AHR Ideas...

I'm sure there is a better place to post this, but I'm having no luck finding the thread again and the search feature is turning up zero results.

I'm having some trouble figuring out where to start with planning our After-Honeymoon Reception (AHR). I know that we're planning on having it a couple months after our return and that it will be a laid back affair backyard BBQ type of affair, but where do we go from there? Any suggestions, insight, direction? How far out am I supposed to start coordinating everything? How far along are you ladies with the plans?

Any recommended vendors to find discounted alcohal?

Please help!

Much Love,

Hi I too, plan to have a casual BBQ type AHR. We decided to choose a venue that is a rustic barn looking building that overlooks a place where they used to have rodeos. So we were inspired to do a cowboy-rustic theme. I know that there is at least one other girl doing this too.

I actually already have the location booked because my FMIL wanted it booked right away, but I plan to just buy decorations if I come across them and will probably look into beer and wine and maybe some of this sweet tea vodka we have down here as the beverages.

I know I haven't helped, because I'm not sure when things are suppose to be planned, but I guess I have already started on mine

I know foxytv (Tami) posted pics of her ahr reception decor and I think Carly did too. You can do an advanced search and look up threads from those two girls to find it.

Try searching AHR or At Home Reception.

This is just like planning a party. You need to decide how formal you want it to be and most importanly what the budget is.

I would still send invites 6-8 weeks before your date so your guests can plan to attend.

My AHR was pretty formal, much like a traditional wedding reception, so I wore my dress, we cut cake, danced, etc. Some of the other ladies have had less formal gatherings. It's all up to your personal taste.

As far as alcohol is concerend, you can possibly get a case discount from a local liquor store, but it's usually only about 10%. Be sure to check the store's return policy. Some will give you cash, others only store credit. Beer and sodas, if kept at a consistent temperature, can safely keep for 6 months or more. You could start buying cases when they are on sale and store them.

I'm a caterer/event planner so if you need more help, feel free to ask!

Costco sells beer, wine, and in certain states liquor.

Here is the link to my AHR. It was casual, on the deck and inside the bar area of the bar/restaurant that we own. We did a low-country boil and a few other beachy/seafood dishes (our place is an Oyster Bar so it helped make the DW theme easy to carry over!) and I made cupcakes with starfish chocolates.

I did all the decor and set-up myself.

It was relatively painless and everyone had a fabulous time!

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t21791

I am planning a backyard BBQ as well...nothing too fancy at all! We live in Ontario, but both of us are from Newfoundland, so we will be going to my mom's for the AHR.

I just plan on a pot luck dinner (my aunt's make FANTASTIC food!), BYOB, my uncles/cousins all play guitar (music!), and I'll probably decorate in a (surprise, surprise) tropical/beach theme!! You can get great stuff from ebay - blow up palm trees & all!!

So VERY inexpensive & VERY casual!! But it should be VERY fun!!

Thanks so much ladies!!

Although I personally prefer a slightly more formal reception, my FI is definately pushing for the laid back casual. We've actually had disagreements about him not wearing jeans and a tshirt...thats too casual.

Although I would like to be able to wear my gown again, I will probably just pick up a sun dress so I don't look overdressed for the occassion.

I know that we will likely go the practical route and have cupcakes rather than a traditional multi layer cake, an ipod set up in lieu of a dj, and a potluck for the side dishes. Question is, should we have Mexican food (which is cheap to make a lot of, ties in with the destination wedding, and who honestly doesn't like mexican?) or go with BBQ steak and baked potatoes which is friggin scrumptous, but cost more?

My biggest "planning endeavor" is how to decorate and where exactly to do it...