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Just Said Yes July 2023

Lunch vs Dinner Wedding

Sophie, on October 15, 2022 at 9:45 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 10
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In planning our wedding, my fiancé and I keep discovering that we have different expectations of what a wedding is like. Most recently, it’s on the issue of time-of-day. I’ve always gone to weddings where the ceremony is in the afternoon, with dinner being served at the reception. He’s always gone to early ceremonies, with lunch being served.


I’m worried that with a lunch reception, the atmosphere will be more subdued and people won’t be up to dancing, which we both really want. I’m also wanting to get golden hour photos.
He says people danced fine at all the early weddings he’s attended. Also, he wants us to go out with our friends after the reception ends.
So what are the pros and cons of a lunchtime vs dinnertime reception? We’ve already found a venue that would accommodate either time slot.

10 Comments

Latest activity by Shilo, on September 5, 2024 at 8:06 AM
  • Michael
    Master October 2023
    Michael ·
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    Partly it depends how busy you will be in preparation of the wedding. The nighttime reception would help just end the event and let you recover. I think the earlier venue would seem odd because the guests would be having to figure out what to do for the rest of the day. Also, it is a bit funny that you wouldn't be visiting with friends during the reception -- but it makes sense that there are a variety of guests you have to give attention to -- so it is not just hanging out with friends.

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  • Jm Sunshine
    Jm Sunshine ·
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    My daughter had a brunch reception and most of the guests danced. Another plus is that it's 1/2 cost of dinner reception. It was over by 4:30 and all of the older guests were happy to go home and recoup, the younger ones, including bridal party with bride/groom, rented a party bus and had a night on the town.
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  • R
    Rosebud ·
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    Honestly it depends on a few things the first being is your crowd dancers, the 2 nd will there be good music and the third is there a bar? My fiance and his family will dance anywhere any time of day mine needs a little liquids courage but if there s good drinks and good music I dont think the the time of day would matter so much to either group. If you have a few people you know will definitely dance no matter what it should help get the dancing started. Good luck!

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  • Cece
    Master October 2023
    Cece ·
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    Pros of a lunchtime wedding:
    Usually cheaper (although, if you plan to host an after party once it’s over, you may end up just as expensive, if not more so).
    You and your guests will still have the whole evening to do whatever else you wishNot as much as a “party vibe”- usually a plus for your older guests or those with children
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  • Cece
    Master October 2023
    Cece ·
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    Pros of a dinner time reception:

    You won’t have to get up at the crack of dawn for hair, makeup, photos, etc.

    More of a party vibe (if that is what you are wanting)
    No need to plan an additional event afterwards
    You can get beautiful golden hour and nighttime photos (whereas an afternoon wedding tends to take place during the harshest light of the day, so pictures would need to happen extremely early or indoors)
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  • S
    Just Said Yes July 2023
    Sophie ·
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    Thank you everyone for your responses. We talked it over with his mom (just to have an outside opinion) and decided on the evening reception, since dancing is a priority for both of us. We’re going to make a plan to go out with our friends some other day.
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  • Michael
    Master October 2023
    Michael ·
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    Glad it was decided in a nice fashion.

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  • Michelle
    Champion December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Daytime weddings until recently used to be the most formal time of day with evening being informal. Now it’s the opposite. Daytime vs evening has a different vibe and it depends on what you want and what your guests enjoy. Generally guests will be more likely to socialize rather than dance at a daytime wedding.


    It comes down to what you prefer because there is no right or wrong.
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  • A
    Just Said Yes March 2024
    Abhijit ·
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    I definitely agree with you. It depends on what one prefers.

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  • Mrs.evans
    VIP October 2022
    Mrs.evans ·
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    Hi Sophie and Congratulations to you both on your upcoming wedding. Now I have a idea what about doing both that he can have his lunch but not too heavy for cocktail hour and then you can have your dinner. But the one thing is that you guys have to put a time but we you meet in the middle on the time you both can have what you. See if that works for you both there has to be some comparise. I hope that you both will come to and agreement
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