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DIY wedding: who do I get to 'run' the reception?!

12 replies

OurDayWillCome · 22/02/2015 18:25

I'm pretty clueless about this wedding malarky. I'm happy to do all the prep for the day including sorting buffet etc, but if I hire a village hall/rugby club type establishment, who can I get to make announcements, clear away, serve tea etc?!

OP posts:
OurDayWillCome · 22/02/2015 18:31

Realise that I could, in fact, 'do it myself' but that doesn't sound much fun.

OP posts:
FishWithABicycle · 22/02/2015 18:41

Whoever you get to do it isn't going to have much fun on the day, so it definitely shouldn't be you. Do you have a capable acquaintance who isn't close enough to be invited as a guest? You should pay that person a decent rate for their trouble. The outrage poured by MNers on the bride who expected an acquaintance to do this as a favour was legendary.

Fishingforadvice · 22/02/2015 18:42

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nilbyname · 22/02/2015 18:48

Pay someone!

We hired a local 18yearold who had done lots of catering waiting and then he had a bout 4 mates who we also employed. Best man manag d them, and brideslaves/parents helped.

EdithWeston · 22/02/2015 18:54

Reliable local teenagers (offer at least minimum wage)

Or try the WI, who might do it in return for a donation to funds. Or know who else local is reliable.

OurDayWillCome · 22/02/2015 20:37

Would definitely pay them. Did think it was perhaps a job for an 'aquaintance', but can't think of someone who would fit the bill. Don't think we'll have bridesmaids or even a best man, and my mum I'd pretty useless. I do however have a much younger brother in his early twenties who must have some willing friends and I also teach sixth corners. Sure they'd love to watch their teacher get blind drunk in her wedding day. Do need a competent person to oversee though. DP's Dad is a member of the Lions club in the town we work, so may know someone used to organising events. Good suggestion, ta.

OP posts:
Heels99 · 31/03/2015 16:40

You can hire waiting staff.

Floggingmolly · 31/03/2015 16:43

Don't hire your students!! Your local catering college should have trainees willing to do this.

BackforGood · 31/03/2015 16:51

I agree local teens would be good, but I wouldn't use people you teach! Shock

If you asked a local Explorer (Scouts) or Ranger (Guides) Unit, a) they'd be use to making tea and washing up etc., and b) they'd have a Leader in Charge to take responsibility - offer to make a a generous donation to their group or to pay them for the hours worked. (This is for the making tea and washing up, not the announcements).
Generally, the 'announcements' / running of the day should be the best man's job, but in reality, you just need anyone with a bit of common sense who is confident enough to speak in public.

BlueChampagne · 01/04/2015 13:45

Ask the venue what they suggest when you contact them.

Heels99 · 01/04/2015 17:02

Hire staff or a wedding planner, it's a lot of effort serving food and drinks, clearing up, washing up etc I wouldn't entrust it to the locsl scouts, you need professionals. I have hired people in the past it works fine.
Are you hiring crockery, cutlery, table linens, glassware, etc?
Are tables and chairs sorted?

ethelb · 09/04/2015 13:50

Our caterer is doing this at our village hall wedding and sister/bridesmaid is doing the rest.

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