[williamlee]

In May, we had our formal wedding party in our home town and now would like to have a celebration where we actually live. This is more to invite close friends and colleagues who were unable to attend the formal (overseas).

I am having difficulty deciding what to include in the post wedding reception - like what kind of activities and how the events of the party should be scheduled?

Below is our schedule of events:

6.00 pm - Arrivals
6.00 – 6.30 pm - Receiving
6.30 – 7.30 pm - Cocktails
7.30 – 7.45 pm - Announcements
7.45 pm – Welcome
8.00 pm - Dinner
8.45 pm - Wedding videos / slide shows

9.00pm - ? Maybe Dance?

The party will run until about 10.30 - 11 PM but I have run out of ideas for things to do after 9.00 pm.

Please help.

Thank you

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 03 August 2025 - 09:46 AM

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Williamlee,

Belated receptions are usually not exactly like those hosted directly after the wedding. So, I'm not sure what announcements you anticipate. And, you are planning much too much time between your guests' arrival and the dinner. 2 hours?! Your guests will have to wait 2 hours until dinner. That isn't polite, as for most of us, our dinner hour is around 6 pm.

You don't need a formal receiving line for this. You and your wife could mingle to thank guests for their attendance while your guests find their seats or after dinner.

Please don't make your guest sit through a slide show or video. Many find this boring--sorry, but true. So, it is best to show these continuously during your event.

Maybe your event runs too long and this is why you can't think of enough activities. This is basically a party. So, it is best not to over think it.

Best wishes,

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

Make this a more casual event by playing a loop of your slideshow for an hour or so when people are arriving during a short cocktail hour. Serve dinner and then just music and dancing should do it. That will give you a chance to go around and chat with each guest, which seems to be your focus.