Hey all! As many of you know, my honey and I are tying the knot this spring and I'm looking for insights and ideas-- your experiences at receptions or weddings.

What were the best things you remember from your own ceremony or reception and how about others? Was there anything that someone did at their reception that made it especially fun/romantic/memorable to you as a guest?

What sort of things made it memorable in a bad way or at least something you'd not like to do or experience too often! Like did you have to sit at the kiddie table or were there too many slow dances not enough fast or whatever. Anythng that you'd have changed if you could.Did you like the seating arrangements, if not, why not?

How about the favors or decorations? The music/dj/band?

Ok, I could go on forever but that's the general idea!

I know that I had a blast at the wedding of one of my bridesmaids and a large part of that was due to her thoughtfully seating me at a table with a few people who were 'chatty' and fun that I could talk to even though I didn't know anyone but the couple getting married and one other friend who attended. Plus her dj was great! Played a good mix and got people involved.

My brother's wedding, by contrast...awful from start to finish! Things took forever in the ceremony (at one point they spent nearly 20 minutes trying to light ONE candle!) and the food was horrid- the chicken was still partially raw and/or frozen when they served it. YUK! Let me tell you, I hardly remember anything but the bad stuff there and want to be sure my own reception is a nicer experience for my family and friends! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 01-06-2004, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]

I'll have to think on this one. BUT, I do remember at one wedding reception the couple had a "money tree" LOL! Everyone put money on it and they really raked it in! :eek: [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Actually I haven't been to that many weddings, so am not a great one to reply to this thread. I can say though what NOT to have at the reception LOL. A slowly revolving snack carousel. I remember going to my cousin's wedding years ago and that thing was so slow, and it was packed, shoulder to shoulder all the way around it, I waited I swear 5 minutes for a square of cheese, and the crackers were on the opposite end! [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img] LOL, was really not the best idea for a large crowd, maybe a small crowd it would be quaint and everyone could walk around it rather than stand and wait for what you want to come your way [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

I'm sure you will have a great wedding and reception sis no matter what you choose! I'm so happy for you and Jim [img]smile.gif[/img]

One thing that makes any wedding reception automatically tres chic ..............

.

.

peacocks!! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

My cousin had her reception a this quaint lil B&B - there was a peacock roaming around the campus!!! I got quite a bit of (drunken) footage of that bird. LOL!

My parents used to have Peacocks. You know they only lay one or two eggs once a year? My parents and I went on vacation one summer right after these two peacocks had had their first eggs, and we left the care of all the pets, including the peacocks, to my friend, let's just call her Sue. :D Well Sue lived on a farm, they had pigs and cows and chickens, used to gathering eggs, and my friend Sue knew that my parents had chickens as well, and all sorts of species, we had brown and white eggs, and also some that laid light blue and green eggs. Well... Apparently my friend must not have recognized a peacock or something, I really don't to this day know what exactly she WAS thinking LOL. All I know is we got back from vacation, and check to see if the peacock eggs had hatched, but they were gone, not to be found. Bout an hour later Sue calls, and in the midst of the conversation to my mom she says "oh we got lots of eggs (my parents told them they could take any chicken eggs they found while we were gone), some really BIG ones too, they were really delicious!" DOH!

That was about 15 years ago, and still I make sure to bring that back up and rib her any chance I get LOL. She still claims she had no idea LOL!

ROTFL! Well, we aren't having peacock eggs, sis! LOLOL! No revolving snacks either! They'll be passed around by waiters or on a table.

NS, we still need a photographer! [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

<font color=lime>One defenite piece of advice I can give is, make sure the reception is well cordinated and delegated. Mine was total chaos. There is so much ettiquete as far as pictures, the line up, the cake, etc., you might even consider a wedding planner, if you can afford it ;) . Things get out of hand quickly with a large group of wondering people (especialy with alchohol), that there has to be some organisation. Goodluck. [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>

I can believe that! I have a wedding planning book and one of my bridesmaids is has been in several weddings the past few years, including her own so I've got some direct help there! Plus the site doing the reception is a hotel that does a LOT of them and we have an event coordinator who is helping us make the plans, which is very helpful!

LadyZ - if I were the pedantic type I'd................ Nah! That would be TOO pedantic and I'm in enough trouble as it is.


Edited by Donut to remove the bit about only Peahens can lay eggs. ;)

[ 01-07-2004, 09:54 AM: Message edited by: Donut ]

<font face="Verdana" size="3" color="#00FF00">Master of Ceremonies!!!

I have always enjoyed weddings were the master of ceremonies was quite funny, and had more than one embarrassing story about the bride or groom.</font>

[ 01-07-2004, 10:05 AM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

Just after Christmas, I attended a friend's wedding. The couple, dressed in a "Victorian English" style, had a little girl leading the procession on a tricycle. The couple entered (and left) the chapel riding a bicycle built for 2.

For a couple in their 50's they're a very active pair (kayaking, scuba, flying -- 2 yrs ago she broke a leg learning to skydive) and we were wondering what they would come up with. They said later they considered an outdoor ceremony where they would fly in on a hang glider.

Also, one of the nicest parts of the ceremony was when they each read a vow they'd written to the other.

We'll I haven't been to any weddings but my parents have been to countless. A few weeks ago they went to a freind's wedding. This guy was about 56 and married for the third time.

Hey Cloudy I'm curious if this is your first wedding? How old are you (don't have to answer if you don't want to ;) ?

[ 01-07-2004, 04:23 PM: Message edited by: Gab ]

LOL, Gab, I'm 43 and yup, it's my first wedding. First one I really wanted to KEEP! :D ;) And I don't mind at all, age is a matter of how you feel and how you relate to the world. I don't really think of it as a limiting factor. [img]smile.gif[/img]

VulcanRider, the bicycles sound fun, if one can avoid falling off! But since the main part of my church can only be reached via stairs or an electric seat that goes up the stairs for the handicapped, I'd never get it to work for us! :D

Gee, not many folk have been to weddings or had them, I guess!

My own wedding would be unorthodox so I daren't suggest anything lest you start to frighten the guests ;) . But hey, a belated congratulations and I hope (in fact I'm sure) it all goes well for you! :D

[ 01-08-2004, 11:36 PM: Message edited by: SpiritWarrior ]

Thanks SW! :D We're still working on some of the major things like getting a photographer and choosing invitations but I am collecting stories from friends about receptions they've attended so I can get some ideas for what's good/bad and memorable to guests! :D

I am getting married on the 14th of Feb and here are some little ideas that we are using at our wedding.

Disposable cameras on each table. This allows the guests to take some extra photos. Just let them know that you want pictures of the Guests as well as the bride and groom. Other wise you end up with A LOT of pictures of just the bride and groom.

A nice Pad and Pen on each table. You then ask the guest to write a short message from the table to the bride and groom. This then gets read out by one of the wedding party during the speeches.

We are also feeding our guests appetizers while we are getting some proper photos with the photographer. Stops then from complaining and doing nothing while waiting for us.

Hope this all helps!

Cheers,

Thanks, T-D-C! CONGRATS on your impending wedding!!

LOL@ the feeding line! Yup, we'll have a cocktail hour while the photos are being taken! Don't want cranky, hungry guests!

[ 01-09-2004, 07:29 AM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]

How many receptions have you been to where they still do the boquet and garter tosses? We think we'll try something else, any suggestions?

<font color=deepskyblue>Hey AngelEyes.

I'm afraid I've never been one to stick around for the reception at most of the weddings I've gone too..so I don't have a lot of suggestions for you there.

The one thing Amber and I agreed on for our wedding and reception was that we wanted it as SIMPLE as possible....and as short as possible.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the story of your brother and his bride taking 20 minutes to light one candle...our ENTIRE wedding ceremony took 15 minutes!!! I mean - really - what more is there to do than say "I do, she does, let's EAT!"

The only thing I disliked about our own reception was that her best friend insisted that the bride and groom could not get their own food. Instead, it had to chosen and brought to them by someone else. BIG MISTAKE!!! She picked the absolute worst stuff on the table! The main thing I remember was leaving the reception and thinking - "Man, I need to hit BK right away." I was still STARVING! {for those who don't know, BK stands for Burger King).

Anyway, Amber and I didn't have any dancing or a DJ for the reception. Her aunts did all the food and decorating for us. And I heard from the other guests that most of the food was great - just wish WE would have gotten some of the good stuff. [img]graemlins/verysad.gif[/img]

I really like the idea <font color=yellow>T-D-C</font> has about the disposable cameras and notepads. You will get a LOT of extra pictures that you, Jim, and the photographer would never have thought to take - since the pictures will be taken from several different people (all with their OWN ideas of what is the most important thing to take a picture of).

I wish you and Jim all the best, darling. I'm just sorry I can't make it up there myself.

BTW, Amber and I will be celebrating our <font color=white>11th Anniversary</font> in just a few short weeks!!!! We were married the first week of February - which is normally our coldest month and worst winter weather - but God gave us a beautiful spring-like day with temperatures in the mid-60's. It was truly a beautiful and blessed day!</font>

You do what makes you happy Cloudy. You are gonna get tons of advice from family and friends but ultimately it is your day. My wedding was beautiful, too bad I can't say same for my marriage, but I remember the stress leading up to it over stupid things like bands and gowns etc. Just remember this quote from Dr. Phil, "Plan a marriage not a wedding"

[ 01-10-2004, 08:32 AM: Message edited by: Smoothie ]

I think i need a "money tree" my self Lady Zekke lol it is expensive with kids in the house! :D

Cerek, thanks for the good wishes, they're much appreciated! Geez, I'm sorry to hear you didn't get decent chow for your own reception! LOL, seems like you should after all the nervousness and stress you go through to get that far!

We've got a sit down meal planned so I'm sure I'll at least get what I want for dinner!

I agree, T-D-C's camera idea is a good one and Jim and I already ordered some wedding (disposable) cameras.

Megabot... [img]smile.gif[/img] I guess you're learning about all the things babies need these days. Costs a lot but I bet you wouldn't trade having her for anything. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Smoothie, I hear you! It is stressful, but I keep telling myself that I need to enjoy the wedding and my fiance is absolutely insisting on that! [img]smile.gif[/img] He's helping a lot in the planning. Even called all the venues for the reception for details and then did all the calling to a company that didn't send our order (table centerpieces, cake topper etc) until they finally got around to shipping (almost 2 months after we ordered!).

One of my bridesmaids told me that they had a really nice idea at a wedding she went to. The dj called all married couples to the floor and started a dance. After a few minutes he told all couples married less than a day to leave. Then less than a month, year, 2 years, five, etc til the last couple was there. Then the newlyweds gave that couple who'd been married the longest, a gift. I liked that idea!

[ 01-10-2004, 09:31 AM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]

Back again with some other wedding ideas from the front line LOL.

We are still doing the old bouquet and garter toss (mainly because we still have ALOT of single friends) If you don't have many single people there then I wouldn't do it. I went to one wedding where there was only 1 single girl there and they called all the single girls to the floor. She was the only girl out the. I felt so sorry for her.

Another idea we had was that if there are going to be lots of kids we are setting up a little TV room at the reception (our reception place has been FANTASTIC) so the kids can watch a video supervised by a reception representative.

Hope it all helps.

BTW it helps to have everything organized well in advanced. Leanne (my fiancé) and I had everything organized about 4 months ago so with 33 days to go its been smooth sailing.

I've got about 4 months to go so we're trying to get the organization part done! :D

Because we are getting married on Valentines Day (which is a Saturday over here in Australia) we had to have everything booked and deposits done with about 10 months to go. Final Organizations were done at 4 months.

So we were kind of forced to be organized or miss out on what we wanted.

Are you getting married in a church or garden?

Awww! That's very romantic! And you'll probably never forget your anniversary that way! LOL

Jim and I are marring in a small church, which works out well, since we're keeping the guest list fairly small too.

I know this sounds stupid/obvious, but you need an open bar. There are lots of people in one room who don't know each other from Adam, and while I know the dangers, I also know it breaks the ice. A very good friend's sister got married and her father had a thing about 'Evil Drink' and wouldn't allow (he was writing the check) alcohol at the reception. Now That was one Looooong Strained reception. (At the end, even the brides father said "this party's Terrible...!")

We did the band thing, but the DJ would have been cool.

Total Side Note: Best Reception I Ever Attended:
One of my wife's reletives was on a bowling team that hit & split the Lotto. But, the wedding reception was already ordered/paid for. All they could upgrade were the appetizers. Soooo....they had 12 serving tables. One had every type of Caviar I'd ever seen. One had filet mignon, one had fresh ham, one had Shrimp, Maryland Softshell, Alaskan King Crab legs. And then there were the cool experimental Hors D'oeuvres...like mushroom caps filled with lobster. I know that two of the corner tables were open bars and a third table was all champagne flutes. And all this didn't even include the waitresses coming around with trays!

The only bad thing about an open bar is it gets VERY expensive; you end up with a lot of half drunk glasses.

I do think that you should have an open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks but not spirits.

Plus side to getting married on FEB 14th. Hallmark will ALWAYS remind me LOL.

Bumped this for you just so you could explore some nontraditional weddings : http://www.gothicweddings.com/

what no comments from this bunch?