How to split reception into two parts?

trshly

I am hoping to have my wedding in three different parts of the same venue.
The ceremony will take place in a small meadow, and the reception would take place in between some large redwoods as well as in the venues' clubhouse.

All three locations are very close to eachother, but is it asking too much of my guests to get comfortable three times? If not, how can I transition the cocktail/dinner portion of my reception (in the redwoods) to the dancing/partying portion (in the clubhouse)?

I have a few reasons for wanting it to work this way: 1) there are picnic tables available in the redwoods which would eliminate the cost of tables needed to dine in the clubhouse, 2) chairs can be moved from the ceremony to the clubhouse while everyone is eating (for those who don't want to dance or stand all night), and 3) there would not be enough room to comfortably seat everyone in the clubhouse for dinner and still have room to dance and mingle.



Would it be best to move everybody indoors just after the meal, and use the clubhouse for dancing, drinking, and dessert?

Or should I have dinner and dessert outside and then move indoors for the 'after-party' so to speak?

Any other suggestons?

saric83

If you're having anyone who is going to give a speech or toast, have it towards the end of dinner and ask them to announce that you'll be moving into the clubhouse following dinner.  You could also print up that information on your ceremony programs. 

christin228

I love this idea, and I've seen it done a few times really smoothly. These were indoor places, but the same idea. I would do the dinner in one place, then dancing, drinks and dessert in the clubhouse, and have the dessert set up at a table rather than having it served to the guests, and have a coffee station as well. I would put a mini schedule somewhere on the program if you are making one, just saying 6pm - 7pm Dinner near the Redwoods 7pm - 10pm Dancing, Drinks and Dessert in the clubhouse You could also make some signs directing people to those areas, and maybe even put the times on the signs as well.

trshly

Thanks guys! Signs are a great idea, and I hadn't even thought of the programs yet. I will definently do both.

Most of our guests are younger so I don't think they will mind the non-traditional dessert serving, but I will be sure to have plenty of seating for those who would like it.