Can your reception theme be different from that of the ceremony?

Arinai

I was wondering, and this is purely hypothetical until such a point as my bf proposes , if you can have a wedding that has a different theme for both the ceremony and the reception?

My dream wedding consists of having a very traditional ceremony (traditional dress, hunter green and ivory for colors, tuxedos- you get the idea). However, I would like to have a reception that's based off of the 1950's big band era. It would be much more relaxed I think, after the traditional ceremony. That would include me and the potential groom changing into clothes more suitable for swing dance, and lots of fast paced 50's jazz music.

So, is this a wierd idea that would be frowned upon (having two drastically different themes), or something that would be viewed as a potentially good idea? I've done much google searching and it doesn't seem very common to do something like this (I couldn't find anything about it. I could only find stuff on mixed-culture weddings). Thoughts?

Mrs.B6302007

There's no right or wrong for styles or themes.  As long as your guests are properly hosted, you can have any level of formality you want.   Your reception idea sounds like fun!

Are you thinking there will be a proposal soon?  =-)  GL!

matcha

I am doing something very very very similar. Very classic ceremony, but since my FI and I are swing dancers, we are switching into dance clothes and rocking out for the dancing portion! We are staying in our formal clothes until after the cake cutting, speechers, first dance, etc. Then, at the very last minute, dancing clothes.

Just be aware that it would be hard to get your guests to dress one way and then change for the dancing. We are having a more casual feel to the whole day so that they can boogie down later.

harpsdesire

Only problem I forsee is that guests will have to dress either formal or casual.  It would be unrealistic and a logistical nightmare to have 100 people packing in a second outfit and changing in the bathrooms during your cocktail hour.

If you're comfortable with sending out more causual invitations and seeing your guests dressed more festive than formal for the ceremony, you can still have an elegant formal start to the wedding and then change yourself, just not expect everyone to do it.

ElisabethJoanne

If you do this, your marriage will be invalid and you will be a meretrix. You're probably not even mature enough to be dating if you have ideas like this.

just kidding, of course

Most of the wedding ceremonies I attend are in a form 500+ years old. Some are even in Latin. The receptions have whatever themes the couples come up with, or *gasp* no themes, just decorations, food, drink, and dancing. They are _lovely_ weddings. Guests and the couples are very happy to be there.

Elizabeth80

Go for it!! Its a great idea and you may start a trend!!