Ceremony with no reception?????

lnrhack

My fiance and I have recently took pay cuts at work which put a halt to the wedding/reception planned.  Now we are at a point where we don't know what to do.  Is it acceptable to have a wedding without the reception with dinner ect... We just cannot afford to do it. The bridesmaid's already have their dresses and we still want our friends and family to share our wedding day with us.  WHAT DO I DO??? Any suggestions????

belle19dV

Have you booked any venues yet?  If not, the SEM Villa Chapel is really cheap so you'd have something available (hopefully) to have a small gathering afterwards - maybe in a park or someplace free? 

caseyandlizzie

Traditionally the reception is your way of thanking your guests for attending. Is there any way that you can just do a cake a punch reception afterwards at someones house?  There really is no need to go all out, but even just a little gathering would be appreciated by those attending.

newsgrl39

I do think you need to have a reception of some sorts. I would either have a cake and punch reception or limit your guest list to a number you can afford. Sunday and friday weddings are usually fairly cheaper than a traditional Saturday wedding. 

 I would just definitely consider other options for a reception before I would not have one at all. 

jollygreen

Well, the first thing I'll say is that this is your wedding, so you can do what you want.

One idea I've seen is to have a mid-afternoon wedding followed immediately by a dessert reception. 
http://apracticalwedding.com/2010/04/self-catering-your-wedding-the-dessert-reception/

You can also do a cocktail reception.
http://apracticalwedding.com/2010/04/self-catered-wedding-cocktail/

Those two links are about self-catered receptions, but certainly you can find affordable options around town for either of these two ideas and it won't require a full sit down dinner.

belle19dV

I don't know what your budget is, but here's a Knot article (sorry I didn't include it in my previous post) that details inexpensive ideas. 

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/cheap-wedding-in-cincinnati-ohio.aspx 

marinabreeze

I agree with PPs.  I think you do need to have something after the ceremony to thank your guests for coming.  It doesn't have to be big. 

Like it was said above, a cake and punch reception is fine.  Or if you rent out one of Cincinnati's community centers (the price is $40-50 an hour if I remember correctly) and self-cater food from Sam's Club or Costco, that might be an option.  Having everything during the day will also mean that people will expect lighter food, which will help save a lot.  Good luck in planning :-).

tasharocks

yes it's your wedding, but that's no excuse to be rude. you should treat your guests well since they are your dear friends, right?

the reception is the way you thank your guests for attending the wedding ceremony. at least offer cake and punch, or any of the other suggestions you've been given.

belle19dV

Also, you might consider a mid-day ceremony w/ a light lunch afterwards.  That would certainly cut down on your alcohol bill - your guests won't expect to drink heavily in the early afternoon like they would at night. 

lnrhack

Yes the venue has been booked.  Has been for a while now.  This was a new development at work completly unexpected.  The only problem with our venue is if we do a Saturday wedding we have a minimum of 150 guests at $22.00 a person,and that really add's up.  I am thinking we are going to switch to like some of you suggested an afternoon wedding with punch,finger foods and cake.  Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  I was not trying to be RUDE or tacky just seeing what other options was available.