Wedding Reception at home..???

tubie22

Hello,

I'm getting married next May and we are having a very informal, intimate ceremony in our town hall.

It's a case of, we want to get married because we love each other and want to be with each other but don't want all the fuss that comes with a traditional wedding. A Bish Bash Bosh ceremony and then a bit of a party afterwards. We are not traditional in the slightest.

At first we were going to take our guests, who will be just our family members, to a restaurant/bar for a nice dinner and lots of drinks and dancing. But I suddenly had the idea that we could have a wedding reception at home and it might work out a good bit cheaper. We have just moved into a brand new apartment, large open spaces, very high original brick ceilings etc.

What are peoples' opinions on wedding receptions at home?

I would probably put on a buffet and have plenty to drink, which I Could buy in bulk from wholesalers, supermarket etc
I would be inviting friends and work colleagues to the reception. We would all have a bite to eat and drinks and then head onto a bar in the evening for more drinks and dancing.

I know a lot of people will hate the idea, but like I said, we aren't into the traditional church/hotel wedding and fancy sit down meal with speeches. It's not us.
I will still be having cake (cupcakes) and I plan to do little favour bags and I will be wearing a wedding dress and my other half will wear a suit. That's as about as traditional as it gets though.

Let me know your opinions of an informal reception at home.

peachyprice

I think it sounds lovely, low stress and if it's 'you' go for it. It doesn't matter what other people will think, it's your wedding, if that's what you want then that's what you should do.

Tenyearstogo

My mum and stepdad had a reception at home. They had caterers who had waiting staff. They did a great buffet, supplied crockery and cutlery, and served the drinks (parents bought those in and hired glasses).

It was great weather so we sat outside and were all waited on. There was a quick speech by my step dad and his best man but that was it. All very informal and a nice day.

They left for their honeymoon in the evening. The catering company did all the washing up, clearing away of the buffet. We all went to the pub.

pawsies

I'd have no problems with it.

Person_one

As long as you'll enough space for everybody to sit down if they want to, I can't see why it would be an issue.

I wouldn't do the 'going to a bar' thing though, it might exclude some of your older/poorer/more reserved guests.

beckysbobbles1

I always think weddings should be personal to the Bride and Groom.

The people you invite should not hold a negetive opinion on your choice of reception venue.

Will you be wearing a wedding dress? I just wonder if the idea of going out to a bar in the evening in a wedding dress a bit strange.

msb5262

It sounds fabulous - go for it. A friend of mine had a wedding exactly like this except in the evening we stayed at her house and had a disco in the kitchen! And I had my wedding at my parents' house, mainly in a marquee in the garden. It was lovely, much nicer than a hotel or hall and much cheaper...

tubie22

We love the idea of personal touches, of having our nearest and dearest in our home to celebrate our marriage. I would be happy enough to make the food myself( LOVE cooking) along with some help from mothers, sisters etc. And it could be laid out by a family member just before everyone arrives, lots of drinks in the fridge.

It's more meaningful to us than going to a restaurant that we could go to anytime.

Thanks for the replies guys!

tubie22

Person_one wrote: »

As long as you'll enough space for everybody to sit down if they want to, I can't see why it would be an issue.

I wouldn't do the 'going to a bar' thing though, it might exclude some of your older/poorer/more reserved guests.

We only have a few elderly grandparents who would be happy going home after the reception, so don't think I have any worries there. AND this is Northern Ireland we're talking about. You're never too poor for a drink :P

victory

I think it sounds lovely, romantic, straight from the heart, full of love, perfect:D

LEJC

I love the idea...now all I need to do is get an invite!!


On a slightly more practical note for you...pop over to the weddings boards where ther are lots of other like minded and friendly brides to be who will all encorage you during the planning stage....

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=142