 

This is where the “party in a box” turns into a “reception in a box.” We wanted a no muss and no fuss reception.

 

Ours is a small gathering. Eight of the twenty-one people attending are my grandchildren. We settled on pizza as the perfect wedding reception food. Domino’s Delivers. We’re getting a sheet cake from a local bakery. 

 

Pair all of that with a choice of lemonade, sweet tea, or water. Easy. And I happen to know at least eight young people who will be thrilled with that sort of menu. Okay, okay… I actually know ALL of the people coming and ALL twenty-one will be delighted.

 

I have the table centerpieces lined up and I started collecting a few things we’d need for our rather small “reception.” Table cloths, napkins, Solo cups, plates and disposable tableware. 

 

The reception is typically the first opportunity a bride and groom have to entertain as a married couple. 

 

Perfect. Everyone needs to get used to the idea that we are pizza and sweet tea kind of people. (As if they didn’t already know!)

 

So we’re ready. If the day is sunny and warm, the “reception in a box” heads to the park. If the day is cold and gloomy, the “reception in a box” gets unpacked at my house. 

 

All that really matters is that in a couple of days, Mike and I will say our vows and celebrate the start of our new life together…pizza, sweet tea, and all!

P.S. Be sure to check in next week… Hopefully, I'll be able to share a few pictures!

Wedding in a Box! 
Proving It Can Be Done!

Here are a few Pictures from the Event: