How many are having a reception Dinner Back Home??

AshleyL · August 11, 2010

I'm having an AHR but not a full dinner. More of a dance with snacks and drinks. We are going away partly to save costs so I don't want to come home and blow $80 a head on a meal. We kept the DW for our closest friends and family so the AHR will include everyone.

Monique · August 12, 2010

We're doing a casual reception when we get home...more like a back yard BBQ for our family and friends that couldn't attend and some who will be surprised to learn that we had a DW...it's totally optional. I don't think there's anywhere that says you have too. But we decided we would, no pressure, easy breezy reception and the main goal is "Having a Good Time"! So do whatever you want when you want!

AnnCam2011 · August 14, 2010

We are going to have a very simple reception when we get back. We are going to rent a pavillion at a local park ($400 for the day) that includes outdoor game equipment, paddle boats, lawn games, etc. and are just going to do BBQ pig roast and get a keg! It's our goal to keep the cost under $1500 for everything and make it an all day thing. That way people can come and go as they please, if they can only come for a short time, no big deal. It is going to annoy my FMI that it is going to be so simple - she wanted to call and book the country club for a big extravagant party, which is NOT our style (hello, DW to begin with to avoid that!). She doesn't know that we are going to do a picnic-y reception - it might be entertaining to watch her reaction to the idea!

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We decided to do a reception like this at home since there are so many people that we simply can not invite to the wedding due to cost. I come from a large extended family and there is no way we can keep our guest list at the right number just with my family alone. This will also give an opportunity for out of town people to come for the weekend and relax and enjoy eachother's company.

ambularose · August 15, 2010

We are having a small barbeque style party a month or so after we get home. That way we can basically show off our pictures:) But I don't think it's impolite to not have an AHR. They are invited, just can't make it...

DWBride615 · August 15, 2010

We're throwing two At Home Receptions. Most of my family lives in the USA and FI's family lives in England; so we're having one in each location for each family. The AHRs will be pretty big and kind of the same as our wedding reception, only with everyone(those who couldn't make it to the DW and those that did).

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We're just having them because we want/chose to, but it is NOT rude if you don't have an AHR. It's completely up to the wedding couple on how they want their wedding celebrated, not anyone else.

clgriffi7 · August 15, 2010

We are going to do an At Home Party - we will rent out a private space at a local bar and have a prepaid tab, cupcake tower, ipod music through the sound system, hors d'oeuvres, and a slideshow. We want to celebrate with people but there is no reason for a formal reception and the cost associated with it. It is not rude to skip the AHR - it is actually rude to tell a bride and groom how to celebrate their union. Do what you want and let them say whatever they will....

slyn · August 22, 2010

If you are swayed to do an AHR make sure when you go to banquet halls you tell them it's a party(b-day, retirement, anniversary, etc) that way you may be able to get a better and cheaper deal! We booked under anniversary (it will be our 1 week ann!) and were able to save $1,000.

Amanda+Dave · August 22, 2010

We are having sort of AHR, but it will be low key.

We are having a DW for the same reason, to save money, so we want the AHR to be as cost effective as possible.

We are thinking of a Friday night (when halls are cheaper) cocktail party with an open bar and apps.

L&J · August 22, 2010

We are having an "wedding celebration" brunch a few weeks before our wedding. We have a private room at a restaurant and will serve 3 courses, unlimited mimosas and a bloody mary bar. I found doing a brunch was a lot less expensive than a dinner or cocktail party.

dania · September 20, 2010

Originally Posted by vcwedding2011

ok, will the lady be paying yhe bill. I won't be having a dinner back home because evyone who really, really matters will be there to share my special moment.

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It's a personal choice, not a requirement.