Outdoor Lodge Tent

- Reception alternatives?? (NO DJ!)?
Hi all i am getting married this summer at a small lodge on the lake with 50ppl. It is an indoor/outdoor reception (under a tent and there is a small space inside) The five oclock ceremony is ouside and dinner to follow under the tent... Because of where it is i have a very hard time finding vendors, and planning it long distance does not make it any easier! I really don't want to hire a DJ for the prices im given and the fact that the space indoor is just alittle too small. After researching online the ideas given for alternatives are for mostly mid day (outdoor games) But this will all be happening at night, with an open bar and all. Will background music off my home speakers and ipod cut it for the night??? I want my guests to have fun any suggestions?!

A Do you know anybody with a projection TV? Maybe you could put together some pictures and/or videos and play music off the ipod. You can do just fine with an ipod and more and more people are turning to it. Just put together music that is wedding appropriate and include some games just for the fun of it. If you want to add to it maybe have a "host" that has a mic for things the the Bride and Groom dance, dance songs (maybe something fun like "YMCA" or musical chairs, or the chicken dance, etc. you know what I'm saying). You could even rent or borrow a karaoke machine if you think your guests will be up for it. Just have nice lighting, enough drinks, nice decor and plenty of seating. If you want, buy some of those glow in the dark things for the kids, balloons to play with, maybe a kids corner with crayons and coloring pages and that sort of thing so they stay entertained as well. Have fun!

- wedding decorations? pictures included!!!?
okay I am having an outdoor reception by a pool. I can't decide if I want to get a tent or not.. part of me thinks it will look better without a tent and it will def. cost way less...and most guests will be going in and out of the lodge that we will have b/c its going to be an indoor/outdoor thing. there will be a stage and dance floor and a bunch of round tables, and banquet table's for the wedding party. this is a photo of sort of how we would do the layout http://www.flickr.com/photos/50373527@N02/5248552320/in/photostream/ i also want to know how to put paper lanters up (if i don't get a tent) and i want to put a lot over the pool like in this photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/50373527@N02/5248552314/ and also over the tables and a lot over the dance floor how can i do this with no tent and there are no tree's nearby? it will be in mid september in ohio...it'll be fall out so it should be decent weather, but like I said there will be a very large lodge so if it rains it will be inside.

A I have a few suggestions/comments about your photos and questions and I hope they will help. In no real order: 1) Tent: If you have a bad weather option (which it sound like you do), then you don't need a tent. Just realize that if the weather is bad, and in September it can be iffy, then you will be indoors. Have plans for set up ready for either option. 2) Your outdoor layout: I would suggest moving your wedding party table. Do you really want all of your guests running into you to get to the food? Also, do you want your buffet table to be featured in every picture taken of your table? That would include your best man's speech and MOH toast. I think it would be better to place your table in front of the pool or opposite the pool. Opposite the pool, you'd be able to see everything going on at your party - the buffet, the dance floor, the pool. 3) You're in a bit of a pickle with your lantern question. First, talk to your venue about what you want. They may have hooks in the wall of the building that you can't see, but you could attach the lantern wire to. The second person you should talk to is the lighting company you're using (I assume you are talking to a lighting company since the lanterns in your picture are lit). They may be familiar with the venue and have ideas about how to hang these lanterns. What will probably happen is they will recommend using pipe and base to attach the lanterns to. You will have to sandbag the bases of the pipe and base and ensure that the lanterns have a fail safe (turn off immediately if they were to fall into the pool) if you want to pass inspection with the fire marshall. Pipe and base isn't always the prettiest (even with velon covering it) so you may also want to rent some large plants to visually block the pipe and make it look pretty. I hope this helps you! Sorry if the pipe and base section is confusing. Hopefully, your venue or lighting company will be able to help you with this. Sara Owner, VendorBar.com