We are buying a house and really want to get married in July next year. We've been together for 6 years and engaged for almost two. How would you feel if you were invited to a reception only (we want to get married somewhere cheap on the beach and stay for a couple of days) that is covered dish and bring your own beer like a picnic in our back yard? We don't really have the money to pay for a whole reception and no one will be helping us.
2006-09-08 01:44:02 · 36 answers · asked by sundragonjess 5 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
So, like a lot of fun. It could be a wedding celebration and house warming party all rolled into one. With the cost of weddings going out of the roof, I think you are doing a wise thing. Spend that money on a home for yourselves.
String some lights, crank up the cd player, and fire up the grill. I really do think it's a wonderful idea. My feelings wouldn't be hurt, because I would understand, and I would love to come celebrate after the fact. When the picnic party? I make a awesome potato salad....or I could bring baked beans.....heck, I will just bring both can't have too much potato salad and beans....
Have the happiest of weddings even if it in the judge's chamber or get married at the picnic...surprise your quests..that a thought..just do it right then..Honestly, I think your idea is wonderful, and I wish you and the groom a wonderful and happy life together....
God bless us all................
2006-09-08 03:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by totallylost 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We got married on September 9, 2006 in Las Vegas, NV!!!
You are invited to a potluck picnic to celebrate the recent wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Smith.
When: September 23, 2006 @ 2:00pm
Where: Our House, 123 main st, anytown USA
Please RSVP by September 16, 2006
There is nothing wrong with this. I have went to two reception onlys this year so far for people who were married elsewhere. One couple took a vacation/honeymoon to San Diego and got married on the beach. The other couple got married in Vegas. The only difference is the first couple fed us dinner and the second couple only served light appetizers. Both had the reception at a hall and both had cash bars. The bride's also put on their wedding dress for about 30 minutes so everyone could see what it looked like and take picture.
However, if you go with this route, don't expect too much in gifts. You are expecting people to bring food after all. Also, keep the number of guests low (under 50 people).
2006-09-08 03:58:22 · answer #2 · answered by Sherry 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was once invited to a wedding that was followed by a reception on a paddle boat. My friend (the bride) was telling everyone how nice it was going to be. Then when the invitation arrived, they included some information that admission on the boat was $25 each. My boyfriend and I were stunned. We couldn't understand why they had their reception on the boat if they couldn't afford to pay for everyone. We did not attend, because we were poor college students.
If you do this, be sure to tell people that they are bringing food in lieu of a gift. You definetely cannot expect both. Also, some people simply won't attend because they would have to provide food or alcohol. It depends on your family and friends, and how they would respond to this.
I definetley would've been more interested in bringing some hot dogs to a reception like yours than paying admission to get in. Handle your planning with flexibility and understanding, and I'm sure it will be fine.
2006-09-08 02:44:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't go. I would think it was rude to have a party. It would be less expensive, yes, but cheap parties are not fun. A hostess should do the work, not the guest. You want them to bring a dish, a drink and a gift? --do you have enough chairs, or will they have to bring those too? I think either you supply the food, or the alcohol. Not much of a hostess otherwise. What will you two be offering? Have you ever been invited to a party where you had to bring your own food and drink? That's a field trip! If you don't have the money for a shindig, why throw one at all? If you just want the presents, people who care will send them or drop them by anyway. Don't embarrass yourself.
2006-09-08 06:22:27 · answer #4 · answered by steelypen 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you're planning on having a large pot-luck get together with friends and family at some point in time after the small, private wedding. Right?
I wouldn't mind at all. You might not want to call it a "reception" though, since that isn't what most people consider to be a reception. Still have a cake (or a lot of little cakes) though.
2006-09-08 02:33:29 · answer #5 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ur happiness and the success of ur wedding is not dependent on the crowd u have at the ceremony, and having a quiet wedding does not make the marriage any less. Plan within ur means so u dont start quarelling right after the party. A picnic- like reception is in order for close friends.
2006-09-08 02:01:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that if you can't afford to have a party, you shouldn't have one. I probably wouldn't attend. Potlucks for anything other than Labor day or 4th of july parties just aren't my thing.
To clarify, a wedding reception is not YOUR day as many people have said. It is a day that you celebrate your friends and family members, along with your wedding. Otherwise, you are just throwing a party for yourself which is tacky. If you can't treat your guests like guests, then you shouldn't call it a wedding reception. Call it a potluck dinner and that's it. Expecting people to bring food to a party *you* are planning is tacky, no matter how many people on here say it's ok.
2006-09-08 05:08:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you do not have the money then don't do it. I would be so offended to be INVITED somewhere and had to not only bring a gift but bring my own food and drink. Just go to costco and get some finger food. Then get a couple of kegs and throw the bash in your back yard. You can do it for 400 dollars! Go to your local VFW hall and ask them if you can borrow some chairs and tables for a small donation, they will let you. My husband and I just went to a wedding that was far away, we had to spend money not only on the gift and the hotel but we had to buy our alchol! It was rude that they did that. We were pissed off.
2006-09-08 01:56:33 · answer #8 · answered by michiganwife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, you obviously have money since you are buying a house and living together, you are saving money. Only have the type of wedding you can afford to host, even if it means very few people. A potluck and BYOB is not acceptable for a wedding reception - come on!
2006-09-08 03:27:35 · answer #9 · answered by Lydia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you're idea is wonderful. I"m 55 and rather well mannered having planned 4 daughter's weddings that turned out wonderfully (except me being so tired I couldn't enjoy the weddings..lol). I'm planning to marry again soon too and we are going to have a pig picking and BYOB. Don't let what people might think influence your decisions. YOU know your finances and what a waste to have a big wedding or receptions only to have to power on when you get home 'cause you can't pay the bill... lol. Keep it real. Keep it YOUR day!! Congrats and I wish you MANY years of happiness.
2006-09-08 02:07:49 · answer #10 · answered by Bekie 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋