The bride wants to have the ceremony and reception at the same location. There is nowhere for the guests to leave the room to have the area switched over into reception mode.
Guests would arrive and be greeted with a cup of hot spiced cider. Hors d'ouerves passed around by waiters. Then they find their seats for the ceremony. After the ceremony, dinner commences (they will most likely be seated at tables during the ceremony or else chairs quickly moved to the tables following). Then the dancing portion of the reception gets underway.
Would this be too confusing, even with programs? Or would the change be refreshing?
Do you have any suggestions along these lines that may work out better than what is proposed?
2006-11-20 05:14:55 · 15 answers · asked by Cinnamon 6 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Pics would be taken beforehand.
One of the many things I have read that people have written in to bridal magazines and newspaper columns that they don't like is a huge gap between the ceremony and reception.
2006-11-20 05:31:12 · update #1
Hors d'ouerves would not be served during the ceremony.
2006-11-20 06:05:15 · update #2
I think this is a wonderful idea - in fact, I have attended a wedding like this. The guests sat at the tables for the ceremony, and when the ceremony was over, the couple disappeared for about 15 minutes to be alone. During that time, there was a short break so guests could use the washrooms, etc. WHen the bride and groom returned, the food was served, and the reception continued.
It doesn't have to be confusing if you have ushers and a good MC. ushers will know to help guests find their places at the tables - and after the ceremony, the MC can announce. "The bride and groom would like a few moments alone to reflect on the vows they have exchanged. Feel free to stretch your legs and visit the restrooms if you need to. We will be serving dinner in 15 minutes."
I think guests will find it quite refreshing not having to rush from one thing to another - and not having to sit around for hours either.
2006-11-20 08:00:40 · answer #1 · answered by Chrys 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This isn't confusing...a lot of couples choose to have their ceremony and reception at the same location. A lot of times the ceremony is held at a different location (close by) than the reception...the guests will not see the roome being switched over etc. If they do...then maybe the couple should consider hiring someone to put up pipe and drap and make their own area for the guests after the ceremony but before the reception.
2006-11-20 15:13:18 · answer #2 · answered by VAWeddingSpecialist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i went to a wedding kind of with the same idea:
the ceremony was first... then the hors'deurves and drinks time happened for the guests, along w/ band singing in background....so that the bride and groom could take professional pics w/ family, bridesmaids, and friends. the whole time during ceremony and hors'deurves there was a separate area where the waiters were setting up the tables very nicely. we were seated, and the band/mc kicked up. it was very smooth and VERY nice!
good luck~ no matter what happens, keep an open mind and don't let anything ruin ur day!
2006-11-20 13:52:28 · answer #3 · answered by sasmallworld 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that if there's a separate seating area during the ceremony, it will be fine. Once the ceremony is completed the bride/groom can move down an "aisle" and create a sort of receiving line while the ceremony chairs are removed. I wouldn't want to seat people at their dining tables during the vows exchange.
The drinks and appetizers should be passed AFTER the vows are exchanged to signal the start of the reception so people can mingle and chat before dinner seating.
2006-11-20 13:25:35 · answer #4 · answered by Violet Pearl 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i like the idea! you can eat while you watch the ceremony. i guess you can put a line in the invitation that says "hors d'ouerves and cider will be served prior to the ceremony" and "dinner shall commence immediately after the ceremony" just to give your guests a heads-up on what to expect. = )
if yo'uve already sent out the invites, then have the ushers or the bridesmaids and groomsmen say it to the guests when they arrive. or if you'll have a master of ceremonies, have them announce it before the wedding takes place. = )
2006-11-20 13:23:52 · answer #5 · answered by waltzang 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worked at a florist for several years, and have seen this done several times. I don't like the hors douerves before....I think it would be destracting during the cermony. Why not have guests come in, be seated at tables (allowing for the aisle of course) and go with the wedding as normal....let the bridal party get married and go back out to a foryer as normal, and serve the hors s'ouerves then, then when that course is about done, introduce the new husband and wife, then do your dinner and dancing. This what I have seen done, adn it seems to flow very well, and doesn't confuse anyone. Hope this helps!
2006-11-20 14:02:42 · answer #6 · answered by ASH 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In order to save any embarrassment it might be wise to have a couple of hours between the ceremony and the dinner. This will allow time for pictures of the bride, groom, party and relatives. Then while pics are being taken the guests can be served the hors d'oueves in another area while tables are being set for dinner.
2006-11-20 13:20:00 · answer #7 · answered by crazylegs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This wouldn't confuse me. However, I STRONGLY suggest having the chairs in a different arrangement for the ceremony than for the dinner. First, it is a pain for guests to have to strain around in their seats to see you. Second, seating the guests at the dinner table turns your wedding into dinner-party entertainment, when really it is the whole reason for being there. Third, guests would probably like a chance to get up and mingle a bit while you take pictures.
2006-11-20 15:34:35 · answer #8 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't be serving anything before the ceremony - neither food nor drink.
I've never heard of such an order as you have proposed. Most people like a break so they can have a rest or shop or visit between the ceremony and the reception.
Note also you said you are having your pictures done beforehand. Just remember that you will always know you were NOT married in the photos. That would drive me bonkers! I wanted pics taken of us as husband and wife!
2006-11-20 17:10:19 · answer #9 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Its not confusing but if you are planning a lot of photos you might say "guests are welcome to mingle outside or leave the premises for the hour between the ceremony and the reception if they so chose.
2006-11-20 13:27:45 · answer #10 · answered by neona807 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋