Guest Have To Pay
I`m trying to pull of this being dead broke. I want to have time to mingle with family and friends at a reception, but how would I word it on the reception card that the guest are paying their own bill? Help me I`m trying not to crast.
Posted by Monique; updated 09/22/04
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If you don`t have the money to offer drinks to your guests, there is a simple answer - DON`T HAVE A RECEPTION!
I think it is rude for you to receive gifts, monetary or otherwise and expect guests to spend money at your reception.
One way of saving money is to offer soda, wine and champagne only (which does not cost as much as a full open bar). Or, offer an open bar for a minimal amount of time during the reception. Or.. Offer only your favorite drink (ex. Martini`s), you can have 5 or 6 flavored martini`s and the facility that you are having your reception will charge a lessor amount than a fully stocked bar, because it is only one type of liquor.
GOOD LUCK!!
Posted by Lori; updated 09/22/04
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Boy, I agree with everyone else here. If you can`t afford to have anything, don`t. Then you can just send out announcements if you want everyone to know you got married. But you could just host a small reception following the ceremony. On the invitation just state appetizers or dessert & coffee will immediately follow.
Most churches have halls or rooms and you can get off cheaply. But, please don`t ask anyone to pay there own way. Postpone it and save a little money if you have to. Good Luck.
Posted by RecentBride; updated 10/08/04
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Well, I think this has to top the list on this board. A pay your way wedding. I would suggest that you get in touch with your local all you can eat buffet restaurant like the Home Buffet or Country Buffet and ask them if they have a special room to decorate for your reception. I know that there was a young lady who held her wedding reception at a buffet place and it was approx $8 per plate. They had her in a room separate from the others, the guests got their own food but the staff served the bridal party from a listed menu, they had a small CD player and played some music on it and they bought their own cake. It was small and nice. We were closed off from the rest of the people and she was satisfied. You can also just have your wedding, go on your honeymoon and come back and have a get together for people to watch the video or look at pictures. You can also have a reception on your honeymoon or just postpone the wedding but never have anyone pay to come to your wedding. I believe like someone said, you will lose friends that way or they just may not come at all. I know that I would really be offended.
Posted by Fran; updated 10/10/04
