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Beginner September 2019

Afternoon Wedding not fun?

Andrea, on April 30, 2018 at 12:38 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 30
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So today my FH and I found a place that we think is absolutely perfect for our reception. It checks all of our boxes and we think it is gorgeous in pictures. We are having a smaller wedding of 50-75 people on September 21, 2019. This place, however, has a minimum spend that is only possible if we do an afternoon wedding with our guest count. He and I personally have no problem and think it is perfect, but can see why people may prefer an evening wedding.

Has anyone been to an afternoon wedding and not been satisfied with the wedding?

Anyone who has had or is having an afternoon wedding and are being given a hard time about the experience?

This worries me that people won't think it's great or we are cheaping out our wedding because it is in the afternoon. So many emotions and opinions I'm hearing about this arrangement and I don't know how to deal with it all. Someone please help me sort this out because I really felt this was the place until someone said something.

30 Comments

Latest activity by Mrs. Mecking, on April 30, 2018 at 8:37 PM
  • Deirdre
    Dedicated October 2018
    Deirdre ·
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    Turn it into a midday brunch thing! I don't think that would be unenjoyable at all!
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  • A
    Beginner September 2019
    Andrea ·
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    View Quoted Comment
    That's an idea. I don't know if that's part of the package but definitely something I can suggest.

    I'm just so scared to book it and that people will be disappointed that it's not a night time wedding or criticize us for not opting for the night time event.

    Thank you for your feedback!
    • Reply
  • Swtnss238
    VIP May 2019
    Swtnss238 ·
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    Our wedding will be on a sunday at 1 oclock. We r doing a full buffet meal being served probably around 3-330. We have gotten no negative feed back at all.
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  • Arrie
    Dedicated September 2018
    Arrie ·
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    Our wedding is going to be at 10am and end by 2. I was a bit disappointed because I really wanted an evening wedding, but budget and timing it was definitely the better option.
    So far the only opposition i’ve heard is from my aunt who always has something to complain about anyway, so i’m not bothered.
    • Reply
  • Whitney
    Devoted June 2018
    Whitney ·
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    We are doing a luncheon for our reception. Nobody seems displeased. It’s what we can afford and it suits our style. If people don’t like your vision, that’s their issue. Plan what you love and enjoy!
    • Reply
  • N
    Dedicated August 2018
    Nicole ·
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    People always criticize weddings no matter what. It’s not their day, it’s your day. Do what you want. If they’re not paying, their opinion shouldn’t matter. I’m doing mine from noon to five also due to cost. My mom was telling me I’d be so disappointed feeling like I was kicked out of my wedding, but weddings are so long, stressful, and exhausting. I think I’ll be happy to get home early and relax with my new hubby.
    • Reply
  • amandaaok
    VIP June 2018
    amandaaok ·
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    I think it depends in on the time period and day..a Thursday or Friday afternoon? Bummer and hard to attend when people work /have school....but a Saturday or Sunday afternoon O see no problem with at all!
    Our cousins wedding as at 3pm, 330 people attended lol just depends on your crowd!
    • Reply
  • Janel
    Super September 2018
    Janel ·
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    I’ve been to early afternoon weddings but it’s been other factors (no alcohol, poor food, unbelievably hot venues) and not the time of day that poorly affected my satisfaction. I think as long as you provide good food and drink, and a comfortable venue, your guests will have a great time.
    • Reply
  • L
    Expert May 2018
    LIZ ·
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    I for one feel it's the bride and grooms day and it should be when and where they want. No matter the two, someone will always have something negative to say, just let it in one ear and out the other. You and FH plan your day for you and no one else. I agree with good venue, food and a fun time are key to happy guests, no matter what the clock says.
    • Reply
  • Heather
    Super April 2019
    Heather ·
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    I personally enjoy afternoon weddings. Someone will always find something to complain about as long as your happy with an afternoon wedding schedule it.
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  • K squared
    Super October 2017
    K squared ·
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    We had a Sunday afternoon wedding. It just made sense for us. We're day party people. Maybe because we're old. Anyway, everyone seemed to have fun. People still drank and danced. However, it was more laid back than a typical evening reception. The majority of our guests hung out in the sun on the deck with a beer or two, myself included. Since that was the vibe we wanted when we were planning, we were happy with that. A few of our friends, however, are night owls and for them we had an after party out in town. (We only stayed until 10 but I heard they were out until 1am. I'm exhausted just thinking about it)
    • Reply
  • Lindsay
    Dedicated October 2018
    Lindsay ·
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    My wedding is a Sunday brunch wedding! I love brunch and it was cheaper to do it this way. I have gotten no negative feedback about it other than a couple of people complaining to my mom that it’s on a Sunday.
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  • Sarah
    Master June 2016
    Sarah ·
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    We had a Saturday afternoon wedding. Ceremony was at 11am followed by cocktail hour, lunch, and dancing. Everyone drank and danced all afternoon. Did they party as hard as they would have at night? Maybe not, but that wasn’t really what we were going for. My daughter was 3 at the time, and our main goal was to be able to have her with us for the entire reception without it being past her bedtime.
    • Reply
  • Heather
    Expert September 2018
    Heather ·
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    Our wedding starts at 2 and itll be fun
    I picked 2 and im glad i did
    First its out in the middle of nowhere and several ppl will have to travel and september there will be more deer at night though october november will be worse so i wanted safer travel and they could leave early
    Then later i learned my future in laws are planning an after party bonfire at their house so now it wont be so crammed for time
    Ceremony starts at 2, reception 3 to 7 maybe and then after party
    • Reply
  • K
    Expert May 2018
    K ·
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    I've been to a couple afternoon weddings and have never left feeling dissatisfied. So long as I'm being hosted nicely with some food and refreshments, I'm happy as can be. lol!


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  • A
    Beginner September 2019
    Andrea ·
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    That's exactly what is making me a little scared to book this venue. It is partially due to cost but I think it is perfect for what it is. We want to have a nice get away car and exit into the sunset or something fun and cheesy. Like I think that some people may feel incomplete ending early like that but I have seen weddings where it awkwardly died down late into the night and we were just sitting there awkward. I think if you can end it nicely, there won't be any regret of having it in the afternoon. We absolutely love this venue and just fell in love with every aspect of it.


    Thank you for helping calm down a bit!

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  • Going to the chapel
    Master July 2017
    Going to the chapel ·
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    I love afternoon weddings. I have a great time at the wedding and still have the evening to spend with friends or chill. Win, win for me!

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  • Mandi
    VIP May 2016
    Mandi ·
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    If you have to have an afternoon wedding for your budget to allow you to treat your guests well then go for it! No, it may not be the party atmosphere that evening weddings tend to be but I am sure it will be lovely and enjoyable.

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  • M
    Super October 2018
    MaltedMilk ·
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    We are having a late morning ceremony followed by lunch from noon to 3. No one has said anything to me or FH, in fact people are kinda glad the rest of the day is free! We are not having a dance, though. You and your wedding party/friends can still keep the party going if you want. I have heard of people going bowling, laser tag, chilling at a hotel room or going to a favorite bar to get that dance in.

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  • Red Queen
    VIP May 2018
    Red Queen ·
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    We are having an afternoon wedding. In our case it was mostly so our son would be able to attend the entire thing, but there's no reason that having one is a bad thing!

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