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Caitlin
Beginner April 2021

Non Traditional Reception Timeline

Caitlin, on February 26, 2021 at 5:15 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 16
Posted in Planning

Hi friends, due to COVID (and frankly my personality), we are doing things super differently for our wedding in Fredericksburg, TX in April. (We were planning on eloping abroad in NZ on top of a mountain pre Covid if that helps paint a picture of my style). Instead, we are now having a private ceremony for just family before the larger reception of about 75 people. I bought a lot of outdoor games, and really want it to be a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I don’t want to do many of the traditions- grand entrance, father daughter/mother son dance, toasts, bouquet toss, etc, but do want to have a first dance and grand exit. I am having a cocktail party, surprising my fiancé with an ice cream truck (because it’s his favorite), and have cupcakes instead of cake, so really can’t do the cake cutting ceremony. 1. Any ideas for other games or activities to take place of traditions? I’ve heard of the “boot” game. 2. Any Recommendations for timeline? 3. If I don’t have a grand entrance, what could I do to say “hello?”


16 Comments

Latest activity by Carla, on February 27, 2021 at 10:54 AM
  • Samantha
    VIP October 2022
    Samantha ·
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    We’re doing cupcakes and having a “cutting cake.”
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  • Caitlin
    Beginner April 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    That’s true - I guess we can still cut the top tier! Thanks.
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  • Samantha
    VIP October 2022
    Samantha ·
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    Wouldn’t it be the only tier? Ir are you having a big cake and cupcakes?
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  • Caitlin
    Beginner April 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    Non Traditional Reception Timeline 1
    Yeah, just one small cake at the very top. I forgot about that! Attached is what I bought. So I can do the cake cutting ceremony.
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  • J
    Master 0000
    Judith ·
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    Just walk in the door together. People will notice and applaud. If not everyone will have heard what name you will be using after marriage, Ms. or Mrs. or other title and mame you will use should be announced as you enter. Most people don't do any grand entrance. people are waiting to hear you introduced as husband and wife, and that starts things off.
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  • J
    Master 0000
    Judith ·
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    Cake is unnecessary. But the tradition of each of you feeding small amounts of a sweet as a symbol of nurturence, that you will always nurture and take care of one another, is something you might want to do with another food than cake.
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  • Caitlin
    Beginner April 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    True!! Thank you. We’ll probably do just that.


    I think what intimidated me was the stairs we’d have to walk down. I’m not a fan of all eyes on me, but it IS my wedding Smiley winking
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  • Caitlin
    Beginner April 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    I guess I might not know the meaning behind some of these traditions! Very cute.
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  • Sabrina
    Savvy August 2021
    Sabrina ·
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    We are doing a very similar type of wedding. with 40 people max. Our venu provides yard games and we weren't planning on doing anything more than that. Cake wise we are doing a single layer essentially just for us and cupcakes for the guests. We just want the entire thing to be light and relaxed. How do you feel about photo booths? We got one thrown in with the venu. That has always been a highlight as a guest when I went to weddings with it in the past.
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  • Michelle
    Champion December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Just let guests mingle. You are announced at the end of the ceremony so anything further is unnecessary especially since all guests are attending both events. Just go with the flow. Cocktail hour, dinner, cake cutting (does not need to be a photo op), mingling, then head out.

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  • Caitlin
    Beginner April 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    How cool! Sounds similar. I’d love a photo both but we don’t have budget for much else, so had to cut it out. There wasn’t a lot of space at the venue either! It’s a bit unique with a big fireplace in the center. I thought people could take photos in front of that with the sign I purchased!
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  • Caitlin
    Beginner April 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    Well, we’re actually having a private ceremony with just family that the rest of the guests aren’t invited to. I told you it was different! Haha
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  • Sabrina
    Savvy August 2021
    Sabrina ·
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    Oh yeah people could totally have fun with that!! We got ours with the venue if we booked in the first 48 hours of looking at the venu. Otherwise we wouldn't have spent the $. The fireplace in the middle sounds very cool.
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  • Carla
    Savvy December 2021
    Carla ·
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    If you have a projector and screen since its out doors you can set up a projector to say your hello and from you smart phone do a video editor app. That way you guys come out and before your day have a friend or family member in private. Meet with different friends and family members and ask questions about the bride and groom or even offer them advice. Have that lerson recording to ask you questions about the groom like, when you first met where you were, who fell in love first, who came in too who. Without you being there for his interview and without him there for yours. That way when you come out you Welcome everyone by say hello everyone, I am glade that you all could join is but before we get started I have a little video for us to watch first. Plus let them know that you havent even seen it yet. The answers you hear will make you laugh, cry, but it will be epic...
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  • Caitlin
    Beginner April 2021
    Caitlin ·
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    That WOULD be epic!!!
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  • Carla
    Savvy December 2021
    Carla ·
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    Yes, indeed and super fun
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