At Home Reception Ideas Needed

Yeah, the timeline is a funny thing. I am not sure how it should work either, my FI wants something totally casual (like a horseshoe pit!), but then he says something about our first dance I am like dude, make up your damn mind! I think I am going to not stress too much about the AHR, have it be like a party and work out the details later. That is until I realize I need to think about it and start freaking out that I didn't do it sooner!

I don't think it is too late for you, Kelly, if that is what you mean. I am getting married 05/17/08 and our AHR is 06/07/08. But Matt wanted it in September originally, so they could be 2 separated events. I think it is all a personal preference. But it is like I say all the time about DW's, I think it is entirely what you want to do, cuz there are no rules!

 

I had always planned on a ahr, but then Nicole got really sick again and it was back to being wrapped up in Sick Kids and all that fun stuff that goes along with her being not well. I had told people we were doing one, and now I just think it is too late. I don't know part of me says just be done with wedding stuff, but the other part of me wants to do something with the people who couldn't make it like Evertons dad, and brother, his dad is coming to visit for a month in December. I don't know do I have a mixed Christmas open house/ahr coctail party or do I assume everyone would not welcome the idea at this point?

I think that it isn't too late at all. Your family and loved ones would probably love to be able to celebrate it with you since they were unable to be at the "real thing". It is all a matter of personal preference, but if you always said you were, and everyone knows your life, then I am sure they understand why it hasn't happened yet. I think you should do it, cuz when can you ever do it again? It is hard to get everyone you care about together, so when would be a better time?

 

I am sorry Nicole had another bad spot, I hope she is feeling better now.

I'm sorry to hear about sick kids that's rough, hopefully all is well now...

Did you have many guests at your wedding? I could see if the majority of the guest list for your AHR included the same as the people who already went to the actual wedding thinking it was a bit much, unless you kept it somewhat low key. Although, I think everyone loves a celebration and loves to feel a part of that special day even if it's a few months later, and I think the dad and brother who couldn't make it would love to feel a part of your special union. That's a lot of my thinksos in just one lil paragraph huh!

I definitely don't think it's too late, and I definitely think planning it around an already scheduled visit from family is very considerate, and it would make perfect sense for many of your other guests. I also don't think you have to make it a Christmas / open house/ AHR cocktail party, unless you want to. Although a Christmas themed AHR/Open house party would be so fun and festive! I say go for it if you want to!

I should've read your post a little more thoroughly and just responded with a ditto. :-)

mmmm cake... I'm excited about that part :-) I was then going to wonder if we should do the cake cutting tradition too, glad I'm not the only one contemplating that idea! I too want the wedding feel, but at the same time keep it casual. This is so fun!

I'm getting married 12/18/07 and I'm having 2 AHR receptions. One in CO which I am NOT planning. I just told my Aunt (inlaw) hahh is that word..neways and my MIL. They are decorating with candles on mirrors sand seashells and such. Half christmasy half beachy. All his family will be there and his town pretty much. (SMAALLL TOWN) and then I'm having another reception in my home state but its also small probably just little snacks and such I haven't planned that one yet. The one with his family will be on the 23rd of december. The one in my hometown will be in January. I just say be lowkey casual. I plan on wearing my dress to both. I mean how often will you wear it other wise?

I'm totally excited we booked the place we wanted for our AHR! It's a unique shaped building used to be a restaurant, with brick walls and a cool modern atmosphere. All I'm going to do is flowers on the table not a big deal thing, and since we're not getting a photographer we'll put the disposable cameras on the tables and that's about it. It will be an evening thing, we're going to have beer and wine available plus light finger food plus a cake! We're thinking about having a dj since we don't have any attendants or anything we think he could kinda direct the thing and plus I freakin love to dance hehe. The typical amount of time to rent the facility is 3 hours for a reception, do you think that's long enough? Would 7:30pm - 10:30pm be better than 8pm to 11pm? I would love to hear some thoughts!

We are doing a casual reception about a month after we return. My FI owns a bar/restaurant w/ a Rooftop Deck, so we're closing the upper bar and deck area and having it there from 2-6pm. After 6, the upstairs will be open to the public but I'm sure we'll stay and keep things going ... that's just when the food will be over with and the open bar will likely end. I am going to wear my wedding dress, just because I want to, but otherwise it's going to be casual. We'll serve a Low Country Boil and other "beachy" foods casual/buffett style and have our open bar at the Tiki Bar on the deck. I'm doing a cupcake tower as well, instead of a full-fledged cake.

 

ROOFTOP DECK @ OYSTERS

 

 

 

CUPCAKES FOR CUPCAKE TOWER