Advice for Planning a Reception?!
I just got married in AZ (I reside there) but my family and good friends are in CA. I need to plan a reception for 60 people in CA, but I'm not going to be able to go back to CA until next March where I'd like to hold my reception.
I have the guest lists confirmed, but now I am at lost what to do.
Am I required to entertain my guests at the reception, or can it just be a luncheon party w/ just people having fun and chatting w/ good food?
And which would be cheaper? Paying for a place for the reception along w/ a hired caterer, or just contact a restaurant and have them reserve 60 seats w/ a special menu?
This is my first time ever planning anything like this so any advice would be appreciated.
Thank in advance!
Answers:
First of all, congratulations on your marriage :D!
And yes, you can most definitely host a wedding reception after the fact--deciding where to have it is your first task. Either way you want to go is fine: a restaurant's private room (for example) with their choice of menu and seeing if you can have a DJ to add to the festivities...OR calling around to places where a caterer has to come in (like a hall or something). Generally, the restaurants that provide fine dining are nice places to go (we did that for our daughter) and their menu selections were astonishing! Find one that has the "smaller" room to accommodate you---these places are used to hosting grad parties, retirement parties, etc so they'd have a good plan in place. (Can you ask for recommendations from someone? Or search the web for locations advertising in that area...then call them for explicit details as a deposit will no doubt be required).
An afternoon luncheon (where you clear out by 5pm or so) would be fine---this way if any guests have to travel, they can return home safely without it being too late. Pick a place that has nice decor so that any "decorations" on your part are minimal. Have someone DJ for you with a playlist so there is always background music playing and you can get up to dance a bit together in the celebration. As far as entertaining your guests....making the rounds is all that's required and giving them your wedding favor.
You'll want a table set up to hold a cake...and a guest book, and wedding favors for the guests...and inquire about a punch to serve (and have a CASH BAR as opposed to OPEN BAR--guests buy their own booze at a cash bar). Ask if they have color choices for napkins to use and if they have centerpieces for tables--or do you want to create your own?
Inquire about the cost of providing a champagne toast.
Ask about having a chocolate fountain (although they charge an arm and a leg!)...but see if you can provide your own--but then someone would have to be responsible to get all the supplies, make sure it's heated and ready to go, etc. Also, many places don't allow anything "homemade" to be brought in to eat--cakes have to come from bakeries...and you need only get a small cake to share. (They don't want any food poisoning issues).
Also: don't forget, even though this is after the fact...if there is someone special that you want to acknowledge at your reception....remember to get them a corsage to wear! Flowers speak the language of love...and they will be touched more than you know ;).
However you do it...don't worry...everyone will just be thrilled to see you back visiting with all of them...so just do what you can, no matter how minimal.
I agree with the other poster. Having a "reception" that far after the wedding should not be called a reception. I really would not go overboard with caterers or a restaurant..that is not going to be cheap.
Considering that it will be 6 months after the wedding
I would try to arrange a more casual setting at your family or friends home, like a barbeque and hire a karaoke DJ
And considering the delay I would also put no gifts please on the invitation