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Master February 2012

Charging Admission to the Reception??

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Kimi K, on January 4, 2012 at 2:06 PM

Posted in Planning 44

As most of you are already well aware, I am having a DW in Key West. Since we're having more of an elopement - no friends or extended family will know about our nuptials until after we make our big annoucement. Since everyone loves a good party we have decided to have a formal, upscale BBQ in our hometown so everyone can get together and celebrate. BUT- we run into a problem. Our BBQ wouldn't be until June and we're getting married in Feb. Would it be terrible to charge an admission fee? The fee would be $10 - $25 per person and it would be given to our favorite charity. Since our guestlist is hitting 300ppl we figured this would be a perfect way to help our charity rake in the cash. We're having multiple carving stations, sides, a live country band AND DJ as well as open bar & basically all the bells and whistles.

Thoughts?

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44 Comments

Beginner March 2012
Anonymous · on January 4, 2012 at 3:42 PM
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I wouldn't charge admission but I would start the rumor that any gift money you receive will be going to charity. That way when people hear about it they may give more than they originally thought they would because of the good deed. Asking for money may make people uncomfortable.
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Master February 2012
Kimi K · on January 4, 2012 at 3:44 PM
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@Tach: I like the way you think!!! ;o)
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VIP April 2012
MySharrona · on January 4, 2012 at 4:36 PM
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You are the awesomes Kim k, no one can deny that. BUT if you charge then I wouldn't call it a reception. I'd call it a Charity Event cuase that's what it is.

If you want a reception, then have one. But as we've all said over and over.....it's for the guests. I can't see charging them. Just put the word out and I am sure that people will donate!
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VIP June 2011
Patricia · on January 4, 2012 at 5:15 PM
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I wouldn't charge admission for a wedding reception, even if it goes to charity. Most guests (myself included) would view it as very tacky. Especially since most are probably buying you a gift, have travel expenses, etc. It's like expecting a mandatory "gift", even though it's going to the charity, not you, in that you should never expect someone to give/bring anything in exchange for attending and are inviting them solely to help celebrate your special day. Would you really turn someone away if they forgot to bring the cash? Someone probably will. Even if you let them in w/o paying, they'd probably feel pretty uncomfortable that someone most likely witnessed them not having the $.

With that in mind, I love some of the other brides' suggestions about how to raise $ for the charity. Maybe you could also have an optional 50/50 raffle for the charity?
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