[charchar]

We are considering an outdoor reception using a tent with sides on it since it will be in March (in SC).

One concern we have is that the location does not have a brick patio or floor. We would have to set up on the grass and are wondering if this will be annoying to all the women wearing heels as they will probably get stuck in the ground. The tent rental company I contacted says there is no way to create a floor other than a small dance floor. Any suggestions or is this just one of the cons of outdoor receptions?

[Ohio Wedding Planner]

While your tent company may not have any available options, there are items that you can put down for outdoor "flooring" when doing an outdoor reception.
There are companies that rent flooring from hardwood flooring pieces that they will put together underneath the tent, to outdoor carpeting to just flat plastic squares that can also be pieced together. None of these are inexpensive options though, so you'll have to consider whether you want to add on another expense to your wedding budget.
The best option is to be sure the tent is setup at least 3-5 days prior to your wedding date. This will allow for the ground to stay dry (and avoid any "issues" with mud and mushy spots) if there is any inclement weather. Beyond that, heels stuck in grass are definitely just a "con" to outdoor receptions. If you are sure to let your guests know that you are having an outdoor reception, some of the women can choose to NOT wear heels to avoid any issues OR you can provide colored flip flops as favors, so that the guests that do wear heels can change if they are having problems with their heels.

Good luck!

[Weddings Unlimited]

Go ahead with a dance floor...there have been so many changes on installation that you will be amazed at how great they work on an outdoor lawn. Also, think about setting up a station for dropping off the high heeled shoes and picking up a pair of inexpensive flip flops. Start looking now! Many stores have them for $1 a pair. They make great favors for the gals.

[Etiquette Guy]

Tents erected on grass can be problematic. Most women have lived through this and many have learned the hard way that heels and tents don't normally mix. This is a situation where word of mouth can be your friend. I had never heard of the flip flop idea and think they may suit certain occasions, but perhaps not a wedding, especially for older women (who wear sensible shoes ordinarily). I do think the artificial grass option is the best if a proper floor cannot be provided.

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

I love the idea of offering the option to shuck my heels and don a cute pair of flip flops. My daughter-in-law had custom flip flops made for herself and the attendants to change into later in the evening. Guests don't have to take the option and I've seen many a woman go barefoot at some pretty swanky affairs.