Post # 1

Member
4 posts
Wannabee
So my Fiance have been struggling with having alcohol at our wedding. We have a place to have our reception (free) but the bad news is, we can’t have alcohol. Also we found another place to host our reception (not free) but we can have alcohol and the total with the venue cost and alcohol is about $1000. So this is our idea…have the reception at the free venue with no alcohol and have drinks like hot chocolate, egg nog, spiced cider, etc since we are having a December wedding. This would save us about $1000. And the day after host family for a small get together, with alcohol.
My question is, are two parties too much? My Maid/Matron of Honor thinks having two parties is unnecessary but everyone else likes the idea…opinions?
Post # 3

Member
979 posts
Busy bee
I think you’re going to offend people when they’re invited to one reception but not the other.
Post # 4

Member
1 posts
Wannabee
That is such a good idea! People won’t be offended since it is the next day. If you are strict on just family or just CLOSE friends and family then you will be e fine. I would even suggest just family and maybe your wedding party There is no reason to go into debt over this and the 2 parties gives you and your man a chance to see everyone and say hello and actually have a conversation. If everyone else likes the idea but one person (MOH) why not do it. She will get over it and its your day. Maybe people have done the same thing and it makes sense. GOOD LUCK
Post # 5

Member
506 posts
Busy bee
If you are in the states it is completely against etiquette to not invite guests to all reception activities. Honestly, if you want a wedding event with booze, you’ll have to spend the extra cash.
If what you are comfortable paying for is the boozeless recep, than do that! Let word of mouth tell your guests not to expect booze/bring cash (I don’t know where you live so your region may normally have cash bars)
The only way you can do this without being rude is hosting a holiday party or non-wedding related event and inviting select people- it can not be related to your wedding. As someone who is an Out of Town guest always I would be beyond put off that I spent hundreds of dollars/took time off work/flew/etc. and wasn’t important enought to rate the “fancy” reception.
Two parties isn’t an issue, it’s having a tiered wedding. Now if you are abroad where this is common etiquette- do it to it.
Post # 6

Member
2390 posts
Buzzing bee
I guess I don’t understand. You want to have a second reception just so you can have alcohol? That seems strange. I think your first reception sounds great.
Post # 7

Member
4 posts
Wannabee
Thanks! My Fiance is just kind of being a pain about it all because I’m trying to make everyone happy since we’re getting a lot of help with the wedding but he’s just looking to make himself happy which is frustrating.