What's the etiquette on needing to have a reception? I hate to sound catty or cheap, but we just don't want to have the expensive, over the top reception after. I've priced out venues and there's no chance of going inexpensive. We're having an evening (7 p.m.) wedding at a beautiful local park. We may just have my fiance's parents and my two teenage children stand up with us so we don't create any faux pas. There are a few important people we would like to attend ~ a brother, a very close family friend. Can this be done? What's acceptable?
Going out to dinner sounds good to me! If you're having more people (30 or more), I'd say just serve cake/dessert and maybe punch or drinks. It will be much less expensive, after dinner so people won't expect a meal, and most people bond better over food.
Is there anywhere a your ceremony location where you could set up a little area with finger foods? like fruit, vegetable, meat and cheese trays? I wouldn't say you'd have to have a reception.. but you could even have a punch and cake reception! During the wedding your guests can't really celebrate with you so it'd be nice to do something small. My MIL/FIL paid for our hall and we had family members make cold plates of turkey, potato, pasta salads etc. And I made my cake.. we didn't have a ton of stuff in way of decorations, I borrowed what I did use from a friend (just had to buy green ribbons!!) and the cost of the dj.. I'd say our reception costed us less than $500 and we had around 80 people.
I think you should do something, but it can be something really small. If it's really small, you could all just go out to dinner or just for apps or dessert afterward. if it's a little too big for that, you could just do cake and coffee like the others suggested. though since it will probably be small, i'd spread the word that this is what you're planning to do. you'd hate someone to think dinner was going to be after the ceremony and they didn't eat anything beforehand, haha. I think everyone will have a great time!
What's the etiquette on needing to have a reception? I hate to sound catty or cheap, but we just don't want to have the expensive, over the top reception after. I've priced out venues and there's no chance of going inexpensive. We're having an evening (7 p.m.) wedding at a beautiful local park. We may just have my fiance's parents and my two teenage children stand up with us so we don't create any faux pas. There are a few important people we would like to attend ~ a brother, a very close family friend. Can this be done? What's acceptable?
Thank you!
posted by brideagaininME 2 posts 1 month agoIf you're just going to have a super-small ceremony with immediate family, why not just go out to dinner afterwards?
posted by amysue 637 posts 1 month agoGoing out to dinner sounds good to me! If you're having more people (30 or more), I'd say just serve cake/dessert and maybe punch or drinks. It will be much less expensive, after dinner so people won't expect a meal, and most people bond better over food.
posted by HistoryBride 59 posts 1 month agoIs there anywhere a your ceremony location where you could set up a little area with finger foods? like fruit, vegetable, meat and cheese trays? I wouldn't say you'd have to have a reception.. but you could even have a punch and cake reception! During the wedding your guests can't really celebrate with you so it'd be nice to do something small. My MIL/FIL paid for our hall and we had family members make cold plates of turkey, potato, pasta salads etc. And I made my cake.. we didn't have a ton of stuff in way of decorations, I borrowed what I did use from a friend (just had to buy green ribbons!!) and the cost of the dj.. I'd say our reception costed us less than $500 and we had around 80 people.
posted by MissStargazerLily 44 posts 1 month agoI think you should do something, but it can be something really small. If it's really small, you could all just go out to dinner or just for apps or dessert afterward. if it's a little too big for that, you could just do cake and coffee like the others suggested. though since it will probably be small, i'd spread the word that this is what you're planning to do. you'd hate someone to think dinner was going to be after the ceremony and they didn't eat anything beforehand, haha. I think everyone will have a great time!
posted by gracielou 90 posts 1 month ago