My fiance and I want a formal ceremony with a big white dress, tuxes, long BM dresses, ect... But we want a relaxed reception too. Is it possible to be elegant with centerpieces and everything but still make it relaxed?
We're thinking evening wedding ceremony in a small church by my fiances house. The guest list is only family and close friends, 85 people total. The bridesmaid dresses would be long chiffon so it'd make it less formal than silk. Afterwards we'd drive the street to his house and have an outdoors reception and we'd have lighting of some sort for when it gets dark. But have it dessert and hors d'oeuvres only and no seating assignments, and just have a good time and dance the night away.
Does having a formal elegant ceremony and a backyard evening reception work?