Hi - This is my first post, although I have spent hours researching these boards so thanks for all your help already. We are having an 11:30am ceremony with reception to follow where we will be serving plated lunch with wine service and other beverages. Here is my problem - It is in May as some special family members will be in who wouldn't normally be able to attend, and at such short notice - just started planning last week - we only have a dj from 12 - 5. How can I end the reception before this time without seeming completely rude, or as if we were too cheap to book him for the entire day? We do have the banquet rooms for as long as we want, as well as the photographer of my dreams, it's just that I don't really look forward to my guests seeing the dj pack up and walk out mid reception... I have tried everything I know, and I actually handle reception planning as I work at the hotel where our reception will be and none of us can find a band or dj within a hundred miles who is not already busy - the one we got is doing it as a favor and has an evening reception starting at 6 so absolutely cannot be there later. If any of you have any ideas or suggestions I would appreciate it - this is all a little maddening, as the first date was for October until the out-of-towners came into play. Thanks in advance to all!!
expertplanner
BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Jan 7, 2007, 10:58 AM
Post #2 of 3
(589 views)
Re: [sarie_j] Ending Reception On Time --
[In reply to]
It really is quite simple - end your reception at 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. You are starting your ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and if you start your reception at 12:30 p.m., that will give you between four and four and a half hours for your reception, which is plenty of time. Usually, a reception is a four hour or six hour block. Opting for more than four hours requires that you have a lot of activities planned and leaves more possibility of guests bailing out before the end.
And, just so you know, there may be a few guests who will see the d.j. pack up regardless of what time you select because there are always a few who will stay until the wait staff comes in to clean up. Rhonda Allen, Bridal Consultant New Beginnings Weddings
sarie_j
Jan 7, 2007, 4:45 PM
Post #3 of 3
(581 views)
Re: [expertplanner] Ending Reception On Time --
[In reply to]
Would we end the reception with a simple thank you all for coming, or should we just leave in a wedded bliss fashion not just walking out ? We won't be going on our honeymoon immediately following the wedding so there is no dramatic exit for that - Again, the thing I am concerned about is my guests feeling awkward about overstaying or anything like that... Thanks for your reply, and also for anyone else who has a suggestion on a 'closing number' for my party.
Ending Reception On Time --
