is anyone not having an AHR???

[JUSTUSTWO]

We didn't have one either & we are fine with that too. Everyone kept saying that we should have something for people that couldn't attend the DW & they kept asking us when were we having one & we just kept saying "soon". But it never materialized.

 

To be honest, I don't think we had the energy. The last thing we wanted to do after planning the wedding, was to come home & plan something else. We thought about keeping it simple & having a celebration party but that thought still required planning & money which we just didn't have.

[Sloan]

We sent 75 invites out and only 9 people are coming. I dont feel bad at all about not having anything at home. Our entire reason for doing a DW was not having to deal with a reception. Its just not our thing, and I dont care who we may have pissed off by not having anything at home. Our wedding, our choice!

[Jennifer Davis]

We're not having an AHR. It was never even something we considered for a lot of the reasons already posted on here - money, planning, etc. We're spending a lot of extra money to "upgrade" our honeymoon. The AHR is not in our budget.

[aimee!]

we're not either. our home towns are about a 5 hour car ride apart, so we couldn't agree on a location. so we figured we'd just make everyone travel to mexico! plus it was NOT in the budget!! it was going to cost so much money.

 

we also thought that not having an AHR might help convince more guests to come to mexico. i felt like guests would opt out of mexico if we had a 2nd reception closer to home.

[DGG]

We're not having a AHR and fine with it.. It seems to me like planning a AHR would be almost like planning another wedding and this is way more exhausting and stressful than I thought.. plus, our wedding is already way over budget as it is..

We are inviting almost 90 people to our destination wedding, so that is everyone we really care about as it is.. There are a few friends we want to be there that can't make it, but that'd happen at any wedding...

[Simistar]

Hey girl! :-)

 

You already know we're on the fence about having an AHR, but thought I'd post anyway

 

I would like to have one (many of my friends couldn't come to Mexico b/c of childcare issues or otherwise)...my DH doesn't think we should (most of his friends could come b/c most of them aren't married and don't have kids :-))

 

I'm looking into pricing some venues... But honestly, if it comes down to having to choose between getting hardwood floors for our place or having an AHR, I choose the hardwood floors, haha :-)

 

If it is really just too much $$, I might just invite some girlfriends over one night, order pizza, crack open some wine and show some pictures. And then play guitar hero

[MarieSam]

I am having somewhat of an AHR ~ but moreso a party or bbq, hopefully it will also double up as a housewarming as FI and I are planning on buying a home a couple months before we leave for the wedding

 

I think it is often misunderstood that an AHR has to be a glitzy, sit down, catered affair. For us, we see it as more as a celebration for those who either couldn't attend our Mexico wedding, or for those who just didn't make our very selective guest list.

 

You can certainly make it a special party without spending big bucks, because essentially I think all those who will be there will simply be happy to celebrate with the newlyweds! Plus it's also a great time to share with everyone your fabulous wedding photos/videos!!!

[jamk32179]

We are not having an AHR either. Aside from being extremely expensive we rather spend the money on a wonderful honeymoon. The way I look at it, all guests will have ample time to plan their finances and if they really want to be a part of the festivities they will find a way to come. It sounds harsh, but it is our special day! :-)

[JCrosby]

A friend of mine got married in Australia and had bbq at her house when they got back. They played the their wedding video in one room and had music playing in other rooms. It was totally laid back, not fancy at all - it was even BYOB and as a guest, it was a great time. It gave her a chance to celebrate with those that couldn't come but she didn't feel like she was planning another big event. This is what my FH and I have decided to do too. I figure it may cost a few hundred dollars and that's worth it to me.

[drbrainfreeze]

We are not having one. After my mom came up with this elaborate AHR in my aunt's back yard, complete with tent, catering, porta potty, dancing (pretty much what we did for our engagement party, minus the dancing!)...which pretty much scared the crap out of FI. He pretty much shelled up after that and there was no turning back! I didn't really care one way or another, so now we are just going to have a brunch open house the next time we are back up in the northeast, whenever that may be.

 

We are inviting everyone to Jamaica. I also felt like guests would opt out of Jamaica if we had a 2nd reception closer to our parent's homes. I know this may sound mean, but there is a lot of drama surrounding this wedding, and most of the people who caused it are not even coming to Jamaica now!