My FH and I have been together for 11 years and finally decided to get married. We are having an informal ceremony at 2:00 PM in the afternoon at a historic park in our state in the town were we often vacation and spend valentines day every year. (we will be paying for guests to tour the museum after the ceremony) We are having just one attendant each. His sister is my MOH.
Originally we had decided to have dinner at our favorite restaurant but even after cutting the guest list back to 30 people our budget will not allow us to do this. As an alternative we have rented a "Grand Suite" in our hotel where my FH plans on making cheese enchiladas (he's a wonderful cook :) ) vegetable and cracker trays, brownies (in place of the wedding cake), chocolate fondue with fruit and beverages. This will all take place at around 3:00 PM in the afternoon.
We are not expecting gifts and are not having any kind of pre-wedding party except the night before where family and friends who wish can help put together flower arrangements. Our real focus is simply spending time with those closest to us so that they can share in the experiences we have come to enjoy.
We have made reservations for dinner at the restaurant that evening at 6:00 PM and will advise anyone who wishes to have dinner with us that they will need to make reservations. Does this sound tacky like we are trying to get away with a 'cheap" wedding reception or do you think the reception in the Grand Suite is enough to thank our guests for coming?
If you invite or even mention the restaurant in invitations, you pay. So, it is best not to go to the restaurant. Your informal reception matches the formality of your wedding and is perfect.
Thank you very much. You make a great point. I will forgo mentioning dinner in the invitations or during the reception.
Likely there will be discussion later that evening regarding dinner for those who decide to stay over night at the hotel. We will simply advise them where we plan to have dinner at that time. It will be their choice if they wish to go or find some other venue for dinner.
Again, thank you very much. This site is true godsend for me. I have found so many useful bits of advice contained within.
Your plan is perfect! If I was a guest, I wouldn't want to leave the reception you have planned. It sounds like a lot of fun. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Reception Appropriate?
