Junior Rasmussen
Wedding receptions are traditionally held in the evening, but couples may opt for a luncheon, brunch, or afternoon tea. Wedding venues consider the evening hours to be the most desired time slot, and rates are at their highest. A lunch wedding reception can be a sophisticated choice, and a couple can save significant costs by hosting the event earlier in the day. Some couples choose to live-stream their wedding ceremonies, especially if some family members cannot attend in person, but it is less common to live-stream the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Live coverage of wedding reception lunch | Live feed of the wedding reception is possible, but not very common. Some couples opt for a live stream of the wedding ceremony only, while others might set up a tripod for phones to live stream the event. |
| Examples of live coverage | Live coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding reception lunch was available on news websites. |
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What You'll Learn
Live-streaming a wedding ceremony and reception
DIY Live-Streaming
If you're looking for a more affordable or low-key option, you can set up a live stream using your own equipment and a streaming service. This could be as simple as asking a guest to log into a streaming service with their smartphone and share the link with virtual guests. Recent Android and iPhones have image stabilization features that will improve the viewing experience. You could also set up a device on a tripod at the end of an aisle or behind the last row of guests to provide a clear, unobstructed view.
Livestreaming Services
Alternatively, you can hire a professional to handle the live stream for you. This option tends to be more expensive, ranging from $400 to $3000, but it ensures a higher-quality stream and removes the responsibility from your guests. Some companies that provide this service include Eventlive and Wedfuly. These services often include additional features like pre-recorded guest messages, post-event experiences, and automatic notifications for guests.
Streaming Platforms
When it comes to choosing a streaming platform, there are several options available, including Facebook Live, Instagram TV, YouTube Live, Twitter Periscope, Amazon Twitch, and Zoom. Lovecast is another popular choice, offering high-quality video and audio, a user-friendly interface, and the ability to test your stream beforehand.
Considerations
Regardless of your approach, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection to support the live stream. Second, decide whether you want virtual guests to be able to join via audio or video and distribute the link accordingly. Finally, consider the placement of the camera and any necessary equipment to ensure the best possible viewing experience for your virtual guests.
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Planning a wedding reception lunch
Timing
Ideally, the ceremony should start around noon, with the reception following immediately after. A 12:30 pm or 1 pm ceremony is also acceptable, but as a general rule, the ceremony should start no later than 2 pm. This earlier time frame can offer significant savings, as wedding venues typically consider the evening hours to be the most desired time slot, with higher rates.
Guest List
Lunch wedding receptions are ideal for more intimate gatherings, with a recommended guest list of under 75. This smaller size lends itself to a more low-key atmosphere, allowing for a relaxed, family-style feel.
Decor
In keeping with the intimate nature of a lunch reception, decor can be kept to a minimum. Dramatic lighting and extravagant floral arrangements are not necessary. Instead, opt for long banquet tables with low centerpieces or floral table runners to brighten up the room.
Food and Beverage
Keep the meal components light but filling. Offer classic lunch options with a creative twist. Some ideas include grilled salmon, chicken salad, pasta salad, or a variety of canapes. If you prefer a seated meal, a standard wedding "dinner" option with a choice of chicken or beef can also be served during lunchtime.
For beverages, instead of a full open bar, offer a limited menu of beer and wine, and perhaps a signature drink. Provide interesting non-alcoholic choices as well, such as hibiscus lemonade or peach iced tea. Refreshing options that are lower in alcohol, such as raspberry or peach sangria, are more appropriate for a midday meal.
Entertainment
Guests are less likely to dance during the afternoon, so consider alternative entertainment options. Live music, such as a solo guitarist, can provide a nice ambiance during the meal. You can also organize lawn games, such as croquet or giant Jenga, or hire a caricaturist to create sketches of your guests.
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Wedding reception activities
Wedding receptions are a time for celebration and there are many ways to make the event memorable. Lunch receptions are ideal for intimate gatherings, with a guest list of under 75. They are also a budget-friendly option, as food and drink costs are generally lower than in the evening.
For a sophisticated daytime soiree, consider the following activities:
- Lawn games such as croquet, cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga.
- A caricaturist to sketch guests.
- Live music, such as a solo guitarist or a mariachi band.
- A photo booth, with props and a backdrop, for guests to take photos home as favours.
- A magic show, which will entertain guests of all ages and create memorable photo opportunities.
Evening receptions are often associated with dancing and can be a more extravagant affair. To make your reception unique, consider:
- A celebrity impersonator.
- A live wedding painter.
- Singers, dancers, acrobats, or contortionists for a Las Vegas-style performance.
- A silent disco, where guests wear headphones and dance to music played by a DJ.
- Casino tables for guests to gather around.
- A fire pit with a s'mores station.
- A sparkler send-off for the newlyweds.
While there may not be live coverage of wedding reception lunches, you can create a memorable event with these fun and unique activities.
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Wedding reception food and drink
Wedding receptions are a time for celebration and socialising, and food and drink are a big part of this. The food and drink served at a wedding reception can vary depending on the time of day, location, and cultural background of the couple. For example, a brunch or lunch wedding reception can be a more budget-friendly option, with a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. On the other hand, evening receptions are often more formal and may include a three-course dinner and dancing.
When it comes to food, there are many options to choose from, ranging from traditional to unique and fun. Some popular choices include:
- Canapés and finger foods: These can include a variety of options, such as Scottish langoustines wrapped in smoked salmon, grilled asparagus, mini-BLTs, spring rolls, or even pizza.
- Buffet or family-style: A variety of foods such as pasta salad, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and seasonal vegetables can be served. This allows guests to choose their favourites and creates a more casual atmosphere.
- Food stations: From raw bars with fresh seafood to a pizza bar or a bacon bar, food stations offer a fun and interactive dining experience for guests.
- Sit-down dinner: A more formal option, with a plated dinner service. The menu can include a variety of options such as steak, chicken, or vegetarian dishes.
Drinks are also an important part of the reception, and options can include:
- Cocktails: A cocktail hour is a common way to kick off the reception, offering guests a variety of creative and classic cocktails.
- Wine and beer: These are often served with dinner, with options to suit different tastes and the wedding menu.
- Signature drinks: Create a unique drink that reflects the couple's personality or wedding theme, such as a spiked hot beverage or a seasonal cocktail.
- Non-alcoholic options: It is important to provide a variety of non-alcoholic options such as lemonade, iced tea, or specialty drinks like virgin mojitos or raspberry lemonade.
Some couples may also choose to incorporate cultural or regional traditions into their food and drink selections, such as a raw bar with fresh seafood for a wedding by the coast or a bacon bar for a Southern-style wedding.
In terms of live coverage of a wedding reception lunch, it is not common for the reception to be broadcast live. However, in the case of high-profile weddings, such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, there may be live coverage of the reception, including the food and drink selections, by news outlets.
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Royal wedding reception coverage
Royal wedding receptions are traditionally held in the evening, but some couples opt for a luncheon, brunch, or afternoon tea. The luncheon reception is ideal for a more intimate gathering, with a smaller guest list, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, celebrated their wedding with a lunch reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth at St. George's Hall in Windsor Castle. The reception featured a variety of canapés, including Scottish langoustines wrapped in smoked salmon and grilled English asparagus wrapped in Cumbrian ham. All 600 guests attended the lunch reception, while the evening reception at Frogmore House was a more intimate affair with only 200 guests.
The royal wedding ceremony started with a reading from the Song of Solomon by Princess Diana's sister, Lady Jane Fellowes. Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir performed a rendition of "Stand By Me". Bishop Michael Curry of Chicago gave a rousing sermon, and Meghan Markle followed in the footsteps of Kate Middleton by not promising to "obey" her groom, Prince Harry.
The royal wedding reception was a sophisticated daytime soiree, with a menu fit for a king. While there may not have been live coverage of the entire reception, there are some details available, including the menu and the guest list. The royal couple's departure from the castle was also captured, with photos and videos of the newlyweds kissing on the steps of St. George's Chapel and driving off in a silver-blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero to the evening reception.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is live coverage of the wedding reception lunch. The ceremony will be streamed via Facebook Live, and guests are allowed to use their phones during the reception.
The live coverage will include the wedding ceremony and the reception, with the exception of the lunch reception.
Live-streaming a wedding reception lunch can allow family members and friends who are unable to attend in person to still participate in the celebration. It can also be a way to accommodate guests who may not be comfortable attending in person due to safety concerns or other reasons.
