Whether your love story began at a summer camp or you have a passion for the outdoors, having a summer camp wedding theme for an outdoor wedding is a fun way to save money. Here are a few ideas if you are considering incorporating a summer camp theme into your wedding:
Summer Camp Wedding Venues
Try to find a venue that is near a lake or a pond that provides cabins. Another option is to find an actual campground. Keep in mind that you will need a decent sized location for your wedding party to prepare so you might not want to go all out and have everyone spend the night in tents (plus what would grandma thing if she had to sleep on the ground).
Summer Camp Wedding Centerpieces and Decor
Vintage lanterns and kerosene lamps are a great start to building up a non-floral wedding centerpiece with a campy theme. Mason jars also make great centerpieces and can be used as candle holders or vases. Another great idea is to pick up some mini compasses to help direct your guests to their seat.
Summer Camp Wedding Cake and Food
S’mores are of course the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind when they think about summer camp food so try to incorporate it into your menu. Whether you provide s’mores kits as wedding favors so guests can toast their own marshmallows over the open fire at your wedding venue or have a s’mores inspired wedding cake, these classic treats are a must! If you need more s’mores inspiration, check out this s’mores station. Cookouts and serving wraps are a great idea to save money and have a fun and easy outdoor wedding. Another fun idea would be to use an old kayak or canoe as a cooler for your drinks (click here for an example). In lieu of traditional cups, provide mason jars or empty honey containers that are shaped like bears!
Summer Camp Wedding Favors
If you are trying to come up with a clever idea for campy wedding favors, thermoses make a great gift and Ikea carries basic silver ones at a very affordable price. Compasses can double as a wedding favor and a place card holder so your guests know where they should be seated. Another option would be a little DIY project of making personalized merit badges for each of your guests. Merit badges could also make an adorable alternative to a traditional boutonniere for your groom and groomsmen.
Summer Camp Wedding Activities
What is summer camp without some fun activities? Try some of the following ideas to keep young wedding guests (and young at heart guests) entertained. A friendship bracelet station complete with embroidery thread and a reference book for inexperienced guests. Dream catchers are another great little crafty project that is inexpensive and will keep children occupied for a decent amount of time.
Summer Camp Wedding Photo Ops
If you are having a camp themed wedding there are a couple of photos that you just have to make sure your photographer gets even if you bring these options for the sole purpose of being props. Number one is photos in a tent (the less commercial looking the better). Number two is out on the water in a kayak or canoe. They might end up being cliche or cheesy, but you never know, they may be your favorite photos from the wedding day having a moment to breathe away from your guests with your new husband or wife.
If you can think of any other camp related wedding ideas that I did not include in this article, please share them below, I would love to hear your input!