What's more important to you? Reception or Ceremony?

I didn't really plan them separately - I planned the day so I guess both were equally important to me... It was important that I have all of the things that were meaningful to us for the ceremony and it was important to me that we all had a great time and enjoyed the food and music.

The ceremony was really important for DH and I. We spent hours getting the wording just right and I spent even more hours picking out what music to have my friends play. We wanted a ceremony that was meaningful to us, but also to those who came to support us. It wasn't super long, about 30 minutes total, including processional and recessional, or very elaborate, but it was us. Getting married. Before God. Before our family and friends.

Having said that, I spent even more time preparing for the reception! The reception was the party to thank our friends and family for coming from all over the world to witness our commitment to each other and I wanted everyone to enjoy themselves to the max! We had good food, good alcohol, and a great DJ! The venue was already lovely and our simple centerpieces fit well. I wanted people on the dancefloor all night and that's what happened. Biggest and best party I've ever thrown in my life!

cont.

I think of it rather as cause and effect. The ceremony was the cause for the reception. The commitment was the cause for the party and therefore both were important and special.

The ceremony for me is more important but for our friends and loved ones I think the reception.

Both are definitely important, however, we're sinking the majority of our budget into the reception. We're there for 4+ hours and the ceremony is only 30 minutes. My venue, however, is gorgeous in and of itself, so it doesn't need much. But the bulk of our budget is in the reception.

I'd say the ceremony is more important, inasmuch as that is what makes you legally married. However, this doesn't mean the ceremony has to be more elaborate or expensive than the reception.

They should both be important. Of course, I write weddings for a living, so I'm not totally objective, but without the ceremony it's just a big expensive party. I LOVE hearing that so many of you value the ceremony and want to make it special to not only you, but the guests. A really great, lighthearted, inspired ceremony is like a secert weapon; no one expects it; everyone is surprised, and everyone needs a nice glass of wine afterwards!

Take the opportunity to make the ceremony more than just the formality; you'll be amazed at how touched and delighted your guests will be. I hear the same comments every week...."WOW, that was GREAT...so personal. I've never been to a wedding that my husband actually listened to.....and my favorite....."How long have you KNOWN the couple??"

If you choose wisely, your ceremony can be the most amazing start to a great celebration.