AHR question from a newbie

[Amanda+Dave]

We haven't even picked a date or location yet for the actual wedding, so planning the AHR is months away. But I have been thinking about the AHR and have a question..

 

Since one of the main reasons we are having a DW is to save money, we want to keep the AHR at a low cost. Is it tacky to have a Friday evening reception (when halls are cheaper) and not do a formal sit down dinner, but some hors d'oeuvres or something?

 

We just want to keep the cost down.

[Michelle-2]

I don't think that is tacky at all. IMHO I think something like that is perfect!! I am still trying to decide myself. I also want to keep the cost down and I am not going to have many people - about 25 or so. So, we'll either do a heavy cocktail reception, or sit-down dinner in a nice resturant that has a private room. Not enough people for a hall

[ktnicole]

We are having a party back home- no sit down dinner. Some snacks and light food, I think its a good plan and you get to spend more time with ppl as opposed to a formal sit down dinner

[josietoms]

We too are having an evening reception no sit down meal etc. Everyone who isnt coming to the wedding is aware of this and we have had NO ill feeling or negative comments. For us a DW was also about saving money x

[Josie1073]

I agree - it's not tacky at all. We are having a sit down dinner at a friend's restaurant for about 50 people - but not doing any of the formal things a wedding reception usually entails. Hors d'oeuvres on a Friday night sounds just fine! Keeping costs down for us was extremely important as well.

[Ellabaja1983]

I don't think it's tacky at all. I've been debating on what we should do. I'm actually going to a AHR for one of FIs friend this coming Saturday, so I will be taking notes just because I'm not quite sure what I want!

[jszy10]

I think that is perfectly fine!!  I am actually sort of regreting setting up a full sit-down AHR specifically because of the cost   An hors d'oeuvres/cocktail/dessert party is perfect!!  or    fda

[Jen1407]

It is not tacky at all to have your AHR on a Friday night.  Our AHR is going to be an open house at my in-laws on a Sat or Sun afternoon with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

[Lua]

I'm so glad I saw this thread. My mom and I were actually just talking at lunch about me maybe just having a wine & cheese or tapas thing in an afternoon vs. a full out reception or BBQ (which was the original plan). The whole reason for a DW for us was to save $ and also because I'm not one for a big thing in my honour - I don't like being the center of attention.  So I didn't really want a big party at home either. A little afternoon thing just might be the way to go for us!

[Amanda+Dave]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Still undecided on what we are going to do, but I am glad everyone agrees the Friday night tapas type party is ok.