Formal Ceremony, Casual Reception??

jenred813

Hi all, I am just wondering for any input on what to do for the ceremony and reception. My FI and I want a big formal church wedding but also wanta kind of casual reception.. just wondering if this would be wierd?.. Our big day will be on a sunday so we were thinking the ceremony around noonish and then reception right after with light food? or would heavy food be fine? We are also thinking, at the reception, having some outdoor games hopefully if it is nice out, but i think it would be odd to be playing bean bag toss in dress shoes.... lol. Also if we do have our reception kind of casual would it be fine to not do a DJ since it will be in the afternoon and maybe just some calm background music on an i-pod or something? Thank you so much for your help in advance!

mcda04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_formal-ceremony-casual-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:4278c075-17dc-445d-a52d-fe2d5adef370Post:72d872d8-07c4-43be-8065-26655b9d01e2">Formal Ceremony, Casual Reception??</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi all, I am just wondering for any input on what to do for the ceremony and reception. My FI and I want a big formal church wedding but also wanta kind of casual reception.. just wondering if this would be wierd?.. Our big day will be on a sunday so we were thinking the ceremony around noonish and then reception right after with light food? or would heavy food be fine? We are also thinking, at the reception, having some outdoor games hopefully if it is nice out, but i think it would be odd to be playing bean bag toss in dress shoes.... lol. Also if we do have our reception kind of casual would it be fine to not do a DJ since it will be in the afternoon and maybe just some calm background music on an i-pod or something? Thank you so much for your help in advance!
Posted by jenred813[/QUOTE]

You are planning on inviting everyone attending the ceremony to the reception correct?

I don't see anything wrong with having a casual reception with games and food. I've seen a few posts on here where brides don't hire professional DJ's, so maybe you can just setup an IPOD with speakers.

About the food, if your party goes into the late evening, i think dinner is required. with all the activities going on, i would also do heavier appz.

loca4pook

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_formal-ceremony-casual-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:4278c075-17dc-445d-a52d-fe2d5adef370Post:72d872d8-07c4-43be-8065-26655b9d01e2">Formal Ceremony, Casual Reception??</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi all, I am just wondering for any input on what to do for the ceremony and reception. My <strong>FI and I want a big formal church wedding but also wanta kind of casual reception</strong>.. just wondering if this would be wierd?.. Our big day will be on a sunday so we were thinking the ceremony <strong>around noonish</strong> and then reception right after with light food? or would heavy food be fine? We are also thinking, at the reception, having some outdoor games hopefully if it is nice out, but i think it would be odd to be playing bean bag toss in dress shoes.... lol. Also if we do have our reception kind of casual would it be fine to not do a DJ since it will be in the afternoon and maybe just some calm background music on an i-pod or something? Thank you so much for your help in advance!
Posted by jenred813[/QUOTE]

did you check this out with the church? I know certain churches won't have wedding services at that time of day because of their regular services.

Also, if you start your ceremony at noon, you probably need a meal since they will be skipping lunch, most likely

No DJ is fine,but keep in mind, your reception might last a shorter length of time if there is no dancing involved.

crumbcake82

I would suggest that if you use an IPod for music, you'll need to test the sound quality for the size of your venue, and really get your music list in order so that no one's messing with it too much during the reception. Also, make sure to let your guests know that there will be games or walking aroud outside so that they're not tripping around in their high heels. 

I went to a wedding that had the big, very formal Catholic Church wedding and then a light afternoon reception at a barn.  The bride and groom played badminton, which was very fun to watch and they had some fun photos out of it.  It was very informal, but because there wasn't much dancing or entertainment going on it didn't last very long.