The Picnic Table: How to Host an Elegant but Easygoing Outdoor Wedding

Trends
Written by
Emily Dryden Alisa Welch

Published:

Spring/Summer 2014

(above) Picnic in the Park: Liz Michel and Rachel Spotts, co-owners of Portland’s Commonwealth Rentals, utilized just a few choice pieces from their carefully curated collection of midcentury modern furniture for this table spread. (They also offer event planning and design services.) Vintage table, chairs, blanket, pillows, tablecloth and runner, all from Commonwealth Rentals. Floral centerpiece from Image Floral & Event Design.

Picnic wedding | Oregon Bride magazine

(above) Mix and Match: A bold yellow ceramic salad plate paired with a neutral white dinner platter and navy napkin creates a color palette that’s strong without overpowering the natural beauty of the Northwest in summer. Plates, glassware, silverware and napkin, all for rent from West Coast Event Productions. Striped cotton tablecloth with crocheted runner, both from Commonwealth Rentals. Letterpress menu card from Egg Press. Ceramic vase and bouquets from Image Floral & Event Design.

Picnic wedding | Oregon Bride magazine

(above) Wheel Love: Portland is a cyclist’s paradise, so why not pedal to the picnic? Rent bikes for the entire bridal party at Waterfront Bicycles in downtown Portland; they even rent tandem bikes for the lovebirds. Wherever the pedal power comes from, be sure to carry the bridal bouquet in style. Michelle Headrick Mays of Salem’s Image Floral & Event Design created a lovely dahlia and ranunculus bouquet tied with streamer-like ribbons. Weatherproof canvas “Northwesterner” bag, $199, from Wood&Faulk.

Picnic wedding | Oregon Bride magazine

(above) Freeze Frame: As a twist on the signature cocktail trend, Cool Moon Ice Cream in Portland’s Pearl District created custom spicy pineapple and red chili popsicles stamped with the newlyweds’ initials. Red bar cart, white vintage napkin, carved wood serving bowl, all from Commonwealth Rentals. Charcoal napkin from Williams-Sonoma.

Picnic wedding | Oregon Bride magazine

(above) Paper Plates: Adorned with custom drawings by the artists of Egg Press in Portland, the letterpressed invitation suite has a whimsical appeal. And what would a Portland wedding be without music? All Wright Music’s Eric Wright created the perfect set list with a “singer-songwriter vibe with a little more energy towards the end. I can see sitting on the grass on a sunny summer day with sparkling rose,” says Wright. Invitation and RSVP card, $1,326 for 75, from Egg Press.

Picnic wedding | Oregon Bride magazine

(above) Wrapped Up: Located in the revitalized North Williams/Vancouver corridor in Portland, Brass Tacks Sandwiches takes the hunger pangs of both vegans and carnivores seriously, making them picnic-ready for guests of every dietary stripe. All of its deliciously hearty sandwiches are served on rustic waxed butcher paper. Don’t forget the pickle! Milk glass bowl, napkin and vintage game board from Commonwealth Rentals. Silverware from West Coast Event Productions. Flowers from Image Floral & Event Design.

Picnic wedding | Oregon Bride magazine

(above) Sweet Treat: Four tiers of butter cream and chocolaty goodness fills a dessert table with decadence. Cake by Serious Business Pastries, $3.50 per slice. Plates, navy napkins and silverware, all available to rent from West Coast Event Productions. Runner from Commonwealth Rentals. Floral décor and fruit from Image Floral & Event Design.

Picnic wedding | Oregon Bride magazine

(above) Tag, You’re It: At the end of a magical celebration, send guests home with a favor that bids a fond farewell. Hand-stamped leather key ring favors, price upon request, from Rylee Millerd for Wood&Faulk.

Season:

spring
summer

WEDDING PRO TEAM

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