Anniversary Reception

1 - it is absolutely not bizarre to still have a "bridal party" - though I might forgo bouquets for the ladies, and I would just ask them to wear something in a color family, not a specific dress for the ladies

2 - do what you like - do you *want* the big entrance? then do it that way - or would you rather be there greeting people as they arrive? We've been to weddings at which the bride and groom were there to greet people and then went elsewhere as people were seated, got married, and continued to mingle.

You need to do what makes the two of you happy, as long as it doesn't interfere with guest comfort (so make sure there's plenty to eat and drink and a seat for every butt). There are no "rules" per se about these things - make yourselves happy.

When we were going to do this (canceled the reception as of now), we were still going to have our wedding party l still get dressed in their outfits to symbolize their positions of honor. We were going to be hanging out and mingling with guests as they arrived, making it more of a dinner party atmosphere.

My husband and I are doing exactly this! We were married last year during Covid but we didn't utilize our bridal party at our micro wedding. This year we are doing our reception and recently decided not to do a vow renewal.


My husband and I plan on doing a first look (because I never wore my dress, I wore a different one for the microwedding), then take bridal portraits, then pregame with all of us together before the reception.
We haven't decided on it we want our bridal party announced or not, but we're going to the venue together. The DJ will announce my husband and I. We're still doing a first dance, bouquet toss, came cutting etc.

I think you do an entrance that you and your hubby feel is right. If you want the introductions - go for it. If you want a more intimate introduction you can just walk in quietly and then mingle with your guests. ❤️

We did something similar, the reception was last month, and we still had the bridal party. All they really had for "duties" was wearing what we told them to (pre-covid) and posing for pictures. We also had a "rehearsal dinner" the night before, so that made it feel like they were more included. We hid for the first 10-15 minutes of cocktail hour so we weren't greeting guests as they came in, but we didn't make a big entrance at that point. The DJ introduced us (by our first names, but you could use Mr & Mrs or whatever if you wanted to) as we walked into the reception and started our "first dance." I would hate to have to walk in like that as the member of a bridal party, but if your people are more social, you could have them walk in/be introduced ahead of you.