Reception or Not?

wow i am so glad to read all the encouragement ladies! i have also been intimidated by all the grand DW's out there that we just can't afford unfortunately we're paying cash for our own wedding and we opted for a 2 hr plated dinner with a brief cocktail hour in between the ceremony and reception while we're taking pictures. after looking at theknot.com and all the grand DW's I felt like ours was going to be so disappointing but it's great to see how some people wing it, some do it up, some do a little of both. You're right...it is YOUR wedding. I think we're going to the beach party then night club for an after party after we have dinner. that way, the more traditional family members can enjoy a reception but not feel like they have to watch all us 'kids' doing shots and shaking our tail-feathers all night, haha! I can certainly appreciate any bride that decides to do their own thing and i think that guests would enjoy how casual and breezy things are even if you just enjoy what the resort has to offer. we've got to remember that we're in paradise and that's usually enough

I'm very glad to see this post. We just booked our resort, Dreams Cancun, and my fiance and I are paying for the wedding and reception in Cancun. This was my choice since I am 39. My parents are paying for me to have an AHR when we get back.

I want to have a nice reception, but I do not want to spend a fortune either. My estimate is we will have 40 people there. The packages at Dreams are for 20 max. Does anyone know a better way to do this? The package says $48/person extra. That seems too much, but I want us all to have dinner together and dancing. Just seems high and a little past my budget.

Any suggestions or ideas?

Shannon & Mike

11-11-10

We are having at at home reception when we get home and only 13 people are traveling with us, so we did not spring for the reception. After the ceremony, we do a toast and cake slicing. Then our guests will mingle at the bar while we do pictures, and we are just going to dinner afterwards at one of the restaurants on the resort. No extra expense.

Hello! I really wanted to share my thoughts on to have or not to have a reception.

My fiancee has a huge family and we invited 125 to our wedding (July 20th, 2pm ROR). We currently have 47 booked which is kind of bigger than we anticipated but makes for a great party!

Our ceremony is at 2 then a champagne reception. Dinner is at 6:30 at Mammee Bay restaurant booked and then the Seagrape beach bar from 8:30 until 11pm. Because our group is large, we really wanted to have a traditional reception (my fiancee is Greek as well and we have to have enough room to throw down the Greek dancing).

We also are having a reception at home in the fall for those who couldn't make it. We wanted to just rent a restaurant and have a dinner with a slideshow and our thank you speech.

What is the obligation/etiquette for a full-blown reception with a dj and dancing? Is dinner for 100 people a decent alternative? We don't want a second 'reception' at home but is that what is expected?

We're having a full, private reception but that's only because we're expecting such a large group (70-80 ppl). I think for a group of 20 ppl then you definitely don't need a traditional reception. You can be more relaxed and just have fun!

We're having about 20 people to our wedding and currently I have the Seagrape booked for a private reception after dinner. However, the closer I get and more we consider how we want our day to go, the more I'm thinking about foregoing the private reception. A friend is putting on a reception for us when we return and it will include the dancing and whatnot, so I don't think I really need 2 receptions.

We did not do a full out reception and I think the guests liked that. I think with a DW there are no rules and there arent any "we have to do this" and "we have to do that" because we are getting married. A DW is all about being different, that is the best part! SO you choose what you do and want to do.. be creative!

We had our ceremony then did a cocktail hour, then we all went to dinner and then we all went swimming!! We had a great time! It was casual and a great time had by all!

Thanks for all your postings! I am so glad that so many of you didnt go all out.

My FI and I are paying for our whole wedding with cash. We dont want to be in the hole over this. And I was starting to feel bad because I cannot afford anything other than the semi-private reception. But dont get me wrong, I want it to be more relaxed and fun.

So glad about those of you who are also going the less traditional way and just having fun and relaxing with your group.

Thank you for this post and letting me know its okay not to go all out!