net-weddings - FAQS - Receptions

A1. I think that is a lovely idea. It is your special day and you can have your wedding any way you like. Sometimes people get locked in tradition. The important thing is you and your fiance are happy and become husband and wife in a way which is special to you both. Your guests will be delighted, this way they can celebrate and enjoy your whole wedding.

(Answered by MrsS)

A2. It's not the norm but that doesn't mean to say it's not ok or workable. If it suits your circumstances and the professionals involved (registrar, venue etc) all agree then go for it! It's exciting to plan something just a little different from the norm and it will create more of a 'party'
atmosphere to go straight into an evening reception. And, of course, the added bonus is that you can afford to have everyone you want to share your wedding with you rather than having to select due to cost of reception.

(Answered by Siobhan Barron)

A3. In response to this question, the law specifies that marriages must take place between the hours of 8am and 6pm whether this be a church or civil
ceremony.The only exceptions are Jewish or Quaker weddings and ceremonies performed under special licence. There is absolutely no reason why you could not have a late wedding ceremony, however remember most register offices are closed on Saturday afternoons and if it is to be a winter wedding, take into account how quickly it gets dark and that this will affect your outside photography. If the ceremony where to take place late afternoon, you can then move onto the evening reception involving the usual traditions of cake cutting and speeches. Hope this helps.

(Answered by Tracey Ellis)

A4. Of course it's ok, it's your wedding! But, I would say from experience that there are a few things to think about with this - it might be wise
to warn guests that there won't be a formal wedding breakfast (those who've travelled a long way might be hungry and expecting a meal and if
you're having a late wedding, it's a long day for people), you need to think about how to 'bring things together' for the speeches and cake
cutting (this is easy when people are already sitting down but not so easy when they're milling around chatting and drinking), you'd probably
need to get a late licence for your bar otherwise the party could be over before it's begun and I would say you'd need to make any evening
buffet slightly more substantial than the norm of sandwiches! I can certainly understand why you want to do this but you won't get to spend
so much time with your guests which is a shame. But, I honestly think, if you handle this well, it can be a really great celebration. Good luck..

(Answered by Tamryn Kirby)

A5. Yes I have organised many weddings of this kind. It allows you more flexibility and as you say cuts costs as well. The formal wedding breakfast is only a tradition and something a lot of people feel they do no not want to have. There is no need to feel constrained by tradition, allow yourself to create your perfect day.

(Answered by Pippa Miln)

A6. What a great idea. It is fine to have an early evening wedding and then go straight into the evening party. The only thing to be aware of is that people will be expecting some form of food so you may want to serve a good selection of canapes when everyone arrives and then a buffet later, or you may wish to have a more substantial buffet earlier in the evening followed by dancing? Whatever you decide will be fine and I am sure all your guests will appreciate seeing the whole wedding, the speeches and the cake cutting
rather than just coming for the evening.

(Answered by Suzie Gillespie)