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Just Said Yes June 2019

Ideas for small after-party from courthouse wedding?

Kalee, on June 8, 2019 at 8:35 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 5

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My best friend wants to hold a tiny courthouse wedding after-party at someone's home for me and i want close friends and some family. But I have no ideas for anything about what to do during it. I've made a giant wedding playlist because I originally was planning a big wedding but now we've decided to get hitched way sooner than planned. I still want to incorporate my songs somehow, but i think it'd be kinda of awkward for us to have a "first dance" seeing as there won't be much people there. Probably only 30 at most. Any ideas are welcome!! I do come from a very conservative family that don't drink or party, but my friends can get pretty wild. I want to cater to both, but more towards my friends since me and my family aren't very close.

Edit: We're on an extremely tight budget... So I'm concerned about providing food for everyone. ideas??

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5 Comments

Latest activity by Jessica, on June 8, 2019 at 9:56 PM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on June 8, 2019 at 8:48 PM
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I think it would be cute if you guys still did a first dance it could even be a short one
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Just Said Yes June 2019
Kalee · on June 8, 2019 at 9:03 PM
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Thanks!! i was a bit nervous about it before but you're right. it's my reception and i'll do what i want
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Master December 2019
Cher Horowitz · on June 8, 2019 at 9:04 PM
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If it's a non-meal time, you could buy party platters from a grocery store to serve! I second PP about the first dance - that would be so special!
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Expert October 2019
Rachael · on June 8, 2019 at 9:08 PM
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You can always do the first dance and any other traditional things you want. Cake cutting and a bouquet toss would still be things that I think you could do if you wanted to. Just because its a smaller scale reception doesn't mean you can't do some things. Also, if you have it where there's a good outdoor space, maybe some yard games & have a fire going (have smores stuff available too??)
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Master September 2020
Jessica · on June 8, 2019 at 9:56 PM
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I agree that you can still do any of the traditional reception events you want, including a first dance. It’s nice that your family and friends want to celebrate with you and I think you should do whatever you want to celebrate and have a goof time.

As for food, it depends on how limited your budget is. Party platters are an affordable option, or if you have a bit more room in your budget for a meal lots of restaurants cater for much more affordable prices than caterers and you can pick up the food. BBQ is good for feeding lots of people buffet style, also pizza, pasta, fajitas, whatever the two of you like. If your friends or family are willing to help, you can also cook your own food for the gathering. I fed 28 at Christmas last year (it was just me, my mom, and my cousin cooking), it wasn’t terrible, just a lot of prep the day before and finishing everything day of. I also cooked to feed 30 for our engagement party, we did 3 different types of macaroni and cheese in crockpots and bought roasted chickens from Costco (we only needed 2, but bought 4 so we shredded the extra and froze it for later). Don’t do anything that is going to stress you out financially or time-wise. If there is no budget for food, I’m sure your crowd knows and understands, so go with small things people can snack on as they mingle and party with you.
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