My finace and I are going on vacation to get married. Both sets of parents would like to have a reception, but we don't care to have one. Our wedding is in February, are there any other options to get everyone together, other than having a reception?
2007-07-14 11:26:07 · 16 answers · asked by WorldTraveler 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Have an open house and invite them all over.
2007-07-15 06:56:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want a reception, then why have one? Wedding receptions are just the after-party of the wedding that celebrates the marriage. Although guests will be expecting a reception, receptions are actually optional. Not many people know that, but it really is optional. People just assume that the reception is mandatory because about 95% of wedding couples opt for one. Remember that the CEREMONY is the wedding, not the reception. People consider the reception to be part of the wedding, but in reality, the actual wedding is the ceremony, and the reception is merely a party. So if you don't feel comfortable having a reception, then just don't have one. By doing that you will be saving THOUSANDS of dollars and a huge load of stress off.
2016-04-01 04:25:06 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not just make your parents happy and have a reception? It doesn't have to be big and fancy-dancy, just the people they want to invite and your closest friends and family members. I'm assuming they're footing the bill though, it's what they want, so go ahead and give it to them.
If you're not interested in receiving gifts, you could spread it by word of mouth that you'd like donations to be made to a favorite charity. Or, go ahead and have a small registry, at a reasonably priced store, with some necessities on it. Then dontate your old things to charity. You can skip having a bridal shower.
Take all of the typical wedding receptions things (flowers, cake, music, apparel) down a couple of notches to make it a more casual affair. The type of reception invitation you choose should reflect the more casual style.
Bring snapshots and/or the video of your destination to the reception to be viewed. Relax, have fun and enjoy everyone's well wishes for the two of you :~)
2007-07-14 12:52:01 · answer #3 · answered by ihavethat45 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to remember that the idea of a reception is for the ones you all love as well as for you! It is an opportunity for your friends and family to express their happiness and good wishes for you all, almost like going to a wake before a funeral--if you know what I mean. The wedding happens in 15 minutes, and BAM! It is done and no one has even caught their breath!!! Make it an informal party, take lots of casual pictures, for down the road you may want to remember the folks that came, and the good time you had in spite of yourselves!!
Both your folks are losing their kid....so have a heart!
It is and is not all about you on this day, you will understand when you have your daughter or son's first wedding!!!!
We had a party at my parent's home, and it was delightful, the food was wonderful, the gang flowed in and out, and the arrangement was great for being with 2 to 4 folks at a time to visit!
Then OFF to the HoneyMoon!!!
Have fun!!!! Make some wonderful memories!!!!
2007-07-14 11:39:14 · answer #4 · answered by susieque 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I provide classical musicians for weddings, and have done almost 500 weddings. A destination wedding is possible - get you family and friends to go to Las Vegas or an island, etc. Everyone has a great time. If you live near NY, I LOVE Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Words cannot describe it. Google it. And hire Cambiata (that's us) for your music . . .
2007-07-14 11:45:06 · answer #5 · answered by Mamianka 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I eloped, after I eloped I had disappointed family members who couldn't "share in my joy." My solution: A reception. It was a pot luck in a park. I brought pictures and wore the wedding dress my Dad bought me before we decided on eloping. We exchanged our vows again for the family, but that has now caused a little confusion on when we got married. At any rate, family got what they wanted, we got more gifts, and all in all it wasn't so bad. Suck it up and have a reception. What's a couple hours with family when you're giving them a life-time memory? Like I said before, they want to "share your joy."
2007-07-14 12:33:50 · answer #6 · answered by Jnine 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't necessarily have to have a "reception" with a cake,
etc. you could just have a party and get everyone together.
Maybe you're just thinking too much about the word "reception"?
2007-07-14 11:31:49 · answer #7 · answered by doodlebug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just have a BBQ or I've seen people do a potluck, where everyone brings a dish and they just eat and have a good time. I'm sure some would say it is not in good taste to ask guests to bring food, but I thought it was nice and fun...and cost effective!
2007-07-14 11:31:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't you just have a casual backyard get together when you get back? Nothing says you have to be formal to celebrate a wedding.
2007-07-14 12:12:17 · answer #9 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Book a private room in a nice restaurant, invite a small crowd and ask them to help pay for it.
Seriously, if they want it and it would be a financial burden for you and your husband, the least they can do is chip in.
2007-07-14 11:44:42 · answer #10 · answered by artsy_lovely_lady 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋