This has been a very helpful forum. I've been browsing the topics and I am learning a lot. Thanks!
I have a question regarding the post-destination reception/celebration. We will have 30-50 guests at our destination wedding. However, not all of our guests will come so we would like to have a post-wedding reception/celebration, does this post-celebration have to be elaborate? Do we have to host a full meal or is something lighter acceptable? For example, if we provide hors d'oeuvre and non-alocholic options (e.g., tea, coffee), would we have to host the bar if it is in a venue? Could it be as informal as hors d'oeuvres and drinks in our home? We are looking at 100-150 people (including people who will be attending the wedding) . . . We would like to host something so we can share the experience with our loved ones who will not be able to attend but are concerned about the financial aspect since we are already hosting a reception and cocktail hour at our destination.
I think the situation is now resolved. My fiance and I have decided to try to have something in our home so that we can provide a meal and drinks for our guests. To allow for the number of guests, we will have it be an open-house format where people can come and go over a longer time frame. It would be too strange to ask them to pay for their alcoholic beverages if they were coming to celebrate our wedding with us.
Good thinking! As hosts we never ask our guests to pay for anything, no matter what the event is--well, besides the bachelorette and bachelor parties. Those are in a class by themselves.
The open house theme works best with a large number of guests and limited budget.
Post-Wedding Reception
