Confused about AHR?

[Soon2beWed09]

I want to have a AHR, but not sure what I'm suppose to do. I know it's a ceramony to announce our wedding, but what else do u do? Sorry but I'm confused. I know you eat, music, and ?

[2bebridejamaica]

I just had my AHR less than a month ago.... You could go formal or not so formal with more of a BBQ or themed event outside at a hall or rented venue, I gues it all depends on where you live and the weather. Mostly with the AHR it's a time to get everyone together that was not able to attend your DW and celebrate the day. We actually, went pretty formal as to recreate the day for Nana and Grampy as they were not able to come to Jamaica... and they are super important to us. We wanted to make sure she felt as much part of the big day even 2 months later. Also, with living in Mass, you need to have things indoors at this time of year.. so formal is what it was.

 

Do you have any ideas or thoughts beyond wanting one yet??

[Soon2beWed09]

I thought about a BBQ or informal reception with dancing and Buffet style which will be catered by family members. Do I need to make a schedule of events for the recption and the weekend? I'm getting married in July and I'm from Atlanta, so the weather will be nice in August and Sept. Show I hire a coordnator?

[misskaytee]

I was thinking of doing my AHR similar to a wedding reception but on a sunday afternoon (perhaps around noon and serving a brunch). This way any venue or services will probably be at a discount price, and I can still have a semi-formal way of celebrating my wedding back home. How soon are AHR normally held? I'm getting married July 3rd 2010 and I was thinking of having the AHR on the 31st...?

 

Also- what does the bride wear? the wedding dress?

[2bebridejamaica]

That sounds perfect then for you. I noticed after I posted you are in Atlanta. I wouldn't worry about anything then... no need to hire someone if you are going casual... it's a time to have fun and be relaxed. It will be a big ole party day. I would make a fun invite and make it a casual one but depending if you are going to have overnighters block a group of rooms at a local hotel for the just incase and add a note that you have rooms available.

 

 

 

Kaytee - Our AHR was from 1 to 6pm on a Saturday due to the fact the weather can just be horrible or fine and then change it's mind in an instant. By having something during the day in January for us worked out because if we had some snow people would still drive because its the daytime and not night where alot of people won't want to be on the roads when its bad out. And yes, during the day on an off day can be alot cheaper... good idea with the brunch style. I think your timing for your AHR is totally up to you. You can do it at the end of the month or you can wait a few. I know some that have done it as soon as they got back and others waiting 3 plus months. All depends on your preference on that.

 

Oh I wore my dress and everyone that came to Jamaica was dressed exactly the same. Since we were continuing it why not wear it again. And it's because I really wanted to wear my dress again...LOL how many times can you really do that.

[Soon2beWed09]

Thanks for answering my questions..one more did u hire a videographer at ur AHR?

[2bebridejamaica]

Actually, we did not. We had one for Jamaica and replayed it on a loop during the AHR for people to go over and watch if they wanted. But honestly, I think having photos from that day was enough for me. No need for the added expense. I also bought cameras for the tables so I would have more than enough pics to go through.

[Kristy!]

We're having a pig roast for ours. We renting a pavilion at a state park and doing everything BBQ-style. We're getting it catered and having a family friend take some pictures. We just want everything to be very casual and fun. The only bad part is that we have to have 8 days after we return from our honeymoon. Yikes!

[Soon2beWed09]

Well now he don't want to have a AHR, but I do...So what do I do? I really want our family and friends to celebrate with us...

[2bebridejamaica]

Well I guess it all depends on how much you really want one and for what reasons and let him know that. Jay didn't want one either at first ... but once he thought about Nana and Grampy ... he was all for it because he knew how much it ment for the older people and his handicapped aunt who was horribly upset that she would not make it to Jamaica. In what I am saying .. yes and AHR is all about you ... but I think I feel more that it's for everyone else you want at it. People that would not be able to come and such and making things seem special and enjoying the day over again with pictures, video, and just talking with the people that made it down. Just my 2 cents...