64 replies to this topic

[prairiegirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen & Josh We are doing a AHR just like a normal wedding reception. I will wear my dress, we will have a DJ. It won't be decorated fancy....we are doing fiesta theme..taco bar, beer, margaritas. Cactus for decoration on the tables with chips and salsa.

we gave out free tequila shots *with lime and salt as people walked in (after the receiving line) and then when the head table sat down... and the program started... the MC asked the head table to stand.. sowe all stood up and did our shots too!! which was REALLY funny cause us girls did it no problems, and the guys made faces and gave a really big reaction.. it was funny...

[tdbride]

We are having an AHR 2 weeks after our wedding in Jamaica. We are getting dressed up again in our dresses and suits. ( including bridal party and parents)....upon arrival of our guests at our "informal reception" we will have a slideshow of pictures from our trip playing on a screen with nice music in the background. Then once all guests have arrived a video of the wedding will play and then we will come in and have finger foods, mingle with guests and that type of thing....then we will have a typical wedding dance for the remainder of the evening! Should be a blast!

[gallopinto]

Great post! I am debating about the AHR. My mom is really pushing for it and has offered to pay. My FI and I are on the fence. My dad, who will be the one who actually pays, does not want one but is open to it. I feel somewhat obligated since my mom was disappointed by the whole destination wedding thing. She wants to invite all her friends and have a more traditional wedding reception. It just feels like too much pressure and since we live in LA it could be pretty expensive. I am open to it but would prefer something more casual like a party at their house.

We are getting married in July but decided not to do any AHR until November because of my work schedule. That would also get us off season rates.

I am torn. My mom keeps saying to do whatever we want but I know she would be upset without a big reception. She even went and looked at venues herself.

[gallopinto]

Great post! I am debating about the AHR. My mom is really pushing for it and has offered to pay. My FI and I are on the fence. My dad, who will be the one who actually pays, does not want one but is open to it. I feel somewhat obligated since my mom was disappointed by the whole destination wedding thing. She wants to invite all her friends and have a more traditional wedding reception. It just feels like too much pressure and since we live in LA it could be pretty expensive. I am open to it but would prefer something more casual like a party at their house.

We are getting married in July but decided not to do any AHR until November because of my work schedule. That would also get us off season rates.

I am torn. My mom keeps saying to do whatever we want but I know she would be upset without a big reception. She even went and looked at venues herself.

[blushingbride]

I posted this on another thread too.

We are having an AHR or more like a party when we get back from the honeymoon. We opted to do this since it will just be the FI and me going off to get married, no guests so we figured having a small party when we get back will keep everyone "happy."

We will be having about 50-75 people (fam & friends) total and we opted for a casual BBQ in his friend's backyard. Sometime during the night, we will also play the wedding ceremony so that they can all feel like they were part of it. We budgeted at around $500, most of it going to food and drinks. We are not having favors or decorations because there will be no time or money for that. Also, we are not requiring guests to bring any gifts. Although knowing our families and friends, some will want to give us money!

Times are tough, so any way you all can save money the better.

[BBtoB]

So for those having the AHR, are you wearing your dress or going with another outfit? Not sure!! i am so confused about this topic!

[prairiegirl]

IMO - WEAR THE DRESS AGAIN!!

I was married on Feb 6 in the mayan rivera and it was great.. had so much fun... had an AHR March 7th.. wore the dress again and trust me it was more exciting to put it on the second time. All my nervousness was gone and I was getting ready for a party!! I danced all night in that dress. You paid alot of money for it... get your moneys worth!!

on Feb 6th I was really careful with the dress, spillage and making sure it was bustled right... March 7th, bustle broke, I didn't care and at one point I was dancing with a bottle of red wine in my hand (not the smartest thing, but better than a glass of red wine.. hee hee) in the end the dress survived no problem and I am selling it for just under wat I paid for it.

You bought a dress to wear.. WEAR IT.. all your guests will want to see you in it, and you get to feel like a princess twice!

[blushingbride]

I am torn about that too. I was thinking of doing what some other brides did and get a similar, cheaper dress to wear that day or just get a new dress altogether. Who knows! When the day comes, I may just end up wearing my wedding dress...ha!

[amdecker]

I'm doing a TTD session after my wedding so I'll have to get my dress cleaned if I want to wear it again. Not sure if I'm going to do that or not. My at-home reception is going to be pretty low key...but then again, it would be fun to put the dress on again. Humm...

[BBtoB]

Thanks ladies. Yeah, our AHR is a very casual party, but we are having a band. hehe They are awesome too! So I have this as my debate. I like the idea of wearing it again, but does it matter if the party is very casual?