Six ways to make sure your wedding is a relaxed, laidback affair

Weddings are often thought of as formal, elegant affairs. From black tie attire to strict seating arrangements, the pressure to create a traditional, picture-perfect wedding can leave couples feeling stressed and overwhelmed. However, with a few simple changes, it’s possible to create a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere for your big day. Here are five top ways to make your wedding more laid back.

Choose a casual venue

Your choice of venue can set the tone for your entire wedding. Instead of a formal ballroom or elegant banquet hall, consider a more casual setting such as a beach or a backyard-like setting (tipis anyone!?). Outdoor weddings in particular can create a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that encourages guests to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re going for a rustic barn wedding or a breezy seaside ceremony, choosing a more casual venue can help you achieve the laid-back vibe you’re going for. Remember the venue, IS your backdrop – the vibe of the venue is the vibe of your wedding!

Keep the dress code casual

When it comes to wedding attire, the traditional expectation is for guests to dress in formal or semi-formal attire. However, if you’re going for a laid-back wedding, consider a more casual dress code. Encourage guests to wear comfortable clothing that they can move and dance in. For the wedding party, consider more casual attire such as sundresses or linen suits. Not only will this create a more relaxed atmosphere, it will also help your guests feel more comfortable and at ease.

Serve casual food and drinks

Formal weddings often feature sit-down dinners with multiple courses, but for a more laid-back wedding, consider a more casual approach to food and drinks. Instead of a formal plated dinner, opt for a buffet or food stations where guests can help themselves – or a food truck! Serve casual foods such as barbecue, tacos, or pizza. For drinks, consider keeping it simple with beer and wine, instead of cocktails for a more backyard party type of feel, with canned fruity drinks for those that prefer. 

Focus on entertainment

One of the key components of a laid-back wedding is creating an environment that encourages guests to have fun and let loose. Make entertainment a priority, whether that means hiring a live band, setting up lawn games, or creating a Photo Booth (again EPW has all the yard games AND a Photo Booth wall in our free inventory). By focusing on entertainment, you’ll create an environment that encourages guests to relax and enjoy themselves.

Ditch the little paper triangles – have guests sit anywhere!

One of the biggest causes of stress and anxiety in wedding planning is the pressure to make everything perfect. However, the truth is that no wedding is perfect – and that’s okay! Embrace the imperfections and quirks that make your wedding unique. The hallmark of a formal wedding is, of course, a seating chart. So if you’re going for something more laidback, ditch it! Pro tip, if you choose to do this, I would suggest having a few more tables than your exact guest count requires to allow room for folks to spread out. It’s always nice to have a couple buffer tables so everyone can feel comfortable when choosing a spot. 

The same thing can be said for the ceremony area – ditch tradition and provide a sign that welcomes guests to sit on either side (Elm Pass Woods has one in our decor inventory, free to couples!).

Embrace imperfection

If something doesn’t go according to plan, take it in stride and keep a positive attitude. Ultimately, the goal of a laid-back wedding is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and happy. By embracing imperfection, you’ll create a more relaxed atmosphere and enjoy your big day to the fullest.

At the end of the day, creating a laid-back wedding is all about creating an environment that encourages guests to relax and enjoy themselves. From choosing a casual venue to embracing imperfection, there are many ways to achieve a more relaxed atmosphere for your big day. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and celebrate your love with the people you care about most. By focusing on the joy of the moment, you’ll create a wedding that’s truly unforgettable.