Martha Stewart Weddings

Picnic-Inspired Wedding Ideas

January 23, 2012

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Pre-Wedding Picnic

Credit: A Bryan Photo
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On the morning of this couple's wedding day, the groom packed a picnic breakfast and met his sweetheart by the Potomac River for a morning rendezvous. Since the event wasn’t until that evening, the couple decided to make the most of their time together.

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An Airy Gown

A tea-length berry-speckled silk organza dress by Luca Luca, net veil by Suzanne Couture Millinery, and vintage cotton glove add retro flair to a picnic theme.

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Cheery Blooms

A posy of ranunculus and geranium leaves fits the customary red-and-white color scheme.

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Playful Presentation

Mix ornate flourishes with whimsical picnic motifs to create sunny stationery. Send save-the-dates inside paper lunch bags decorated with rubber stamps and sealed with a casual fold.

And what's a picnic without ants? Guests won't mind these marching across their invite, which is bordered with stripes reminiscent of a picnic blanket.

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Pink and Poppy Cake

Credit: Johnny Miller

Pink and poppy can be used throughout a picnic wedding or at your shower. Bright sugar poppies are planted atop a cake iced in blush-colored buttercream by Sylvia Weinstock. The linen runner, napkins, and grosgrain ribbon play up the scheme. Stand, Frances Palmer Pottery.

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Fresh and Simple Fare

Serve classic picnic staples, dialed up a notch. Package everything separately, in glass, glassine, or paper, so it will stay fresh for several hours; this also lets guests eat neatly out of hand.

Choose a crusty bread for the sandwiches that won't get soggy, and use leakproof canning jars for a tomato and mozzarella salad. Tie disposable bamboo utensils for your hungry guests to a linen napkin with ribbon.

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Meal for One

Hand out personalized meals to your guests in cardboard boxes with the menu, run through a the sticker machine, posted on the sides.

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Backyard Buffet

A simple dessert buffet is a festive end to an alfresco meal. Make the star your wedding cake, and ask family and friends to pitch in a few baked goods to round out the display. Fabric draped over tree branches will keep the sun away.

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Ikat and French Silk Ribbon Cake

The spirit of a century-old French silk ribbon can be felt in every bite of this darling cake. On top rests a dramatic bow of molded gum paste (so realistic, you'll be tempted to untie it). An edible luster dust was mixed with lemon extract and then painted onto the fondant in a rose pattern that evokes the blurry quality of an ikat weave.

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Grapefruit-and-Mint Mojito

Don't stray from the fresh and simple scheme with it comes to cocktails at your picnic party. This drink fits right in with the color palette. 

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DIY Dessert

Invite guests to build their own berry shortcakes at the buffet; Store bowls of berries and whipped cream in coolers under the table until serving time.

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Sunny Centerpieces

Adorn picnic tables (white ones can be rented) with cheerful and humble centerpieces of ranunculus in moss-filled terra-cotta pots, and cut cotton fabric for table runners.

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Grass Seating

Have lawn games on hand, as well as several coolers full of ice-cold sodas. Lawn chairs and blankets offer extra seating.

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Sweet Send-Offs

Miniature raspberry-blackberry tarts, packed in pie boxes and sealed with long stickers, are perfect for guests to tote home as favors.

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