EVKnowsitall - 1) I think that having a beer and wine reception is perfectly fine considering that this is not the true formal event, and you are trying to cut down on costs. Open bar can get pretty pricey. 2) I would opt for a Sunday AHR because the prices at a lot of places are cheaper for this day, and it may just be me but the beer and wine bar option sounds really good on a Sunday lol. 3) Everyone should be able to understand that this is not the main event, but that you are still doing this for them. Maybe the invitations could be made to look more formal? I am having some issues with this as well. I want my guests to dress nice, but I don't know how I'm going about telling them. Maybe when my website is up I can mention something in there. 4) If a ceremony is included in the package I say go for it. It's free and your guests will get to view something they didnt the first time around. I have heard of some brides going as far as wearing their wedding gowns at the AHR. Personally, I would just opt for a nice reception dress. I noticed that you're getting married at Jesus Maestro, have you been able to get good picttures of the church? What are their requirements?