Dinner Only Reception

My partners aunt did this a few years ago and I absolutely loved it so that's what we're doing too. Total guest list is 35 incl our kiddos. I'm really looking forward to just having a good relaxing evening with the most important people in our lives. We are still hiring a professional photographer bc that's important to me so that and paying for dinner/drinks are our biggest expenses.

That sounds like a great idea and super personal! Some restaurant may even play your song as a chance for a first dance if that was important to you.

This is exactly what I am doing! We are having our wedding in a private upstairs room at a italian restaurant. It is just a quick ceremony, followed by dinner. It is a surprise for our guests (they think it is just an engagement dinner!), so we are encouraging people to bring their acoustic guitars, so we can play some music casually while we have drinks before we eat, and a little bit after dinner. Our total guest list is 16, including my partner, me, and my two kiddos.

I think that's a great idea. I tried to do it, but our guest list got out of hand to the point where it wasn't a viable option.

I am thinking of doing this. We are only having approximately 50-60 guests including ourselves. The restaurant in Toronto we want to host our reception at only hosts 60 people so we cut our numbers down and are planning on having another gathering for those not invited (extended family and friends) afterwards. We are trying to find a location to host just our ceremony, but it seems much more affordable especially for a smaller wedding.

My (sort of) step sister did this. (Our parents have been a couple for 17 years). I didn't go, because it was very small/intimate (30 people I think).

She got married in a park on the side of the highway between Vernon and Kelowna (BC)... then they went into Kelowna and had the back half of the local Cactus Club roped off for their reception.

I think with a small, intimate group, it is totally doable, and makes more sense for a number under 50 guests, than renting out a space that is too big.

I know people who eloped and then had family meet them at a restaurant for dinner after. If that is what you want then that is your prerogative and you should go for it.

My aunts did an elopement when family got ugly during planning. They had a friend officiate them at a green space and had the few of us at a French restaurant for a reception. Everything was gorgeous and only cost $2000 because it was a high end restaurant. We’re kind of emulating theirs but with triple the people and a bigger budget.

I don’t know anyone personally that has, but it’s definitely a thing. For smaller weddings it’s a really great option! I think it’ll be a little more personal too because you can really talk to your guests and everyone feels like they got time with you since it would be a smaller private room/section

Lots of couples are apparently looking into this now as the costs are growing more and more over the years.

My dad and stepmom did. It was still very beautiful! It was sweet and simple and was a lot cheaper than a full wedding. There was approximately 30 people all together, it was really nice and intimate. Definitely suggest it for those that don't want to spend thousands and thousands on the wedding, also for those that want something small, intimate and simple. Lots of restaurants let book a private room, so that way if guests bring gifts and if you have a cake you don't have to worry about strangers.

It depends on how many people

We’re doing that. It’s cost efficient for us. About 50 people. The restaurant has a private room and we can decorate, bring a cake and order off a limited menu