Early ceremony/brunch reception ( separate locations)

It seems you might, if possible, have some finger foods and drinks at the ceremony site while some people go off to the reception site to set things up. Hopefully friends would do the setup of the reception so the newlyweds could visit with guests right after.

It may make sense that people go on their own for lunch. Another possibility is a middle place to gather while the setup of the reception occurs -- maybe near the reception venue.

It would take a crew of 4 to 6, minimal, an hour to 1.5 hours to set up the reception. (These should be friends happy to do this, not forced to. no?) So the reception would more officially start at 2pm. Maybe if guests got there early, some would be willing to help -- if they understand you are doing this on the barebones budget.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! This makes sense to start at 2pm and see if I could get a few friends/family involved.

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Maybe. but not the parents. It should be guys who are glad for the wedding but are not in the forefront. I was going to say to have friends of friends (cheaply paid) help, but that becomes too uncertain of their willingness to help.

View Quoted Comment I definitely understand that! I have a few co- workers I’ve gotten close with outside of work, who are excited about the wedding- should I ask them? They are invited to the wedding btw

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It is a bit early to be inviting specific people. It is hard to know enough details about the guest count and guest list. Things can change quite a bit in the next 10-11 months.

Let some other people chime in on this topic (maybe more after the weekend). They may have a different opinion.

View Quoted Comment Ok! Thank you!

Hi Dreia Congratulations to you both and did you think about asking some of your fellow college students if they could play at your reception begin tho you want to save money and photographers for extra exposure for them and don't come with a hefty price. It's that going to be alot for you guys to be doing on your wedding day is there anyone that do a favor and setup for you. But I do understand and just enjoy your day with family and yummy brunch food. And try get some music for your first dance

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I didn’t think about asking anyone to play at the reception, that’s a great idea! We were gonna just rent a sound system and use Spotify. I do have a few peers possibly picked out for the photography ( the highest price quoted was $300 for 3 hours, just still deciding). Me and my FH aren’t the most social people- so our circle kinda of ends with family, co-workers and a few peers. I just don’t want to ask anyone I personally know to set the reception up unless I invite them- just feels rude to me.

It's best to avoid too long of a gap, and whatever gap there is should be "hosted" (with food and drinks). Is it possible to set up the reception space before the ceremony then go right into the reception after? That would make the reception time immediately to follow. While photos are being done you could host tea/coffee and light snacks at the reception space.

I get the DIY and cost for sure, but it would be best to pay someone to set it up. They could even be doing that during your ceremony? That would avoid having your guests be responsible for anything since they're your guests.

ETA: Monique has some excellent suggestions!

View Quoted Comment I do understand I hope that everything works out and you to have a beautiful wedding day

View Quoted Comment It might be possible to set it up before hand. Would it be ethical to possibly find someone on thumbtack or an odd job site to set it up ( paid of course). Plus the space we’re renting for the reception is pretty cheap (600 for 6hrs) - we could also buy more time so set up can be done before the ceremony. I’m not have any crazy decor- mainly just cute centers pieces.

View Quoted Comment Thank you 😊

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Totally ethical yep! I would prepare a drawing or photos of how you want things done. That sounds like a great idea. You got a great price on the venue, well done!

There are various cost saving options that you will find around here. One person was asking about a blue-tooth speaker to use with a cell phone. This might cost $300 but you also get to keep it after the reception. Then someone mentioned finding a musician who is a student. The same with the photographer, but you might want to get inspiration pictures to make sure that student photograph got some of the poses or settings that you might desire.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I’ll definitely take it all into consideration! As you mentioned a lot can change in 10-11 months, so I don’t want to rush things if I can help it!

View Quoted Comment Thank you 😊

That time of day I agree with someone that recently said you don’t want that big of a gap in time. Because of how early the ceremony starts many people will attend without having had breakfast for the day yet so they’ll be looking for food or snacks shortly after the ceremony. If you give guest too much time to wander people will go eat a full lunch and probably retreat back home. I understand your budget constraints but but you’ll probably have better results with a consistent timeframe as possible. I think playing music and a few finger foods while the seating area is set up is a good option to not loose any guests in the shuffle. Even if it’s simply meat & cheese trays and fruit from Walmart. Or yes like a few others mentioned someone taking pics or something. Anything to keep people in the reception space and prevent driving to numerous locations at 12 in the afternoon. Congratulations and good luck

View Quoted Comment Thank you 😊! Yes I honestly didn’t think about that either when someone previously mentioned it but I definitely want to try and put myself in the guest shoes.

View Quoted Comment Ask your venue if you can decorate the night before, and try to hire staff (Thumbtack) to warm up the food in the chafing dishes. Idk why a poster would suggest your guests have lunch elsewhere since yours is a brunch reception. 12:45pm finger food "cocktail hour" is suitable while you take pics and finalize set up. Good luck.

View Quoted Comment Thank you 😊