Casual wedding reception at the end of summer. Any ideas?!
Casual wedding reception at the end of summer. Any ideas?
So my fiance and I are getting married in Vegas July 8th. We are having our wedding reception on Sept. 8th outside under a pavillion at a big park. We've decided it will be casual and kinda like an end of summer get together in celebration of our marriage. Food will be hamburgers and hot dogs with stuff to go along with it. I am thinking of getting a DJ and finding a way to play the DVD of our wedding. Other than that, anyone have any ideas they can throw at me in regards to decorations, other things to do etc?
I am trying to get my guy to wear a suit at least for the first hour and then change afterward so that we can do our first dance (and etc.) all dressed up. I know I would like to wear my dress again. Is this a good idea? Will the two ideas clash? HELP!!!
Answers:
My husband and I did something similar when we married -- 15 years ago. We had a very small ceremony at a place that meant a lot to us, and then we gathered our friends and family a couple of months later for a casual BBQ. To this day, people tell me that it was the most fun they ever had at a wedding reception.
We sent out invitations explaining to everyone that the event was casual so they would know what to wear. I wore my dress, which was not terribly formal anyway (but very pretty) and my husband wore "resort casual" clothes (Dockers and a short sleeved button down shirt). So we each got to dress how we wanted and not look too terribly out of place.
We rented a community hall with a big field behind it. We decorated the hall with lots of balloons and centerpieces made with daisies. Family made the food and the cake and it was delicious. We had a DJ and lots of dancing. We set up a volley ball net, horse shoes, and other lawn games outside and everyone just had a great time.
Congratulations! Wishing you many happy years together!
I uderstand you want to wear your dress again so I say go for it. If he will not then just do it casual and have fun! Have beach balls all over so you guys can throw them around I would also suggest getting some disposable cameras and setting them out anad letting your gets take pictures and then you get the cameras it makes it fun! You could also play the money dance it is fun and it give you extra money in case you don't know what it is you and your husband stand there and people get to dance with you they have to pay 1.00 to dance with you and you dance for like 30 seconds when we did mine we actually made it a compention to see who would win me or my husband and that was really fun.
Hi and Congratulations!!
I too am getting married in July (the 31st). My fiance and I are facing a similar dilemma as we are getting married in Grand Cayman & having a party later here in NJ.
I have read so many message boards and etiquette books re: the whole dressing up thing, and this is what my theory is:
Do what YOU want. Whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy is they key. If you want to wear your dress again, please do. Ask your groom for 1 hour and then let him (and yourself) get into some comfy party clothes.
I think so far your ideas (playing the dvd, etc.) are great.
Is your reception also in Vegas or elsewhere? If it IS in Vegas then maybe just try to make it nice. Get some artificial flowers, vines, etc. from your local craft store. Not only will they last better in the heat, but they will be less harsh on your wallet. Use those to decorate the pavilion. If it's NOT in Vegas then maybe try echoing the whole Vegas wedding theme by using some multi colored light strands, some stuffed dice, poker chips etc.
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Anyway hope I helped a little....good luck and relax, it's a party!!!
I think this is a great idea. Sounds like you have it all set. BBQ gatherings are so fun. I love to throw parties. Not sure of your budget but here are some things I like to make for this style of a party.
~Veggie tray.
~Strawberry, pineapple and mango tray with strawberry cream cheese dip.
~Fruit Ka-Bobs: strawberries, marshmellows, grapes,pineapple, kiwi, melon
~Pinwheels:
large tortillas, creamcheese,turkey,roasted bell peppers& avocado....spread the creamcheese,lay out all fillings, roll it up and slice into pinwheels.
Congratulations.....hope this helps. Or go to foodnetwork.com
I say do what you want to. It's your party. Hey I love that Vegas Theme. Plus your ideas are great! Have the Dollar dance too. That's fun!
I think that since you are getting married in Vegas, your reception in September should have a Vegas theme so that those people can feel like they were apart of your wedding and so that it ties in well.