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Reception Dilemma

jaj249jaj249
in Destination Weddings Discussions
I'm getting married in Las Vegas in three weeks and did not invite anyone to the wedding except immediate family.  Since announcing our wedding plans a couple months ago, we've had friends and family ask if they can come.  I didn't want to say no because I appreciate the fact that they want to be there and be involved but I also know that it's considered a bit of a vacation for many of them since we live out of state.  We are now expecting 25 people to attend, possibly more since a few live close to Vegas and may decide to show up; they haven't given definitive answers.  My dilemma is that I wasn't planning on having (or paying for) a reception, but now I've had to plan something.  The ceremony is early in the afternoon so our plan is just to go for drinks and appetizers afterwards.  My fiance wants everyone to pay for their own drinks but I think that looks tacky and cheap, although food, drinks and gratuity can easily add up to $1000 or more.  We just wanted something very laid-back and informal, which is why we planned a Vegas wedding but by being laid-back and informal, we've created a bit of a mess.  I know our friends and family aren't expecting anything elaborate but I also don't want to look ungrateful for the fact that they are traveling to attend.   I'd love to hear other people's opinions and thoughts on what we should be providing.  Thanks!
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Re: Reception Dilemma

  • msuprincess04msuprincess04 member
    Knottie Warrior 500 Love Its 1000 Comments First Answer
    I'm not planning a Vegas wedding, so I can't really help specifically. I guess there are two ways of looking at it. One, you could just consider it an open ended invitation, like posting it in a church bulletin and not have to host your guests who were not formally invited. However, if people ask if they can come, and you said yes, then you are, effectively, inviting them. So they need to get formal invitations. 

    Why not just host a punch and cake reception immediately following the reception? Then you can go out with who ever wants to afterwards. Maybe you can get a room at the hotel you are staying in for an hour or so, or maybe see if where you are getting married would have any kind of small reception area you could use.  Anywhere else, I'd suggest using a local park or public space. Or, maybe call a few local restaurants (not on the strip) and see if they have a space you can rent for an alcohol free event for 2 hours or so. When you add alcohol the price adds up quickly, so that'd be the easiest way to keep costs low. This does not mean you should host a cash-bar reception.  
    "There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness." -Friedrich Nietzsche, "On Reading and Writing"
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    500 Comments Second Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
     I think that as long as you make it clear what you plan to do as early as possible everyone can take that in to account when deciding to attend. It might seem a little strange to not host any alcohol seeing as it is Vegas (maybe it is just my group of friends that drink like crazy people whenever they are out there?) but if everyone knows what is being hosted they can always swing by a bar on the way if they absolutely need a drink. 


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