Planning A Reception To Follow Your Courthouse Wedding

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so it's no surprise that many couples opt for a courthouse wedding. This option is perfect for those who want to make their union official without the hassle and expense of a traditional wedding. But what if you still want to celebrate with your loved ones after the courthouse ceremony? The good news is that you absolutely can! Whether it's an intimate gathering at a local restaurant or a big party at a winery, there are plenty of ways to make your day special and create lasting memories.

Planning a reception at a winery or botanical garden

Winery Reception:

Wineries offer beautiful scenery and a rustic atmosphere for your wedding reception. When choosing a winery, consider the location and the views it offers. Some wineries have stunning outdoor spaces with lush nature, while others may have charming indoor areas with barrels and a cozy ambiance. It is also important to note that most wineries only serve their own wines, which can be expensive, and many do not allow hard alcohol. Consider visiting the winery beforehand for a wine tasting to get an idea of what you want served at your reception. You can also inquire about food options, as some wineries offer catering services, or you may need to bring in outside caterers.

Botanical Garden Reception:

Botanical gardens provide a naturally enchanting and romantic setting for your reception. These venues offer ample space, both outdoors and indoors, to accommodate your guest list. The vibrant vegetation and colorful blooms create a stunning backdrop for your celebration and wedding photos. When choosing a botanical garden, consider the rules and restrictions, as some may have specific guidelines regarding liquor licenses and bringing in outside alcohol. Ensure that your chosen venue has a backup plan in case of unfavorable weather, and consider providing overhead shade and air-conditioned spaces if you expect hot temperatures.

General Tips:

• Whether you choose a winery or botanical garden, these venues are often located outside the city, so consider transportation options for you and your guests.
• Personalize your reception with decorations, a special song, or meaningful readings.
• Hire a photographer to capture the precious moments of your courthouse wedding and reception.
• If you're on a budget, consider a local community center or your favorite bar for a more casual and intimate celebration.
• Plan your reception at least six months in advance to ensure all the details come together seamlessly.

With careful planning and attention to detail, your winery or botanical garden reception will be a magical experience for you and your guests.

Intimate lunch or dinner at a local restaurant

If you're looking for an intimate celebration after your courthouse wedding, hosting a lunch or dinner at a local restaurant is a great option. This allows you to share the joy of your special day with your closest guests in a relaxed setting. Here are some tips to plan a memorable restaurant reception:

Choosing the Right Restaurant

Start by selecting a restaurant that holds a special meaning for you and your partner. It could be your favourite restaurant or a place known for its culinary excellence and unique ambiance. Consider the number of guests you plan to invite and ensure the restaurant can accommodate your group comfortably. If possible, opt for a restaurant with a private dining room to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Timing and Logistics

Plan the restaurant reception at least six months in advance to ensure you have enough time to coordinate with the restaurant and finalise the details. You can choose to host the reception immediately after the courthouse ceremony or at a later date. If you opt for a later date, you can still have a simple celebration, such as drinks and cake, immediately following the ceremony.

Menu and Budget

Discuss your budget and menu preferences with the restaurant. Many restaurants offer plated dinners or buffet options, and some may even allow you to bring your own cake for a traditional cake-cutting ceremony. Consider including drinks and whether you want to bring your own alcohol if the restaurant allows it.

Personal Touches

Add personal touches to make the event unique and memorable. You can incorporate customised vows, a special song, or meaningful readings during the reception. Decorate the tables with flowers, framed photos, and a guest book. These small details will make your restaurant reception feel extra special.

Etiquette Considerations

While it is customary for the couple to cover the cost of the dinner, there may be instances where guests offer to pay for their meals. Communicate openly with your guests, and if budget is a concern, consider alternative options like a potluck at home or a simple cake and punch reception. Remember, the reception is your way of thanking your guests for sharing this important moment with you.

Rooftop reception with drinks at sunset

Planning a rooftop reception with drinks at sunset is a wonderful way to celebrate your courthouse wedding. Here are some tips to help you create a memorable event:

Budget and Location

Firstly, establish a budget for your reception. While a courthouse wedding can save you money, hosting a reception will incur additional costs. Research venues that offer rooftop spaces with sunset views and fit within your budget. Consider the number of guests you plan to invite and ensure the venue can accommodate your group size comfortably. Don't forget to include any venue fees or taxes in your calculations.

Timing and Logistics

It is recommended to start planning at least six months in advance to ensure all the details are in order. While you may want to host the reception close to your wedding date, keep in mind that more complex logistics may be involved, so be prepared to spend extra time on planning. Check the sunset time on your chosen date and plan your event accordingly. You may even want to time it so that the sunset coincides with a special moment, like a toast or the cutting of a cake.

Food and Beverages

Drinks at sunset can be a magical experience, so consider offering a variety of beverage options. If your venue allows, you might want to include a mix of cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic choices. Discuss catering options with your venue, or consider hiring external caterers if you wish to provide food. Canapés, buffets, or food stations can encourage a relaxed atmosphere and allow guests to mingle.

Decor and Personal Touches

Even though your reception is separate from the courthouse ceremony, you can still incorporate personal touches and decorations to make the event feel special. Flowers, framed photos, and a guest book can add a nice touch. If you have a theme or colour scheme in mind, incorporate it into your decor, and don't forget to plan for entertainment, whether it's a DJ, live music, or a simple playlist.

Photography

Hire a photographer to capture the precious moments of your rooftop reception. These photos will become cherished keepsakes, especially if you plan to include special moments like a first dance or cake cutting.

Remember, the most important thing is to create a celebration that reflects your unique love story and makes lasting memories. Enjoy the planning process and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed!

Backyard reception with a potluck meal

If you're looking to save money and create a casual, intimate atmosphere, a potluck-style reception in your backyard is a great option. This style of reception is a wonderful way to cultivate a sense of community and get your guests interacting with one another.

To start planning, you'll want to confirm your guest count early on, as this will help you choose a suitable venue and plan your menu. It's important to communicate your plan clearly to your guests, so they know what to expect. You can do this by including wording like "potluck" or "bring and share a meal" on your wedding website and invitations. You should also specify whether you will be providing dishes and serveware.

To help organise the meal, create a shared document where guests can sign up and indicate what they plan to bring. This will ensure a variety of dishes and help your guests prepare the right portion sizes. You can assign a specific cuisine or category, such as a particular type of ethnic cuisine or a chickpea-based dish.

When choosing dishes to include in a potluck meal, it's essential to consider portability, ease of serving, and whether the dish will be a crowd-pleaser. Some ideas for potluck dishes that are sure to impress include:

• Jammy roasted vegetables with warm ricotta and crusty bread
• Classic baked beans
• Chocolate chip red velvet cookies
• Cinnamon-scented icebox cake
• Vegetarian antipasto salad

Reception at a bar

A bar is a great choice for a casual reception after your courthouse wedding. You can keep the celebration intimate and low-key by renting out a back room in your favourite local bar. This will allow you to spend quality time with your nearest and dearest, and many bars will even allow you to bring your own decorations and cake.

If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, you could consider a bar crawl. This will allow you to visit a variety of bars and create a fun and unique experience for your guests. However, this option will require more planning and organisation, and you may need to book in advance. It's also worth noting that guests would usually expect the couple to cover the costs of the drinks at the first bar, but not for the rest of the crawl.

If you're looking for a scenic option, consider a winery. You can often choose the types of wine served and some wineries even offer food service. Alternatively, a beach reception is a fun choice, allowing you to play games and enjoy the sun and sand.

For a more rustic setting, farms often open up their properties for receptions, and you may be able to make use of fields, barn buildings, and even animals. Botanical gardens are another option, providing beautiful backdrops for photos and a relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests.

If you're looking for something more elegant, you could host a rooftop reception with drinks at sunset, followed by a buffet dinner and dancing. You could also consider hiring a wedding planner to help you create a unique celebration that reflects your love story.

Frequently asked questions