Planning A Wedding Reception: Is It Possible?

can I have a wedding reception

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and expensive affair. One way to reduce the stress and cost is to skip the wedding reception. While traditional etiquette states that anyone invited to your wedding ceremony must be invited to your reception, the reverse is not true. You can absolutely have a small, intimate ceremony and a larger reception. If you're not fussed about hosting a wedding reception or have no intention of going through the stress of planning one, there are other options.

If you elope, for example, you can still have a traditional wedding ceremony without the reception. Running off to a sunny beach destination to say your vows is one option. Large family affairs are not always a dreamy occasion, and if you're not a fan of family events in general, or a party dedicated solely to you, these are good reasons to skip the reception.

Another reason to skip the reception is the cost. Weddings are notoriously expensive, and it's the reception that uses most of the budget. Food, entertainment, and decorations, on top of venue hire, can quickly add up.

However, if you do decide to have a reception, there are many options to choose from. You can have a big party, a low-key reception, or something completely original, like going to the cinema.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Thanking guests for celebrating with you
Size Small and intimate
Location Church, reception venue, registry office, abroad
Timing Same day as ceremony, days or weeks apart
Budget Expensive, cheap
Planning Stressful

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Wedding reception costs

The reception venue is often one of the priciest components of a wedding, with the typical cost of a venue amounting to $9,261. This cost can increase if couples need to rent tables, chairs, and other furniture to fill the space.

Catering is another significant expense, with the average cost of food and drink being $4,075 for a wedding of 66 guests. The cost per plate can vary depending on the type of food served and the size of the wedding.

Other costs that contribute to the overall price of a wedding reception include musical entertainment, photography, flowers and decorations, wedding cake, invitations, transportation, and lighting and decor.

It's important to note that these costs can vary significantly depending on location, with weddings in densely populated or expensive destinations tending to be more costly. Additionally, the number of guests can greatly impact the overall cost, as larger weddings require more food, drinks, and rentals.

To save money on wedding reception costs, couples can consider alternative reception ideas, such as hosting a low-key gathering in a restaurant or at home, or opting for a non-traditional reception format like a picnic or movie outing.

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Wedding reception venues

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, offers a variety of wedding reception venues, from luxurious hotels to unique spots like the Goose Island Beer Company. The city's bustling skyscrapers and beautiful backdrop of Lake Michigan provide endless possibilities for couples seeking a memorable celebration.

Palm Desert, California

Palm Desert, California, has a range of venues, including banquet halls, country clubs, and even a zoo! The natural beauty of the desert and nearby mountains provides a stunning backdrop for wedding celebrations.

California

In California, there are numerous options for wedding reception venues, including The Ranch at Silver Creek, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco, and Coyote Hills Golf Course. Whether you're seeking a rustic or elegant setting, the state has something to offer.

Alternative Options

For those who want to forgo the traditional reception, there are alternative options. Some couples choose to elope, exchanging vows in a sunny beach destination or a quaint chapel. Others opt for low-key celebrations, such as a picnic with close friends and family or a movie night. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and there is no legal requirement for a reception.

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Wedding reception guest lists

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Wedding reception timing

The wedding reception is a time for celebration and fun, but it requires careful planning to ensure success. The average wedding reception lasts about 4-5 hours, including a cocktail hour and dinner and dancing. Here is a timeline to help you plan your special day.

Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, guests will proceed to the reception venue to enjoy cocktails and appetizers. The newlyweds typically use this time for formal photos with the bridal party and family. This is also an excellent opportunity to set up a greeting line to welcome the guests.

Seating and Bridal Party Announcement

Before the bridal party and newlyweds are introduced, ensure that your guests are seated. The bridal party and couple can then make their grand entrance. The newlyweds may choose to have their first dance at this point or wait until after the toasts and dinner.

Toasts

Once everyone has food, the newlyweds may address the group and thank their parents and guests. Traditionally, the father of the bride, best man, and maid/matron of honour give toasts during this time.

First Dance and Parent Dances

The newlyweds should be the first to hit the dance floor with their romantic first dance. This is usually followed by the father-daughter and mother-son dances.

Dinner and Speeches

The next hour of the reception will include dinner and speeches. Discuss the best timing with your venue coordinator and caterer, considering factors such as the number of guests and the dinner service style.

Party Time!

The DJ or band should be ready to get the party started once the formal dances are complete. They should invite all guests to the dance floor and keep the energy high. This is also a great time to include special cultural dances, the bouquet and garter toss, and other entertainment.

Cake Cutting

Pause the festivities for the cake-cutting ceremony. Keep in mind that some guests may leave after the cake is cut, so don't do it too early.

Last Dance and Grand Exit

Plan the last dance about 15 minutes before the reception ends. Choose whether to slow things down or end with an upbeat tune. If you're planning a dramatic exit, consider doing it in the last ten minutes, such as a sparkler send-off or a private last dance.

After the Reception

At this point, an after-party may commence for those who want to continue the celebration. As soon as the guests depart, clean-up can begin. It's essential to stick to the venue's timeline to avoid additional charges.

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Wedding reception invitations

Two-Part Event: Understanding the Nuances

Before you begin designing your wedding reception invitations, it is crucial to understand the nuances of a two-part event. You will need to create two separate guest lists: one for the wedding ceremony and reception, and one for the reception only. This allows you to have an intimate ceremony with close family and friends while still hosting a larger celebration with a broader guest list.

Invitation Options:

There are two main options for handling invitations in this scenario:

  • Print Two Different Invitations: This approach uses the same design but varies the wording to specify which guests are invited to the ceremony and/or reception. It maintains a cohesive look while providing clear information to your guests. However, this option can be more expensive, as your stationer will need to create two separate invitation suites.
  • Print One Invitation with a Ceremony Details Card: To keep costs lower, you can print a main invitation for the reception and include a separate insert card with ceremony details for those invited to the ceremony. This card can be more personalised, adding a sweet gesture or note for your close family and friends.

Invitation Wording:

The wording of your wedding reception-only invitations is critical. It should be clear and explicit about the event being solely a reception. Here are some suggestions for wording:

  • " [Names of the couple] request the pleasure of your company for a reception in celebration of their new marriage."
  • " [Names of the couple] request the pleasure of your company for a wedding reception, following an intimate wedding ceremony with close friends and family."
  • "The newlyweds [Names of the couple] invite you to a reception in honour of their recent marriage."

Sample Invitation Texts:

  • "Emily Katherine Schwartz and Sarah Andrew Gordon will be married in a small ceremony on Saturday the sixth of October. Please join us in celebration at their wedding reception on Saturday the twentieth of October, 2018, at half-past six o'clock in the evening, at Brooklyn Winery, Brooklyn, New York."
  • "Wedding Reception Celebrating the Wedding of Imani Ellington and Jason Ward. The honour of your presence is requested on Saturday, the thirty-first of March, 2018, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ellington, 6850 Veranda Avenue, Pasadena, California."
  • "Kevin and Christopher, together with their parents Kevin Baron and Christopher Baron, invite you to celebrate their union at a wedding reception following the ceremony. Join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, dessert, and dancing at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu at 4 p.m. on April 15, 2018."

Remember, the key is to provide clear and concise information to your guests, avoiding any confusion about the nature of the event.

Frequently asked questions

No, you don't have to have a wedding reception. You can choose to only have a ceremony, or a reception-only wedding.

Large family affairs are not always pleasant occasions. If you're not a fan of family events or being the centre of attention, you may want to skip the reception. Weddings are also expensive, and the reception takes up a large part of the budget.

Your guests may feel hard-done by if they have dressed up, travelled to your venue, and brought gifts. It is also traditional to have a reception as a way of thanking your guests.

You could invite your guests to a restaurant afterwards, have a BBQ in your garden, or go to the cinema.

You'll need to create two separate guest lists, one for the ceremony and reception, and one for just the reception. If you're having the ceremony and reception on the same day, try to have the ceremony earlier in the day so you have enough time to celebrate before your other guests arrive.

The banquet typically begins with drinks and canapes, followed by group photos, a three-course meal, and speeches. The banquet ends with the cake-cutting and first dance.

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