I am getting married in a church in my hometown. The drive to the church for guest will be anywhere from 2 hours to 5 mins depending on where they live. The church is in a small town and due to there not being any nice receptions sites the reception will be 40 mins away. I have looked for a church in the same town where the reception will be but either they don't do services for non members or it adds up to $600 in fees. Have you been to weddings like this and how do you think my guest will feel.
I'd also like to add that my fiance and I are not having the wedding where we live. The place we chose is in the middle of both our families and we have a longer drive than any of our guest. :)
2007-03-05 09:23:17 · 19 answers · asked by Heart 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I was at a wedding in which the ceremony and the reception were over 2 hours away. (This was in LA, so there was also a lot of traffic.) I found it to be a bit annoying, but it definitely did not ruin the day, by any means. And, the reception site was gorgeous - it was definitely worth it. Overall, if you really like the reception site, you should do it and not look back.
If a lot of the guests live in the area, you could also allow enough time in between for them to go home for an hour or two in between - that might help. Whatever you decide, remember to hand out directions to the reception site at the ceremony!
2007-03-05 11:52:20 · answer #1 · answered by Laura M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it makes for a very long day for your guests. Have you taken into consideration their financial situations with gas? The fact that they may get lost?
We went to a wedding that was about three hours away and the only nice thing about it was that the reception was at the same place as the wedding. I would rethink what you are doing to your guests.
I do know of someone who had the church wedding for family only and then invited guests to help them celebrate at the reception. Both were far, but as a guest, only traveling to one far place was much better and easier on us than traveling to both.
I know people do more extravagent weddings in designation places, but I have been at too many weddings where the guests are unhappy and at that point it does not matter that you are the bride and this is what you want, because unhappy guests do make an unhappy bride and groom as well.
2007-03-05 11:47:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm it is quite far. Can't you think of a lovely place in your town to have the reception that means something to you?
What about a public garden or someone in your families garden?
How about a local sports club, bowling club - you could do it up really nicely.
If it has to be 40 mins away make sure there is accommodation options for travelers and try and make a weekend of it. i.e those who can stay the next day do something as a group - play golf, go for a walk and a picnic together.
Also to save on hassels for all that driving how about hairing a bus for your guests to arrive and depart back home on. That would be the courteous thing to do.
2007-03-05 13:50:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What about an outside reception? Maybe a nearby park on a sunny day? Honestly, If they already drove 2 hours, then 40 minutes wouldn't be any more of a problem to get to the reception. They are coming because they love you, and what you choose should be for you. How kind of you to think of your guests.
2007-03-05 09:27:49 · answer #4 · answered by mama 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have your wedding where you want. The guests can decide where they want to go. Some may just go to the reception, but some may go both places. Either way, you will have a great day. Be understanding of those with small kids. They may not be able to make both places.
2007-03-05 13:01:36 · answer #5 · answered by JLB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a guest it would be inconvenient, but if you can arrange for rooms to stay at the reception site or nearby that would greatly help. Also, when family and friends know it's your big day they will be there to support you. Of course, if they know the bride and groom are doing a majority of the travelling they will hopefully realize that you were thinking of everyone else instead of yourselves. Best wishes!!
2007-03-05 09:42:07 · answer #6 · answered by mergirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have the wedding where you feel comfortable having it. Put all the info on the invites; those unwilling to drive will decline the invitation - be understanding. Our wedding was a 3-4 hour drive from where most of our friends live, and 80% of those invited attended - and had a great time. Congrats.
2007-03-05 09:57:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm maybe you should join that church! oh but it'd be awful to use a church.. nm
well it's your wedding, put it where YOU want it. I'm sure people will not want to drive a lot for it and some might get "lost" in between the ceremony and the reception, but at least enough people will be there...
2007-03-05 09:27:26 · answer #8 · answered by arsenic sauce 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I had to do it that way, I would set up a receiving line as people left the church. That way if some guests can't or won't make that 45 minute drive, they'll still get to congratulate you and say a few words to you on your big day.
2007-03-05 10:54:01 · answer #9 · answered by benjis.girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They either will do the long drive or forget about it.
It would be easier to have the wedding closer to where you live and if you're a church member - why not get married in your own church.
2007-03-05 09:28:45 · answer #10 · answered by Trauemer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋