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Dedicated October 2019

Better late than never?

Stephanie, on February 12, 2019 at 2:38 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 13
So we are getting married in Hawaii in October of this year. It will be an elopement ceremony just him and I in attendance. FH wants to do the whole reception when we return. This has set my anxiety through the roof (hence the elopement, I suffer from anxiety), we have agreed to having it on our one year anniversary so we could save and do it the way we would want (also give me time to adjust and not be overwhelmed with the planning of the actual ceremony and then the dinner when we return). Is this too late to have a "reception", or am I just overthinking this.

13 Comments

Latest activity by Soonbridetobe, on February 27, 2019 at 2:32 PM
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Rockstar March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    A local reception on your 1-year wedding anniversary is great! What fun. No need to stress. Think about what would be fun & easy for you. A fancy dinner at a restaurant with your favorite 20 friends & family? No decor or rentals needed. Or do you want to host a casual “I Do BBQ” at someone’s house, church or community hall for 75-100 guests? No need to have a grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting or anything that puts you in the spotlight if you don’t want it. Just hire companies to do the work (table/chair/linen company, catering company/restaurant). Think about it & brainstorm ideas with your fiancé. 🌹
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  • Lizzy
    Super October 2019
    Lizzy ·
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    My cousin and his wife did something similar. It was very low-key, like a backyard BBQ to celebrate
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  • S
    Dedicated October 2019
    Stephanie ·
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    We were thinking of having a reception dinner in my home state of CT at a inn with an outdoor cocktail hour for between 30-50 people. We are still discussing decor as to whether we do a color scheme, music, and other reception activities.
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  • S
    Dedicated October 2019
    Stephanie ·
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    I love the idea of the leaves changing, it will still be warm enough to be outside, but the places we have looked at have fire pits if its chilly.
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  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Rockstar March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    That sounds lovely! Manageable guest list size too. Cocktail hour = drinks, appetizers & dessert? If light food, will you consider having at a non-meal time like 2 or 3 pm?

    Music & activities? Depends on the vibe and your crowd. We had dinner, dancing and a full band at our local reception for 50 guests but we wanted a formal party evening (the band played 40s-60s music--more swing & crooner songs). But I've been to several 40-50 person receptions that didn't have music, dancing or games and the food/drinks/socializing was enough. Action food stations might be fun (s'mores bar or popcorn for dessert). Maybe a fancy appetizer table with meats, cheeses & fruits. I don't think activities as a "must-have" but if you want them maybe: photo opp area, wine/beer tasting bar, lawn games, lego or coloring station for kids.

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  • S
    Dedicated October 2019
    Stephanie ·
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    We want it to be as close to an actual wedding reception as possible. Many of the guests are traveling from out of state and we want to make it enjoyable for everyone. A smores bar is a wonderful idea. We intend on having a DJ or band, and possibly a photo booth so we have some pics of the evening. My best friend's husband is a photographer and offered to shoot the evening as a wedding gift. It's just the thought of planning and shelling out the $ makes me anxious.
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  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
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    I don't think so! I'd just call it a first anniversary party or a wedding vow renewal! You can still do speeches, special dances, all that!

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  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Rockstar March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Are you thinking brunch or dinner reception? Guests are more interested in food/drinks than activities (especially if they're traveling from out of state), if budget is a concern.

    If you don't have a young/dancing crowd maybe a small band of some lively music would be fun? Jazz, country, or whatever style your guests might be into. Not sure how much a trio would cost but you can get good music with a trio and would save you money on a 5 or 7-piece band (our 7-piece band was $2300).



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  • Tara
    Master May 2020
    Tara ·
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    No, it’s not too late. Are you making a speech or renewing vows, if not then try to cal down. Guests will be socializing among themselves and will only stare at you if you ask for everyone’s attention.
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  • Tara
    Master May 2020
    Tara ·
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    No, it’s not too late. Are you making a speech or renewing vows? If not, then try to calm down. Guests will be socializing among themselves and will only stare at you if you ask for everyone’s attention.
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  • Jayla
    Champion October 2025
    Jayla ·
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    Hey Stephanie!! I agree with the previous comments, I don't think that's too late to have your reception. It can be looked at as a celebration of your anniversary. You can also have a "first dance" if you want and even get a small cake to cut!

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  • S
    Dedicated October 2019
    Stephanie ·
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    FH originally wanted to do a brunch but now wants a sit down dinner. He compromised on the ceremony to alleviate my anxiety. I want this to be what he dreamed when we started talking weddings. Obviously their will be some differences than a traditional reception such as we won't be doing first dances, or formal speeches. Guests will be able to make speeches if they desire. All I want a cake because well its cake, and outdoor seating that I can utilize if my anxiety takes hold.
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  • S
    Savvy September 2019
    Soonbridetobe ·
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    I have huge anxiety too. Now I am thinking about "the entrance". Should I make a grand entrance? Or be at the reception when guests arrive? So many questions.
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