Morning / Early Afternoon Reception

We’re having an afternoon wedding (12-5) and I don’t think we’ll be planning anything formal for afterwards. I think the new husband and I will be heading to our hotel room, opening gifts, ordering takeout, and maybe taking a nap? Lol. There’s a good chance we’ll end up meeting for a drink with the people who are still around later on in the evening! But I really don’t want to commit to it, I’m worried we’ll just be too exhausted and it may be nice to just have the evening together! Everyone says they feel like they don’t get enough time with their spouse on their wedding day

You could have an optional afterparty at a lake, bowling alley, ice arena, bar, or whatever you find fun. OR you could leave and enjoy your honeymoon earlier and have entertainment ideas listed for guests on your website (or sign).

My FH and I are having a super intimate wedding at a Chinese buffet restaurant. We're still deciding whether or not to have lunch or dinner. Of course lunch is cheaper. We're not really concerned about what our guests will do afterwards, since ALL of our guests are local. I think they'd be cool no matter what we choose. I think a brunch/lunch reception is awesome because it gives guests their evenings to do whatever they want, and it gives FH and I to have more time together in the evening, leave early for our honeymoon if we want, etc. If you want to provide your guests with an evening activity like bowling or something, that would be cool but it's absolutely not mandatory. I'm sure your guests should be fine no matter what!

Hey Sarah! I'm so glad the brunch type of reception is growing on you, I think it's such a fun idea and who doesn't love brunch food! As for after the reception, I wouldn't worry too much about having another formal event. Do you have a lot of out of town guests coming? If so, maybe providing them with a pamphlet of activities in the area to do that night! You could also suggest meeting up with guests at certain bars or restaurants in the area as well!