Post # 1
Member
137 posts
Blushing bee
Is anyone else having what I call a “cake, punch, mints, nuts” reception at the church or am I the only one who found the whole reception venue way too cost prohibitive? Would sure like to hear some ideas for decorating. The wedding is at 2 on a Saturday afternoon in July.
I looked at venues and wanted to do a brunch reception, but the thousands of dollars to even rent a place, much less feed anyone seemed over the top to me. As much as I wanted that type of reception, we will be just as married and have some money left to do a few things around the house if we go with a simple reception at the church. I think I will add some light fare to the food selection. I am just wondering if I am alone in this.
Post # 3
Member
450 posts
Helper bee
Don’t worry if you are “alone” in your idea. I definitely admire you for doing this.
Actually, what you are doing is much closer to “tradition” than if you had a big wedding reception with a sit down dinner. Weddings used to be just this! Simple cake and punch reception and then off the couple would go.
What if, after the church reception, you went out to dinner with a very small group of people to a nice restaurant? That might be nice. Then, that night you could maybe meet up with some friends of yours somewhere to celebrate?
Post # 4
Member
426 posts
Helper bee
I went to a wedding that the reception took place in a family member’s backyard. It was a simple backyard BBQ style reception. It ended up being so much fun! It was small about 50 people and they had a buffet style dinner with homemade foods…yum! They just had a ipod playing music and no one really danced but everyone mingled and had a great time.
Could be an affordable option…
Post # 5
Member
11325 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
I’m not but I have been to one. One of my good friends did this, they had the wedding at 1pm at their church and then there was just cake, punch, and snacks (a few trays of veggies, pretzels, and chips) afterwards. They had tables set up with no assigned seating, and did have small centerpieces at each table (a glass bowl thingy with blue rocks and a floating candle). They did the traditional cutting of cake and had sparkling juice for the toasts. It was nice, but the only thing I would have changed was that there was no music! The church actually doesn’t allow dancing, which is fine, but there was no music at all. Like even in the background. It just seemed kind of quiet without it.
Post # 6
Member
400 posts
Helper bee
Do what works for you ;-). I’m sure it will be great!
Post # 7
Member
1135 posts
Bumble bee
FI’s cousin had a luncheon after the wedding in the church gym. Your reception doesn’t have to be extravagent. Everyone is cutting back these days, so don’t think any of your guests will fault you for having a scaled back reception. Does your church have a space like a social hall or gym you can use? If so, I would jump on it. And ask smaller local restaurants if they would cater in brunch. Sometimes going to a local restaurant rather than a wedding caterer you can save money and get more options.
Post # 8
Member
1982 posts
Buzzing bee
I think that’s great that you’re doing something that fits your budget. I would add a little light fare in there like you said, but other than that you’re right, you are just as married, and that’s what’s important!
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