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Q: We are planning
an informal reception after the ceremony, and wonder if it is necessary to
have a receiving line.
A: It is not necessary to
have a receiving line if you are having an informal reception. You and
your groom may want to greet your guests as they arrive, and have your
parents mingle. You may also want to have your parents greet your guests;
either way make sure you have spoken with everyone before the reception is
over. Best Regards,
Andi
Q: Our wedding is in
the afternoon at 2:00 with the reception following around 3:00. We can’t
decide which is better, a sit down dinner or a buffet. Our budget is
tight, but I don’t want look cheap either. Which option do you think is
better? A: If your
reception is at 3:00, a sit down dinner or a buffet are not really
necessary! If you are on a tight budget, I would suggest having cocktails
and hor’douerves. There are a few different ways to go about this. You can
have a bar, or have drinks passed around by the wait staff. The latter is
much more economical than a bar, and your guests won’t have to stand in
line! This will also give you control over what is being served, and it
will keep your guests from over consuming! This holds true for the food
you are serving, as well. Have a few different small buffet stations. Your
guests can help themselves at any time. Offer a variety of things, so
everyone will be pleased! An “American” build-your-own sandwich station
with different meats, cheeses, breads, and spreads is inexpensive. Have a
taco bar for a “Mexican” station; at another one Chinese foods, egg rolls,
won tons, etc. An antipasto platter, some meatballs, maybe pasta or sliced
pizza would make a delicious “Italian” station. The possibilities are
endless! A chocolate fountain makes a great appetizer station, or dessert
bar! Have different items for dipping, about 5 or 6 work well! These items
can be fruit, marshmallows, cookies, crème puffs, pretzels, rice krispie
treats, and once again the list is endless! Remember one thing. Your
guests have joined you to celebrate your marriage, and the love and
happiness you two share! Your guests will be perfectly happy with whatever
you decide to serve, I’m sure of that! Best Regards,
Andi
Q: My fiancé has
never been married before, but I have. We are getting married in the town
in which we live, and having a reception too. His parents want to give us
another reception a few weeks later! They want me to wear my wedding
dress, and have the whole wedding party there too! This would be taking
place in their town (which is where my fiancé grew up), which is about 300
miles away! What should we do?
A: This is a very nice gesture! You should be flattered they
want to show you off as their sons’ new bride. You should graciously
accept, and by all means wear your wedding gown. Not all brides get to
wear theirs twice! I suggest you do not attempt to have the wedding party
attend. This would mean travel plans and more expense for them. If his
parents want to have a wedding cake for you, that is appropriate, as well.
Otherwise the reception should be much like any other party, held to
celebrate a special event! Have a great time! Best Regards,
Andi
Q: My parents are
divorced, and both have remarried. Should my father, his wife and my
mother stand in the receiving line?
A: This tends to be a little
confusing. I will endeavor to tell you who should and should not be in the
receiving line.
First let’s establish the order in which everyone stands in a receiving
line. The bride’s mother is first in line, followed by the groom’s mother.
The presence of fathers is optional, but if one father is present, the
other should be as well. The bride’s father would follow after the bride’s
mother, then the groom’s mother, the groom’s father, the bride would be
next, and then the groom. Next to the groom stands the maid of honor, next
to her, the bridesmaids (once again, their presence is optional). A waiter
is positioned near the end of the receiving line, offering beverages to
those that have passed through. Divorced parents do not stand in the
receiving line together. If your father and stepmother are giving you the
wedding, they stand in line as host and hostess. Your mother is simply an
honored guest! If your mother and stepfather are giving you the wedding,
they stand in line together or your mother by herself. Your father should
not be in the line. If the groom’s parents are divorced, then his mother
is in the line. Neither his father, nor his stepfather is present,
eliminating any complications! Hope this clears things up for you!
Best Regards,
Andi
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