FH and I are considering the idea of a simple cake reception immediately following our ceremony and then going for pictures, etc. and having our immediate family (moms, dads, brothers & sisters) plus our wedding party (10 people) out to a fancy restaurant for an intimate dinner reception.

FH and I would love to elope at some tropical destination, but we know our parents would never forgive us (we are both the first children getting married). Also, we have a fur-baby that we could never leave in a kennel if our family members were coming away with us (leaving him without someone I trust would truly make me miserable on my vacation)

Also, we would love to have a big huge reception with dinner and dancing, but I just can't justify spending so much money on one night! It just doesn't seem like it's needed. I feel like when they day is over we will be happy to be married but think the whole party was a waste of money. FH has a HUGE family, like with no extended family members we are talking 200 on one side, of aunts, uncles, and first cousins only. (good old catholic farm families, lol) It's not that we can't afford it, we can make it work, it's just that I would rather use our money towards other things such as putting more of a down payment on our new house, or buying furniture, and putting savings away for later. I don't feel bad for having a larger budget for things like photography, rings, and honeymoon because they are more for us as a couple, but I guess since we are not super close with our families (other than immediate) I don't feel the need to have a big party with them.

So I just wanted to see what people think about having everyone invited to a traditional church ceremony at about 1pm, and then a cake reception with snacks, desserts, punch, coffee, tea, etc. where we can mingle for a little bit. How would you feel if you were invited to something like this?

 I was reading online about cake reception etiquette, and apparently back in the day, this was the most common form of wedding reception.

Thanks!

December 19th, 2009

"When you’re soaring through the air, I’ll be your solid ground. Take every chance you dare, I’ll still be there when you come back down."

MAY 30 2009

You could word your invites like " Please join us after the ceremony for light refreshments and dancing" or "Wine and dessert reception to follow" .. something like that.

Mel is a mommy! Liam joined us Sepember 15, 2008

FINALLY going to be MRS L October 3rd, 2009!! 3 year engagements SUCK.

I was thinking of writing "Cake Reception to follow" on the invitiations so everyone knows its not a dinner. plus the ceremony will be at 1pm and the reception probably around 2. its not exactly a meal time.

I just wanted to get a sense of how people respond to this idea. We want to have a traditional catholic ceremony, and people say they JUST want to see us get married, but we would rather have a shorter reception with everyone and then a more intimate dinner with our closest friends and family than hundreds of guests we are related to, but arent close at all with.

Im thinking that it wouldnt be a bad thing for our families to experience some change when it comes to the idea of what weddings "should" be.

December 19th, 2009