Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding reception that aligns with Mormon traditions and is also budget-friendly is achievable with thoughtful consideration. Mormon wedding receptions are often open-house style events with a flowing format that allows guests to arrive throughout the evening to congratulate the newlyweds and their families. The focus is on celebrating the couple's spiritual commitment and eternal marriage, with traditions like the first dance, parent dances, cake-cutting, and a couple send-off. While there is no set wedding food, alcohol, coffee, and tea are not served due to the beliefs of those in the LDS faith. With the right planning, a joyful and memorable Mormon wedding reception can be achieved within a reasonable budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Bright white, symbolic of purity. Grooms may wear suits, and brides modest dresses, bonnets, and veils. |
| Temple sealing | Couples married in an LDS temple are married for eternity, including the afterlife. |
| Vows | Couples promise to be sealed, to honour and love each other, and commit to the teachings of the church. |
| Rings | Couples may choose to exchange rings in a separate ceremony outside the temple. |
| Guests | Couples often hold non-temple receptions to include family and friends who cannot attend the temple wedding. |
| Food and drink | No alcohol, coffee, or tea is served. |
| Gifts | Gifts are given at the reception, not the temple. |
| Photography | Photography is not allowed inside the temple. |
| Music and dancing | Music may be unfamiliar, but dancing is common. |
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What You'll Learn
- No alcohol, coffee or tea is served at Mormon wedding receptions
- Gifts should be given at the reception, not the temple
- Photography and videography are not allowed during the ceremony
- The reception may be held in a cultural hall, home, or grounds
- Dancing, cake cutting, and a garter toss are common activities
No alcohol, coffee or tea is served at Mormon wedding receptions
It is customary for alcohol, coffee, and tea to be absent from Mormon wedding receptions. This is because Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), do not consume these drinks. The Mormon Health Code, or the Word of Wisdom, advises against the consumption of alcohol, "hot drinks" (interpreted as coffee and tea), and tobacco. The Word of Wisdom is viewed as a revelation from God, instructing followers on how to live a healthy life.
Mormons believe that by obeying the Word of Wisdom, they are adhering to God's wishes for them to be healthy and happy. This belief system promotes the consumption of wholesome foods, such as grains, fruits, herbs, and meats in moderation. As a result, wedding receptions may offer a variety of non-alcoholic alternatives, including sparkling cider for the wedding toast, sodas, juices, punch, flavoured water, and spring water.
For those who want something more unique, a themed non-alcoholic bar can be a great option. For instance, a slushie bar with various flavours like pineapple, red raspberry, or piña colada, or an Italian soda bar with flavours like orange cream, coconut, or vanilla bean. Another idea is to serve hot cocoa in the winter or apple cider in the fall.
While some may choose to serve "virgin" drinks or mocktails that imitate alcoholic beverages, others may prefer to avoid any resemblance to alcohol. Ultimately, the decision on what to serve is a personal one, and there are plenty of options to choose from to create a festive and enjoyable atmosphere without the presence of alcohol, coffee, or tea.
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Gifts should be given at the reception, not the temple
If you are invited to a Mormon wedding reception, it is customary to bring a gift. Gifts are not brought to the temple, but instead are given at the reception, much like regular wedding receptions. There will likely be someone appointed to collect the gifts, and it may even be a child. This is normal, so don't be alarmed if a child takes the gift from you!
Mormon couples usually register in the same way as other couples, so gifts from their registry are always welcome. If you are unsure what to give, a modest acknowledgement of their wedding is appropriate and appreciated. Cash or a gift card is always a safe option, or a nice card with some money inside. It is not customary to bring gifts to the reception itself, but rather to send them in advance or shortly afterwards.
Mormon wedding receptions are often a flowing, open-house style event with many guests attending throughout the evening to celebrate the newly married couple. There is usually music, dancing, a cake-cutting ceremony, and a garter toss. There is no set wedding food, but there is no alcohol, coffee or tea served, as those of the LDS faith do not consume them.
The temple wedding ceremony is sacred and only those who follow the Mormon faith are allowed to enter. The ceremony includes blessings and promises made to the couple and their family, and the couple become sealed for eternity. The bride and groom kneel in front of each other at an altar and hold hands. They promise to honour and love each other and commit themselves to the teachings of the church.
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Photography and videography are not allowed during the ceremony
If you're planning an inexpensive Mormon wedding reception, it's important to understand the traditions surrounding this celebration of faith and love. Here are some ideas to keep in mind:
Mormon weddings, especially those held in a temple, are steeped in sacred traditions and rituals. One key aspect of these weddings is the absence of photography or videography during the ceremony. The sealing room, where the ceremony takes place, is considered a sacred space, and the ordinances performed there are not to be documented. This means that no cameras or recording devices are allowed inside the temple during the wedding ceremony.
The couple and their guests must adhere to this rule out of respect for the religious customs and beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). While it may be customary to capture the exchanging of vows, rings, and the first kiss in traditional weddings, Mormon temple weddings prioritize the sanctity and privacy of the ceremony instead.
However, this doesn't mean that the couple will not have any visual memories of their special day. After the ceremony, the couple often takes photographs outside the temple grounds. The beautifully landscaped gardens and iconic temple architecture serve as a stunning backdrop for family portraits and wedding memories. These photos capture the joy and celebration of the couple's new life together, even if the ceremony itself is not photographed.
To further commemorate the occasion, the couple may choose to have a separate ring ceremony before the wedding reception. This ceremony, held at a different location, allows the couple to exchange rings and vows in front of all their invited guests, as not everyone may be able to attend the temple wedding. This provides an opportunity for more inclusive photographs and videos of the couple's wedding celebrations.
By respecting the restrictions on photography and videography during the temple ceremony, the couple and their guests honour the sacred nature of the Mormon wedding traditions. The focus remains on the spirituality, commitment, and eternal unity that are central to Mormon beliefs, with the understanding that some moments are meant to be cherished in memory rather than through a lens.
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The reception may be held in a cultural hall, home, or grounds
When it comes to inexpensive wedding reception venues, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, a cultural hall can be a great choice, as LDS members do not charge for the use of their facilities. Cultural halls typically come equipped with round tables, and sometimes even table cloths, making it a convenient and affordable option. Additionally, these halls include a kitchen and basic equipment, which can be useful for catering purposes.
Another option is to hold the reception in a couple's home or on their property. This can be a particularly intimate and cost-effective choice, as it eliminates the need to rent a venue. It also allows for more flexibility in terms of decorations and catering options. If the couple does not have a suitable home or grounds for the reception, they may consider asking a friend or family member to host the event in their space.
For those who prefer a more traditional reception venue, there is the option of an LDS meetinghouse, which often has similar amenities to a cultural hall. Additionally, some couples may choose to have their reception in a reception centre or another rented space. However, these options may incur additional costs and should be evaluated based on budget constraints.
It is worth noting that, in the case of Mormon weddings, the reception is often held separately from the temple ceremony, allowing for a wider range of guests to attend. This provides an opportunity for those who were unable to participate in the sacred temple sealing to join in the celebration. Whether held in a cultural hall, home, or rented space, the reception is a time to celebrate the newly married couple with music, dancing, cake, and well-wishes from loved ones.
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Dancing, cake cutting, and a garter toss are common activities
Dancing, cake-cutting, and a garter toss are common activities at wedding receptions, and Mormon wedding receptions are no exception. These events often feature music and dancing, including the couple's first dance and parent dances. There is also a cake-cutting ceremony, and some couples choose to include a garter toss.
The reception may be a large party or an intimate gathering, reflecting the couple's style. It is often an open-house-style event with guests attending throughout the evening to congratulate the couple and their families. The menu items are chosen to suit the couple's preferences, but there are a few things you won't find at a Mormon wedding reception, including no alcohol, coffee, and tea, as those of the LDS faith do not consume them.
The order of events at the reception may vary, but here is a suggested timeline that includes the common activities mentioned:
- Bride and groom entrance, followed by toasts.
- Dinner is served.
- Cake-cutting ceremony.
- First dance and parent dances.
- Garter toss.
- Bouquet toss (if desired).
Remember, the reception is a time to celebrate the newly married couple, so feel free to personalise the event to match their style and preferences!
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Frequently asked questions
Mormon wedding receptions are often open-house style, with guests coming and going throughout the evening. This means you can save money by not providing a sit-down meal, and instead offer "modest treats" such as cake, mints and punch.
There is no set wedding food at a Mormon reception, but there is no alcohol, coffee or tea served as these are not consumed by those of the LDS faith. You could save money by serving soft drinks and treats, rather than a full meal.
Not necessarily. LDS meetinghouses are available to use for free, and come equipped with tables, tablecloths, a kitchen and basic equipment. You could save money by using one of these instead of hiring a venue.
Modest attire is key. Guests should avoid showing too much skin and wear clothing that is respectful and covers the body. This will help your guests save money, as they won't need to buy a new outfit.
Most Mormon couples will register in the usual places, so gifts from their registry are always welcome. Gifts should be given at the reception, not the temple.
