Is it weird

[Kara]

to not have a reception after your wedding? We really want to keep it simple and affordable.

[rosebud*]

nope, i had friends that didn't do a reception. They got married and then we went to a restaurant for dinner, everyone paid their own. it was about 15 of us. I say go for it, you can always plan a big party for when he comes home.

[petsparkle]

It's your wedding!

I went to a friend's courthouse wedding and they didn't have a reception. Just a thought though, my brother wanted to keep his affordable so he just had the reception as a pot-luck. Everyone brought something to share, and it was buffet style with paper plates. It was a blast!

My sister is getting married in July and she's having a Ceilidh after it at the church hall (same as she had for her 30th birthday). That's a much easier way to keep it affordable but also have a lot of fun. She's doing the same thing with the pot-luck.

Having spent over $10,000 on my own wedding, I strongly suggest you go for the cheaper "home-made" routes. My MIL directed me in most of my wedding preparations (since my Mom was in England) and we ended up spending far too much and trying to please way too many people. I had far more fun at my brother's wedding, and expect the same from my sister's, than I ever had at my own.

[LittleMsSunshine]

I don't think it's weird

My parents had a barbecue/potluck... my grandparents live on lots of acreage and they have a little covered patio/picnic area right next to the pool. It was more like a big family get-together than anything. Low-key, low-stress and lots of fun. (Or so I'm told, I wasn't born yet )

[Sarah982]

Well, I think it would be nice to have SOMETHING afterwards. But the ideas people had above...restaurant or potluck would be fine, I think. I'm sure some people would think it was tacky to have a potluck after a wedding, but I think it's a great idea! I'm not too into formal stuff, and I think something like that would be a nice way to have a little party afterwards without you actually having to spend too much money.

[Dori]

I think something like a potluck style reception or even burgers outside at a lake or something would be fun.

If I decided to forgo a reception I think I'd have a cocktail hour or something with cake and champagne.

I just think it's nice to treat people who've taken the time to share in your marriage and who have most likely spent money on a gift.

[Wicked]

We didn't have a reception. More like an open house where people came over if they wanted to and hung out and had a good time.

[LittleMsSunshine]

Originally Posted by Sarah982 Well, I think it would be nice to have SOMETHING afterwards. But the ideas people had above...restaurant or potluck would be fine, I think. I'm sure some people would think it was tacky to have a potluck after a wedding, but I think it's a great idea! I'm not too into formal stuff, and I think something like that would be a nice way to have a little party afterwards without you actually having to spend too much money.

tacky.. yeah, probably

My parents already had everything they needed... so the potluck idea was in lieu of bringing gifts.

They're very family oriented... and not too into the formal stuff... so it was perfect for them.

[Godders_Girl80]

No. I don't think it's weird. The wedding is about you guys union...not about having an extended family feeding frenzy. I think if you guys keep it classy and simple it will be good.

[Elizabeth]

All good ideas above... I like the idea of planning a massive party for when he gets back, for both of you. All the people in your life who know you guys and and love you both understand your military situation so i think it's fine!