Does a small wedding need a reception?

Question

I'm getting married August 10, 2008 and I am having a really small wedding...15 people as far as I know right now that includes guest and wedding party. My family and my fiance's family aren't going because of racial issues....(I'm not giving up happiness because of their stupidity) Anyway I want a wedding cake and the whole first dance as husband and wife and a sit down dinner but would that be a stupid thing. I live in Michigan (Saginaw, Bay City area). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

All answers i'm taking into consideration, see the thing is I want the reception but i guess need ideas how to go about it since its will be a small one. Thanks again in advance :)

Answer 1

First of all, congratulations for not letting your families dictate to you and ruin your future. YOur happiness comes first, and it is their loss, after all. I thought racial issues were a thing of the past, but obviously not.
Look, a reception centre is going to charge you too much money for just 15 people. Most places have a minimum amount of people. If I were you I would take a look at my home, or perhaps the home of a close friend who has a nice patio or big room that you can convert. For 15 people it does not have to be huge. Enjoy planning it and go the whole hog. Everything that you have dreamt of. Plan the music, the first dance, the menu........the cake. Just plan it as if you are having the huge dream wedding that every girl dreams of. Just do it on a smaller scale! And as you are not catering for hundreds of people, you can afford to go all out on what you want, table decorations, beautiful cake, honeymoon. All these things that you may not of been able to afford with 50 - 100 people attending your wedding. You can have a lot of fun planning and doing things yourself.
And dont totally discount the people who are not coming....be prepared for them to maybe have a change of heart. When they see that you are going ahead with your marriage, they may realise that they are losing you and want to attend after all.
My biggest piece of advice to you is to focus only on the positives. Try to keep the family issues out of your head, and plan for the day of your dreams. I think small intimate weddings are more beautiful and personal anyways. That is what I will be having.
Good luck to you. I know you can make it work. And you should be proud of yourself for having the strength to follow your heart. many people would cave to family pressure, or just run off and forfeit the wedding they wanted.

Answer 2

I plan on having a small wedding with a similar number of people involved. Why don't you do dinner at a nice restaurant afterwards? Some restaurants have smaller rooms where it can be more private from the other diners. Also, if you bring a cake, they can deliver it to your table at the end of the meal. Another idea is to have it at someone's house. You can set it up like a bit of a bbq or party. It can still be catered with a cake and decorations and everything this way, but you don't need to rent out a hall just for 15 people.

Answer 3

I don't think a reception for a small wedding is a stupid thing. If you want a chance to cut the cake and have your first dance, you deserve that. You can have dinner and cake at a restaurant, or even someone's house with a backyard. A friend could play music for oyur first dance, or oyu could all go out to a music venue, club, or something. Even a park with a gazebo would be nice. You deserve to have everything you want take place at your wedding, this may be the only chance you get to make it happen, whether or not oyur family is involved. Best wishes!

Answer 4

Alot of restaurants and even nicer hotels have small banquet/party/dining rooms that you could rent out for the evening in which you'd still be able to have the cake, a nice meal...a little party.
Or, if you have access to a nice home/backyard, you could always do it there. For a backyard party, you can purchase 10x30 party tents from ebay complete w/scalloped canopies and the windowed side walls for about $150 each (including the shipping). Just have a light "appetizer" type gathering. You could still have your cake and decorate the area beautifully. Then just have the appetizers and maybe champagne. For the music...you can just use an Ipod w/some speakers and forego the whole dj expense.

You shouldn't have to short-change yourself or sacrifice the cake and first dance if that's something the 2 of you really want.
CONGRATS and have fun!

Answer 5

You dont have to have the whole reception thing . Having cake and a nice sit down dinner is a wonderful idea. Sorry to hear about the closed mined people you are having to deal with. Its there loss really! I wish you a lifetime of happiness!!
O yea about the first dance just record a song or to and play it on a small player at the restrant or wherever you are having your dinner . the tables can be moved to double as a dance floor then moved back so yall can be able to eat . I think small weddings are better anyways. That way you know people who are truly happy for you are there . Not just a bunch of people who are there for free food, and drinks.

Answer 6

I think all weddings need some sort of a reception, even if it's just a cake and coffee. But you said 2008-- that's over a year off. With 15 people on the guest list, I don't think it's an issue right now.

Answer 7

It was kind of sad to read your statements. No, you're not being stupid about wanting your happiness, particularly on that day. I'm wondering if you could find a place that provides live entertainment on the night of your wedding (if you're doing it on a Fri or Sat). Then after a nice dinner, your party could go there and do some dancing and celebrating. I'm sure the lounge would be more than happy to accommodate the 15 of you. Good luck and god bless.

Answer 8

i think if you want a reception, then go for it. :) i mean, i would not shell out a lot for decorations.

if it's only 15 people, you can have it at a restaurant. :) they can play music there in a back room and dance and have your wedding cake as well.

i am sorry about the family issues, that is really rude. but i am glad you are able to see past skin tones and see the real person within. Have only the people who support you and your groom come, this is a happy occasion.

personally it is your wedding and you should do what you want. :) if you want a reception party, you go for it. :)

Answer 9

You and your guests can simply go out to dinner after the wedding. You can arrange to have a wedding cake at the restaurant. If you go to a restaurant that has a bar/night club in it then you can also do your first dance and I'll bet you'll get a lot of people in the bar buying you guys drinks and stuff.

P.S. - Congratulations and I think it's great that you guys aren't letting your families get in the way of your happiness. They'll eventually get over their issues hopefully.

Answer 10

It's not stupid at all .. maybe you could rent a room at a nice restaurant? That way you had food, drinks and maybe a dance floor. Set up a cake table, gift table etc... You deserve a reception, no matter the size of your wedding, or your family's stupidity =)