Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Beginner July 2021

Ceremony and reception at the same venue - too boring?

E Maisey, on April 29, 2021 at 5:33 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 1 17

Saved

Flag
Hide content

Hey everyone!

We're getting married in July of this year. Our main venue is a little conservatory-style building set against a pretty garden.

Our initial plan was to have the ceremony in the garden, then escort all our guests to a reception venue that's a 15-minute walk away (an orangery that backs onto a HUGE, sprawling beautiful garden), then bring them all back to the conservatory for the meal and drinks/after party.

The thing is, we're now a bit worried about making everyone go on a 15-minute walk (especially older guests) to another venue when all they'll really get on the other side is a slightly prettier place to stand around. There won't be anything there other than more drinks and canapes. Plus, they'll only have 60 minutes max once they get there before they'll need to head back for the meal.

However, I myself always love a good wander around at a wedding and often disappear for a bit after the ceremony to explore, so it's a tricky one.

We're thinking of cancelling the reception venue and just having the ceremony & reception drinks both in the garden, then the meal in the adjacent conservatory, so the whole wedding's happening in one smallish area.

Question is - is that way too boring? Will people get claustrophobic real quick?! Any thoughts on having a second venue during the day vs. staying in one place?

Flag
Hide content

17 Comments

Latest activity by Alisha, on May 1, 2021 at 7:25 PM

Champion December 2022
Michelle · on April 29, 2021 at 5:36 PM
Flag

Hide content
Boring has to do with the people, not the venue.
Stick to one venue to save money. Plus many guests prefer both at the same location.
- Reply
Master July 2019
Hannah · on April 29, 2021 at 5:37 PM
Flag

Hide content
As a guest, I would much prefer everything to all be in one place. To be honest, I would be annoyed about having a 30 minute walk in my attire, especially if I were wearing heels. Your venue sounds beautiful as is, and most guests spend the time mingling and talking with others. Skip the 2nd venue.
- Reply
Expert November 2021
Sara · on April 29, 2021 at 5:46 PM
Flag

Hide content
As a guest, I would definitely prefer everything to be at the same venue without that 15 minute walk
- Reply
Expert February 2020
Givemeallthepups · on April 29, 2021 at 5:47 PM
Flag

Hide content
I’m always on team one venue.
- Reply
Legend June 2019
Melle · on April 29, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Flag

Hide content
I am also team one venue if possible. it's just more convenient
- Reply
Super July 2023
Eniale · on April 29, 2021 at 6:37 PM
Flag

Hide content
Also Team One Venue.
No one will be bored by the entire wedding taking place in one location.
But many may be annoyed by having to walk to a new location, then walk back. I know I would be as a guest.
- Reply
Expert March 2023
Catherine · on April 29, 2021 at 7:24 PM
Flag

Hide content
I have rheumatoid arthritis and would really hate a 30 minute walk when I’m suppose to be pretty on someone’s wedding day lol and I’m only 27 so definitely not an older guest. Skip the second venue and have it in one place. It won’t be bonding at all.
- Reply
Savvy October 2021
Patty · on April 29, 2021 at 8:19 PM
Flag

Hide content
Our wedding and reception are in one location, and I never once thought anyone would be bored. Save your money!
- Reply
Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on April 29, 2021 at 8:46 PM
Flag

Hide content
Same here. I prefer to stay at the same venue, no walking needed ESPECIALLY when I’m dressed up.
- Reply
Devoted October 2021
Ariel · on April 29, 2021 at 10:16 PM
Flag

Hide content
Skip the second venue. A 30 minute round trip walk is too much. As a guest, I always prefer one location for ceremony and reception.
- Reply
Expert April 2022
Fred · on April 29, 2021 at 10:22 PM
Flag

Hide content
Team all-in-one place!
1- It's convenient for everyone, especially elders and women wearing a tight dress/skirt and/or wearing heels.
2- One venue means you can save money.
3- Your venue sounds beautiful.
4- Your guest are mingling and talking to each other, I'm not sure why it would be boring.
- Reply
Master April 2021
Michelle · on April 29, 2021 at 10:25 PM
Flag

Hide content
Totally agree with everyone- keep it all in one place. As a guest I definitely wouldn’t want to walk 15 mins to another place, especially if I’m in heels.
- Reply
Devoted June 2021
Liz · on April 30, 2021 at 8:00 AM
Flag

Hide content
You may have guests that don’t want to walk back and forth and just end up hanging around waiting for people to come back. Don’t risk it, stay put
- Reply
Beginner July 2021
E Maisey · on April 30, 2021 at 8:10 AM
Flag

Hide content
Gosh thanks for all your replies everyone! Really appreciate your input. Sounds like a unanimous vote for one venue! Quite a relief to be honest (logistically and financially). Thanks again all
- Reply
VIP January 2020
Vicky · on May 1, 2021 at 12:33 AM
Flag

Hide content
Honestly, the last thing I want to do when I'm wearing a dress and heels is go on a walk.
- Reply
Master 0000
Judith · on May 1, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Flag

Hide content
Opposite of boring.
It lets you feel settled in, quickly and come and go from the garden to the reception room. Doing many pictures before the ceremony. you can then finish up quickly and most of family and WP go to cocktails immediately.
- Reply

VIP April 2021
Alisha · on May 1, 2021 at 7:25 PM
Flag

Hide content
I would have everything in one place. It is easy on you and your guest to be in one place. I had my wedding place because I didn't want to travel to another place and I did not want my guest to travel to another place. My guest enjoyed being in one place they didn't have to travel to another place for the reception. It also saved us money and time.
- Reply