Oh My Goodness! FI now wants an AHR

FSForever

In Jan. when we decided to change our date it was decided that by the time we return from our HM the holidays would be near and the weather would be bad so we nixed the idea of an AHR. I have to say I was a little dissapointed but FI has more friends than I do and I knew that I would have a ladies day and share everything with those friends that didn't come to the wedding. Well he tells me today that a bunch of friends and coworkers are asking how the AHR planning is going and when we were thinking of having it? UGH he didn't tell them and now he tells me that maybe we need to have one. My Mother has a good size house, 3600 sq feet and she offered it up last year but parking would be a huge problem and I am not sure I want 60 to 70 people at my Moms. Also most of these guys are law enforcement and although they are very respectful they can get rowdy. Can those of you that had an informal AHR share some of your ideas? 

kimmykupcakes

Our AHR is at our house. We are just serving apps, drinks and cupcakes. If you can't do it at your house or your mom's, what about a favorite hang out. Or BBQ at a park? It doesn't have to be all out.

FSForever

Kimmy, thats what I'm thinking, but I think he is going to want to rent some place. I would rather spend the money on feeding them than a venue. BBQ in a park is a hit and miss for November. Usually the weather is back to the high 40s low 50s by then. Our favorite Pool Hall/Pub is really far for most of these friends. Especially if they have been drinking. I am going to sway him to just have it at home. 

ricasunga

You can do it at a restaurant.  There are no rental fees and you just have to worry about the food and beverage minimum.  Some restaurants have private rooms, that's what I'm doing.  Or you can do a buy out for the whole restaurant for the night.  It all depends on your budget.  And I'm sure you can find the right one for yours.

lorena224

We are having ours later today at my parent's house. They have a bigger yard and only live about 15 minutes from us so it works out well. We wanted it to have a casual feel so it was easy to decide to have a home party. And like you I would rather spend the money on food and drinks. We still kept our guest list small (no more than 50) . We are serving Mexican food for apps (since it is Cinco de Drinko), having a Hawaiian food buffet for dinner (we got a ton of food for about $300), bought a couple of different cakes at Costco for dessert and seving beer (Mexican & Hawaiian), margaritas, lava flows, and a pineapple & cranberry punch. 

Have you thougth of having a party before you leave so the weather is a little better? I went to a brunch party for a couple who was eloping the following week and it was fun and exciting celebrating with them before it actually happened.

lorena224

Oh, and we planned and ordered everything in about a week's time (we just got back from Hawaii less than 2 weeks ago) so don't stress yourself out over it! 

FSForever

Lorena, Here's to yours going well tonight.!

I thought about having one in Sept. before the weather changes but everyone really wants to hear about our trip and see pictures, so we have agreed to have it at home a few weeks after we get back. We also agreed that we are going to pick up a bunch of luau/tiki items as they go on sale at the end of the summer and even if the weather is bad still stick to that theme. 

kimmykupcakes

You should look into renting out a community center, Elks lodge, Eagles lodge, etc. They can be pretty cheap to rent out. And the lodges are all very welcome with big celebrations.

sharkbitemiller

I just had my AHR and kept it pretty simple....for the most part. We rented a hall at the marina, where we were able to bring in our own food/drink and decorated it ourselves. I bought most of the decorations here on The Knot. The original confirmed guest list was 130 but we ended up with 100. Since it was on Cindo de Mayo, I stuck with the Mexican theme in terms of food...taco man, maragarita machine and cold beer on tap. For the desert, I hired a local cupcake lady who works out of her home and had her make 5 different flavors of cupcakes and a small cake for the topper to cut into. The party favors I did myself, along with the cupcake tower. I did not have a photographer for the AHR since I knew everyone would have their own cameras. I did, however, wear my wedding outfit along with the man, the MOH and BM. Overall, I think the AHR costs us a total of $3500 ($2000 of it was for the hall).

reneeohau

Ok I am going to agree with your MOm. A at home reception is awesome. Would you spend money on a coordinator and food? My wedding coordinator is so amazing! She has great food vendors and she can make your Mom's place look like a palace. She is just starting out in Oahu but has been doing this for a lifetime. I am sure she can give you a very reasonable price and she can contain everyone to make sure they don't get out of control and help you with food and beverage so you won't have to wrry about a thing. I am trying to promote her to people because she is so awesome!!!!!! www.zenjuweddingsnevents.com Don't stress it will be all good trust me:) Congrats btw...