Are receptions mandatory in a wedding? What if you don’t want to have one? Is it bad luck likes those superstitions; you can’t see the bride or groom before the wedding? yeah, there fun but what if your family likes to always ruined parties by getting drunk and make a huge scene....
2006-07-20 06:54:12 · 11 answers · asked by Thumper 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
There are no wedding police that will force you to have a reception. You will not go to wedding jail if you choose not to have one.
But, it's courteous to pay your respects to the people who have given up their time to witness your wedding and share in your day. You do this with a reception with good food, good music, and free alcohol.
If your family gets drunk then issue 'tickets' or something to slow the flow of alcohol to them. People will always get drunk at weddings, but remember, you have the option of leaving before it gets to that point.
Also, play hardball. Tell them that their drunkenness will not be tolerated. If they start to go that route, have them walked outside by a groomsman.
: )
2006-07-20 07:01:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to. People expect receptions because it's a festive time and they want to see the bride and groom. It's also a good time to catch up with family/friends. unfortunately some people think they are "owed" a meal because they brought a present.
You don't have to have a formal sit-down dinner. If you want a buffet with finger sandwiches, nuts/mints, crudites, hors d'oueves, and the wedding cake, that is more than enough. There are all kinds of non-alcoholic punches you can make. Have a good selection of sodas (including diet) available for those who don't like punch or may be allergic to the fruit in it. Toasts can be made with non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
You may want to have a dance later in the evening where the cake and punch is served. Find a venue where alcohol is not permitted or where they don't have a bar.
Can you plan your wedding for say 1-2:00 where you could have a light meal where alcohol might not be appropriate?
Whatever you do, remember it's your wedding--and your future husband. Don't let tacky relatives ruin it for you. If they have a history of this kind of behavior, maybe someone close to them could talk to them, or just don't invite them. Just make sure you are happy. Best of luck to you in your married life.
2006-07-20 18:59:42 · answer #2 · answered by goldie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wedding is for the bride and the groom. You guys make the choice for what you want to do. Your wedding can go anyway you want it to go. If you don't want a reception don't have one. I'm getting married next week and I wasn't going to have one. My mom decided she was going to give a reception. Now, she wants me to buy stuff for it and I'm like cancel it. I wasn't planning to have one so why should I pay? I don't think it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, I think it just makes for more excitement when you're standing there waiting to see the other person.
2006-07-21 02:55:37 · answer #3 · answered by Coco 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you're afraid that some drunken relative will ruin your wedding reception.
Although no one will arrest you for not having a wedding reception, I think it's a good idea, and good form, to have some kind of celebration after the wedding ceremony. I recommend in your case a brief one with finger food, cake, and punch--no alcohol served.
In fact, if it's not too tacky, you might put "No alcohol, please" below the reception info on your wedding invitation. Or, let your parents spread the word that you want no liquor at your party. Hopefully, those who need need need to get drunk will stay away.
2006-07-20 07:30:20 · answer #4 · answered by MNL_1221 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing is required or manatory except getting a marriage blessed by a religious figure or a judge.
The parties are so that other people can help celebrate your nuptials, but are definatly not neccessary or needed.
Many smaller weddings these days are forgoing large events afterwards in favor of having a nice dinner out with a few special people.
Typically, however, gifts are not required or expected at smaller dinners, as the few guests usually cover the cost of their meals. This is more common in 2nd or 3rd marriages, as large parties are considered bad taste in mutliple marriage instances. It makes it look as though the happy couple are asking for gifts in that instance.
2006-07-20 08:48:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You certainly don't have to have a reception. A girlfriend of mine opted for just dinner at a restaurant with 50 people. They put the rest of the money towards their new home. My husband and I did have a reception - but it worked out great because the hall was attached to the church so once people came for the ceremony they could stay the rest of the time. Was very convenient!! Do whatever floats your boat :) Make it you and your fiancee's very special day.
2006-07-20 07:27:48 · answer #6 · answered by Rachel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to, but they are sooo much fun. Plus, it's a way of thanking guests for celebrating your marriage by feeding them. You could just do beer and wine and have the bartender keep an eye on the unruly family members by cutting them off when they've had enough. Or you could have someone try to set your family straight ahead of time. I was worried about my family, too, but they completed respected me and acted decent on the day. Some people do realize a wedding isn't your typical party.
2006-07-20 09:32:41 · answer #7 · answered by SweetPea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would say no if you dont have the money or just dont wanna have a big party but i think you should as a way of saying thank you to everyone who came to see you get married and wish you the best in life. it also makes the the whole wedding thing worth while if you have a party afterwards it relieves all the stresses of having a wedding and you get to relax
2006-07-20 07:33:47 · answer #8 · answered by mamma of 2 girls 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wedding is all about you and the person you are marrying. If you decide not have reception, that between you and your love of your life. If you have reception, make sure it is alcohol free. That is what I did, for our first toast we had apple cider.
2006-07-20 07:14:16 · answer #9 · answered by Brobe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you dont have to have a reception. its all about you and what you want on the day. this article has all the ins and outs of wedding and budgeting that might help you out some more.
2006-07-20 06:58:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋