Croquet: Wicked Good Fun at a South Florida Wedding Reception

For some, there’s nothing like a little South Florida wedding day croquet competition among friends and family while for others, it’s the relaxing atmosphere of the perfectly manicured grass course, wide open skies and fresh air. Either way, National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach has become one of the most unique and popular wedding venues in Palm Beach County. The 10-acre site has the largest croquet lawn in the world and is home to the United States Croquet Association, the Croquet Foundation of America and the National Croquet Club.

“When brides and grooms come to check out the venue for the possibility of utilizing the clubhouse, they can’t help but fall in love with the idea of adding this activity to their South Florida wedding  reception,” said Sandy Coto, National Croquet Center Director of Events. Weddings and croquet are a natural fit -- it’s fun, easy to learn for all skill sets and has become a family favorite, she said. “Croquet is a popular add on to the cocktail hour which is hosted on the lawns. It's an easy flow from the wedding ceremony to the lawns where the staff serves hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and coach guests through a game of croquet.  "Brides and grooms love this option for their guests,” Coto said.

"I will be front and center," said Meredith Gerhard, aunt of bride-to-be Jen Mussari who plans to incorporate croquet and bocce ball at her South Florida wedding reception. "Croquet is such a timeless game that takes you back to a Gatsbyesque era,"  Gerhard said. "The fact that she is having an outdoor wedding which will include lawn games totally fits with both of their personalities," she said.

The staff at National Croquet Center not only ensures that guests are educated in the rules of the game but its director of events offers day of wedding coordination to ensure that each ceremony or reception in South Florida meets the couple's expectations. They also coordinate full on-site catering with Sandy James Fine Food and Productions. “We offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception space that reflects the old Florida charm of our Key West Style club house,” Coto said.