Lyla Dejesus
Planning a destination wedding can be a daunting task. From choosing a location to managing guests' expectations, there are many factors to consider. Some couples opt for a destination wedding to create an immersive, intimate experience with a stunning backdrop, while others may want to celebrate with family and friends who could not travel to the wedding. This often leads to an At Home Reception (AHR) after the destination wedding, which can be a great solution for couples wanting to include everyone in the celebrations. However, some couples may feel uncomfortable hosting an AHR, worrying that it might be considered gift-grabby. This paragraph will explore the considerations for planning a destination wedding and the options for including everyone in the celebrations, providing an insightful introduction to the topic of 'how to do a destination wedding and reception at home'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Celebrate with those who couldn't attend the destination wedding due to cost and distance |
| Timing | Some couples host their 'home' reception soon after their honeymoon, while others wait a few months |
| Location | Country clubs, rental halls, lodges in local parks, backyards, or other venues |
| Dress code | Semi-formal, but typically no wedding dress or formal bridal party attire |
| Food and drinks | Catered food and drinks, including cake, cupcakes, or a themed cocktail |
| Entertainment | Live band, karaoke, DJ, or friends performing music |
| Decor | Colours or motifs from the destination wedding, native flowers, or regional cultural elements |
| Gifts | Not required or expected, but some guests may still choose to give personalized gifts |
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What You'll Learn
- Planning a destination wedding: Choose a location, send save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance, and plan multiple events
- At-home reception: Host a casual celebration with friends and family who couldn't attend the destination wedding
- Dress code: The couple may choose to wear their wedding attire again, but guests should opt for semi-formal wear
- Food and drinks: Catering options can include a BBQ, local cuisine, or a cake
- Entertainment: Consider a live band, karaoke, or a playlist instead of a DJ
Planning a destination wedding: Choose a location, send save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance, and plan multiple events
Planning a destination wedding can be challenging, but it's a great way to bring together your loved ones in a meaningful location. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose a location
The first step is to select a location that holds a special meaning for you and your partner. It could be a place that is significant to your relationship or a place that offers the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding. Whether it's a city like Paris, a beach, a national park, or even your childhood home, the location sets the tone for your celebration. Consider the travel feasibility for your guests and whether the location aligns with your budget.
Send save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance
It's essential to give your guests ample notice when planning a destination wedding. Sending save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance allows them to make travel arrangements and take time off work. This also gives you a better idea of the expected guest count, which is crucial for planning purposes.
Plan multiple events
Destination weddings are often more than just a single-day celebration. To make the most of your chosen location and accommodate your guests' travels, consider planning multiple events. This could include a welcome dinner, activities or excursions, the wedding ceremony and reception, and even a post-wedding brunch. By creating a mini-vacation experience, your guests can immerse themselves in the location and culture, making your wedding an even more memorable experience for everyone involved.
Remember, when planning a destination wedding, it's essential to be mindful of your guests' time and financial commitments. Be clear about expectations, and don't hesitate to reach out for help from wedding planners or coordinators who can assist in creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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At-home reception: Host a casual celebration with friends and family who couldn't attend the destination wedding
If you're planning a destination wedding, it's likely that you'll have to trim down your guest list. Hosting an at-home reception after your destination wedding is a wonderful way to extend the celebration and include friends and family who may not have been able to attend the wedding itself. This allows you to have the best of both worlds and gives you a chance to relive your wedding highlights and share stories or photos from the destination.
There are different opinions on the format of an at-home reception after a destination wedding. Some people believe that it is rude to have a formal wedding reception for those who were not invited to the actual wedding. In this case, it is recommended to keep the at-home reception low-key and casual, similar to any other party. You can invite people over, but without the expectations of gifts or a formal schedule. A simple BBQ or luau-themed party with food and drinks can be a great option. Eliminating elements like a wedding dress, cake-cutting, DJ, or bridal party can make the event more relaxed and informal.
On the other hand, some couples choose to have a more traditional wedding reception back home, especially if they want to celebrate with a larger group of loved ones. This can include wearing the wedding dress again, having a head table, cake-cutting, and other typical reception activities. It is a personal choice whether to have a casual get-together or a more formal reception-style party, depending on your preferences and comfort level.
The cost of an at-home reception can vary depending on your priorities, logistics, and needs. Some couples invest between $25,000 to $40,000 in their at-home wedding receptions, including elements such as venue buyouts, florals, DJs, cakes, and photographers. However, if you're looking for a more cost-effective option, you can opt for a partial buyout of a restaurant or choose a different venue, such as a brewery, to create a casual and relaxed vibe.
Whether you decide to have a casual celebration or a more formal reception, the most important thing is to include the people who are important to you and find a way to share your joy with them.
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Dress code: The couple may choose to wear their wedding attire again, but guests should opt for semi-formal wear
When it comes to dress code, opinions differ on whether the couple should wear their wedding attire again at the at-home reception. Some people believe that since it is not a wedding reception, the couple should not wear their wedding outfits again. However, others think that if the couple wants to wear their wedding attire again, they should go for it, especially if they spent a lot of money on their outfits.
If you are the bride and groom, you might choose to wear your wedding attire again, or you might opt for something more casual. It is entirely up to you, and you should do what feels comfortable and appropriate for your celebration.
For guests, the dress code is usually semi-formal. This means no jeans, but also not black tie. Guests should be informed if there is a specific theme or colour scheme so they can dress accordingly.
If you are a guest, it is best to ask the couple what the dress code is if you are unsure. It is also important to remember that your presence at the celebration is a gift in itself, and you should not feel obliged to bring a gift.
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Food and drinks: Catering options can include a BBQ, local cuisine, or a cake
Food and drink are an important part of any wedding celebration, and there are many options to choose from. The first thing to consider is the style of dining you wish to offer your guests. A plated meal is the most traditional and popular option, where guests are served a formal dinner while seated at their assigned tables. This usually consists of two courses (an appetizer and a main course) and dessert. For a less formal option, a family-style menu or a buffet is a good choice. Food stations are similar to buffets, but with more variety and interaction, such as an oyster shucking station, a pizza oven, or a cheese bar. Food trucks are another fun and unique option for wedding catering.
The food itself can be anything from BBQ to local cuisine or a cake. If you're having a destination wedding, you might want to incorporate local dishes or cultural elements into your menu. For example, if you're getting married in Hawaii, you could have a luau rehearsal dinner with BBQ and local liquor. If you're having a wedding reception at home after the destination wedding, you might opt for a more low-key party with a simple cake and catered food.
When planning your menu, consider incorporating personal touches that reflect your relationship. This could be a dish you ate on your first date, your go-to drinks as signature cocktails, or family favourites. You can also involve your family members by soliciting their ideas and feedback. If you're concerned about sustainability, discuss ways to minimise food waste with your caterer, such as using leftovers from rehearsal dinners and appetizers in the next day's brunch.
Finally, don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions and allergies when planning your menu. Ensure that there are plenty of options for guests with special dietary needs, such as plant-based or vegan alternatives. With careful planning and creativity, you can design a wedding menu that will delight and satisfy all of your guests.
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Entertainment: Consider a live band, karaoke, or a playlist instead of a DJ
If you're planning a destination wedding followed by a reception at home, you might be wondering about entertainment options besides a DJ. While a DJ is a popular choice for wedding receptions, it's not the only option. Here are some alternative ideas to consider:
Live Band
If you're a fan of live music, why not hire a live band to perform at your reception? This could be a jazz band, a folk band, or even a string quartet. Live music can create a unique and memorable atmosphere for your guests. You could also consider having a mixture of a DJ and live musicians to get the best of both worlds and keep your guests entertained throughout the evening.
Karaoke
For a more interactive and fun experience, you could opt for karaoke at your reception. This can be a great way to get your guests involved and create some memorable moments. It's a fun alternative to traditional dancing and can be a good option if you want to encourage guest participation.
Playlist
If you're looking for a more low-key and budget-friendly option, creating your own playlist might be a good choice. You can curate a selection of songs that reflect your musical taste and set the mood for your reception. This option gives you more control over the music and can be a simple way to entertain your guests.
Other Unique Ideas
In addition to the above, there are numerous other unique entertainment ideas you can consider:
- Live painter: Hire an artist to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake by painting a scene from your wedding.
- Caricature artist: Guests will love having their cartoon portraits drawn, and they can take them home as souvenirs.
- Circus performers: Surprise your guests with acrobats or fire performers to add a wow factor to your reception.
- Yard games: Encourage guests to mingle and have fun with lawn games like a giant Ferris wheel or a game of boules.
- Themed entertainment: Take inspiration from your wedding destination. For example, a Hawaiian wedding could feature a traditional hula dance performance.
Remember, the entertainment you choose should reflect your personal style and the theme of your wedding. Whether it's a live band, karaoke, or a carefully curated playlist, your guests are sure to have a wonderful time celebrating with you.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose a location that is meaningful to you and your partner. Send out save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance, and the official invites no later than 3-4 months before. Since guests will be travelling, the celebration will typically span a few days, with multiple events such as a welcome dinner, the ceremony, and a post-wedding brunch.
At-home receptions (AHRs) are becoming increasingly popular for couples who want to celebrate with those who couldn't make it to the destination wedding. You can incorporate aspects from your wedding, such as choosing colours or motifs from your wedding decor, or offering a themed cocktail. Typically, an AHR will be shorter than a traditional wedding and more casual.
This is up to you and your partner. Some couples choose to wear their wedding outfits, while others opt for more casual attire.
This is also up to you and your partner. Some couples choose to cut a cake, while others opt for cupcakes or other desserts.
No, you don't need to have entertainment. However, if you want to have music, you could hire a live band or DJ, or simply play music from your phone.
