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Suggestions for a reception at home following a destination wedding?

simeonsandsimeonsand
in Minnesota-Minneapolis and St. Paul
My fiance and I are getting married in Jamaica in August.  Just the two of us.  We would like to hold a small reception within a few weeks of our return..50-100 guests.  But I have no idea where to start. Do I plan it as I would a traditional reception? Do I wear my wedding dress and have a first dance and a dollar dance, etc. I don't want it to be too formal, but I'm also not looking for anything too casual. Any ideas or suggestions?
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Re: Suggestions for a reception at home following a destination wedding?

  • kkaew816kkaew816 member
    Eighth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would suggest not wearing your wedding dress, but still something special, other than that I think you could make it however you want it...in my opinion at least! There is a destination wedding board under "Wedding Theme Boards" I'm sure they would have other ideas too!
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  • Liberty27Liberty27
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Don't wear your wedding dress, but something special, like the pp said.  I also would shy away from doing things like a dollar dance, or any bridal showers, at least with people who aren't invited to the actual wedding.  I think you would be better off aiming for something that is more on the less-formal side, because an at home reception is more of a party/celebration rather than an actual wedding reception (Bride and groom recieveing guests for the first time as husband and wife and thanking them for attending their wedding).  A great idea would to be to pick a resturant and have a party/celebration and dinner.

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  • MesmrEweMesmrEwe member
    Knottie Warrior 2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    edited December 2011
    I'd say go for it if you want to wear your dress at the reception when you get back!!!  It's up to you for what you want to do.  My parents went to a party similar to what you're describing (the couple's DW was in Vegas) and that's one thing they noticed is that the bride (who we're family friends with) really didn't wear something that stood out.  It was a nice simple dress, but it wasn't real (formal isn't the word I'm looking for here, but the dress didn't stand out as "I'm the bride" or really special day dressy)... 

    Instead of doing it at home, check out a community center or local park shelter (or if you/your family's church has a gathering hall) house for the reception given the size.  It's doable for an at-home thing but just be considerate of your neighbors and the parking situation around you along with the noise level.  The joy of your reception after a DW is you can do it how you want when you get back, it doesn't have to be as formal as a full shabang event, but you also don't have to miss out on the important elements of why you're inviting everyone to the reception to celebrate your wedding either.  Have the event YOU TWO want. 
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  • MoriaMNMoriaMN
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hey Simeonsand:

    I'd love to hear what you come up with for location ideas. We had originally thought of just having an "open house" type of event when we got back from Florida, but now I'm hearing more and more that people want something a little more than that. I obviously want to spend an arm and a leg on a full reception at home, but something in the middle might be nice. Check out the DW board. LOTS of great gals on there too.
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  • LittleSweetieLittleSweetie member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    strength did something similar - DW, then AHR at a bar.  She did wear her wedding dress - why not?! - then changed into something more casual for the dance/party/danceparty.  I say do what feels right for you.  It could be a traditional wedding reception or a simple get together at a bar/restaurant in a reserved space.  You can really make it what you want!

    Solera or Palomino would be a fun venues with ample private space, to name a few.  There are many other offbeat reception/party spots to choose from!
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  • kristigileskristigiles member
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would say definitely wear your dress!  I've been to a few of those and that is what the brides have always done
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