Small Reception - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

LMT · #1 11-28-2005, 07:50 PM

I would like any inputs please!!

We are having a small ceremony and reception at a rental house near the beach. Since we are combining the two, should we just have all the food out so people can mingle and eat before hand or say our vows then have everyone drive into the food? Another question would be after the vows should we cut the cake and then nobody has to wait after eating to go ahead and help themselves?

Thanks
Christina

bebe · #2 11-28-2005, 07:54 PM

You know what? I think that actually sounds really nice. Since it sounds like a smaller informal wedding, I think having it the way you described actually sounds very cozy and family-like. Kind of like having the cocktail hour before the wedding.

ETA: You could serve appetizers and drinks before the ceremony and the main meal afterwards. I think that if it is a small party, you won't have a bunch of folks finishing their meals at different times waiting for dessert, so you could do the cake either way.

maroki13 · #3 11-28-2005, 07:58 PM

That sounds like a good way to do it. Depends on what time the ceremony/reception is, but I think it would be nice to have it either way. I would maybe prefer to eat after the ceremony, so that I wouldn't have to wait on people to finish eating/mingling for the ceremony to start. But either way sounds workable, especially since the ceremony and reception are at the same place.

SuzyBride · #4 11-28-2005, 07:59 PM

I like that idea too.

wembley · #5 11-28-2005, 08:03 PM

You mentioned eating and mingling beforehand or saying vows and driving to food. Does that mean there is another location already planned or you would want something more formal if you're going to wait or what did you mean?

I kind of like the idea of things being out and people mingling around until it's time for the vows. Then you can cut the cake and eat and mingle more

LMT · #6 11-28-2005, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the comments!! We are trying to keep things very informal. Both of our families will be traveling and we decided to start at 4pm. We thought that would be a good time. I look forward to chatting with everyone and sharing stories!!!

Marrying_the_Good_Husband · #7 11-28-2005, 08:19 PM

My only thoughts are if people are going to be eating DURING the ceremony? I could see people potentially sitting down with plates of food on their laps crunching and cracking and lips smaking... I know, it's rude, but some people just might! I think it would work to have someone great the guests with a drink and lead them to their seats. I sort of like the idea of having someone passing around hors d'oeuvres beforehand. But then I'm thinking people might be SO busy socializing, you're going to have a hard time getting everyone quietly settled into their seats for the ceremony to begin. Just throwing out a potential "con," though it sounds nice.

Marge129 · #8 11-28-2005, 08:50 PM

Very good point, MTGH. I know I'd be annoyed if people were eating while I was getting married.

But, I do LOVE the idea of the ceremony and reception in a beach house. I may have to steal that idea from you when Jerry and I get married!

ljeagle · #9 11-28-2005, 08:56 PM

I'm with the others that have a issue with people eating while being married. People might think they can go and get more and do and talk as they want while you are exchanging your vows. But it does sound like a great ideal.

555Ann555 · #10 11-29-2005, 05:13 AM

I think I'd want them to wait until after the ceremony to have most of the food but I do like the idea of having them mingle with a drink (+ maybe some little snacks) before the wedding... The ushers should be able to organise them & make sure they all know they can't bring plates over to the ceremony with them!

I could be wrong but over here it's the ushers job (along with the master of ceremonies if you have one) to keep everyone rounded up & ready for whatever you have planned.
We normally cut the cake after the ceremony but before the meal, that's just to give the waiters the chance to take it away & slice it properly without anyone really noticing because they'll all be eating their meals...

Your idea sound really lovely though, I'd be really pleased to go to a wedding like that; intimate, relaxed & friendly

LMT · #11 11-29-2005, 01:55 PM

LOL!!!
I didn't even think about the loud chewers, crunch...crunch...I think the best will be a few apps and drinks to start with then after the ceremony cut the cake and move right into the food....I am getting so excited...

ljeagle · #12 11-29-2005, 04:37 PM

when is your wedding LMT? Make sure U post it in the calendar so every one can keep track. I really love the calendar ideal...