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Dedicated May 2021

Do you have to have a reception for etiquette? Help!

Gabbie, on December 31, 2019 at 4:39 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 14

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Heres the details: my budget is under 2000$, pjotography will probably be around 500$, the ceremony venue is 300$, and buying ceremony attire like the tux/bm dresses will put us up into over 1000$(making my own dress).

We also have to buy ingredients to make the food/cake (catering my own wedding and other offered to help). Can i even get a reception party thats worth it, and decorate it, for under 800$?? Dont factor in music/alcohol because my family has a band and i was going to use spotify. I was thinking maybe some of the 800$ could go into renting a campsite to come back to, and some close friends/family could spend the night. I would much rather something sweet and low key like this. Maybe that would replace the whole after party that i dont even really want anyway? What do you think? I might have out of town guests and i dont want to disappoint them. Maybe if i make clear its not going to be a big thing?? It kind of feels weird to invite 30-40 people a ways out for a wedding and after 2 hrs sorta kick em out. Is that appropriate??

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14 Comments

Latest activity by Sherry, on January 2, 2020 at 11:26 AM

Master May 2019
Chandra · on December 31, 2019 at 4:43 PM
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1) you dont have to pay for your wedding party's attire. That's usually on them.
2) receptions are thank yous for your guests attending so they're generally more on the required side. You dont have to make it big thing though. Have your ceremony not at a meal time and just cake and punch, maybe some other appetizers if you're so inclined.
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Devoted June 2022
Alma · on December 31, 2019 at 4:44 PM
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Have you considered having a small reception at a restaurant? They usually have great accommodations and packages?
Or if you have it during the week you might get a good deal as well.
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Expert October 2021
Megan · on December 31, 2019 at 4:45 PM
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A reception is to thank your guests for coming to your wedding, so yes, it's a necessity. That being said, there are ways to cut down on costs without being rude or unnecessarily burdening yourself.

First, I'd really recommend you not cater your own wedding/have friends and family cook and bake. Not only is it a TON of added stress on your wedding day, but, depending on the transportation, storing, and serving options, it could even be dangerous if not properly done. I've heard horror stories of people getting sick at weddings because of self-catering. To combat this (and most other budget issues), I'd really recommend doing a brunch wedding or a cake and punch reception. It doesn't have to be big or super fancy at all, and often saves on food, decor, etc. I'd also look into local parks and venues like that--they're usually quite budget friendly.
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Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on December 31, 2019 at 4:50 PM
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Why don't you just take your guests to dinner after the ceremony?
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Dedicated May 2021
Gabbie · on December 31, 2019 at 4:51 PM
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I have thought about that! Its a friday, so maybe that will be satisfactory. Thank you.
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Master November 2020
Kristen · on December 31, 2019 at 5:55 PM
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Something cheap is just beer and wine and rent a community ctr or a venue that allows you to bring our someones clubhouse. Do you a pizza bar and some salad. Also if you have a wedding in between lunch and dinner then you don't have to feed as much.
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Dedicated May 2021
Gabbie · on December 31, 2019 at 6:05 PM
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Definitely gonna get out of the wedding near noon. Its a morning one because i dont want it to get too warm and the flowers look prettiest in the morning at the garden, so im thinking brunch?
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Dedicated May 2021
Gabbie · on December 31, 2019 at 6:07 PM
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Thats a good idea. I get not doing your own catering, then, but i think i could do the cake easy. Its only maybe 30 people. It doesnt have to be as tall as me or anything
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Master November 2020
Kristen · on December 31, 2019 at 6:10 PM
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Brunch buffets can be cheap and you could do a continental light bunch and state that in the invitation. Sam's club has croissants for cheap and you can do cheese and crackers, veggie and fruit platters plus maybe do meatball sandwiches or still pizza. Check pinterest for cheap reception ideas.
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Dedicated May 2021
Gabbie · on December 31, 2019 at 6:22 PM
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Oh, girl. Im always on pinterest about this. I was thinking of doing like catering from a place like 5 min away from the ceremony, but doing an, "in house" catering. Is that what its called? I have like 30-40 guests, so it seems small enough that itd be ok for a restaurant. That way, its a small reception/thank you for coming, but i can still have close people over afterwards.
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Master November 2020
Kristen · on December 31, 2019 at 6:33 PM
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Restaurant would be easier as no set up or clean up. Go for it.
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Master October 2021
Sexypoodle · on December 31, 2019 at 9:23 PM
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Sounds like a simple ceremony and a restaurant afterward make most sense in your situation with a $2000 budget.
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Master December 2019
Cher Horowitz · on January 1, 2020 at 12:22 PM
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I agree with PPs. A short but sweet restaurant reception would be a great option
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Master September 2019
Sherry · on January 2, 2020 at 11:26 AM
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A reception is required. If you don't have a budget for one, then you should probably elope, have a courthouse wedding or a small (30 guests or so) wedding with a cake and punch reception.
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